London. The Victoria and Albert Museum is banking on David Bowie to draw the crowds next year when an exhibition of the rock star’s costumes reflecting his style innovations goes on show. Bowie’s early-1970s flamboyant alter ego Ziggy Stardust, a combination of eyeliner, androgynous sexuality and Kansai Yamamoto costumes, made him the most talked-about musician in the world.
Steve Pafford, the co-author of the book Bowie Style (Omnibus Press), says that the show needs to include certain key pieces. These include a quilted jumpsuit worn by Ziggy Stardust on the BBC programme “Top of the Pops” in 1972, when Bowie performed “Starman” in red PVC boots, described as a “career-defining” moment by Pafford.
The Pierrot clown outfit designed by Natasha Korniloff for the 1980 “Ashes to Ashes” video is also essential, Pafford adds. The museum is due to announce further details about the show, organised by its theatre and performance department, this month.
Originally appeared in The Art Newspaper as 'Ziggy Stardust fashion for the V&A'