Pop Style
Imagine wearing a grunge oversized plaid shirt and hearing someone say, "That is so Kurt Kobain of you," or putting on a pair of fingerless gloves and receiving a "looks like Madonna to me" comment. Let's be fair enough—we hardly ever give a notion of how many of our beloved wardrobe items can be seen as pop-culture references. Moreover, they may have never appeared on that "bershka-zara-something" shelf if it wasn't for pop culture being involved. Celebrity collaboration, pre-paid paparazzi photos, and celebrity brands. We all know that clothing doesn't make a person look beautiful. It's the one who wears it to make "an impression."
Chappell Roan for Vivienne Westwood, IG
We all have seen this—the boom of acid green as Charli XCX's "Brat" appeared on pop radars. And suddenly, here we are—acid green phone cases, crop tops, brand new Instagram profile pictures, and new trendy fonts to use. The 'Brat-summer' effect took the world by storm—something even the most precise weather forecast couldn't have predicted. It ain't new, nor exceptional, for the fancy and glossy pop-culture trends to move from the realm of TV screens and labels and start their journey in the terrain of fast fashion. Another bright example is the resurrection of combat boots like Dr. Martens and plaid-flannel shirts as a true grunge revival. Not gonna lie—we all love it. We enjoy this momentum thoroughly. Indeed, pieces like the band t-shirt inspired by "Joy Division" or "Clash" are literally screaming—a pop-culture moment out there. Nevertheless, there are many other hidden gems to discover.
Celebrity moments can be highly evident. Let us begin by giving credit to the king of eclectic and androgynous looks—David Bowie. With his exquisite taste not only in music, he can surely be listed among the top fashion icons of his time. An actual role model to inspire the fashion landscape at that time, breaking gender norms and challenging conventional fashion standards. Bowie was one of the earliest mainstream figures to embrace androgyny, blurring the lines between male and female fashion. His Ziggy Stardust persona, with its makeup, tight jumpsuits, and flamboyant costumes, challenged traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Such a brave notion inspired many designers, such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, and Gucci.
David Bowie for 1973 UK Tour Programme, IG
Moreover, he introduced the glam rock aesthetic, which combines glitter, bold colors, metallic fabrics, and theatrical makeup. His iconic lightning bolt makeup and platform boots became symbols of the glam rock movement. Designers like Hedi Slimane and Marc Jacobs have drawn inspiration from this era in their collections. Not to mention that by wearing clothing that defied traditional gender norms, Bowie helped to popularize the concept of unisex fashion, challenging the binary tradition.
Another persona on our list is the goddess herself. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome one of the boldest and baddest of them all—Madonna. Shocking and inspiring the audience with her provocative looks, the "Queen of Pop" set the scene on fire and reshaped the fashion norms and borders. Madonna is best known for her constant reinvention, both in her music and fashion. From the punk-inspired looks of her early career to the glamorous Hollywood starlet phase, Madonna's ability to adapt and change has kept her at the forefront of the fashion world. On her list is one of the most ambiguous trends—underwear as outerwear. Madonna made headlines in the 1980s and early 1990s by wearing lingerie-inspired outfits as everyday fashion. Her iconic cone bra corset, designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier for her 1990 Blonde Ambition Tour, became a symbol of female empowerment and sexual liberation. These days, we can easily spot some t-shirts with the bra element, whether as a picture or a highlighted imitation of a delicate bra. In the early stages of her career, Madonna's style was heavily influenced by New York's street fashion, blending punk, thrift store finds, and edgy accessories. Her "Like a Virgin" look, featuring lace gloves, layered jewelry, and a wedding dress, became iconic.
Madonna, IG
Moreover, we all know Madonna for her love of religious accessories. Crosses are one of the most defining features of her looks. Last but not least, the magnetic nature of her persona made her a well-known muse for many designers, starting with Jean-Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, and ending with Versace. She is known as a godmother to many modern pop icons such as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, who incorporated some of Madonna's defining features in their looks.
Rihanna, IG
As fashion evolved, the new fashion influencers stepped up on the throne. Another contemporary fashion star on our list is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, simply known as Rihanna. She is the one responsible for the "Fenty effect". Launching her beauty brand in 2017, she made a breakthrough in the modern beauty industry. With 40 (now expanded to 50) foundation shades that cater to a wide range of skin tones, Fenty Beauty set a new standard for inclusivity. This was a game-changer in an industry that had long neglected consumers with darker skin tones. The success of Fenty Beauty led to what's often called the "Fenty Effect," motivating other beauty brands to expand their shade ranges and become more inclusive. Moreover, we can not forget the collaboration between Fenty and Savage lingerie. The Fenty x Savage collection didn't correspond to traditional lingerie brands tradition, featuring pieces of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, once again promoting diversity and inclusivity in the area of underwear fashion.
Harry Styles, IG
And the last fashion role model on our list, and absolutely not the last one out there, is Harry Styles. We all remember the sensational photoshoot for Hitmaker Cover, featuring pastel pink pieces and elegant costumes. Indeed, Harry Styles has made headlines for his fearless approach to fashion. The most defining is how he blends traditionally masculine and feminine elements, creating gentle looks to impress with their elegance and lightness. Another essential part of his fashion persona is his commitment to sustainable fashion. He frequently wears vintage clothing and supports brands prioritizing sustainable ethics in their collections. Like David Bowie mentioned earlier, Harry Styles has become a synonym for an androgynous fashion. Whether through his choice of accessories, such as rings and pearls, or his desire to wear traditionally feminine garments, Styles has popularized androgyny in fashion.
The list can go on and on. As we can see, many of our beloved clothing pieces used to be just scenic concepts used by rising artists to express their individuality and add some unique touch to their media appearance. Pop culture isn't always about bread and circuses. It's a powerful medium not only to inspire but also to popularize. So next time near the "bershka-zara-something" shelf, pay close attention to the pieces you can find. Maybe your beloved Spotify artists used to rock-n-roll concert areas in the shoes you are just about to buy. Your wardrobe is more than just clothing—it's a reflection of the cultural moments that resonate with you. So, whether you're wearing a flannel shirt of grunge legends or opting for a bold accessory inspired by a pop icon, remember: fashion is not just about looking good—it's about making a statement. How will you make yours?
