Many artists in the industry are deemed "style icons," but not many of them made as big an impact in the fashion world as Prince. The music mogul was King of pushing the norm and was certainly not afraid of color.
Glimmering in Gold
Singer-songwriter Prince rocked the Madison Square Garden stage in 2011. He performed a never before heard song, "Welcome 2 America," in 2011 in New York City. The song was such a hit that Prince decided to use the song's name as his tour name.
According to PrinceVault, the singer debuted this song in New York for the first time during his "Welcome 2 America'' tour. He wore a glimmering all gold look with flared trousers and a matching long-sleeved top. Both were covered from top to bottom with sequins. And, the outfit was completed with matching gold heeled shoes.
Partying All Day/All Night
In October 2009, Prince stumbled across the exhibition hall during Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel fashion show in Paris. It was then that the singer decided to treat fans to 2 extra concerts at the Grand Palais. The show was titled "All Day/All Night," and the performance featured Prince in a crisp white detailed suit.
The suit had detailed flared sleeves and was paired with a black button-down undershirt. The front of Prince's jacket, as well as the sleeves, had black intricate designs. He paired his ensemble with several silver rings of different sizes. There's no doubt about it, he was a show stopper from the start.
Seeing Tripple at the AMA's
Prince had all eyes on him as he took the stage to present the night's first award at the 2015 American Music Awards. The ceremony was held at Microsoft Theater in November 2015 in Los Angeles, California. At this point, Prince had sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.
At the awards ceremony, he wore a stunning '70s inspired outfit. It featured a matching gold tunic and trousers, a metallic gold vest, and a pair of 3-lensed glasses that covered his eyes and forehead. Prince wore his hair in a natural afro and started the 2015 AMA's off with a bang.
Super Bowl XLI Attire
The 8 Grammy Award-winning artist took over the stage at 2007's Super Bowl XLI. The game was between the Colts and Bears, but all eyes were glued to Prince as he rocked the Dolphins Stadium in Miami. He sported a bright blue embellished suit with a tangerine button down as he sang under rain falling from the sky.
Prince jammed out on his purple guitar, shaped in his iconic symbol. He had both music and sports fans on their feet for the entire halftime show. There's no doubt that Prince had a knack for putting on the performance of peoples' lifetimes. Just looking at this picture gives us goosebumps.
Lace and Purple Rain
Before performing at the Super Bowl, Prince brought his energetic spirits to the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, in 1984. At the time, his historic "Purple Rain" tour was a massive hit. He performed on stage in a sheer lace shirt with ruffles from the collar to the waist, and maroon paisley patterned pants.
With his hair natural and his smile from ear to ear, Prince yet again proved exactly why he was a King in the music world. This was just 1 of 7 concerts at the Joe Louis Arena, of which Sheila E. and Apollonia 6 were the opening acts. The music mogul even had Madonna and Bruce Springsteen appear as special surprise guests.
Bright and Bold at the WMA's
The Academy Award-winning musician had all eyes on him at the World Music Awards ceremony in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Prince performed in a bright yellow and teal cropped shirt with matching yellow pants. He completed his look with a Cleopatra-style winged eye makeup look, a chunky gold necklace, and a bangle on his wrist.
Prince was no stranger to the WMA's. He had previously won a Legend Award alongside other pop stars such as Cher, Elton John, and Michael Jackson. According to the World Music Awards, the Legend Award honors "Top recording artists who have made outstanding contributions to the music industry."
Ruffles and Rainbow
In July 1985, the famous musician performed at the Hollywood Palace in Los Angeles to promote the opening of his film 'Purple Rain.' Prince took to the stage in a rainbow-patterned suit that included sharp shoulder pads. He paired the fashion statement with a ruffled button-down and his hair worn long and curly.
According to IMDb, 'Purple Rain' was an American rock musical drama directed by Albert Magnoli and produced by William Blinn. The film featured "A young musician, tormented by an abusive situation at home, must contend with a rival singer, a burgeoning romance, and his own dissatisfied band, as his star begins to rise."
