On the 30th anniversary of the singer's death, we look back at fashion's favorite rock star, the late Kurt Cobain, and his influence on '90s grunge.

Everyone knows&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/90s-outfits-celebrity-fashion-making-comeback" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kurt Cobain</a>. He was the frontman of the ultra-famous <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/rock-star-supermodel-couples-david-bowie-iman-jerry-hall-mick-jagger" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rock band</a>&nbsp;Nirvana. Cobain transformed America&rsquo;s youth with his unique approach to music and distaste for stringent social rules. His rise to stardom was rapid and unexpected, but he quickly became the face of <a href="https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/fashion/words-and-images-generation-x-by-chuck-reyes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Generation X</a>. Cobain's&nbsp;anti-establishment approach to fame was celebrated by loyal fans who viewed him as the embodiment of the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/rock-star-hair-evolution-joan-jett-miley-cyrus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rock genre</a>. His angst-filled melodies and mysterious aura secured his position as one of the most idolized musicians of all time. Moreover, Cobain&rsquo;s rough around-the-edge appearance immediately informed the birth of grunge within the fashion world.
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the beloved rockstar's death, L'OFFICIEL takes a walk down memory lane of Cobain's unforgettable influence in fashion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/gen-z-y2k-millennial-90s-fashion-nostalgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grunge</a> as a stylistic category was created in response to Nirvanna&rsquo;s idiosyncratic&nbsp;identity and unforeseen fashion choices. The looks that <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/most-memorable-outfits-vma-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cobain</a> rocked on the cover of magazines or at sold-out performances were incredibly sought after and eagerly recreated. His signature Christian Roth sunglasses and oversized sweaters became the pinnacle of grunge styling. Additionally, Cobain&rsquo;s affinity towards distressed jeans, silk pajama shirts,&nbsp;layered flannels, and painted nails became impetuses for pervasive <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/teen-fashion-trends-decades-90s-y2k-tiktok" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trends</a> among the world&rsquo;s youth.&nbsp;
Cobain was fearless when it came to dressing. He would often take to the stage in floral gowns or leopard jackets to emphasize the fact that he&nbsp;was unconcerned with the limitations of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/shopping/gender-neutral-accessories-shopping-survey-dior-bottega-veneta-celine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gender</a>&nbsp;(no doubt paving the way for a certain floppy-haired, <a href="http://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/harry-styles-gender-fluid-fashion-stylist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gown-sporting&nbsp;musician</a> today.) His stylistic freedom encouraged others to adapt a sense of fluidity within their wardrobes and embrace the blurred lines of sexuality.

The advent of grunge as a product of Cobain&rsquo;s eccentric style fundamentally changed high fashion. Since the &#39;90s, established&nbsp;designers have included&nbsp;aspects of grunge in&nbsp;their runway collections. In <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/marc-jacobs-brings-back-his-infamous-grunge-collection" target="_blank">Marc Jacobs&#39; Spring/Summer 1993</a> collection for Perry Ellis, the young designer created an iconic tribute to Nirvana. Models <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/naomi-campbell-young-model-90s" target="_blank">Naomi Campbell</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/christy-turlington-age-young-fashion-moments" target="_blank">Christy Turlington</a>, and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/young-kate-moss-style-90s-to-today" target="_blank">Kate Moss</a> dominated the catwalk in Doc&nbsp;Martens, statement pinstripes, and baggy&nbsp;beanies. <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/marc-jacobs-runway-show-spring-2020" target="_blank">Jacobs</a> recreated the same collection under his own label&nbsp;with a modern-day twist in 2018.&nbsp;The explicit homage to Cobain and his bandmates went on to inspire a number of grunge-infused fashion&nbsp;moments, on and off the runway.

Perry Ellis Spring/Summer 1993. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Cobain's legacy in fashion is evidently unyielding.&nbsp;His style was&nbsp;not&nbsp;only representative of the emergence of the&nbsp;grunge culture,&nbsp;but continues to be&nbsp;symbolic of his&nbsp;boundless way of life. His tragic death has not deterred Cobain's&nbsp;memory from gracing some of the most influential fashion runways. From <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/saint-laurent-summer-2021-anthony-vaccarello" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saint Laurent</a> to <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/gucci-epilogue-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gucci</a>, every notable house has honored the star's groundbreaking life and rule-breaking&nbsp;contributions to the fashion world.&nbsp;

Gucci Fall/Winter 2020. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Vetements Fall/Winter 2019. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Sacai Spring/Summer 2017. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2016. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Even three decades after Cobain's passing, his essence and impact in fashion persist in 2024. Once solely the model fashion figure for Generation X, he has transcended generational boundaries, becoming an emblematic figure for millennials and Gen Z alike. Revered as the quintessential symbol of grunge and rebellion, Cobain's legacy will endure through both music and fashion for many years ahead.

An Accidental Icon: How Kurt Cobain's Style Brought Grunge to Life

Tags

Recommended posts for you

Fashion

The Top Resort 2025 Trends, From Fringe to Animal Prints

Fashion

Onitsuka Tiger and Patou Bring Balletcore to the Mexico 66 in New Collab

Travel & Living

Inside St. Moritz’s 2024 Art and Culture Boom

Fashion

12 Provocative Fashion Ads That Pushed the Limits

L'Officiel Art

'Luna Luna' Debuts in NYC: Must-Visit Art Carnival With Basquiat and Haring

Fashion

How Fashion Archives Preserve Luxury Brands' Legacy and Inspire Future Collections

Fashion

L'HISTOIRE: Britney Spears' Iconic Versace 'Butterfly Dress'

Fashion

The 12 Best Faux Fur Coats to Keep Warm and Chic This Winter