Iconic Amy
Unequivocal talent. Witty disposition. Artistic style. Who doesn’t love Amy Winehouse? With one of the most distinguishable voices, congenial personality, and unique fashion outlooks of the 2000s, she makes an amazing impact on the fashion and music scene still today.
September 14th, 2024, marks what would’ve been Amy’s 41st birthday; let’s celebrate her life with a look-book of her most adored fashion statements from festivals, music videos, and award shows. Nobody stands in-between Amy Winehouse and couture.
Amy performing at Lollapalooza, Illinois, Aug 2007. Courtesy of Rob Loud/Getty Images.
Lace, eyeliner, and big hair have Amy (song)written all over it. Lollapalooza - a notorious 4-day festival held annually in Chicago - is renowned for driving ‘alternative’ music (such as that of Amy Winehouse) into the mainstream headlights. The jazz scene was changed forever by Amy Winehouse…and her fashion! A 14-song performance including records from the ‘Back To Black’ album, covers, and a legendary production of ‘Valerie’ were on the setlist for Amy and her band. Here, Amy is wearing a black and white gingham mini dress, with lace detail, accessorized with a chunky leather belt (an Amy Winehouse staple), jewelry, and red accents. Of course, the fundamental chunky eyeliner and beehive coiffure perfect the look. This look is so timeless because it fluently amalgamates the edgy, grunge fashion scene with vintage couture.
MTV Movie Awards 2007
Amy Winehouse performing at the MTV Movie Awards June 2007. Image by Getty Images
The iconic LBD. At the 2007 MTV Movie Awards - held in Universal City, California - Amy performed ‘Rehab’ in a beauteous black mini dress accessorizing with a pink belt and high heels. Her hair was in her usual style, with lengthy, curly ends.
This look stands out as one of Amy’s most beguiling outfits because of its opulence. Being known for grungy attire has its perks in the music industry (distinctiveness, showcasing your persona, and highlighting eccentricity, for example), but Amy also captures versatility and proves that she can pull off any style; whether a grungy jacket with lace and boots or a simplistic dress with a pop of color. Here the elegance of the dress intertwines with her tattoos and makeup, creating a look that incorporates Amy’s personality with current fashion trends. This look is one to get people talking.
Fuck Me Pumps Music Video
In the Fuck Me Pumps music video, Amy wears a vibrant above-the-knee dress of pink, yellow, brown, and orange shades, with open-toe heels and silver jewelry. Her natural beauty is spotlighted with subtle makeup and delicately styled hair. This video was directed by Marlene Rhein in 2004 and effortlessly captures the fashion trends of the time. Throughout the video, we see a range of early 00s trends - Amy in pivotal open-toe heels and a facial piercing, and low waist skirts, cropped tanks, and baggy jeans styled by others in the video. This look stands out in Amy’s impressive look-book as being simple yet effective. The music video also aids the look; it curates an authentic, fun experience that is not overly produced. It’s real. It gives an edge to Amy Winehouse’s personality which - alongside stunning looks - she is known for.
Fashion trends were paramount in the 00s, and whilst Amy represented current fads, she also had her own style that she unapologetically flaunted. Her humor and looks are missed by all, but her legacy lives on through the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which supports young people with building self-esteem and resilience. You can donate online. Amy’s impact also remains strong in Camden (famous for live music and alternative aesthetics), where murals and tributes brighten the streets.
“This is for London, because Camden Town ain't burning down.” - Amy Winehouse.
