6. Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain is the prime example of a fashion icon that doesnt go out of their way to look eye-catching or to monopolise a particular look or style, yet inadvertently managed to achieve exactly that; influencing the fashion of a generation. With Kurt Cobain, Nirvana and indeed grunge itself, music and fashion was experiencing a backlash following the headiness of the 1980s, and suddenly authenticity was only believable if it was stripped down to the bare bones. Cobains trademark ripped jeans, faded t-shirts, flannel shirts and oversized cardigans served as a perfect reflection for the generation who shunned conventionality and wanted to redefine what was seen as cool. In an interview on her website, infamous rock groupie Pamela Des Barres says of Cobain; I think Kurt wrecked it. I mean I love him, but I think he wrecked rock fashion for a very long time (
http://misspamela.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/an-hour-with-jack-white/), suggesting that his haphazard, laid back style made way for many years of performers caring less about appearance and neglecting the importance of aesthetic appeal when on stage. As to whether this is true or not, I would be inclined to think otherwise. He may have reset style to zero, but the less-is-more attitude provides an opposite extreme which makes the world of fashion and style all the more diverse and fascinating.