Top Five David Bowie Looks

Posted in Top Five Lists, Music |

By Christian Lipski

Ah, the chameleon. He’s been so many people over the years. Here are my favorites!

1. Ziggy Pirate

This is the very end of the Ziggy period, and Bowie has streamlined and cleaned up the look. No more astral circle on his forehead; no bare feet or knitted leotards. Just straight up glam pirate. See the “Rebel Rebel” video here.

(astral disc, bare feet, knitted leotard)

2. Hunky Dory

Pre-Ziggy, but not pre-glam, as this was total cinematic glamour. Sometimes compared to Lauren Bacall, this Bowie was on the back of the Hunky Dory album. This also includes the period when he wore the infamous “man’s dresses” and “came out” to the press. If you can find the David Bowie Black Book from 1984, there’s a fantastic picture of him standing in front of his house in a man’s dress. I never should have sold that book.

Original cover for
The Man Who Sold The World

3. Screamin’ Lord Byron

The troubled, reclusive rock star character from the short film Jazzin’ For Blue Jean. That shadowed makeup still looks cool, and the frosted highlights look like actual frosting.

4. Jareth from Labyrinth

Of course, the Goblin King. Tina Turner wig, sculpted eyebrows, and Romantic attire. Plus, of course, the tights that caused the founding of the David Bowie’s Area website. When I was in Tokyo last year, there were tons of kids sporting this exact look. It’s lacy goth.

5. Sphinx

An experiment that did not go very far. In a photo shoot with Brian Ward in 1971, Bowie tried some different directions. Indeed. Brian Ward also shot the Ziggy Stardust album cover.

And a bonus, the worst look:

“Be My Wife” video

1977, Paris. Unplucked eyebrows, slight trace of a moustache. . . just about the least-groomed he’s ever been. Is he trying for this particular reaction from me? Check out the video.

With added teeth!