The year of 2016 is one the world of music and culture will never forget. Prince, a legend and an icon leaves behind his legacy of music but he also leaves his mark on fashion.
Prince at the Matthew Williamson SS08 catwalk show which he performed at. Credit: DailyMail.co.uk
There’s no denying Prince had style. However, what he did with his style was something that would leave a lifetime of inspiration for generations to come. Prince rewrote the rulebook.
The breakthrough in which men no longer had to dress a certain way, look up to certain fashion bibles or even just be a certain way came because of a man who essentially, was himself. Always daring but never boring, audiences around the world since the 70’s were there for his music but inspired by his fashion. What he wore summed it up.
Purple Rain era Prince. Credit: Getty Images.
His best looks were from the beginning. A high collar, white ruffles and a pearl studded jacket were seen to be dazzling and daring costume attire in 1985 but today? That’s fashion at it’s best. That paved the way.
Prince explored fashion in a way that eyes had never set upon before. It wasn’t about identity, in the modern day world it would be described as intertwining masculine and feminine style. Always having the eye for detail, he wasn’t shy of those stand out details i.e bell bottoms, ruffles, ‘sunglasses’ or even adding extravagant make-up to make a somewhat plain outfit (in Prince’s world) stylish. One item of fashion that Prince will be forever known for was his appreciation of the heel. He adored them. High heels were Prince’s Converse (he always ordered a women’s size 6). His previous and early day relationships were proof of this as he was seen not only at his shows working them but in daily life too. Considering it was originally men who wore high heels hundreds of years ago, Prince truly earned the title of a modern day icon for bringing high heels for men into mainstream culture.
As bitter-sweet as it is to remember one’s hero, the world must hold onto his legacy. Prince was Prince right up to his last show in Atlanta. He will continue to live on through his legendary fashion and music; his two greatest attributes.
Rest in peace, Prince.
