39 years after his death, Elvis remains a style icon
The King of Rock ’n’ Roll set trends all through his life – here are some of the best
Elvis Presley died on this day, August 16, in 1977, in his Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, aged just 42. The undisputed King of Rock ’n’ Roll was also the king of pop culture, his music and films influencing generations.
There’s no disputing his role in music: he holds records for the most top 40 hits (104), the most top 10 hits (38) and the most weeks at number one (80).
But his look was just as popular as his sound, the star truly reflecting the times. It was rockabilly fashion in the 1950s, then classic suits and the leather look in the ’60s.
As he performed such hits as Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel, and All Shook Up, Elvis swivelled his hips while wearing wide-shouldered jackets and flares – how can we forget that white embellished jumpsuit?
Elvis remains an undeniable style icon who walked the line between outrageous and ordinary.
And his rock ’n’ roll style extended to his hair, the ducktail, a favourite hairstyle of the ’50s. Whether greased up with a quiff or slicked back with pomade, it was copied by generations.