David Bowie: The Fashion Icon

When it was announced on Monday the 11th of January 2016 that the pop legend David Bowie had passed away the day before (10th January), fans took to social media to share their heartbreak and prayers for Bowie's family. The 69-year-old 'Lets Dance' singer had been battling cancer for 18 months prior to his death with little people knowing the severity of his condition. It was revealed that even those who had worked with him on his new album had no idea he was battling cancer.

Days before his death Bowie released his final album, Backstar, along with the single which was called Lazarus. Accompanied by a rather hard-hitting music video, Lazarus appears to be a personal story of the singer's battle with cancer as he sings 'Look up here, I'm in heaven, I've got scars that can't be seen'. So what made Bowie such an icon to every generation since his rise?

Bowie was known for individuality, his personal expressionism and his bravery for standing up for his beliefs. When Bowie posed in a silk dress and openly admitted he was bisexual, it helped individuals worldwide become more accepting of the idea, Bowie became a role model for many people. What also helped make Bowie such a huge figure in the public eye, was his creativity when it came to dress sense, Bowie pushed the boundaries when it came to fashion. His alter-egos Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane only helped to enhance his presence in the fashion industry, so much so that the V&A museum in London had no choice but to exhibit some of Bowie's most iconic moments, including what he wore.

 The exhibition which was titled 'David Bowie Is'  took place between 23 March - 11 August 2013 and is one of the museums most popular exhibitions to date, attracting music fans and fashion fans in a collision of the two industries whilst focusing on the legends life and achievements. The museum played on the title and made ad campaigns including 'David Bowie is the best selling show' and large scale posters located in places such as the London underground featured the words 'David Bowie is watching you'.

It's no doubt that David Bowie has had an enormous impact on our society, French fashion designer, Jean Paul Gaultier revealed "David Bowie is a cult, and absolute rock star. He was relevant across periods, influenced them, even created them musically, intellectually and humanly. Personally I was influenced by his creativity, his extravagance, his sense of fashion, allure, elegance and play on gender". Similarly, Chris Bailey, chief creative and executive of Burberry said the singer was "a complete legend" and that Bowie has had a "huge" influence on his designs. Friend of Bowie, designer Paul Smith revealed unlike other celebrities, Bowie was "always very relevant".

The news of his death came as a huge shock to many, and a result many gathered to lay wreaths and candles at the graffiti of David Bowie's (Aladdin Sane) face on the side of a wall in Brixton, London. It's a terrible shame to experience the loss of an incredible artist, man and role model, thoughts and prayers go out to his family.