Fashion Friday: George Michael

Welcome to today's entry, Fashion Friday... It has been a long time since we have done this, but I thought it was best to resurect one of the most important topics that is soooo intertwined with Music. So, who better to spotlight than George Michael?

In the early 1990's George Michael went into the decade as not only as a sex symbol, but someone of a Fashion Icon. An Icon in not what he wore, but mainly who he showed. After having released the popular album, 'Faith', Michael's relationship with Sony Records began to falter. So when he released the single, 'Freedom 90', it was seen as an ode to his current situation with the record giant. When it came time to release the video, Michael refused to cooperate with then director David Fincher. This would be a decision that would make the British singer even more popular.

Today an Iconic video, Fincher enlisted the prowess and visual persuasion of the Supermodel. The Supermodel in the early 90s seemed to have rule the world, and in the case of 'Freedom', the airwaves as well. It would feature Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, as well as others. However, behind the beautiful ones, there stood some symbolic imagery for the singer. Such items that made him famous, were seen to be destroyed. Items like his famed leather jacket, was set on fire. The Jukebox featured in the 'Faith' video, along with his guitar, was blown up. This was a metamorphosis.


However, George Michael was not finished. One song that had been recorded while still with Sony Records, was eventually released. That song would be 'Too Funky'. In its release, it was part of a compilation album, 'Red Hot+Dance', with all procedes donated to the same cause, which is the fight against HIV & AIDS.

The video would be somewhat similar to 'Freedom', in that it would once again have models as the primary focus. However, George Michael would make an appearance this time, seeimg to be the director of all these wonderful Fashion divas. Those would include, Linda Evangelista (once again), Beverly Peele, Estelle Hallyday, and the debut of Tyra Banks.


Having noted both songs, it is obvious to see the impact George Michael has had on the Fashion world, as well as the Music one. There are artists still emulating what he crafted. A few examples would be Beyonce and Lady Gaga. For Beyonce's 'I Am... Tour' promotional photos, she wore the famous motorcyle jumper seen in the 'Too Funky' video.

As for Lady GaGa, she is seen wearing the Robo-cop/C3PO inspired metal outfit, also displayed in the 'Too Funky' video, for her own, 'Paparazzi'...


... And Just think, all of this was done simply by creating imagery that can coincide with music, to create a whole new world... So, enjoy your Fashion Friday, and please try and look stylish while doing so ;o)