The symbiotic relationship between music and fashion is undeniable. From the rebellious styles of rock stars to the high fashion statements of today’s pop icons, music and fashion have long influenced each other in significant ways. As musical genres evolve, so too does the style that accompanies them, and today, fashion and music continue to shape cultural trends and the way we express ourselves. Let’s revisit how this relationship has unfolded over time.

1820s: Romanticism and creative expression

The roots of fashion and music intersecting can be traced back to the early 19th century, particularly during the Romantic movement of the 1820s. As artists and musicians began to embrace emotional expression over rigid classical forms, fashion followed suit. This period saw a departure from the strict, structured clothing of previous centuries, as men and women adopted more flamboyant, extroverted styles. The era’s love for creativity and personal display laid the groundwork for the integration of music and fashion, with both art forms becoming tools for individual expression.

1920s: Jazz and bold fashion statements

The roaring twenties marked a major turning point for the relationship between music and fashion. As jazz exploded in popularity, it brought with it a sense of freedom and rebellion that was reflected in fashion. The iconic flapper dress, with its shorter hemlines, loose silhouette, and extravagant embellishments, became synonymous with jazz culture. The music not only changed the way people danced but also how they dressed. Jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington were as famous for their sharp suits and bold style as they were for their music, helping cement fashion as a critical part of musical identity.

1950s-1960s: Rock 'n' roll culture

In the 1950s, rock ‘n’ roll took over the airwaves, bringing with it a new kind of fashion. Leather jackets, jeans, and slicked-back hair became the uniform of rebellion, personified by stars like Elvis Presley. This era’s fashion was as much about attitude as it was about clothing, with music being the driving force behind an emerging youth culture.

By the 1960s, British Mod culture brought a more refined approach to music and fashion. Bands like The Who and The Kinks wore sharp, tailored suits, and women adopted angular shift dresses and bold prints. The Mod movement was not just about the music—it was about the lifestyle and the way fashion could represent a generation’s values. Music and fashion became inextricably linked, with each new wave of sounds bringing with it a distinct visual style.

1990s: Grunge, anti-Fashion, and individuality

The 1990s brought another seismic shift in both music and fashion. The grunge movement, led by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, rejected the polished aesthetics of the previous decade in favour of a more raw, stripped-back style. Ripped denim, flannel shirts, and band tees became the uniform of a generation that valued authenticity over materialism. Grunge was about rejecting the norms—both in fashion and in music—and embracing individuality. This era marked a powerful departure from fashion's dependence on wealth and status, making way for styles driven by personal expression.

Today: Icons redefining fashion

Fast forward to today, and music continues to shape the fashion landscape. Modern pop stars like Zendaya, Doja Cat, and Chappell Roan have taken music and fashion to new heights, creating iconic looks that resonate with their audiences.

At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Chappell Roan stunned in a medieval warrior queen ensemble, perfectly blending avant-garde fashion with her music’s bold and unapologetic themes. Her chainmail look not only drew attention on the red carpet but also cemented her as a style icon. Meanwhile, Doja Cat has become known for her unpredictable and daring red carpet choices. At the 2024 Grammy Awards, she wore a sheer gown that showcased her body tattoos, making a statement that went beyond her music. She even “tattooed” the name of her designer, Dilara Findikoglu, on her forehead, signalling her complete ownership of her artistic persona.

Another standout at the 2024 MTV VMAs was Sabrina Carpenter, whose homage to pop legend Madonna through a vintage Bob Mackie gown showed the power of nostalgia in fashion. Wearing a dress previously worn by Madonna in 1991, Carpenter’s bold move paid tribute to the pop icon while showcasing her own rising star power. Zendaya’s fashion choices are always a highlight. Her look at the Dune 2 London premiere in a vintage Thierry Mugler robot suit made headlines across the globe, affirming her status as a fashion queen for the ages.

The legacy of music in fashion

Today, the intersection of music and fashion remains as influential as ever. Whether through bold red carpet looks, streetwear, or music videos, stars continue to use their style to tell stories and make statements. The connection between music and fashion has evolved from the expressive, creative power of the 1820s to the boundary-pushing, genre-defining styles of today. As long as music continues to evolve, fashion will remain an essential part of the conversation, defining and reflecting the cultural moments of each era.