There are many great combinations in the world: peas and carrots, milk and honey, chocolate and strawberries, wine and cheese, coffee and cigarettes.
However, perhaps the greatest combination of all is music and fashion.
They have always gone hand in hand.
The clothes an artist wears helps to shape their image, it defines their look – whether it’s the ghetto style of rappers like 50 Cent and Eminem or the crazy, sexy cool of Gwen Stefani or Beyonce.
Designers love getting their duds on musicians.
J-Lo and Christina Aguilera are well known fans of Versace, Kylie Minogue is often see in Chloe and Madonna is seen in, well, everyone!
And it’s not just solo artists.
The Beatles had a look that has transgressed time and is endlessly copied by bands like Oasis, Jet and Franz Ferdinand.
People are still getting Beatles haircuts and wearing ‘John Lennon’ glasses.
Musicians are capable of starting trends, and shocking people with their stylistic expressions.
Fashion inspires music and music inspires fashion and it’s one big wonderful spiral of inspirational fabulosity.
Here are my top six (weird number I know) music fashion icons.
David Bowie
I have a bit of a crush on David Bowie (aka the Thin White Duke), and to call him a fashion icon is a bit of an understatement.
For over five decades the Duke has pushed the boundaries of popular culture, challenged ideas of gender and worn some truly fabulous clothes.
In 1972 he introduced the world to Ziggy Stardust, his androgynous, glittery and colourful alter-ego who marked Bowie as a true trend setter.
This is one man who can really rock a unitard, red hair and blue eye shadow – no mean feat.
Madonna
Understatement of the century.
Over the past few decades Madonna has proved again and again why she is the ultimate music/fashion icon.
She’s a chameleon, constantly changing her image and always one step ahead of the fashion pack.
She’s a trendsetter.
What other 50 year old could make legwarmers cool?
There are so many fabulous Madonna fashion moments – the nineties were all Jean Paul Gaultier and Blonde Ambition and those incredible cone bras.
And what about when JPG sent her down the runway in that crazy topless dress back in 1992?
She is a muse, a marvel and the quintessential material girl.
Elton John
He’s camp, he’s fearless and he has a penchant for sequins, rhinestones and oversized spectacles.
His wardrobe contains over 10,000 pieces from the likes of Dior, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Prada, Gucci and Versace – they’re all there.
He’s always out there, wearing something colourful and crazy that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
He’s so truly outrageous he might just be a genius.
Cindy Lauper
Have you noticed how kids these days walk around looking like they got their clothes out of a bin?
Noticed how St Vinnies and Savers are making a profit?
Well you can thank Ms Lauper for that.
Colourful, creative and kooky, she gave birth to the original thrift-store chic.
With Cyndi there are no fashion rules and anything goes.
Michael Jackson
Ok, these days he’s a little creepy. But back in the day Michael Jackson was The Man.
Remember the pegged pants, black shoes and stark white socks? Or the signature red leather jacket and the tight black pants.
My god, he was so cool he only had to wear ONE GLOVE!
The man is a legend.
He invented the Moonwalk, he wrote unbelievable songs, he had a pet chimp and he lived somewhere called Neverland.
Enough said.
Diana Ross and The Supremes
Did someone say glamour? These soul sisters were all about high fashion.
Always polished, they had every detail down pat; the incredible hair, the perfect make up, the dresses!
It was all so elegant and sophisticated and totally cool.