Photo: Twitter / @presleyarchive
Cover Photo: Twitter / @presleyarchive

Here's why the King of Pop was also a fashion icon of his time

Bill Belew, the man who designed Elvis Presley's wardrobe, often made creations that helped the King of Rock and Roll stand out every single time he graced the stage. 

Inspired by the Napoleonic era, Belew dressed Presley in jumpsuits which were both practical and stylish enough to make ripples in the realm of fashion during the 70s.

Black Conquistador

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Photo: Elvis Concerts
Above Photo: Elvis Concerts
Tatler Asia
Photo: Elvis Concerts
Above Photo: Elvis Concerts

The Black Conquistador suit, also known as the Black Way Down suit, was designed by Belew. It was the ensemble that Presley wore on the cover of his single, Way Down, in 1977 hence the name. 

See also: How to Wear a Suit According to Your Favourite K-Drama Leads

Fringe Suit

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Photo: Elvis 100 Percent
Above Photo: Elvis 100 Percent
Tatler Asia
Photo: Elvis 100 Percent
Above Photo: Elvis 100 Percent

Fans first saw Presley wear the fringe suit in 1970 when the documentary Elvis: That's The Way It Is was being filmed. The suit's fringes are embellished with multi-coloured wooden beads which were altered each time the King of Rock and Roll performed on tour.

Eyelet Suit

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Photo: Twitter / @ElvisOnTour1972
Above Photo: Twitter / @ElvisOnTour1972

The Eyelet suit debuted during the singer's Madison Square Garden concert in 1972. Presley often wore the Eyelet suit with a Lion Head belt, but once paired the suit with a Russian Eagle belt during the August-September Las Vegas show in the same year.

See also: Are we Filipinos Because We Love Music, or Do We Love Music Because We are Filipinos?

Flame Jumpsuit

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Photo: Elvis Australia
Above Photo: Elvis Australia

The Flame jumpsuit worn by Presley in 1976 at his concerts was decorated with flame-like details around the kick pleats. 

American Eagle

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Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki / Wikimedia Commons
Above Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki / Wikimedia Commons
Tatler Asia
Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki / Wikimedia Commons
Above Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki / Wikimedia Commons

The famous American Eagle jumpsuit, otherwise known as the Aloha suit, is a white ensemble teamed with a blue-lined cape and red-lined kick pleats. Three belts were made to match the suit, one of which was gifted to actor Jack Lord. Presley wore the second belt after the Aloha event and donned the third one in May 1974.

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