Remember Music Videos? You know those things you ran home to watch on MTV up until the early 2000’s? Now due to all the social media platforms and streaming services you can watch what you want and when you want. Similar the to the “Video Killed the Radio Star” song of 1979 now the phrase should be “Social Media Killed the Video Star.” Anyone nowadays can be a “video star.” If someone comes out with this song or has it will definitely be added to my Apple playlists!
Some videos had such resonance that they started fashion phenomenons. So sit back, enjoy, and remember the videos that sparked trends of yesteryear. Remember trends ALWAYS come back- what may seem dated now will be the IT item in the future.
- Britney Spears- Baby One More Time (1998)
Britney made the Catholic school uniform I hated wearing all of of a sudden cool- However the nuns HATED all the teenage girls wearing the thigh highs instead of knee socks. We all have Britney to thank for us high schoolers in 1998 looking cool in detention.
2. Spice Girls- Wannabe (1996)
Platform EVERYTHING, track pants, and baby doll dresses- ‘enuf said.
3. Madonna- Like a Virgin (live VMA Performance 1984)
Ok not a music video but definitely started a phenomenon. Lace gloves, tons of costumer jewelry my six year old self is SCREAMING for it! While I had no idea what the song was about (how could I at 6?) all I knew is Madonna was awesome and I wanted to dress just like her.
This phenomenon lasted throughout the decades and like all trends this exact performance was replicated with a modern twist. 2003 VMAs- Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera was EVERYTHING.
4. Kris Kross Jump Jump (1992):
My summer camp made us do a performance to this- that’s how “cool” it was. I know all trends come back but I hope this one stays in the fashion vault.
5. Olivia Newton John- Physical (1981)
This ushered in the Jane Fonda era and can be accredited to the athleisure movement of today. How many of you own bright colored leggings????
6. Michael Jackson- Thriller (1983)
How many movies from the 1980’s feature this same style leather jacket- almost all of them.
7. MC Hammer- You Can’t Touch This (1990)
Remember when Hammer pants made a comeback around 2009 and were called “Harem” pants?
8. Nirvana- Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)
Enter into the Grunge Era- hand-me-down shirts, dirty converse sneakers, ripped jeans, and flannels- OMG all the flannel. While we may not have looked as polished we were certainly way more comfortable in the 90’s.
9. Jennifer Lopez feat. Ja Rule- I’m Real (2001)
With her spaghetti strap white top, short shorts, and white sneakers this was my out of school uniform back in the day when the temperature hit above 70 degrees. When I saw this video my thought was “She’s dressed in clothes like I wear!” It was a video that made a look that was accessible to the masses trendy. Myself, like many, saw those pink shorts and matching hoodie and ran out to get it. Little did we all know that was starting a Juicy Couture track suit era that while comfy for myself it was NOT comfy for my wallet.
10. Aaliyah – If Your Girl Only Knew (1996)
Welcome to the midriff tops and baggy pants era! When we all were doing crunches every time an Aaliyah video came on. While she may not officially started the trend she definitely solidified it.
11. LL Cool J feat Total- Loungin (1995)
While this one did not start a trend- it definitely inspired me! I ran out to Contempo Casuals to get a pair of green pants, a chain belt, and a matching spaghetti strap top as soon as I saw it. Remember Contempo Casuals???? For those that do it was AWESOME.
Fashion HerStory 