With a career spanning six decades David Bowie had long cemented himself as pop culture’s most fashion-forward music icon.
From his emergence as a monochrome teen mod in the 1960s, to the glitter-soaked, gender-bending explosion as Ziggy Stardust in the 1970s, and the new romanticism, neo-classicism and Berlin-channelling looks that followed, Bowie is best known for undergoing a style renaissance at every possible turn.
In a striped jumpsuit and platform boots posing for a portrait as Ziggy Stardust in London 1972. |
In an asymmetrical bodysuit performing onstage as Ziggy Stardust, 1972. |
In lace up boots and a printed jumpsuit being interviewed at home in Beckenham, London 1972. |
Wearing a fringed number designed by Kansai Yamamoto performing at the Hammersmith Odeon, 1973. |
In all-white performing at The Marquee Club in London, 1973. |
In a number-printed jumpsuit on his Stardust tour, 1973. |
In a billowing robe performing on stage, 1973. |
In a colorful quilted set photographed in a New York City hotel room, 1973. |
In a blue feather boa performing in Los Angeles, 1973. |
In an all-white look performing in Los Angeles, 1973. |
With designer Kansai Yamamoto, 1973. |
In a Kansai Yamamoto-designed bodysuit performing at the Hammersmith Odeon, 1973. |
In a silk flared jumpsuit posing for a portrait in New York City, 1973. |
In a printed mini dress performing on his Ziggy Stardust/Aladdin Sane tour in London, 1973. |
In a look by Japanese Designer Kansai Yamamoto, 1973. |
In a striped blazer with wide lapels caught candid, 1973. |
In a blue suit performing in Los Angeles during his Diamond Dogs tour, 1974. |
In sunglasses, pictured in England, 1974. |
In a yellow suit for a promo photo, 1974. |
In a top hat, heeled boots, and overalls posing his album Diamond Dogs, 1974. |
In suspenders and a plaid tie performing at Radio City Music Hall during the Philly Dogs Tour, 1974. |
In an eye patch and red overalls performing "Rebel Rebel" on the TV show TopPop in Hilversum Netherlands, 1974. |
In a suit and wide brim hat for a promo photo, 1974. |
In a fedora and suit at the 17th Annual Grammy Awards, 1975. |
In pleather pants performing in Oakland, California, 1978. |
(Images: Getty Images, via ELLE)