The Genre that Rocked Fashion: Glam Rock

 

Throughout the late 1960s and 70s, Glam Rock began to emerge as a music genre. Fashion adapted alongside it. Icons such as David Bowie and rock band Slade heavily influenced both aspects through the 1970s and continuing into today. They popularised fashions such as platform boots, contrasting patterns, shiny fabrics and jumpsuits. 

Bold patterns were an incredibly important aspect of the look. Examples of the most daring are colourful and metallic stripes, checked suits, and animal print.

Other features of the glam rock look included feathers, glitter, leather clothing, metallics and bold cuts. 

Bowie’s style changed alongside his music, personas such as Ziggy Stardust (developed in 1971), were extremely influential within fashion.  

The dramatic hairstyles and makeup of the style would shape fashion for decades, continuing to popularise the concepts of androgyny and boldness. This later became a key feature of subcultures like Punks. 

 

Later years

As the decade progressed, glam rock as a genre inspired the glam metal genre, which took similar styles from the artists that had emerged throughout the 1970s. 

Bands such as Mötley Crüe continued to dramatise the style, wearing items such as platform boots and tight pants. 

This heavier style of music came alongside a more dramatised version of the glam rock fashions of the 70s. On-stage personas continued, including much more dramatic makeup looks and bigger hair.  

 

Get The Look: Embody 1970s Glam Rock style 

If you’re a feeling inspired by the of the style of Glam Rock icons, then take a look at the modern pieces below, which include certain features of the trend.

 

Leather trousers

 

 

These skinny, black leather trousers from ASOS are perfect for those who want to wear leather clothing like in the 1970s. The flared style and zipper gives even more similarity to the Glam Rock style, as the cut and details were popular at the time.

You can purchase them here for £30.

 

A glittery piece

To wear a piece that embraces the vibrancy of this time in fashion, you could choose this top from River Island.

With feathers, sequins and a bright colour, this item encapsulates a mix of Glam Rock’s bold features.

Purchase it here for £49.

 

Iconic footwear

For footwear, the platform boot is the obvious choice. One of the main aspects of fashion within the Glam Rock scene, these are a statement piece.

You can purchase them at Schuh for £25.99.

 

Prints and cuts

If you’re feeling daring, you could buy this zebra print set from H&M. The bold pattern and v-neck cut stand out as features that were worn by 1970s rock icons.

Purchase the v-neck top here for £27.99.