On 11 January 2016, the world woke up to the sad news that music legend David Bowie had passed away at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer. As the world mourned and paid tribute to a musical genius it was evident that Bowie was not just an icon of music but of fashion as well. In 2013, the legendary showman was named the best-dressed Briton in history in a poll by BBC History magazine.
Bowie was known for his incredible changing personas and once stated that these alter egos helped him overcome shyness. One of his most famous and most recognized personas is Ziggy Stardust, in which Bowie dyed his hair bright red and donned wonderful colorful creations by the designer Kansai Yamamoto, who created some of Bowie’s most famous costumes and outfits.
With glam and punk fashion about to hit worldwide, in the mid 1970s Bowie created the alter ego of Aladdin Sane and included the iconic album cover with the red lightning bolt painted onto his face. Bowie used more of Yamamoto's outfits on stage and during photoshoots.
See also: Keith Haring: The Artist Who's Everywhere
As Bowie achieved worldwide fame under his alter egos as Aladdin Zane and Ziggy Stardust, he decided to take an altogether darker route, creating the Thin White Duke to tie in with his more soulful direction in music. This persona undertook a new fashion look, slick hair and monochrome outfits of crisp white shirts and black trousers.
By the 1980s Bowie had delved into the world of the theatrical once again, wearing elaborate New Romantic costumes with make up, creating characters such as Pierrot the clown.
See also: Sonia Delaunay: Fine Art to Fashion
When not dressed in flamboyancy, Bowie's nineties look cut a far more elegant silhouette. Bowie would wear floor-sweeping, double-breasted jackets and pleated trousers. He was one of the first to rock Thom Browne's cropped trousers, which are now the designer's trademark.
Bowie's legacy to both music and fashion will live on as he is remembered as one of the greatest entertainers in history.
