Today, English singer-songwriter, performer, and fashion icon David Bowie would be turning 74 years old. When Bowie died after suffering a private battle with lung cancer in 2016, the world lost a powerful influence on not only rock, but music in general. Ever the master of reinvention, Bowie made a significant impact on several genres including industrial rock, metal, electronic, indie rock, and punk. He also changed fashion by harnessing the power of the changing look. From emphasizing his differently colored eyes with makeup to transforming between Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke, and his other personas, the star made statements through style that will never be forgotten. On the late legend's birthday today, L'OFFICIEL rounds up Bowie's style staples that continue to inspire today's trends.
Jumpsuits
Clothing helped Bowie transform into his many different stage personalities, including his '70s glam alter ego Ziggy Stardust. During this era and throughout the tour for his fifth studio album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Bowie wore colorful jumpsuits fit for a psychedelic rockstar. Today, labels including Balmain and Chanel making the trend high fashion with statement jumpsuit styles.
Playful Makeup
Championed as a pioneer for androgynous dressing that paved the way for modern stars like Harry Styles and Ezra Miller, Bowie often wore makeup for photoshoots, performances, and television appearances. His most famous look is the Ziggy Stardust lightning bolt complete with a pink complexion, but he also pared down his makeup quite often with a simple eyeliner or eyeshadow look. Glam rock experimentation has encouraged bolder beauty looks in recent years, with avant garde makeup ruling the runways. Even Euphoria's impact on beauty trends owes some of its influence to Bowie's era in the spotlight.
Power Suits
In the '80s, Bowie loved a solid-colored suit, preferably with shoulder pads, and often wore them while performing on stage. Power suits have dominated runways in recent seasons, with retro-inspired silhouettes seen at Gucci. Even modern iterations, like a tailored Proenza Schouler set boasts the candy-colored palette Bowie favored.
Loud Prints
Throughout his entire career, but especially during his Ziggy Stardust era, Bowie never shied away from a bold pattern or print. Whether in a jumpsuit or a matching set, the performer often matched his loud clothing to his bright red hair. From a bright primary mixed print look at Prada to a Surrealist graphic shirt at Burberry, the rockstar's penchant fo
