A Fashion Idol in Fashion History: Elvis Presley

Fashion has been constantly changing and evolving throughout history. Depending on the social, cultural, economic and technological factors of societies, it has transformed into different styles and trends in different periods over the centuries. One of the elements that play an important role in the transformation of the fashion world is celebrities and idols. Since time immemorial, famous names in music, cinema, sports and many other popular fields have influenced large masses in society with their styles and clothing preferences. Famous artists and musicians have brought new trends to fashion with their stage performances, films, concerts, music videos and many similar events, and some of them have been referred to as idols in fashion. Elvis Presley, who was known as the King of Rock’n Roll in the 1950s, was imitated among young people in those years with his unique style and hairstyle. Elvis Presley’s clothes, stage shows and style have a significant impact on fashion history. The shiny and stony clothes he often used have been an important part of the men’s fashion industry. The impact of Elvis Presley’s clothes on the fashion world is not limitedto that period thanks to his popularity and iconic image. The influence of idols has a great importance in fashion history. Many celebrities like Elvis Presley inspired the society with their clothes and styles and played an important role in the transformation of the fashion world. The objective of this study is to analyze Elvis Presley’s stage costumes in order to elucidate the fashion trends and sartorial styles of the era. A qualitative research methodology was adopted, structured within the framework of a case study design. The research population comprises male singers who achieved fame in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. For the sample selection, the typical case sampling method was employed. In this context, Elvis Presley was included in the sample due to his representation as a quintessential figure, both in terms of his career and his iconic stage costumes. This research aims to investigate the correlation between Presley’s attire and the dominant clothing styles of the 1950s, ultimately positioning him within the broader context of fashion history.