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David Bowie's Androgynous Style Has Paved The Way For Many

"He gave us magic for a lifetime."

On Monday morning, many of us woke to mournful news that legendary artist, David Bowie, had died at the age of 69 after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer.

Bowie was unlike any other musician — he had a mystical imagination and an unforgettable persona that was able to break down the barriers of pop and rock in the most powerful ways possible. The "Man of Re-Invention" was not only an influencer of music, but of fashion. He was applauded for his androgynous look and his ever-changing, gender-bending style, which he single-handedly brought to the forefront of mainstream culture. He was a man who toyed with gender and sexuality, and who inspired so many in fashion, music and beyond.

Perhaps one of Bowie's most brilliant moments in music was his introduction of Ziggy Stardust, a flamboyant alter ego who sported striking red hair, bold blue eyeshadow and sculpted black eyeliner. Stardust wore outlandish jumpsuits with out-of-this-world patterns and glittering shoulder pads, which became iconic. The character became more than just on-stage drag antics; Ziggy became a beloved symbol of sexual ambiguity that was beyond music itself.

In the words of Kanye West:

Below, we take a look at the "Space Oddity" singer's groundbreaking style moments that will continue to pave the way for gender transgression as long as his music keeps playing on:

David Bowie, 1973

David Bowie's Androgynous Looks

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