FASHION FLASHBACK TO GIRL GROUPS

5 Oct 2011
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Music and fashion often go hand in hand as both serve as a means of self-expression. For nostalgia’s sake, we took a trip down memory lane and put together this fashion flashback of some of our favourite girl groups who were trendsetters in fashion, whether they knew it or not!

The Supremes: 1959 –1977

Until the ’30s all-girl singing groups were mainly novelty acts. One of the first major exceptions was the influential pop group, The Supremes. The doo-wop, psychedelic soul and disco trio consisting of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong became known for their glamorous image. On and off the stage, the ultimate ‘Dreamgirls’ maintained their look in embellished long gowns, baby-doll dresses, furs, chandelier earrings, bountiful wigs and a variety of gravity-defying platform heels.

The three stylish ladies had women longing for mink coats and diamonds, or rhinestones, to help them feel as fabulous.

The Supremes not only changed racial perceptions in the ’60s, they also paved the way for future girl groups to create their individual style.

Salt-N-Pepa 1985 – 2002

As with many groups, Cheryl James (‘Salt’) , Sandra Denton (‘Pepa’) and Dee Dee Roper (‘Spinderella’) usually kept their outfits coordinated with matching gold rope chains, interesting headgear, shoulder pads and other typical ’80s accessories. They used fashion trends to create an unmissable and unforgettable style. As far as music goes, Salt-N-Pepa’s bold, unapologetic streetstyle was in step with hip-hop’s growing popularity.

Many of the trends these ladies wore in their heyday have been resurrected over and over since then. Frizzy hair, ‘doorknocker’ earrings, acid wash skinny jeans and retro high tops. After all, it was the ’80s!

Salt-N-Pepa was streetsmart, relevant for their market and their style matched the opinionated, sometimes controversial messages they sang and rapped about – and they dressed their way.

Boom Shaka: 1993 – 2000

Though Boom Shaka was a South African kwaito group with four members, it’s the two ladies – the late Lebo Mathosa and Thembi Seete – who sparked a trend with their super-long, waist-length braids. Inspired by Janet Jackson’s braids in  Poetic Justice 1993, Lebo and Thembi’s braids became huge locally and were even referred to as Boom Shaka’s. The thick braids have since been resurrected by stars like Solange Knowles.

Spice Girls: 1994 – 2001

The global phenomenon that was the Spice Girls made a cultural and fashion impact still felt today. Their message of empowerment appealed to young girls, adolescents and adult women. They may have harmonised as a group, but their style was individual. The Spice Girls veered away from matching outfits, opting for unique looks that reflected each one’s personality.

Posh was always posh in sleek bodycon dresses and towering heels, and Ginger, who wore towering platforms with her flaming red hair and chunky highlights, made it okay to be a redhead. Sporty was athletic in her signature tracksuit pants and sneakers, and Baby was sweet in baby-doll dresses and knee-high socks. Scary’s uniform was wacky animal and camo prints, bare midrifts and wild hair. They appealed across the board and embodied various styles, giving each girl someone to wannabe.

Metallics, neons, sequins, glitter – more was more! The Spice Girls image pretty much sums up an era in which many believed the world as we know it was about to end. Their approach: shinier, louder, more celebratory.

‘My mother couldn’t afford the real Spice Girls platform shoes, and since I absolutely had to have them, I settled for the cheap version, ‘Spice Miss’. Shameful. Whenever I see Prada’s 2011 platforms, that are quite reminiscent of Spice Girl shoes, I wonder whether I shouldn’t have kept them.’ – Asanda Sizani, ELLE fashion editor

Prada s/s 2011

Destiny’s Child: 1997 – 2006

Although they had many fashion mishaps, what’s notable about the R&B group is that Beyoncé Knowles’ mother supported the young, unknown group by making their costumes.

The same costumes were often reinvented and worn again; no fabric went to waste and their questionable colour-coordinated, often costumey outfits used cowboy hats, bedazzled denim, bright leather, lace – often all at once!

Though Tina Knowles had a dubious design approach, she used inventive ways to make the group look united without dressing all three girls in identical outfits. Since embarking on individual careers, we are happy that each one has found her individual style – and stylist.

Images from: Stuffwelike, Vogue and weheartit