Pop culture and fashion have shaped and influenced each other for years.

From the rebellious punk rock energy to the current digital-age phenomenon of viral TikTok trends, fashion and music have been a continual reflection of cultural movements and media.

Throughout the decades, artists and entire genres of music have emerged in line with popular fashion and cultural styles.

The Swinging Sixties: Youthquake and mod fashion

The 1960s saw an explosion of youth culture, often referred to as the Youthquake movement, which revolutionised fashion by shifting influence from the older generation to younger people. It was the decade in which The Beatles took the world by storm.

The mod style epitomised the ’60s, starting in London at the end of the 1950s. It was characterised by bold geometric patterns, miniskirts, and sharp outfits. Designer Mary Quant is credited with popularising the miniskirt, a fashion statement that defined the decade.

Meanwhile, British bands like The Who started to cement mod fashion as a global phenomenon that spilled into the following decades.

The Punk Revolution: 1970s DIY aesthetics

By the mid-1970s, punk had emerged as a countercultural movement, rejecting the mainstream with an aggressive aesthetic.

The Sex Pistols, a band synonymous with British punk, influenced an entire generation with their anti-establishment stance and unconventional outfits.

Designers Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren set up a shop named SEX on Kings Road in London. With this defiant act, they were instrumental in bringing punk fashion into the public eye, creating anarchic designs. Many featured safety pins, leather jackets, and tartan prints.

Punk fashion was a lifestyle. Evident by the head-turning styles it produced, punk was a statement of rebellion, individuality, and raw self-expression.

The 1990s: Grunge, Britpop and the supermodel era

The 1990s saw a fascinating clash of styles. There was grunge fashion, heavily influenced by American bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, triggering the emergence of Britpop and subsequently the euphoric, synth-focused dance music that would soon define an era of raves and late nights.

This huge growth in the music industry coincided with the exponential rise of the supermodel era, where figures like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss became household names.

Their influence propelled high fashion, with brands such as Versace and Calvin Klein competing for global appeal. This aesthetic, defined by minimalism, skinny bodies and androgynous silhouettes, also gained traction.

The Digital Age: Social media and activewear

The 21st century ushered in a new era of fashion. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow influencers and celebrities to set trends. Now, young people and adults alike choose their style based on what they see on their feed.

Blockbuster franchises play a role in modern fashion trends. Superhero films inspire collaborations with major designers, bringing themed apparel into mainstream fashion. Limited-edition collections featuring Marvel superheroes are now also highly sought after. Pop culture continues to shape fashion in unexpected ways.

The activewear movement, blending classic sportswear designs with modern fashion, is a driving force. Brands like Supreme, Gymshark and Represent bridging the gap between luxury and casual wear.

Whether through music, film, or social media, the connection between culture and style remains powerful and omnipresent.