Today’s video of the day is David Bowie – "Fashion" released in 1980.
David Bowie’s “Fashion” stands as one of his most iconic singles of the 1980s. Released in October 1980, it appeared on his fourteenth studio album, Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps). The track combines funk, dance, and post-punk energy with biting commentary on style culture. Bowie co-produced the song with longtime collaborator Tony Visconti. Guitarist Robert Fripp of King Crimson added sharp, cutting riffs that shaped the track’s edgy sound. Originally started as a reggae parody called “Jamaica,” it evolved into a sleek, modern dance anthem.
The lyrics celebrate style while mocking those who enforce trends. Bowie labeled them the “goon squad” and “fascists of fashion.” This mix of irony and dance-floor appeal made the song both fun and thought-provoking. David Mallet directed the video, filmed at New York’s Hurrah nightclub. Bowie and his band play street-tough characters while dancers and New Romantics fill the screen. The visuals mirror the song’s themes, showing how style can inspire but also control. Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) marked a turning point in Bowie’s career. It closed the experimental Berlin Trilogy period and introduced a sharper, radio-friendly sound. “Fashion” followed the hit “Ashes to Ashes” and reinforced Bowie’s reputation as a master of reinvention. Compared to earlier albums like Low and Heroes, this record was more direct and commercially focused. Yet, it still carried Bowie’s avant-garde edge. “Fashion” bridged those two worlds, blending art rock with mainstream dance appeal.
The song reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and became a live staple for years. It has since been celebrated on Bowie compilations and covered by other artists, proving its lasting influence. With “Fashion,” Bowie updated earlier themes from songs like “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” by The Kinks and his own 1960s tracks. He created a satirical but irresistible anthem for a new decade.
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