Paisley on the Purple Rain Tour
At another 1984 Purple Rain tour concert, the artist took over the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, again. This time, he performed in a 2-piece metallic paisley-patterned suit. His unique voice and lyrics were accompanied by several decorative necklaces, a maroon hat, and white lace gloves.
During this tour, Prince learned that both his 'Purple Rain' album and the movie had topped the charts for weeks on end. At that point, anticipation to see the songs brought to life in concert was through the roof. The crowd was more than ready to hear the songs straight from the source.
Head-to-Toe Lace
There might be a reason we haven't necessarily seen anyone daring enough to try to rock a full-lace jumpsuit. Many believe that Prince wore the look so well that it's intimidating to try to follow! How could anyone compare to this memorable outfit matched with such outward confidence?
There's no denying that the singer looked fantastic at the Fabulous Forum in 1985. His presence took over Inglewood, California. As Prince once said, "Music is real. It affects people. It's real." With his track record and positive attitude, we have no doubts that Prince had the entire audience on their feet.
Bright Colors in Brazil
From the U.S. to the U.K. to Brazil, Prince performed in abundant style. In 1991, Prince took over Rock in Rio 2 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Prince appeared in an eye-catching brightly-colored blouse with a popped collar. The shirt's pattern included bright red, gold, and white.
During his performance, Prince sang the tracks, 'Dr. Feelgood,' 'The Question Of U,' 'Ain't No Way,' 'Nothing Compares to You,' and 'Baby, I'm a Star.' The musician's guitar strap was custom embellished with a version of his symbol, and his hair flowed long.
Prince's GRAMMY Performance
Typically, we wouldn't see this color combination together, but we had no questions when Prince wore it. Anything this fashion-forward musician wore seemed to become the largest trend of the time. In 2004, Prince performed a medley of his biggest hits at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards.
The awards ceremony was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Prince took to the stage in a bright purple suit with a metallic gold button-down, tie, and pocket square. His stage attire was completed with a unique metal-detailed guitar strap, a unique touch that many believe only he could pull off.
A Stylish Lifetime Achievement Award
Prince won the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2010 BET Awards. To the event, he wore a memorable bell-sleeved shirt customized with a cartoon version of himself. The awards show was held at the Shrine Auditorium in June 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
It was around this time that fans took notice of Prince's love for a classic tunic top. Based on the many photo archives of the accomplished music star, many of his most memorable fashion moments included this shirt style. However, this was just 1 of many fashion trends Prince wore and was well-known for.
Rockin' in Red
Prince traveled far and wide during his 1998 Newpower Soul Tour. According to PrinceVault, his travels took him to 8 states across the U.S. and 8 countries worldwide, all during which he sported eye-catching attire. His tour stops included everywhere from Washington D.C. to Marbella, Spain, and Brussels, Belgium.
Prince has been said to have performed several dozen concerts on his Newpower Soul Tour, according to PrinceVault. While on tour, Prince rocked this sparkling red ruffled number. He was accompanied by his friends and fellow artists, Larry Graham and Chaka Khan.
A Stud With a Studded Jacket
This studded-shoulder purple suit jacket equipped with shoulder pads was another outfit Prince sported during his 1984 Purple Rain tour. His lyrics echoed through the Joe Louis Arena as fans danced in their seats. The jacket's fabric has been said to be shiny enough to glimmer across the stage all night long.
Many of Prince's fans have wondered how Prince kept up his performance energy at some point or another. Well, according to Prince, "Art is about building a new foundation, not just laying something on top of what's already there." It sounds like the answer was in the creation process for Prince!
A Vision in White
Prince looked angelic on stage at the 31st Annual People's Choice Awards in 2005. He wore a white hooded ensemble with matching Cuban heels. During the ceremony, Prince graced the stage to present Bridget Jones' Renée Zellweger with the Favorite Leading Lady Award.
