Frontman Fashion: Alex Turner

Introduction

A good friend once told me that the distinctive fashion darling – more commonly known as Alexa Chung – had no choice but to end her four year relationship with her boyfriend, Alex Turner, due to his incomparable dress sense. Ultimately, it seems, he was beating her to the spotlight.

The English guitarist and frontman of Arctic Monkeys is nothing less than a special, one-of-a-kind musician, whose choice in clothing ranges from leather inspired, indie rock jackets to vintage prep and mod pieces. Alex is just one of very few artists to both rejuvenate and pull off the mop-top hair cut with great ease and confidence. Throughout his music career, the varied usage of guitars and studio recording equipment is paramount and of top quality. Equally, his choice of threads is as parallel and impressive.

If you were to search for ‘Alex Turner fashion’ on Google, you would need both time and patience on your hands. The quantities of ‘in-trend’ and ‘this season’ collections which feature him are beyond any other musical style icons I have previously covered. More than an entire generation of both male and female Alex Turner/Arctic Monkeys fans will project their praise and admiration for the young gentlemen’s voice, mannerisms and chic dress sense.

When Arctic Monkeys released their debut album, ‘Whatever people say I am, that’s what I’m not’, NME Magazine declared the album the ‘5th greatest British album of all time’. This piece of work resulted in the band receiving awards for Best British Band, Best New Band and Best Track. The album’s title represents the classical attitude of a musician who holds confidence and self-belief, a trait many of us (including myself) crave – and lot’s of it.

Alex Turner Style

In the years leading up to the band’s second album release (Favourite Worst Nightmare) a youthful Turner was often seen sporting fitted polo shirts with the untouched, and instantly recognisable, mop top. In all honesty, this early look may not be his most attractive or popular, but it was the starting point of a transformation into a fashion icon who always held the right attitude, ability and innovation to tweak his looks, in order to stay ahead of today’s trends.

During the band’s brief hiatus, Turner had immediate success with two side projects. The first saw Turner collaborate with friend and fellow musician, Miles Kane, which they named ‘The Last Shadow Puppets’. It was not until the release of their first album did we witness the rise of a Mod/Beatles inspired aesthetic in Alex’s new, classy, smarter looking wardrobe. The Ralph Lauren polo and Adidas trainers were replaced buy duffel jackets and winklepickers. The hair grew longer, into a Lennon-inspired shaggy length. It was during this particular period that Mr. Turner had teenage girls dribbling and countless journalists ready to pounce on his next fashion statement.

Alex Turner Lookbook

As a rock star, to possess the ability to effortlessly interchange your dress sense, hair cut, and musical style says an incredible amount; to both your critics, and fans alike. I was truly spoilt for choice when deciding on which images I wanted to use in this article’s lookbook. I am nothing but confident, that as a reader, you will agree that Turner’s varied arson of styles provides nothing less than inspiration for all of us:

Inspired By Clothing

• Allsaints Caldwell Jacket
• Nicole Farhi Black Cotton Removable Collar Blouson
• River Island Denim Jacket In Rebel Mid Wash
• Allsaints Tonic Scoop T-shirt
• Allsaints Aktam Cut Collar T-shirt
• Allsaints Toxic Pipe Jeans
• Dockers Gravel D Zero S Trousers
• Reiss Bradshaw B Double Breasted Wool Blazer Mid Grey
• Selected Myron Jumper
• Linda Farrow Luxe Snakeskin Aviator Sunglasses
• H By Hudson Thursom Chukka Boots
• Ben Sherman Myas Chelsea Boots

Alex Turner Signature Looks

The Last Shadow Puppets

This particular look surely brings back memories to the older and iconic pictures caught of The Beatles or The Kinks in the late 60s. Like both bands, Alex’s choice in attire holds that strong heritage of British mod and pop rock; particularly evident through the choice of black drainpipes and pointy winklepickers.

The preppy, more refined designs Alex adopted during this era, when compared to the earlier casual approach in the Arctic Monkeys, suggests the singer has a real knack for changing and adapting to the sound of his band and of course, his personality.

• Asos Smart Shirt With Flower Collar
• John Smedley Grey Braye Textured Knitted Jumper John Smedley
• Topman Black Vintage Slim Jeans
• J.crew Mayfair Wool-blend Coat
• Uniqlo Men Cotton Single Breasted Coat
• Alexander Mcqueen Leather Chelsea Boots

Humbug

The darker, more mature look since the launch of the Arctic Monkey’s album Humbug was not a quiet one. The introduction of the shaggy, Lennon-esque hair had the crowd turning. The care-free knitted jumper which Alex wears with great ease in the music video to Arctic Monkey’s hit-single ‘Cornerstone’ has an Oasis, Brit-pop feel that Liam Gallagher will have surely commented on.

The loose, carefree feel attached to Turner’s choice of clothing during this era is on par with the softer and mellowed sounds of the album, Humbug.

• Topman Blue/orange Oxford Shirt
• Oliver Spencer Navy Half Tommy Knit
• Oliver Spencer Byron Military Jacket
• Nudie Thin Finn Used Dark Skinny Jeans
• Cheap Monday Black Books Sunglasses
• Belstaff Lakemaster Black Brown Shoes

R U Mine?

The latest and most recent look adopted by the musician resembles a young Elvis in his prime. The 1950s, inch perfect, quiff; complete with wax and a careful combing session, looks unique and outstanding.

Recently, men’s fashion has started to fade away from leather jackets, aviators, and black denim skinny jeans towards the more in-trend, preppy designs recently covered here at FashionBeans. The Sheffield-born guitarist chooses to breach the rules of following the in-trends, and is cutting an image of a modern-day, contemporary Mick Jones.

Whether or not this is has inspired the rock star to branch towards the concept of dressing against the in-designs is yet to be seen. I would bet my money that the recent trend in womenswear of combining a leather jacket with a high-waist pleated skirt has strong influences to Alex Turner’s recent wardrobe shift.

• Topman House Of The Gods Mick T-shirt
• Allsaints Gowd Denim Jacket
• Selected John Leather Jacket
• Won Hundred Black Tapered Jeans
• Maison Martin Margiela 8 Rimless Aviator Glasses
• Alexander Mcqueen Washed-leather Cap-toe Boots

Conclusion

It is extremely rare in seeing a musician – of any kind – to respond to both fashion critics and in-trends, with his own ideas and choices. Alex Turner is a true leader in fashion for both genders. Some might describe the change of hair styles and various threads as a dramatic one – one which is surely noticeable and popular to say the least. The media had adored capturing pictures of Turner and his previous girlfriend Alexa Chung, not to mention placing Miss Chung in the spotlight, suggesting that she personally dressed Alex.

Since the couple split, Turner is looking sharp. His band has recently released the highly praised album ‘Suck it and See’, with yet another tour to be announced soon. The new Rockabilly inspired look has taken high-street fashion outlets by storm. His unconventional lyrics and choice in clothing place him well up the pecking order for male fashion icons. And at just 26 years of age, you can expect a lot more to come.

For all of you looking to make a fashion statement, here’s some inspiration: