Costume & Props in R&B.

Both costumes and props are very important when it comes to music video. It could lead to a sort of motif for the song. A perfect example of this is Aaliyah. Her style inspired other to remake or duplicate the look.

This is Aaliyah's outfit for her hit single in 2000 'Try Again.' Which was featured in the movie Romeo Must Die. As you can see her outfit excudes sexy confidence. This is done through her use of using a glitter bikini.

The silver choker she is wearing has symbolism behind it. Being a key element of black feminism, perhaps she wore this choker to established that no one owned her, because in the middle ages it was used as a form of bondage. Slaves wore them, signifying that ownerships over themselves. Another theory would be to platform her wealth. For example in the late 1700's chokers were worn as a cultural jewel worn by wealthy women.

This was a very iconic outfit. the same outfit featured on the single cover for the song. Even duplicated by other artists paying homage to the late R&B singer. As seen below you can see famous singer and actress Keke Palmer dressed as Aaliyah for Halloween even went as far as to recreating the music video for Try Again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRXtZKWhnXQ






The same outfit was recreated by Natal Verdi (Socialite) paying homage to Aaliyah on the anniversary of Aaliyah's death August 25th. Posted on her twitter she captioned it 'Aaliyah 'Babygirl' Haughton// Try Again video inspiration.'

Evolution of  Style In R&B

Rhythm and blues (R&B) is like a blanket term for genres such as, Motwon, Soul, Hip Hop, Blues, Rap and Trap Soul they all have similar element and with that similar styles. From Motown pioneers to R&B artists their style style have gone through the motions and gone through mutliple changes in its lifetime. This timeline is of the most memorable fashion statements in R&B.

1960's: Diana Ross reigned as the lead singer of the Supremes during this era, and glamorous gowns, wigs and heavy makeup ruled.

1970's:The hippie movement began heavily in the 1970s, so afros, over-sized earrings and sunglasses and bell bottoms were huge. Natalie Cole, who made many hits in the mid-1970s, also sported bohemian dresses, one-sleeved tops and a flip hairstyle.





1980's: Whitney Houston was one of the biggest breakout stars of the ’80s, and she sported many fashion trends of that era including shoulder pads, pantsuits, leotards and big, frizzy hair. For the male community, Run D.M.C. made Adidas the sneaker of choice (remember their hit song, “My Adidas”?) The sneakers were usually worn unlaced with over-sized, gold chains.






1990's: Denim, over-sized sweaters and t-shirts, leather jackets and leggings became popular at the start of the ’90s, and pop star Janet Jackson incorporated many of these into her wardrobe. Tattoos and body piercing also became acceptable during this time, and Miss Jackson proudly sported her nose and nipple rings.














2000's: Beyonce was one of the biggest fashion icons of this decade. initially as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, and then as a solo artist. Women began to wear more feminine styles including Daisy Dukes, low-rise skinny jeans, tunics worn with a belt, and knee-high boots. Straight and naturally wavy hairstyles were popular (Beyonce sported both) as well as cornrows (which Alicia Keys mainly wore during this era). Baseball caps, fitted tees and Nike Air Jordans became the stylish choices for men.









2010's and beyond: Edgy, funky fashion became huge in 2010. It was all about pushing the buttons literally from head (Cassie and Solange shaving their heads) to toe (spiky, 6-inch heels worn by Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj). We’ve seen military-inspired, sheer and lace clothing, cross-body bags, wooden heels, bangs, turbans and metallic nails make a hit in just the past year and a half. This era proves to be all about setting the trends, not following any: Rihanna and protage Willow Smith serve as the key trendsetters for this era.

Masclinity & Feminity in R&B Evolution.

1960's.

In the 60's the style was very classic, quite sleek in a sense. Male artists dressed particularly well,always being dressed in suits.Perhaps this is because in those time singing was seen as a hobby and they had other jobs. Another theory is that they dressed this way becuase of the racist attitudes in america at the time. For example, they performed for a predominatly white audience. This would make theem want to dress well to sort of say that, 'they belong here.'

Female artist wanted to look quite spohisticated. Wearing heavy make-up a jewellery seem very elgant. The same as them male artist they followed the style of they white audience to somewhat promote the same message.

Overall the style of R&B fashion in the 60's was to look very polished. Following the style of their white counterparts. To be taken seriously. The male style being labelled a doo-wop band fashion it was adopted by many. The female style being labelled as the starting fashion 'Diva.' Pionneered by Diana Ross.

1970's.

In the turn of new decade came the pro-black era. With male artist abandoning their sleek style resmenbling their audience, they decided to embrace their natural. Sporting their properly groomed afros and earth tones. Inspired by the motherland Africa.

The same with the female artists. They wore their hair natrually and also wore earth tones. However unlike the men they didn't dress to look simple they dressed to look a sort of modest sexy.

The 70's introduced the pro-black era into R&B. Leading many artist to embrace their lost heritage. By wearing earth tones and wearing their hair natrually. As seen with Chaka Khan and Bill Withers.

1980's.

The 80's were an introduction of sex appeal. With men wearing styles such as baggy trousers with no top and a torso or fishnet vest with jacket showing off their torso. Still wearing their natrual the traditional afro was abandoned and chemical treatments were introduced. Artists such as Prince and Michael Jackson sported such styles which involved relaxers and texturisers.

The 80's came with an introduction to weaves. RnB women ditched their natruals and gave into sew-in's. Still targeting sex appeal they somewhat adopted the same ideology of the male counter parts. Wearing tight clothing to show off their physique, fishnet tops etc in order to capture the same gaze. 

Overall the 80's came with a bang of pure sex appeal wanting to capture their audience with both their talent and appeal.

1990's

Artist such as Mary J Blige founded the fashion movement in the 90's called ghetto fabulous. With the hyperbolised accessories ('bling') and the baggy outrages jackets the R&B style was more about who can attract the most attention with their clothing. Good or bad. However a heavy influence in female R&B fashion world resemble those of an old school pimp. Perhaps suggesting that they could be just as good as the men if not better.

For men the idea of sexy had also taken in the form ghetto. The introduction of people wearing durags. The orgin of durags came from within prisons the the 70's usedto simulate hair growth but was then adopted as a fashion statement. Here came the cross between fashion for both men and women. They both adopted the wearing of excessive jewellery and wearing of dungarees.

The 90's is where sexiness was somewhat abandoned. It was transform. The R&B fashion in the 90's was used as catalyst for equality for both men and women they basically had the same style.

2000's

Sexiness came back in the noughties. Weaves were still monoplised by many in the industry. Even some turning to wigs to be versatile with their style. However artist such as Alicia Keys went back to the natrual hair movement even wearing cornrows which again aren't typically worn outside. Crop tops and low rise jeans were the basic fashion around that time worn by many females.













Basically the idea of sexy was back taking insirpation from the 80's men basically wore unbuttoned shirts exposing their torsos. Artists such as Sisqo and Ginuwine were very popular for this style.


The 00's was the basic restyling of the 80's going back to their roots and going natrual.

2010's

This decade was the introduction of gaining styles ideas from other places. A form of fashion liberal expression. New ideas were sets and old ideas recycled.