The Queer Fashion Icons Who Revolutionised the Fashion Industry

Each June, we gather around to reflect on the incredible LGBTQIA+ community members who came before us. 

Faced with incredible odds, they fought for decades to give us the freedom we now enjoy. Yet, these icons weren’t merely fighting for our right to live and love as we wished. They were also redefining the fashion, beauty, and music industries day in and day out. 

As June draws to a close, let’s take a look at the incredible Queer fashion icons who changed the industry as we knew it. 

THE QUEER FASHION DESIGNERS WHO REVOLUTIONISED FASHION 

Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992)

@ohthegoldenyearss

I’ve been seeing a lot of these Edits with stars from the 80s so let me show you this icon from the 30s 🙂 #marlenedietrich #mariemagdalenedietrich #oldhollywood #fy #fypシ #foryoupage #1930s #fashion #thisismodernfeminismtalking

♬ Originalton – ℳ <3

With a film career spanning nearly seven decades, Marlene Dietrich is one of the most prominent film and music figures of all time. An open bisexual, Dietrich revolutionised the way people saw gender, often playing roles typically deigned to men. Her fashion was deeply androgenous—rarely ever seen without a three-piece suit and hat to match, you can see Dietrich’s influence in every Sasha Velour look and women’s bridal suit. 

Stormé DeLarverie (c.1920 – 2014)

@elliemedhurst

Stormé’s whole life was iconic – not just Stonewall! 🏳️‍🌈 #lesbianhistory #lgbthistory #queerhistory #lesbiansoftiktok #queertiktok #stormedelarverie

♬ original sound – Eleanor

Widely regarded as the thrower of the first brick at Stonewall—although many claim this was truly Marsha P. Johnson—Stormé DeLarverie was a famous New York City drag king. Known for her cropped hair and adoption of men’s stylings even outside of drag, DeLarverie claims she began the fashion of short hair on lesbians. Whether or not this bold statement is true, no one can deny that DeLarverie has had an impressive influence on Queer fashion.

Elton John (1947 – )

@linandthejets

fashion icon #eltonjohn #eltonjohnedit #eltonjohntiktok #fyp #music #musictok

♬ original sound – lina

Elton John’s blatant disregard for “traditonal” male singer fashion has earned him a place in Queer fashion histroy books across the world. John was true to his self in a time where doing so was deeply dangerous, performing in front of thousands donned in angel wings and rhinestones. His activism for the LGBTQIA+ community has never wavered, and his bold take on stage fashion continues to inspire musicians across the globe today. 

RuPaul (1960 – )

@rupaulofficial

♬ original sound – RuPaul

Few truly understand the deeply impressive influence that RuPaul has had over his career. The mind behind the global phenomenon, RuPaul’s Drag Race, RuPaul was the first drag queen to gain mainstream popularity. He has gone on to be the first drag queen to be the face of M.A.C., and win 4 Primetime Emmy Awards, three GLAAD Media Awards, a Critics’ Choice Television Award, two Billboard Music Awards, and a Tony Award. Easily the most recognisable drag queen in the world, RuPaul brought drag and ballroom culture to the masses, urging people to not only accept it but revel in its beauty. 

Grace Jones (1948 – )

@glitterbones

Part 2 Grace Jones and her iconic influence on fashion, music and film #blackartists #GraceJones #Musician #artist #culture

♬ I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango) – Grace Jones

Without the powerful cross-dressing of Grace Jones in the 1980s, we wouldn’t have the likes of Annie Lennox, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Solange, and Lorde. A model turned musician, Jones is easily one of the most important voices in music and fashion of the past forty years. Jones initially found fame in the Parisian modelling scene before moving on to the disco world of Studio 54. Refusing to tie herself down to traditional notions of gender, Jones has been a powerful voice for the LGBTQIA+ community her entire career. 

Thierry Mugler (1948 – 2022)

@i_d

RIP Thierry Mugler, one of the most impactful and influential fashion designers of all time 💔 #rip #mugler #thierrymugler #hautecouture #80sfashion #90sfashion

♬ original sound – Olle Nilsson

One of the most famous fashion designers of all time, Thierry Mugler redefined fashion’s approach to haute couture. His hyperfeminine, avant-garde, outrageously theatrical take on fashion skyrocketed Mugler to global fame. Throughout his career, he dressed Queer fashion icons such as Madonna, Grace Jones, David Bowie and Diana Ross. Without Mugler, not only would fashion be far less dangerous, but we wouldn’t have gotten Demi Moore’s famous Indecent Proposal dress—and where would we be without that? 

Willi Smith (1948 – 1987) 

@fashionboy

black fashion history: Willi Smith #fashion #fashioneducation #fashionhistory #streetwear #style #viral #fyp #willismith

♬ original sound – FashionBoy

At the time of his early passing, Willi Smith was known as one of the most successful African-American fashion designers of all time. The very first fashion label to produce both women’s wear and men’s wear under the same name, Smith’s brand WilliWear democratised fashion. With its affordable price point and accessibility, WilliWear revolutionised the fashion industry. 

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