His outfit was completed with a gorgeous statement necklace. It featured a silver detailed chain and circular pendant with a shining stone in the center. The unique hooded-style suit was paired with matching flowing pants—a simply elegant outfit worn by a musical legend.
Chained at Radio City
Wearing a police hat with chains covering his face and a bright red suit with fitted trousers, Prince performed at New York's Radio City Hall in 1993. The wrap-around style jacket was made of silk and had bright yellow buttons. Worn around his neck was a pendant that represented the singer's new name.
Earlier the same year, Prince officially changed his name to a symbol. The symbol was a combination of the icons for male and female and pushed the lines of gender norms. There's no denying that Prince was a trendsetter. In fact, many believe his self-expression through fashion and music lives on today.
Prince's Pink Performance
Prince took over ABC's Good Morning America Summer Concert Series stage in 2006. He filled Bryant Park, New York with good vibes and great style. His performance featured cheers from the crowd, soulful singing, and a chorus of sound through Bryant Park. Prince took the stage in a bubblegum pink suit.
Both his suit jacket and flared pants were bright pink, with a blue button-down. To complete his concert attire, he sported his custom guitar strap that he previously wore to his 2004 GRAMMY performance. Prince was no stranger showing off his dance moves while he sang, which was exactly what he did in the big apple.
Gold Goggles and Graphics
Prince wore a graphic long-sleeved top with bright yellow pants at the 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival. Oddly enough, he also wore eye-mask looking glasses. He performed alongside singer Mary J. Blige, who rocked a black leather jacket, jeans, and thigh-high leather boots.
Prince jammed out on a guitar that was painted as brightly as he was dressed. The pair took over the MGM Grand Garden Arena stage in true soul-style. With voices like theirs and outfits as memorable as what Prince is seen wearing here, we can imagine it was a memorable festival.
The King of Heels
Prince moved around in heels more gracefully than many are even capable of. During performances, he would jump, run across the stage, do the splits, and high kick to the music. Prince once said, "People say I'm wearing heels because I'm short. I wear heels because women like 'em."
It's rumored that Prince's closet contained nearly 3,000 pairs of heels. The 5-foot 3-inch star had each pair made to his exact measurements. According to Vogue, Prince's special shoes were hand-crafted by a 60-year-old cobbler shop on Sunset Boulevard called Andre No. 1.
Shimmering in Orange at the GRAMMYs
Later in his life Prince developed a taste for tunics and matching trousers, seen here with this metallic orange ensemble. Channeling happy vibes, he removed his circular sunglasses to speak on stage at the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The 2015 awards show was held at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
Along with his tunic trend was the repetition of bell-sleeved shirts and fun fabrics. Prince's unique fashion sense included the entire rainbow's colors. He did not shy away from self-expression via clothing, and we aren't complaining! Completed with jewelry of all kinds, his voice was, of course, his most favored accessory.
Shiny Style at the MTV Music Awards
Prince appeared in a royal blue outfit with matching hair accessories at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. He completed his look with a larger-than-life hoop earring, chain belt, and a long necklace that showcased his iconic symbol. The awards were held at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
It may come as no surprise that his shirt included bell sleeves and a turtleneck. The man knew what he liked! Prince served up an electric-blue outfit with flare and a fashion-forward mindset. He took the stage to introduce TLC, a girl band who also wore matching head-to-toe outfits that night.
Futuristic Fashion
Musician Prince performed his first of 3 shows onstage during "One Night…Three Venues" hosted by Prince and Lotusflow3r.com. The concert series was held live at NOKIA Theatre L.A. in 2009 in California. The musical genius wore a baggy turtleneck sweater with black-and-white patterns. But, because it was Prince, it rocked.
This time around, Prince opted for simple black pants. Probably because he wore a shirt that spoke for itself. Nevertheless, we are envious of his level of outward confidence to wear whatever he wanted. Prince was able to express himself in ways that felt true to him.
Cropped Jacket and Popped Collar
Prince performed on stage at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham during his 'Act II Tour' in July 1993. He wore a suit ensemble that featured a jacket we wish we had in our closets. His cropped open jacket had striped panels and cuffs, paired with a plunging neckline and popped collar.
