As many of you will know, a few days ago, the legendary musician David Bowie passed away. Bowie was an incredible songwriter, a pioneer of glam rock, and a master of reinvention, and due to my dad’s love for him, Bowie’s music made up the soundtrack to my childhood. Many tributes to him have been appearing since his death was announced, and I felt I should contribute in one of the only ways I know: lingerie. So, today I am sharing my picks for lingerie inspired by some of David Bowie’s iconic characters and personas.
First up, possibly Bowie’s most famous persona, Ziggy Stardust! Ziggy’s style was flamboyant, eyegrabbing and androgynous, with his outfits composed mainly of skin tight jumpsuits combined with flowing sleeves, geometric patterns, asymmetric cut outs and fantastical make-up.
“There’s a Starman waiting in the sky…”
Clockwise from top left: ‘Ziggy Stardust’ (tour photo); UrbanOG Heart Repetition Thigh High Socks; Pleasure State Viva Italia Contour Bra; Free People BTW Bodysuit; ‘Ziggy Stardust’ (Aladdin Sane album photo); Topshop Lightning Bolt Triangle Bra; TAPT Bahamut Catsuit. Centre: Madame V Forever In Love Short Fringed Kimono.
After Ziggy came Halloween Jack, a similar look but with less inspiration taken from science fiction. Halloween Jack’s look has a punk edge, combining simple shapes with clashing prints.
“Rebel rebel, you’ve torn your dress.”
Clockwise from top left: ‘Halloween Jack’ (tour photo); Sunday Intimates Dottie in Navy; Kiss Me Deadly Cupless Vargas Dress in Red; Buttress and Snatch Patchwork Bra; NipNops Pirate Sleep Mask (via Etsy); Cocos Retro Closet 6 Strap Garter Belt in Red (via Etsy). Centre: Brook There Gingham and Black Organic Lingerie Set.
Bowie’s next persona was The Thin White Duke, a hollow, amoral cabaret singer, impeccably dressed in crisp white shirts and sharp suits.
“We can be heroes, just for one day…”
Clockwise from top left: ‘The Thin White Duke’ (tour photo); Panache Black Eclipse in Blush; FYI by Dani Read Lucia Trouser; Yandy Button Down Sleep Shirt; Maison Close & Fraulein Kink L’Indomptable Harness; Curvy Kate Ritzy in Black/Almond. Centre: Dark Garden Dietrich Corset.
Bowie took inspiration from theatre and pantomime to create Pierrot, a clown in a shimmering silvery blue, covered in layers of metallic, petal-esque fabric.
“Ashes to ashes, funk to funky…”
Clockwise from top left: ‘Pierrot’ (Scary Monsters album photo); Vintage 1940s Ruffle Bra (via Etsy); White Lotus Couture Grey Feather Epaulettes (via Etsy); Silver Ruffle Bloomers (via eBay); LaBelleFairy Bridal Victorian Overbust Corset (via Etsy); Strumpet & Pink Swan Knickers; Catherine D’Lish Rosalind Silk Charmeuse Boudoir Gown; Angela Friedman Silk Ruffled Panties (via Etsy).
Finally, Jareth the Goblin King from Labyrinth! This character introduced David Bowie to a new generation, and the outfits he wore throughout were amazing. Jareth’s outfits are tattered yet grandiose, with dramatic shapes featuring sequins, jewels, frayed trims and embellished leather. Most pieces use shades of black, burgundy and navy blue, with his wardrobe including long robes, poet shirts, leather vests/jackets, and the infamous form-fitting grey bottoms.
“It’s only forever, it’s not long at all…”
Clockwise from top left: ‘Jareth’ (Labyrinth promo photo); Cristiane Tano Handmade Blue Silk and Black Tooled Leather Bra (via Etsy); Victrola Designs Black Betty Kimono (via Etsy); Westward Bound Antigone Underbust Corset; ‘Jareth’ (Labyrinth movie still); Blue Reign Robyn Lace Bra; Kvodesigns Victorian Black Lace Neck Corset (via Etsy); Jen’s Pirate Booty Ruffle Bralette. Centre: Dolci Follie Boudoir Black Feathered Robe; Maison Close Doux Vertige High Waisted Panty with Curled Stockings.
There are so many more pieces, characters and personas I could include, but I fear if I tried to do them all, I wouldn’t be done for weeks. All I can say is that David Bowie’s influence has changed the worlds of music and fashion as we know them, and his creativity, passion, and spirit will be missed by many.
What do you think? Are there any other pieces you would have picked? Are you a David Bowie fan? Let me know any thoughts in the comments!
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You’ve got a great eye! I wouldn’t have made those visual links… very Bowie-thanks for sharing
Lovely, lovely choices!!! So many things to go on my wish list. And I have loved Bowie since I can remember. As a little girl I was certain I was going to marry Jareth someday. Whenever I played dress-up, I was always Sarah. Great post, Anna. I’m sure he would have approved this tribute whole-heartedly.
Hey Amy, thanks so much for your comment! I’m so glad you liked my post and my choices – Bowie’s work is such a wonderful source of inspiration.