It seems like the Nineties have officially come full circle, as fashion labels revisit the decade’s most ubiquitous trends and rehash them for modern-day paletes. While many of the styles now feel like just another trend, it’s hard to remember the brave fashion pioneers who originally created the immortal looks we associate with that not so distant moment in time.
With the rise of music videos in the Eighties thanks to MTV, the Nineties brought stage presence to a whole new level as musicians really began crafting their image. From hip-hop icons to grunge idols, we present the women who rose to fame in the ’90s and redefined fashion forever.
TLC
T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli | TLC
Collectively referred to as TLC, these three girls from Atlanta may have risen to fame for their effortless combination of hip-hop and R&B, but the group’s eye-catching style was often what really stole the show. Dressed in a tomboyish wardrobe that was often finished with a condom smack dab on Left Eye’s actual left eye, the trio’s bold use of colour and daring fashion choices transformed the girls into pop culture icons.
Aaliyah
Aaliyah
The original good girl gone bad, Aaliyah was America’s sweetheart until a tragic plane crash resulted in the pop star’s untimely death at the age of 22. The singer (and budding actress) was often dressed in the whole athleisure look way before it actually became a trend, with a uniform of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger sportswear in hues of red, white and blue.
PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey
Throughout the Nineties, PJ Harvey managed to break every fashion rule and still look stylish while doing so. Whether she was applying powder-blue eyeshadow to match her gown or showing a bit of pre-noughties midriff, the British musician pulled off one incredible look after the next with flying colours. Harvey’s fashion choices have always explored womanhood while breaking societal norms, which recently prompted Prada to utilise the indie star’s music for its AW16 runway presentation.
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani | No Doubt
The archetypal Nineties girl, Gwen Stefani has since become an ever-evolving style icon. But prior to her rockabilly phase and even earlier than her Harajuku-obsessed period, Stefani was making fearless strides in fashion with furry blue bralettes and yellow leather pants that today can only invoke images of Uma Thurman in Kill Bill. Though some of her fashion choices were highly problematic (stop it with the Bindi appropriation already, Gwen!), she will forever symbolise a moment in time when leaving the house without body glitter was not an option.
Courtney Love
Courtney Love | Hole
Courtney Love has been the number one proponent for baby doll dresses ever since she first gained popularity as the front woman behind Hole. Her grungy yet girly appearance led the musician to become a muse for some of the fashion industry’s top designers, with collections from Marc Jacobs and Hedi Slimane crediting Love as their inspiration.