There’s no point in talking about style icons if we’re not going to mention the artist who played his personal style as his ultimate trump card. Elvis Presley was and continues to be "The King.” A name that suited him perfectly, not only because he revolutionised rock and roll, but also because he succeeded in developing a personal style that stood the test of time thanks to its unmistakable personality, elevating him to the heights of music industry fame.
Charismatic, romantic, and eccentric, Elvis is perhaps most famous for his sideburns, memorable thrust and quiff, which have since become symbolic of the 1950s as a whole. The "Elvis" look, which was fairly elegant and distinctive at the time, went on to inspire fashion trends in decades to come. A rockabilly-country style that continues to be a source of inspiration to this day in the form of leather jackets, Hawaiian shirts and silk scarf neckties.
If anyone succeeded in ensuring the leather jacket was immortalised, it was The King (although an honourable mention also goes to Fonzie from Happy Days). Presley wore his leather jacket in style, unbuttoned and paired with a t-shirt: a classic look, even by modern standards. But there was one garment the king of rock and roll loved more than any other: a shirt. Elegant or sporty, made from denim, velvet, cotton or silk, Elvis' rule of thumb was to button his shirt up to the neck, or unbutton it down to his chest: a casual but understated look that was perfect for days at the beach or by the pool. And speaking of the sea, we can also thank Elvis for turning Hawaiian from a classic holiday garment into a chic city look. With their bright colours and floral prints, Hawaiian shirts are guaranteed to add a touch of fun to any wardrobe.
And last but not least, a real must-have for 1950s and ‘60s singers and actors was a silk scarf, which was the perfect alternative to more classic attire, while maintaining an air of elegance. Elvis wore his silk scarf both on and off stage, under his leather jacket or paired with a shirt.
