Formed in 1968, Led Zeppelin is widely considered as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. As one of the pioneers of the hard rock and heavy metal genre, Led Zeppelin set the benchmark in terms of style and fashion that continues to be seen even to this day. But, did Led Zeppelin have a stylist to help them craft their look? The answer is a bit more complicated than you might first think.
Edward Makowski, a senior fashion historian and long-time Led Zeppelin fan, points out that the band certainly created an incredible look for themselves. “Led Zeppelin had a unique style that was all their own. They were never afraid to experiment and push boundaries. Every member of the band had a distinct look that they crafted over time,” Makowski explains. “In that sense, they didn’t need a stylist as they were quite capable of creating their own looks.”
While Makowski notes that the band members had largely created their own designs, this does not mean that they didn’t have any outside help. Sarah Fitzgerald, a fashion historian and enthusiast of the band shares her insight. “Led Zeppelin did have stylists at their disposal, but they were not hired participants in the process. Instead, the band was very picky about who they took advice from. They frequently worked with established fashion designers from England as well as some up-and-coming fashion designers.”
One of the fashion designers who had a long-standing relationship with Led Zeppelin was Pierre Cardin. While Cardin had mainly worked with high-end clients to this point, he found himself attracted to the rebellious and unique style of the band. Many of Cardinal’s creations were featured in both the album art and the clothing worn by the band during their live performances, becoming iconic representations of the Led Zeppelin look.
The band’s connection with Cardin illustrates an important point. While Led Zeppelin certainly had a style of their own, they were not above seeking the help of celebrated fashion designers. While the band created their own looks, they used the consultation of Cardin and other designers to create an iconic look. Let’s take a deeper look at how they got to their iconic fashion sense.
What Led Zeppelin Wore
When Led Zeppelin started out in 1968, they had a fairly typical style for the era. Members of the band usually stuck to jeans and t-shirts, which was the status quo for young bands at the time. However, as the band gained traction throughout the early parts of the ‘70s, they began to experiment more and more with their fashion.
The classic Led Zeppelin look usually involved tight-fitting pants and long-sleeve shirts adorned with intricate designs. Members of the band such as Robert Plant also had famously long hair which became synonymous with the band’s style. Even the band’s equipment had a distinct look as they preferred only the best of the best when it came to instruments.
Through experimentation and the help of fashion designers such as Cardinal, Led Zeppelin crafted a look that was unique and cool. Members of the band began to be recognized not only for their talent but also for their fashion. Even when the band members started to dress in a more casual way the style they created together forged an identity that lasts to this day.
How Other Bands Were Influenced
The influence of Led Zeppelin’s style can be seen in many bands throughout the hard rock and metal genres. Many major bands such as Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, and even more modern bands like Metallica and Mastodon have adopted aspects of the Led Zeppelin look.
Interestingly, the members of Led Zeppelin are also credited with helping to popularize the platform shoes which had a brief level of fame in the mid to late ‘70s. These shoes became a symbol of heavy metal fashion and style, all thanks to Led Zeppelin’s influence on the industry.
Led Zeppelin’s influence on the styling and fashion of hard rock and metal is undeniable. Many of the most iconic bands in the genre have adopted aspects of their style which helped to shape the look for generations to come.
Legacy of Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s style and fashion has been emulated by many bands throughout the decades. However, the members of the band will likely forever remain as one of the most stylish rock bands in history. Their fashion choices were not only iconic but often ahead of their time.
From their tight-fitting jeans to their long sleeve shirts and of course their lengthy locks, everything about Led Zeppelin’s style exemplified their rebellion against the status quo. Even to this day, Led Zeppelin remains an inspiration for many aspiring artists and musicians.
Collaboration With Designers
While many fans of the band may have assumed that the members of Led Zeppelin crafted their iconic style all on their own, it seems as though the band had a bit of help. Pierre Cardin may have been the most notable collaborating designer but he was far from the only one.
Thanks to their collaboration with fashion designers, Led Zeppelin was able to take their unique style to the next level. As many of the designers had decades of experience crafting unique yet timeless pieces of fashion, Led Zeppelin was able to create a look for themselves in no time. It is safe to say that their collaborative efforts paid off in spades.
Pushing Boundaries
As previously mentioned, Led Zeppelin was never afraid to push boundaries when it came to their fashion and style. They often blended different genres of fashion together, crafting a unique and innovative look. Gone were the days of leather jackets and basic t-shirts, replaced with much more outlandish and creative pieces.
Led Zeppelin was able to create incredible pieces of fashion, often using the help of skilled fashion designers who were eager to collaborate with the band. This push for creative innovation helped to define the Led Zeppelin look, which is still revered to this day.
Final Thoughts
All in all, it is uncertain whether or not Led Zeppelin had a stylist. The band’s unique fashion sense appears to have been created without the help of a dedicated stylist. However, they did have the help of several designers which allowed them to create a timeless look. It is thanks to their eclectic mix of choices and daring experimentation that Led Zeppelin continues to be an inspiration to countless aspiring bands and musicians throughout the decades.
