The Power Of Music & Fashion’s ‘Special Relationship’

Popular music and fashion have shared a symbiotic relationship for decades, each reflecting and influencing the other. From the rock ‘n’ roll era of the 1950s to the present day, the intersection of these two art forms has shaped cultural and style trends across the world. Consider how iconic musicians have become fashion icons, their personal style influencing the wardrobes of millions.

Taylor Swift, for example, is renowned not only for her musical prowess but also for her fashion influence She has repeatedly demonstrated an extraordinary ability to drive sales and recognition for brands. Most recently, her endorsement of a dress from Little Lies, an independent UK fashion label, resulted in an immediate sell-out.

This incident is emblematic of Swift’s power to transform overnight the fortunes of small businesses. Founded by a husband and wife duo Jade & Stuart Robertson from Perthshire, Little Lies showcases a niche aesthetic that resonates with a distinct audience who appreciate a Stevie Nicks vibe.

Swift’s choice to wear their crushed green velvet dress brought the brand into the limelight, significantly impacting its visibility and sales. Indeed, over the years Swift has consistently shown a penchant for selecting unique pieces from lesser-known brands, inadvertently turning them into must-have items for her millions of fans. The 2023 trend for Friendship Bracelets was driven by the jewellery swapping craze at Swift’s sell-out The Eras Tour.

Beyond the commercial upsurge, Swift’s support of indie brands like Little Lies has broader implications. It underscores the influential role that celebrities can play in promoting small businesses. In an era where small brands often struggle to compete with major labels, a celebrity endorsement can level the playing field and provide much-needed exposure and credibility.

Historically, musicians have been trendsetters in fashion, their personal style often becoming as iconic as their music. From the flamboyant costumes of David Bowie to the punk-inspired outfits of The Ramones, the merging of these two worlds has long been a space for creative expression and cultural shifts. Swift, in her own era, continues this tradition, using her platform to champion the unique and the unconventional in fashion.

The impact for the Little Lies founders has been significant, with founder Robertson telling The Times: “[I was] just completely gobsmacked at first. We had no idea she even had the dress,” she added. “I woke up to WhatsApps from one of our design team. Her brother is a mega ‘Swiftie’ (Taylor Swift fan), and on his 6am Twitter scroll this morning he immediately spotted the dress and was like: ‘oh my God’. He sent it to his sister who then forwarded it to me … So that’s how we found out.”

By Thursday morning, the dress was already out of stock. The team at Little Lies tracked down the order, not under Swift’s name and speculated that either Swift or someone from her team ordered it discreetly. According to Robertson, the dress’s production will be capped at a few hundred units, and the price will remain unchanged.

The ‘special relationship’ between music and fashion hits its peak at events like the Grammys, where artists’ fashion choices on the red carpet are as eagerly anticipated as their musical performances. This platform offers artists a unique opportunity to showcase their style and to influence trends. They can champion small and independent fashion labels, making a strong statement in favor of diversity and creativity in the fashion world. Additionally, by opting for recycled or sustainable fashion, artists can also promote environmental consciousness, demonstrating how fashion and music together can be forces for positive change and awareness in society. Let’s see the impact for the designer selected by Swift on February 4, at this year’s awards event at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.