Five Iconic Photographs (and How to Steal Their Look)

There is hardly a lack of well-known photographs and photographers out there, especially regarding style, with the icons of the era often treated with the same reverence previously reserved for saints and other religious figures. It may be a bit cliché to glamourise the past in the way we so often do, but we can’t deny that, when it comes to style, vintage photography is an almost unrivalled source of inspiration. For this reason, we present five iconic images from the latter half of the 20^th century, that offer inspiration on everything from how look your best on the ski slopes to how to find the perfect tuxedo.

'David Bowie in Yellow Suit' by Terry O'Neill

Topping our list is what is perhaps one of the most sought-after images: A portrait of David Bowie taken by none other than Terry O’Neill. Normally, O’Neill’s photography sells for dizzying amounts at auction, but Sonic Editions offers you the chance to snap one up from its limited run of 200 prints for a fraction of the price. Taken in January 1974, the photograph shows Bowie in a double-breasted, yellow suit. Though it may be somewhat difficult to copy this look exactly, we think we’ve managed to assemble an outfit with a very similar feel.

'Miles Davis, 1959' by Bridgeman Images

Not only a legendary jazz musician, trumpet maestro Miles Davis is also a huge source of inspiration when it comes to style. This classic, black-and-white portrait was taken by Bridgeman Images in 1959 and shows Davis mid-concert in an outfit heavily influenced by the preppy style of the time. During the early years of his career, Davis could regularly be seen wearing checked, button-down shirts, beige chinos, and chukka boots.

'Bob Dylan '66' by Mirrorpix

Bob Dylan needs no introduction and in this iconic shot, we se him passing by the show windows of London back in 1966, the year he released legendary album Blonde on Blonde. In this black and white photo taken by Mirrorpix, the young Dylan is, of course, sporting his faithful Ray Ban Wayfarers. 

'Agnelli Goes Skiing' av David Lees

Businessman and style icon Gianni Agnelli knew a few things about how to dress for the occasion. In addition to wearing some of the sharpest suits in history, and pioneering the modern sprezzatura, Agnelli also brought his impeccable to the slopes. Dressed in a white rollneck and thick overshirt, he took a helicopter to Sestriere for a few quick runs on the Alpine pistes – a moment immortalised by Italian photographer David Lees in 1967.

'Shaken Not Stirred' by Peter Ruck

Finally, we come to what may well be the most iconic image on this list, which most of you will have seen at least once or twice. The photograph, fittingly entitled Shaken not Stirred, captures the charming, playful side of Agent 007 as portrayed by Roger Moore. Here, Bond is seen wearing his signature white tuxedo jacket.