Prince has continually reinvented himself. The Purple One, the artist formerly known as Prince and His Royal Badness were just a few of his stage names – his multifaceted nature was reflected in his transgressions of boundaries in terms of gender, sexuality and personal freedom. “I find freedom sexy. “I find freedom so sexy that I can’t even explain it,” he told NME in 1996. “You wake up every day feeling like you can do anything.” This feeling was also reflected in his clothing.
And so Prince will be remembered not just for his music, but also for his fashion and style choices. From ruffled collars to tight trousers to countless purple outfits and high heels – the pop, rock and R&B icon’s looks inspired others to take risks and discover their own individuality. Here, we take a look at some of the bold style choices he’s made over the decades.
1. Prince in animal print
Especially in his early years, Prince had no qualms about appearing in skimpy zebra briefs. Here he appeared at the Roxy in Los Angeles in 1979. His early shows would pave the way for his later life.
2. Purple Rain
In his film debut in 1984, Prince played “The Kid” in the rock film “Purple Rain,” but his ruffled shirt and purple suit also attracted attention and inspired imitators.
3. Pink eye-catcher
Prince wore curly hair and elaborately embroidered outfits during the “Purple Rain” era. This pink plush accessory was still the highlight of the 1985 Brit Awards.
4. Prince shows downside
Prince appeared at the 1991 VMAs in a yellow jumpsuit with cutouts at the bottom – but he didn’t show it until he put down his guitar. The little secret couldn’t be seen from the front.
5. Chain mail hat
The chain mail police hat Prince wore on stage in New York in 1993 was similar to the one he wore in his “My Name Is Prince” video and on the album cover.
6. Sheer lace
Prince was a fan of lace – so he always broke gender boundaries by wearing what many would consider feminine clothing.
7. Gender fluid message
Prince was brimming with androgynous energy, but he particularly stunned fans and critics when he changed his name to a symbol in 1993 to terminate his contract with Warner Bros. Music journalists began calling him “the artist formerly known as Prince,” but it was this “love symbol” — a fusion of gender symbols for male and female — that also earned him ridicule. From today’s perspective, he paved the way for the now accepted gender fluid identity.
8. Super Bowl XLI
During the memorable performance on February 4, 2007, at halftime of Super Bowl XLI, all eyes were on Prince, who appeared in the rain in a turquoise suit.
9. Polka Dots on the “Lovesexy” tour
During the Lovesexy tour in 1988, Prince wore a white polka-dot suit, a black polka-dot shirt and polka-dot heels.
10. Jumpsuit and top hat
Fashion designer Matthew Williamson was thrilled to learn that Prince would be appearing at his London Fashion Week show in 2008 because his girlfriend at the time (Chelsea Rodgers) was a fan of the designer’s work. The performance took place on the runway, and Prince appeared in all black – making him stand out against the pink background.
11. White hooded coat at the 2005 People’s Choice Awards
His silky white outfit at the awards ceremony gave the impression that he was a spiritual advisor from a peaceful planet.
12. White tunic at Coachella 2008
For his hit set at the California concert, Prince chose a very desert-appropriate white tunic with metal trim. The most breathtaking moment of the evening came toward the end of the main set when he played Radiohead’s “Creep.”
13. Hide and seek
In 2004, Prince didn’t feel like always being the center of attention, so he tried to “disguise” himself at the 2004 Essence Music Festival with a goatee, straightened hair, a red-and-black-sleeved flowy ensemble, and funky sunglasses.
14. Turquoise and fringe
Prince received the Icon Award at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. His turquoise outfit was paired with a black jacket with eye-catching fringes.
15. “3rd Eye” glasses at the 2015 American Music Awards
What started as an illustration from his album Art Official Age in September 2014 inspired real-life 3rd Eye glasses. He debuted them on an episode of Saturday Night Live in October 2015 and later wore them to accept an award at the American Music Awards that same year — along with an all-gold ensemble.
This article was translated into German by Kristina Baum. You can find the original here.