JIMI HENDRIX “FASHION FOR A ROCK GOD”
When you think of Jimi Hendrix, his legendary status in rock history is untouchable. Tracks like “Purple Haze” and that mind-blowing Woodstock performance locked him in as a music icon for life. But Hendrix didn’t just change the game with his sound he rewrote the rules of fashion too. His fearless, out-there style became the look of the 1960s counterculture and still influences trends today.
Growing up with next to nothing, Hendrix knew what it was like to hustle. Picture a kid in ragged shoes, strumming on a broomstick because a real guitar was out of reach. That broom was just a preview of the genius to come. It wasn’t until he was 12 that Jimi finally got his hands on a real acoustic guitar, a gift from his dad that kicked off his music career and his future as a fashion rebel.
Once Hendrix hit superstar status, his wardrobe became a work of art. This guy wasn’t just throwing on clothes he was creating masterpieces. Case in point: his famous fringed jacket. It wasn’t just flashy, it was a statement a real i-Love, perfectly paired with his bright flares. Hendrix wasn’t just ahead of the curve he “was” the curve. Feather boas, satin shirts, scarves he dressed as loud as his music played.
Hendrix’s Designers: Making Clothes for a Rock God
Jimi’s fashion was so next-level, it drew in top designers like Colette Mimram, a boutique owner who got close to Hendrix through his girlfriend, Devon Wilson. Mimram recognized Jimi’s eye for color and texture and designed clothes that matched his wild creativity. She even traveled with him in the late ‘60s, cementing their connection.
Hendrix Takes Over the London Fashion Scene
In 1966, Hendrix’s fashion sense was as wild as his guitar solos. He dove headfirst into London’s club scene and stood out like no one else. Kathy Etchingham, one of his close friends, said Jimi’s style was untouchable long before it became a trend. His manager got the memo and started crafting Hendrix’s look, raiding London’s Portobello Road for military jackets, scarves, and velvet trousers to shape his unique vibe.
By 1967, Hendrix was grabbing headlines not just for his music, but for his outrageous style. In an interview in Belgium, he straight-up trashed the “ordinary” and made it clear he wasn’t about blending in with the masses. Forget “nice eyebrows” and boring fashion—Hendrix was all about standing out, and so were his fans, some of whom copied his look so well they could’ve passed as Jimi clones.
Psychedelic Prints and Bold Patterns
Hendrix’s clothes were a trip. Literally. His fashion was pure psychedelic art, reflecting the drug-fueled vibes of the ‘60s. During the “Summer of Love,” while his album ‘Are You Experienced’ was blowing minds, Hendrix’s wardrobe was an extension of the psychedelic culture. Bold paisley prints, vibrant chiffons, and textured brocades—all of it screamed counterculture cool and gave a middle finger to the status quo.
Hendrix and His Love Affair with Kimonos
In the wild kaleidoscope that was Hendrix’s closet, kimonos held a special place. These Japanese garments with their flowing designs fit right in with his larger-than-life style. Hendrix threw them over velvet pants, creating an East-meets-West vibe that was pure genius. His kimono and velvet combo became iconic, with appearances at major gigs like the Newport Pop Festival and Woodstock rehearsals. Hendrix didn’t just wear clothes; he ‘owned’ them.
Hendrix’s style wasn’t just fashion—it was a movement. Like his music, his clothes were bold, rebellious, and unapologetic, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today’s rule-breakers.
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TEXT MARIE BURNET