He completed his outfit with several gold necklaces. His jewelry of choice ranged from a choker to his belly-button length iconic symbol necklace. Is anyone else feeling the urgent need to channel some Prince energy and do some online shopping damage? Or is that just us?
Tassels and Turtlenecks
There's no denying it; a lot is going on in this outfit. Prince's 2013 Billboard Music Awards performance was full of fun. From fringes to embellishments, to crazy patterns, it all came back to his classic turtleneck. Leave it to Prince to make it all come together to work perfectly!
Under his jacket, Prince wore a matching teal turtleneck and pants. He accessorized with a long and bold silver necklace and wore his hair naturally. This brilliantly outrageous outfit is another example of Prince living his best life doing what he loved most: Being himself.
Prince of Paisley
This colorful paisley number is from 1 of the 7 performances Prince held in Detroit, Michigan as part of his 1984 Purple Rain Tour. Under the shoulderpads and popped collar was a white turtleneck (duh) equipped with ruffled sleeves. He completed his look with a bandana around his head in his trademark color, purple.
Prince's outfits weren't the only things in style during his tour. His guitars also had some pizzaz! From being painted with flames to having a cheetah print style, his instruments had personality too. There's no denying the fact that when it came to anything Prince-related, fans could expect it to be done in style.
A Sequin Hooded Hunk
The Golden Globe-winning artist wore a solid black outfit to the 55th annual GRAMMY Awards at California's Staples Center in 2013. This may have come at a bit of a surprise to Prince fans, as they had been quite accustomed to seeing him in every color under the sun.
Prince wore a black sequined jacket, black velvet pants, sunglasses, and a metal statement necklace for the awards ceremony. When he took to the stage, audience members also saw that he carried a silver cane with him. The outfit, of course, worked as his necklace and cane matched perfectly. An accident? We don't think so!
Pink Fur at the BRIT Awards
In 1985, Prince attended the British Record Industry Awards, aka the BRIT Awards. The ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, and boy did Prince show up and show out! He wore a classic Prince-style paisley jacket with a white embellished turtleneck and matching white gloves.
He paired his look with a hot pink fur piece and puffy wrist warmers to top off the outfit. From awards shows to fashion weeks, Prince had a stellar outfit for every event. Whether he was a guest, announcing an award, or simply going out for a walk, the music mogul had a strong sense of what to wear.
Fashion Week Attire
Speaking of fashion week, Prince attended the Chanel Pret a Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010. The show was held at the Grand Palais in 2009 in Paris, France. The music icon sported a perfectly-tailored silver suit. The ensemble was covered in stripes and elegant ruffles.
His outfit was completed with silver pants, a pair of sunglasses, and a beaming smile. On or off the stage, Prince's adventurous style echoed through countries across the world. From lace gloves and yellow suits to turtlenecks and tassels, the music mogul certainly impacted both the music and fashion industries.
Futuristic Bell Sleeves
Prince sported a periwinkle suit embellished with silver designs on the chest at the 42nd NAACP Image Awards. The awards show was held at The Shrine Auditorium in March of 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Paired with a silver button-down and silver jewelry, Prince had all eyes on him and his jacket's futuristic bell sleeves.
He was such a well-known and loved celebrity that in this picture, Prince is actually trying to calm the audience who had broken out into applause for him. He then announced and awarded Halle Berry with the "Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture" award.
Prince Was His Own Spotlight
Prince quite literally lit up the stage and had all eyes on him in a London, England-based concert in June 1992. He greeted London in a bright yellow tailored suit with embroidered patterns in his signature color, purple. The suit jacket had a plunging v-neckline and included a trail of purple buttons from collar to hip.
Said to be made of satin, the suit helped Prince stand out even more while on the stage. The purple buttons trailed down his legs to his matching right yellow heeled shoes. If there's anyone that had the personality to pull off this sunshine-inspired look, it's Prince.