Amy Winehouse was not only a powerhouse in the world of music but also a fashion icon whose unique sense of style continues to influence and inspire the fashion industry. Her signature look—a bold blend of retro and modern elements—was as distinctive as her soulful voice, making her a figure of both musical and cultural significance. From her beehive hairdo to her winged eyeliner and pin-up girl aesthetic, Winehouse’s fashion choices were a key part of her public persona. Even after her untimely death in 2011, her style lives on, having left a lasting impact on fashion trends and designers.
The Beehive Hair and Bold Makeup
Perhaps the most instantly recognizable aspect of Winehouse’s look was her towering beehive hairstyle, a nod to 1960s mod culture and the girl groups she idolized, such as The Ronettes. Her hair became a symbol of her retro-glam aesthetic, exaggerated in height and volume as her fame grew. The style gave her a larger-than-life presence on stage and became an essential part of her brand. Many have imitated the beehive over the years, and it remains a popular throwback look in both high fashion and mainstream culture.
Winehouse’s makeup was just as iconic. She sported heavily winged black eyeliner, often paired with dramatic lashes and bold lip colors. Her eye makeup was inspired by the glamorous women of the 1960s, but she amplified it to an extreme that became her signature. The winged eyeliner, in particular, has become synonymous with Winehouse and is frequently referenced in fashion and beauty circles, inspiring makeup tutorials and modern adaptations.
Retro Meets Modern: Winehouse’s Pin-Up Style
Amy Winehouse’s fashion was a unique blend of retro pin-up girl style and edgy modern fashion. She often wore fitted dresses, high-waisted skirts, and tailored clothing that harkened back to the 1950s and 1960s, emphasizing her curvy figure. Polka dots, gingham, and other vintage-inspired prints were common features of her wardrobe, giving her look a timeless, nostalgic quality.
However, Winehouse also infused her style with a modern, rebellious edge. She was frequently seen in tight tank tops, skinny jeans, and ballet flats, which gave her a casual, effortless vibe. The juxtaposition of glamorous pin-up pieces with streetwear elements made her style accessible yet distinctive, and it resonated with fans who saw in Winehouse a reflection of both classic femininity and modern rebellion.
Her love of tattoos was another key part of her look. Winehouse’s visible tattoos, including the famous pin-up girl on her arm and the “Daddy’s Girl” script, became an essential element of her fashion identity. The tattoos, combined with her retro clothing, created a unique contrast between the traditional and the edgy, which has inspired many modern fashionistas to embrace a similarly eclectic aesthetic.
Influence on Fashion Designers and Pop Culture
Winehouse’s distinctive style has had a lasting impact on the fashion industry. In 2010, the British fashion designer Fred Perry collaborated with Winehouse to create a clothing line inspired by her personal style. The collection featured vintage-inspired pieces, including high-waisted pencil skirts, polo shirts, and fitted dresses, all infused with Winehouse’s signature flair. The collaboration was highly successful and is still fondly remembered by fans of both the designer and the singer.
Beyond specific collaborations, Winehouse’s style continues to influence designers and pop culture as a whole. Karl Lagerfeld famously cited her as an inspiration for one of his Chanel collections, featuring models with beehive hairdos and winged eyeliner in a tribute to Winehouse’s iconic look. Her impact on high fashion was not only a testament to her influence but also a recognition of her unique ability to blend the past and the present in a way that felt both fresh and nostalgic.
Celebrities and artists across the globe have also paid homage to Winehouse’s style. Singers like Adele, Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Rey have all drawn inspiration from Winehouse, whether through emulating her bold makeup or channeling her retro aesthetic. In particular, Lana Del Rey’s blend of vintage glamor and modern edge mirrors many of the elements that made Winehouse’s style so unforgettable.
The Enduring Legacy of Amy Winehouse’s Fashion
While Amy Winehouse is primarily remembered for her extraordinary musical talent, her impact on fashion is equally significant. Her bold, unapologetic sense of style helped define her public persona and contributed to the mythic quality of her legacy. Winehouse’s ability to combine vintage and modern elements, glamour and rebellion, made her a style icon for the ages.
Even today, more than a decade after her death, Winehouse’s influence on fashion remains strong. From runway collections to everyday streetwear, echoes of her look can still be seen in the way designers, musicians, and fans interpret fashion. Her beehive hair, winged eyeliner, pin-up aesthetic, and edgy personal style have cemented her as a fashion icon whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Amy Winehouse’s fashion was more than just a look—it was an expression of her identity, her creativity, and her individuality. In an industry that often pushes conformity, Winehouse’s fearless embrace of her unique style remains an enduring reminder of the power of authenticity and self-expression.