Burda Style For people who sew

The connection between fashion and music is one of everlasting glory. Taking Londoners by storm in the early 1960s, fashion’s influence on music (and vice versa), became something incredibly meaningful and symbolic to a generation of young revolutionary minds. Vivienne Westwood & Malcolm Mclaren dressed the Sex Pistols early in the decade in ripped up t-shirts with safety pins and bondage gear- which literally kick-started the “punk” fashion aesthetic. Mary Quant invented the mini skirt and hot pant which every hippy & freedom lover of the 60s adapted into their wardrobes. The bikini made it’s

first appearance after being featured in the musical Beach Party. Musicians started wearing psychedelic prints a la Emilio Pucci, while London Modernist’s style became what is known as Mod- conjures up preppy images of the early Beatles, The Who and The Kinks. Andre Courreges created the futuristic “space look” with white boots & goggles. Brian Jones epitomised the look of a dandy with tailored velvet suits, anoraks and flowing ensembles in bright colors.



As the years go by there are more bonds formed between designers & musicians: David Bowie and Kansai Yamamoto- who designed his Space Oddity glam rock outfits, Galliano and Madonna’s famous pointed bustier, Karl Lagerfeld and …Amy Winehouse.
I remember, just a few years ago, seeing Blonde Redhead concerts and going bananas over singer Kazu Makino’s clothing, which were mostly designed by my favorite contemporary designer, Jane Mayle, whose label has since shuttered it’s doors. Sob.



Whatever your style may be, I ask- how much are you inspired to make fashion by music? Which musician’s styles can you relate to, who do you love? Who had the best look of the 60s-70s?