Prince: Remembering His Most Iconic Fashion Moments

On what would have been his birthday, take a look at his influential style.

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by Katie Rosseinsky |
Updated on

A true musical innovator whose career encompassed almost every genre (and created a few new ones too), Prince made an indelible mark on the world with songs like 1999, Raspberry Beret and When Doves Cry. But beyond the music, he was also king of the aesthetic, and also a bona fide fashion icon.

The singer, who would have turned 62 this week, was a style chameleon and an undeniable trendsetter. From the ruffled blouses and coloured suits of the Purple Rain era (perhaps one of the singer's most iconic looks) to flamboyantly patterned co-ords, feather boas and perfectly executed eyeliner, the singer was an unabashed maximalist, unafraid to push sartorial boundaries. He experimented with colour, with fabric, with accessories. In short, he was a style god.

His influence on the fashion world can clearly be seen in the opulence of Olivier Rousteing's Balmain, the dramatic embellishment of Gucci and the work of countless other designers. Donatella Versace, Tommy Hilfiger and Matthew Williamson adored him. Musicians like Harry Styles and Janelle Monae are clearly influenced by him. Frank Ocean idolised him.

'He made me feel comfortable with how I identify sexually', Frank once said. 'Simply by his display of freedom from and irreverence for the archaic idea of gender conformity.'

Unique and unforgettable, we may never see a musician with his grasp of the power of a good ensemble. In short, he was one of a kind.

Take a look back at some of the singer's most memorable fashion moments in the gallery below

Gallery

Prince's most iconic fashion moments

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CREDIT: Getty Images

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Wearing polka dot co-ords while performing in Philadelphia, 1988

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CREDIT: Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty Images

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Wearing a sharp white suit at the Grammy Awards, 2007

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CREDIT: Getty Images

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Wearing a sequinned paisley jacket and trousers performing in 1985

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CREDIT: Getty Images

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Colour clashing while performing at the American Idol Season 5 finale, 2006

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CREDIT: Getty Images

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Matching with wife Manuela Testolini at the pre-Grammys party in 2005

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CREDIT: Getty Images

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Performing in a typically extravagant matching jacket and trousers set, 1970

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CREDIT: Getty

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Prince onstage during The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards, making head-to-toe orange metalics cool.

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CREDIT: Getty

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A white, sheer bodysuit, complete with ruffles, for his performance at the Fabulous Forum in 1985, California.

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CREDIT: Getty

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In 2005, Prince performs onstage in LA wearing a two-toned shirt and a bright yellow guitar.

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CREDIT: Getty

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Cool blue suit and an even cooler guitar for a performance at the Super Bowl in 2007

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CREDIT: Getty

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Prince performs with singer Mary J. Blige onstage in 2012 with matchy prints and solid gold glasses.

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CREDIT: Getty

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Prince performs onstage at Radio City Music Hall donning a stripey waist coat.

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CREDIT: Getty

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A tailored pinstripe assemble as he accepts the Male R&B Award onstage at the 2006 BET Awards.

READ MORE: Angelina Jolie's Greatest Fashion Moments

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