From The Straits Times    |

David Bowie passed away aged 69 on 10 January 2016 just two days after the release of his final album ★ (Blackstar) and his birthday.  In his incredible seven decades of life his musical and style transformations have influenced, floored and awed generations around the world. His influence and iconic looks have transcended far beyond his south London upbringing, but still remain touch points for quintessential 70s and 80s British cool. For example, the nonchalant ‘off-the-shoulder’ coat look that just about every fashion editor sports these days? That was first worn by the legend himself, his mark is everywhere, much like that of Coco Chanel, and most don’t even realise that a little bit of Ziggy Stardust is sprinkled in everyday pop culture.

Image: Photographed by Michael Ochs in 1973, copyright Corbis

His early 70s incarnation of legendary Ziggy Stardust is an image emblazoned on global style consciousness no matter which generation you grew up in. He was a true original through his proactive collaboration with friends who were make-up artists, costume designers and photographers and allowed himself to be both inspired and inspirational. Till this day his far-reaching stardom is felt in Hedi Slimane’s collections for Saint Laurent and the sharp tailoring and extreme shoulder action at Balmain by Olivier Rousteing. Madonna commented in her tribute to him on Facebook in which she revealed he was the first concert she ever saw live: 

“I already had many of his records and was so inspired by the way he played with gender confusion .
Was both masculine and feminine.
Funny and serious.
Clever and wise.
His lyrics were witty ironic and mysterious.”

Here his close friends, fellow artists and beloved wife, Iman, pay tribute to David Bowie and his many wonderful guises: 

Marc Jacobs: “I’m not a prophet or a stone aged man, just a mortal with potential of a superman. I’m living on.” RIP #DavidBowie ⚡️ Photo by Masayoshi Sukita

 

A photo posted by Marc Jacobs (@marcjacobs) on

David Bowie in 1973 for his Aladdin Sane tour 

Starring in Louis Vuitton’s L’invitation au voyage short film directed by Romain Gavras in 2013

His iconic Ziggy Stardust make-up by Pierre La Roche, art directed by Celia Philo and photographed by Brian Duffy

Paul McCartney: “Very sad news to wake up to on this raining morning. David was a great star and I treasure the moments we had together. His music played a very strong part in British musical history and I’m proud to think of the huge influence he has had on people all around the world. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and will always remember the great laughs we had through the years. His star will shine in the sky forever.” – Paul 
Photo of Paul and David Bowie by @LindaMcCartney 1985

 

A photo posted by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney) on

 

A photo posted by IMAN (@the_real_iman) on

Read up on his incredible 24 year marriage to iconic supermodel Iman here.