Cover Photo: Twitter / @presleyarchive
Photo: Twitter / @presleyarchive
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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
Above Photo: Elvis Concerts
Above Photo: Elvis Concerts
Photo: Elvis Concerts
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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
Above Photo: Elvis 100 Percent
Above Photo: Elvis 100 Percent
Photo: Elvis 100 Percent
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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
Above Photo: Twitter / @ElvisOnTour1972
Photo: Twitter / @ElvisOnTour1972
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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
Above Photo: Elvis Australia
Photo: Elvis Australia
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The Flame jumpsuit worn by Presley in 1976 at his concerts was decorated with flame-like details around the kick pleats.
American Eagle
Above Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki / Wikimedia Commons
Above Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki / Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki / Wikimedia Commons
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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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Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
