While the unexpected news of Tina Turner's passing [1] immediately evokes thoughts of her impeccable music career [2], birthing such legendary anthems [3] as "What's Love Got to Do With It?" and "Proud Mary," we'd be remiss to glance over her iconic style. Throughout her almost-seven-decade-long career, the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll proved her sartorial supremacy as she appeared in tons of showstopping ensembles that matched her mesmerizing performances.
Formfitting gowns with scoop necklines helped to define Turner's early days with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, but she quickly graduated to skin-baring silhouettes, especially naked dresses. During her partnership with designer Bob Mackie, she cemented herself as the queen of minidresses when she wore a gold-and-silver tiered number while performing in New York City in 1969. Turner's affinity for alluring clothing reached new heights when she wore the infamous red-and-gold flame dress complete with an orange feathered backpiece for a Paris nightclub show. She also collaborated with late designer Azzedine Alaïa for many looks and famously attended his 1989 fashion show in an enticing, cutout black revenge dress [4].
The late singer also proved fashion has no age limits, as she continued to rock sultry pieces well into her later years. In 1996, Turner wore her signature silver minidress while performing in Belgium, and in 2008, she sported a sparkly red minidress with high-cut slits for her 50th Anniversary Tour, reminiscent of the garment she wore for the 1985 Grammys. Furthermore, she appeared in a silver, skintight jumpsuit during an unforgettable duet with Beyoncé at the award show in 2008.
From her gold-and-silver fringe minidress glory days of the '60s to her denim era of the '80s, let's look back at some of Turner's most memorable fashion moments ahead.
Tina Turner Performing in Dallas Fort Worth, TX, in 1964
Tina Turner wearing a white sparkly dress while performing in Dallas Forth Worth, TX, in 1964.
Tina Turner Performing in New York City in 1969
Tina Turner wearing a gold-and-silver fringe minidress while performing in New York in 1969.
Tina Turner Arriving in London in 1971
Tina Turner wearing a leopard-print coat and snakeskin accessories while arriving in London in 1971.
Tina Turner at the "Tommy" New York City Premiere in 1975
Tina Turner wearing in all-white, monochrome ensemble with a plunging neckline at the "Tommy" premiere in New York City in 1975.
Tina Turner Posing in Los Angeles in 1977
Tina Turner wearing a winged costume for a photo shoot in Los Angeles in 1977.
Tina Turner at the 1985 Grammy Awards
Tina Turner wearing a red sequined halter dress at the Grammy Awards in 1985.
Tina Turner Performing at the Wembley Arena in 1985
Tina Turner wearing a denim jacket and black leather while performing at the Wembley Arena in 1985.
Tina Turner and Azzedine Alaïa at the French Gala in New York City
Tina Turner wearing a leather cutout dress by Azzedine Alaïa (pictured) at the French Gala in New York City.
Tina Turner Celebrates Her 50th Birthday in London in 1989
Tina Turner wearing a custom dress to celebrate her 50th birthday in London in 1989.
Tina Turner Performing at Flanders Expo in 1996
Tina Turner wearing a silver minidress while performing at Flanders Expo in 1996.
Tina Turner Performing With Beyoncé at the Grammy Awards in 2008
Tina Turner wearing a silver jumpsuit to perform with Beyoncé at the Grammy Awards in 2008.
Tina Turner at Giorgio Armani Prive During Paris Fashion Week in 2018
Tina Turner wearing black-and-white separates at the Giorgio Armani Prive show during Paris Fashion Week in 2018.