8 Great Moments in Denim History

From James Dean to Rihanna.

This article is presented in partnership with The Iconic.

Denim is one of the most versatile clothing materials in existence, so it’s no surprise that you’ve seen every rocker from Elvis to Hozier decked out in it at one time or another. However, most fashion trends fade eventually. (R.I.P. shoulder pads.) Why is it that denim, in every incarnation, has never quite left the limelight?

As an explanation, and also a celebration, we recognise the thirteen individuals who kept denim in the public consciousness as the ultimate article of cool, and the material’s eight greatest moments.

1955: James Dean

The late James Dean cemented his icon status in 1955’s Rebel Without a Cause, only his third movie, released one month after his untimely death. Dean’s denim wardrobe from the film is now intrinsically tied to our memory of him, and his fantastic, defining performance.

1972: Neil Diamond

Better known as your mum’s favourite singer, the “Sweet Caroline” songsmith is actually responsible for one of the most controversial album covers of all-time, thanks to his, ahem, provocative, all-denim pose at the front of his live double-LP Hot August Nights.

1984: Bruce Springsteen

Even more famous is the cover to Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA… and just as controversial too. The blue-collar Bruce has always been affiliated with denim, but it’s this shot of him in jeans, standing before the American flag, that remains his most infamous image.

1990: Demi Moore in Ghost

You had us at denim overalls, Demi.

1991: Geena Davis & Susan Sarandon in Thelma & Louise

The badassery of newly-liberated ladies Thelma & Louise is perfectly depicted in this shot of our heroines in high waisted jeans. Outside of the frame: an oil tanker they just blew up.

2001: Britney Spears & Justin Timberlake

Early aughts power-couple Britney and JT made quite the impression at the 2001 American Music Awards with their matching all-denim outfits, etching themselves into pop culture for eternity. (To put this picture in context: Britney was about to release “I’m a Slave 4 U” and Timberlake was still in *NSYNC. A lot has happened in fifteen years.)

2014: Riff Raff & Katy Perry

Katy Perry taking notorious dirty south rapper Riff Raff to the VMAs was widely considered a goof by the pop princess, but their outfits were no joke. A bold tribute to Britney and Justin, their dual-denim look brought some much needed edge – and oddity – to the awards ceremony.

2015: Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney

We, as a society, never realised how badly we needed a musical collaboration between Rihanna, Kanye West and Paul McCartney. Even more than that, we definitely didn’t know we needed a music video in which the three of them sang along in washed-out denim outfits. But it turns out we did. Now we’re about four, five seconds from wildin’.

Find your perfect denim fit for women and men at The Iconic. Iconic denim, new season online now.