What You Didn't Know About Legendary Queen Frontman Freddie Mercury's Wardrobe
Once, during one of the concerts Queen, Freddie Mercury said: “You are not going to a concert, but to a fashion show!” The singer was well aware that some of his outfits were rather excessive ... However, he hoped to the last that humor did not escape the public ... In his images, Mercury always pursued one single truth: he never tried to create a false image. He was always himself ... Over the years, style Freddie Mercury changed from glamorous outfits to more classic suits. But whether it's stage costume or casual wear, Mercury has consistently amazed people with his looks. That is why many of his stage personas are considered an integral part of his legacy... Decades after his death, Mercury is still remembered not only for his music, not only for his impressive vocal range and huge stage presence, but also for his clothes. And today we decided to recall some of the "secrets" of his iconic wardrobe!
He wrote music in ballet shoes
In life Freddie Mercury was a big fan of ballet! IN 1979 year he even performed "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" at the Royal Ballet Gala! And, as you know, Mercury liked to wear ballet shoes off the stage, namely, while writing music ...
There is even a story when Queen and Sex Pistols recorded in the same studio 1976 year, confirming Freddie's love for ballet ... If you follow it, then when Sid Vicious stumbled upon Mercury in the studio, he said: "Fred, I see you brought ballet to the masses ..." To which Mercury replied: “Oh yes, I try my best, dear ...”
During his performance at Live Aid, he did not want to distract the audience with bright outfits
During the iconic performance Live Aid Freddie Mercury decided to prove to the whole world that Queen does not need bright outfits and enchanting shows ... He wanted to prove that the group is able to conquer a multi-million audience with music alone! And he succeeded...
Instead of going on stage in flashy costumes, the band members dressed as simply as possible. Myself Mercury went on stage in light jeans, a white T-shirt, sneakers, with a black belt and a ribbon on his right biceps ... But even this - the most simple image - became a cult after years ...
Freddie's style scared his parents
For the first time Freddie began experimenting with style during his studies at the Art College Ealing in London! The singer later recalled how his fashion sense strained his parents:
“It all started when I showed up at home in one of my most outrageous outfits with black painted nails! After that they said: “My God! Don't let the neighbors see you. Come here soon! Use the back door!"
Mercury also added that after he started making good money doing music, his parents no longer cared about how he looked.
His "Angel Shirt" was the prototype for a wedding dress.
In 1974 year designer Zandra Rhodes didn't know who they were Queenwhen the band called and asked if they could come into her London studio... The woman said yes. When Mercury and Brian May arrived at the place, Rhodes invited them to try on any clothes they like! It is worth noting that Zandra Rhodes did not really design menswear at the time, although she did make clothes for Mark Bolan. Years later, Rhodes recalled how Freddie immediately chose a cape shirt made of thick ivory silk with an embroidered bodice and giant pleats on butterfly sleeves ... As it turned out, it was the top of a wedding dress! By the way: the outfit was inspired by drawings of lilies that Rhodes made during a trip to Japan.
When Freddie shared how much he liked the shirt, Rhodes made the “angel shirt” well known to the singer’s fans from cream-colored satin, and not from silk ... Mercury made his debut in it on the stage of the London Rainbow Theater.
The famous yellow jacket was inspired by Spanish opera.
Unfortunately the tour Queen's Magic 1986 year was the last for Mercury... It was during this tour that he debuted his famous yellow blazer jacket, designed for him Diana Moseley. The jacket had gold buckles, eyelets and was reportedly inspired by costumes from some Spanish operas!
Mercury often paired this jacket with a pair of white trousers with a red stripe down both legs. The color scheme may have been inspired by the Spanish flag, although yellow was also reportedly one of the singer's favorite colors!
After 1979, he began to imitate a more masculine image
When Queen went on tour to 1979 year, Mercury replaced his glamorous outfits with leather trousers, heavy chains, formal jackets... During this period, he also cut his hair short. For Freddie, this was a step towards an ultra-masculine image, called Castro clone…
He later grew a thick mustache similar to the one he wore Glen Hughes, who was one of the first artists to adopt the "Castro clone" persona.
The famous jumpsuit was inspired by ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky
When Queen went on tour A Day at the Races in 1977 year, at Mercury there were many stage costumes, among which the jumpsuit with a deep neckline stood out - an exact copy of the costume of the famous ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky!
In the video for "The Great Pretender" he made fun of his previous costumes.
Although Mercury serious about his style, he could also make fun of the absurdity of some of his outfits. In 1987 he released a cover of the song "The Great Pretender" 1955 of the year, originally performed by the Platters.
Dressed like a lounge singer 1950s years, in the music video, Mercury is surrounded by cardboard images of himself at various stages of his career ...
He was interested in fashion long before he became a rock star.
Actually, Freddie Mercury was interested in fashion long before he became famous ... So, in 1966 year in london jackets Levi's were very popular among students of art colleges! According to Mercury's college friend, Alana Hill, who spent a lot of time with him at parties and in clubs, Freddie always took a white Levi's jacket from him ...
"In fact, Freddie wore the jacket more than I did!" Hill laughs.
Hill also claimed that Mercury I spent a lot of time in front of the mirror, preparing to go outside:
“We always said, ‘Come on, you look good, Fred, you look good. Went!" He always looked flawless…”
