Music and Fashion | Smithsonian Institution

Skip to main content

Musicians often use fashion to set themselves apart with a signature look. Music and fashion influence each other, and they reflect and impact the culture at large.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Red suit owned by James Brown
National Museum of African American History and Culture Pair of white and black Run-D.M.C. Superstar 80s sneakers made by Adidas
National Museum of African American History and Culture Dress worn by Celia Cruz
National Museum of African American History and Culture Lavender heeled boots worn by Prince
National Museum of African American History and Culture Pink, green, and gold floral brocade costume worn by Little Richard
National Museum of African American History and Culture Afghan vest worn by Jimi Hendrix
National Museum of African American History and Culture Yellow cocktail dress designed by Don Loper and worn by Ella Fitzgerald
National Museum of African American History and Culture Black "Sex" jumpsuit owned by James Brown
National Museum of American History Shoes, worn by Celia Cruz
Smithsonian Channel Linda Ramone's Punk Rock Style
National Museum of African American History and Culture Costume worn by Nona Hendryx of Labelle
National Museum of American History Adidas Sneakers, worn by B-Girl Laneski
National Museum of African American History and Culture Lavender satin ensemble worn by Prince
National Museum of African American History and Culture Kangol hat worn by The Kangol Kid
National Portrait Gallery Cher
National Museum of African American History and Culture Red dress designed by Diane von Furstenberg and worn by Whitney Houston
National Portrait Gallery Beyoncé Knowles
National Portrait Gallery Madonna
National Museum of African American History and Culture Leather jacket worn by Bootsy Collins
National Portrait Gallery David Bowie
National Museum of American History Dress worn by Loretta Lynn
National Museum of African American History and Culture Purple dress and white belt worn by Dionne Warwick
National Museum of African American History and Culture Bootsy Collins style star-shaped mirrored lens sunglasses
National Museum of African American History and Culture Stage costume worn by Jermaine Jackson
National Portrait Gallery Tina Weymouth and Grandmaster Flash, NYC, 1981
National Museum of American History Def Jam Jacket, worn by D-Rucka
National Portrait Gallery Kurt Cobain; Standing with Evian Bottle
National Museum of American History Patsy Cline's Costume
National Museum of American History Puma Sneakers, worn by B-Girl Laneski
National Portrait Gallery Elvis Presley
National Museum of American History Selena's Leather Outfit
National Museum of African American History and Culture Jacket and pants worn by MC Hammer in music video for "They Put Me in the Mix"
National Museum of African American History and Culture Photograph of Queen Latifah during the filming of "Fly Girl" video
National Portrait Gallery Elton John
National Museum of African American History and Culture Photograph of Run, DMC, and Jam Master Jay

Back to Top