Frontman Fashion: Liam Gallagher

Introduction

An English musician with a reputation for erratic behaviour once said: “Not a lot of people look cool these days – like my cool. Everybody plays it down, don’t they?” – Quite a bold and arrogant statement. However, when you put the likes of Liam Gallagher into context, it now makes perfect sense.

I’m talking about a singer/song writer who insulted thousands of fresh faced Americans during his band’s first ever tour in the states; who not long ago broke his older brother’s guitar (which caused argument after argument between the pair) and resulted in the breakup of their band; and an artist who cost his management team £170,000 in fines when a brawl broke out in a German hotel. Liam Gallagher is widely accepted as one of the most recognisable musicians in modern British music.

Liam Gallagher

The violent upbringing he experienced in Burnage, Manchester, in the early 70s is one of the major contributing factors that inspired him to become an artist. His brother, Noel, claimed Liam to be “Lennon re-incarnated”, due to his obsession with John Lennon. You only have to look at the similar long hair, velvet blazers and circular shades to see evidence.

Music isn’t the only art form that Liam has carved out a niche market in. The Mancunian’s dress sense comes from various influences, including The Beatles, Mod revival, Skinhead culture and authentic military style. With his hair combed forward, and complete with the Mod-like large sideburns; the singer would fit in perfectly down Carnaby Street in the late 60s.

Back in August 2011, Liam released his own clothing range called Pretty Green, named after a song by The Jam. The choice of clothing for the brand embodies the artist’s own personal style. Trademark pieces include desert boots, paisley scarves, parkas and mac overcoats. Last year the brand took home the award for ‘Breakthrough Brand or Retailer’ at the WGSN Global Fashion Awards – not bad for a man who was tied down to his latest music project, another band known as Beady Eye.

British rock specialists Q Magazine recently handed Gallagher the award for the ‘Greatest Front Man of All Time’. Here at FashionBeans we present the looks and styles which helped this unique, charismatic singer, gain such a strong reputation and an almost cult like following.

Liam Gallagher Style

The Rockabilly look that has been predominantly inspired by John Lennon and Paul Weller is seen all the way through Liam’s clothing – from Oasis’ debut album Definitely Maybe, right the way up to his own Pretty Green label. Gallagher is known as a front man who exemplifies the Mod revival style that was ever so popular in the 80s.

The wide range of British heritage clothing present in the musician’s wardrobe may not be seen as the most fashion foward in terms of styles, colours or materials – but they are certainly cool, attractive and charismatic nonetheless.

Liam Gallagher Lookbook

Liam Gallagher Inspired By Picks

If you want to check out the latest range of Pretty Green clothing, try the Official Pretty Green Online Store. However, for those of you looking for alternatives, here is a selection of inspired by clothing:

• Fred Perry Blank Canvas Grey Covered Placket 6876 Collab Polo Shirt
• Sunspel Cotton Polo Shirt
• American Apparel Fine Jersey Short Sleeve T-shirt
• Paul Smith – Jeans 460k-701 Blue Bootcut Jeans
• J.crew Bayswater Peacoat
• Selected Lightweight Parka Jacket
• Allsaints Depot Parka
• Mcq Alexander Mcqueen Raw Denim Jacket
• Reiss Orpwood Leather Bomber Jacket Black
• Ben Sherman Cleg Black Sole Desert Boots
• Oliver Peoples Mp-2 Filigree-metal And Acetate Sunglasses
• Asos Lennon Round Sunglasses
• Reiss Lyndon Paisley Print Scarf Rust
• Hartford Polka-dot Coton-voile Scarf
• Diesel Cortese Military Cap

Look One: Definitely Maybe

Definitely Maybe, the debut album released by Oasis in 1994, gained immediate success and recognition by critics; spurring a revitalization of British pop music. Following a similar path was Liam’s dress sense and popularity. Denim and sport jackets, round-eye sunglasses, sports trainers, straight jeans and baggy shirts were commonly seen being worn.

This was the raw beginning of Liam’s look, which he is still most recognised for.

• Topman Mid Wash Denim Western Jacket
• Carhartt Brown State Coat
• J Lindeberg Forest Green Dian Linen Shirt
• Ted Baker Pocket Detail T-shirt
• Dark Begnt Recycled Worn Jeans Long Nudie Jeans
• Vans Black Canvas Madero Trainers

Look Two: Beady Eye

During the final years of Oasis and through to the birth of Liam’s new band Beady Eye, his clothing style was ever so similar to the musician’s earlier years. In several late Oasis and Beady Eye shows, the singer has been seen sporting a number of chic looking black threads; which have also inspired several recent Brit-rock bands.

Becoming aware of his increasing age, Gallagher stepped it up a notch in terms of both quality and effort. His clothes now fit perfectly, and there has been an increasing emphasis placed on timeless classic pieces in luxurious fabrics and finishes. It seems as though getting married and becoming a father increased his sharpness and creativity – when usually such life events are renowned for causing the opposite effect.

His style has evolved and matured – the pictures above speak for themselves.

• Navy Pocket Crew Neck T-shirt Ymc
• Black Fleece Grosgrain-trimmed Striped Cotton T-shirt
• Topman Black Leather Harrington
• Compleat Grey Wool Colour 2 Wool Scarf
• Allsaints Toxic Pipe Jeans
• Topman Hudson Scottsdale 2 Boots

Look Three: Pretty Green

You have to admire the success Pretty Green has gained in such short time. Of course, being a well known global rock star probably helped. Friend, musician and all round legend, Paul Weller, no doubt helped increase the brand’s popularity further.

Paul states: “I enjoyed designing my first capsule for Pretty Green and wanted to continue the collaboration by designing a larger range and taking in tailoring, coats, shoes, knitwear, and jersey wear that will last from now through till next spring. I have taken my inspiration from the 60s and 70s and have reflected my own style in the collection”.

Oasis, Gallagher and Weller fans will want to surely sink their teeth into the latest collection.

• Charcoal Polo Shirt Polo Ralph Lauren
• Topman Blue Chambray Skinny Blazer
• Barbour Neigh Jacket
• Etro Paisley Print Linen Scarf
• Cheap Monday Tight Original Unwashed Jeans
• Clarks Originals Sand Suede Desert Boots

Conclusion

There are few artists who have the energy, talent and creativity to balance a successful musical career with further song writing, a family life and their own clothing line. Liam Gallagher could be the last front man in Brit Pop to succeed at the highest level possible in two separate art forms. His passion and embodiment of Mod and skinhead revival style is admired by an entire generation.

Musician, stylist, entrepreneur, loud mouth – call him what you like – he is doing all he can to ensure his legacy is remembered for years to come. Other musicians should take note.