From Leather to Lace: The Evolution of Fashion in Music Videos

🎵 “Cause you know I’m all about that bass, ‘bout that bass, no treble” 🎵

Music videos are not just about the music. They are also a reflection of the artists’ style and fashion choices. Music videos have been around since the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that they became a platform for fashion experimentation. The evolution of fashion in music videos is fascinating, and in this blog post, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and see how music and fashion have gone hand in hand.

The 1980s: Glam and Glitter

Image of Madonna in her “Like a Virgin” music video

The 1980s were all about bold and extravagant fashion and music videos reflected that perfectly. Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” music video featured her in a wedding dress, fishnet stockings, and bangles, all while rolling around on a gondola. Other music videos from this time, such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” showcased flamboyant outfits with lots of glitter, leather jackets, and zombie makeup.

The 1990s: Grunge and Minimalism

Image of TLC in their “Waterfalls” music video

The 1990s were all about minimalism and grunge. This was reflected in music videos from artists such as TLC, who wore baggy clothes and oversized jackets in their “Waterfalls” music video. Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” showcased a more understated look with t-shirts, flannel shirts, and ripped jeans.

The 2000s: Bling and Pop

Image of Britney Spears in her “Toxic” music video

The 2000s saw a shift towards bling and pop. Music videos from artists such as Britney Spears and Beyoncé showcased looks that were glamorous and over-the-top, with lots of bling, leather, and lace. Jennifer Lopez’s “Jenny from the Block” video featured her wearing a velour tracksuit, which became a streetwear must-have.

The 2010s: Athletic and Fashion-Forward

Image of Beyoncé in her “Formation” music video

The 2010s saw music videos that were more fashion-forward. Artists such as Beyoncé showcased athletic style fashion with performance wear and fashionable sneakers. Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” music video showcased avant-garde fashion with her wearing Alexander McQueen’s towering Armadillo boots.

In conclusion, the evolution of fashion in music videos has been remarkable, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. Fashion in music videos reflects the time it’s in and sets trends for years to come. Whether it’s Madonna’s wedding dress or Lady Gaga’s Armadillo boots, music videos have influenced fashion in ways we could never have imagined.