Fashion during the 90s Alternative Rock era

The 90s saw the dissipation of post-punk music, into what we know today as Grunge. From Courtney Love's 'Hole' to the Gallagher brothers 'Oasis', we analyse the fashion during the 90s alt rock era.

I am still of the opinion that without fashion, there can be no music, and without music, there can be no fashion. This becomes pretty evident when you analyse archive musical generations which existed before us – for example, the 90s Alternative Rock era.

Ushered into existence after the widespread success of the post-punk music which started off in the 70s, the 90s alt rock music, i.e. Grunge, which somewhat emanated in the UK became synonymous with some of the largest artists we have ever seen. Kurt Cobain’s ‘Nirvana’, Thom Yorke’s ‘Radiohead’, Björk and ‘The Sugarcubes’ – the list really goes on. And there seems to be a similarity in how these grunge artists styled themselves fashion wise – characterised by items like Levis-esque bootleg & bootcut jeans, Dr Martens boots, baby tees, LEATHER everything, frilled dresses & knee-high socks, and so much more.

Let’s take a look at some of the coolest and most stylish artists & bands of the 90s alternative rock era.

Oasis

Spearheaded by the eponymous Gallagher brothers, Oasis’s style seems to be a mix of quintessential grunge & outdoor hiking gear. You’ll always see the duo in denim bootlegs, fleece tops, outdoor parkas & hiking boots – paired with tinted sunglasses to maintain their Bad Boy allure.

Björk

Formerly part of the Icelandic cult 90s band, ‘The Sugarcubes’, Björk is a visionary artist who effortlessly blends avant-garde and pop elements. And her style never disappoints too.

Hole

Led by frontwoman, Courtney Love, Hole is one of the earliest bands which really took to Grunge and its embodiment. Courtney Love, who was married to legendary Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain, has an incredible sense of style – probably my favourite of all of the women-led grunge bands of the period.

Nirvana

Now here’s a band which I don’t think needs any introduction. Kurt Cobain's style was characterised by ripped denim bootlegs, Converse All-Stars, either an oversized striped sweater or cardigan, and the chunky rounded-frame glasses to match.

Radiohead

If you hear the name ‘Radiohead’ – surely the first person to mind is Thom Yorke. Buuut from a style perspective – I think the whole band tends to do a terrific job, especially guitarist Jonny Greenwood. He has a very sexually fluid look oscillating between men & women’s clothing; his style is super non-binary and I like it.

Blur

Led by Damon Albarn, Blur is an alternative rock band that is known for spearheading the Britpop musical movement in the 1990's. They have a super laid back style – somewhat a mix between British preppy and grunge.

Fiona Apple

In the nineties, Fiona Apple’s emergence felt near-mythical. Ethereal. The musically precocious & emotionally fragile artist has always had an incredible amount of style. Very minimalist-yet-daring and colourful.

The Verve

Known to many by their standout ‘Urban Hymns’, their lead man, Richard Ashcroft, has got such a Mick Jagger energy to his style – definitely not as glam rock though!

Sneaker Pimps

Last but not least, we have the Sneaker Pimps. Largely considered as a “short-lived” cult band, Sneaker Pimps are a British trip hop group, formed in Hartlepool, England in 1994. They are best known for their songs "6 Underground" and "Spin Spin Sugar". Aside from their unique electro sound, I just really like the band for their lead singer Kelli Dayton’s style.