How Suede Became a Fashion and Music Icon
Suede has been a luxury material used in fashion for centuries. It is known for its softness, texture, and durability. Suede is made from the underside of animal hide, typically lamb or goat. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that suede became a popular fabric choice in high-end fashion.
One brand that helped elevate suede to new heights was Suede (previously known as The London Suede). This British rock band formed in 1989 and quickly rose to fame with their unique sound and style. Their music was dark and moody, often exploring themes of love and loss. But it was their fashion sense that truly set them apart.
Lead singer Brett Anderson was known for his flamboyant stage outfits which often included suede jackets, pants, and boots. He even wore a black suede dress during one performance which caused controversy at the time but has since become an iconic moment in rock history.
But it wasn’t just Anderson who embraced suede as part of his look; guitarist Bernard Butler also sported suede jackets on stage while bassist Mat Osman favored sleek suede shoes. The band’s signature look became synonymous with luxury and sophistication.
Their love for all things suede extended beyond their wardrobe choices; they even named their debut album “Suede” in homage to the fabric they adored so much.
The band’s influence on fashion didn’t go unnoticed by luxury designers either. In fact, designer Tom Ford cited Suede as an inspiration behind his Fall/Winter 1997 collection for Gucci which featured an array of luxurious leather pieces including stunning suede coats and jackets.
Another designer who took note of Suede’s impact on fashion was Hedi Slimane who worked at Yves Saint Laurent at the time. Slimane would later go on to design for Dior Homme before becoming Creative Director at Saint Laurent where he continued to incorporate luxe materials like leather into his designs.
But it wasn’t just the fashion industry that was influenced by Suede; their music also played a role in shaping the cultural landscape of the 90s. Their debut album “Suede” became a critical and commercial success, earning them a spot at the forefront of the Britpop movement alongside bands like Oasis and Blur.
Their follow-up album “Dog Man Star” showcased even more experimentation with sound and style. The band’s love for suede continued to be evident in their music videos which often featured lavish sets and costumes made from the material.
In fact, one of their most iconic videos for the song “The Wild Ones” features Anderson and his then-girlfriend Justine Frischmann (lead singer of Elastica) wearing matching suede jackets as they wander through an abandoned mansion.
But as quickly as they rose to fame, Suede disbanded in 2003 after releasing five studio albums. However, their impact on fashion and music can still be felt today.
Many luxury designers continue to incorporate suede into their collections season after season. From Saint Laurent’s sleek leather jackets to Tom Ford’s stunning coats, suede remains a staple fabric choice for those seeking luxury and sophistication.
And while Suede may no longer be making music together, their legacy lives on through countless fans who still appreciate their unique blend of rock n’ roll edge with high-end glamour.