Fashion Meets Art

FASHION MEETS ART

Freddie Mercury built an aesthetic that is still universally recognised, still an inspiration for what is fashionable, still considered a statement.

His drastic transitions, from military jackets to sequins, never felt forced. And that is because he translated his interests, musical and personal identity into what he chose to wear, always reflecting his reality and, unknowingly or not, embodying trends that have remained relevant.

He had a deep interest in innovative fashion, with a real background, having been an art student at university and working in retail. Never wanting to separate this from his music, he carefully orchestrated his shows, setting Queen apart from other artist in that period that paid little attention to their aesthetics on stage.

“ It is not a concert you are seeing, it is a fashion show. ”

Freddie loved theatrics and costumes, showing this part of himself without looking back, breaking gender norms and all. His flamboyant performance style was accompanied by all-sequin suits, masks, female and ballet attire or his universally recognisable harlequin costume that drew up glamorous carnival undertones.

The artist’s spirit has been an inspiration to Rock’n’Roll culture through introducing black nail polish and biker jackets, to brands like Gucci through androgyny and theatrics, or Moschino’s billowing capes and tight catsuits and to individual fashion shows — the punk circus inspiration in Dior Couture’s Spring/Summer 2019 Show.

No matter what corner of Freddie’s aesthetic you choose to focus on, you will find a contemporary reference to it. Balmain and Saint Laurent have presented inspiration trophy jackets with sharp shoulders and velvet military wear, the latter even having male models with chests on show, painted in glitter.

In the 80s, Freddie had moved on from glam rock, cut his hair and grew his iconic moustache but didn’t stop creating staple looks. Getting into exposing his masculinity, he incorporated simple jeans and tops that showed his hairy chest but also proudly represented his sexual identity using leather, studded belts and arm bands, referencing the prominent gay subculture of the 80s.

Freddie Mercury build aesthetics that endured decades of trends truly because they reflected a passionate, artistically complex, true-to-self real person.

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