An Accidental Icon: How Kurt Cobain's Style Brought Grunge to Life

Everyone knows Kurt Cobain. As the frontman of the ultra-famous rock band Nirvana, Cobain transformed America’s youth with his unique approach to music and distaste for stringent social rules. His rise to stardom was rapid and unexpected, but he quickly became the face of Generation X. Cobain's anti-establishment approach to fame was celebrated by loyal fans who viewed him as the embodiment of the rock genre. His angst-filled melodies and mysterious aura secured his position as one of the most idolized musicians of all time. Moreover, Cobain’s rough around the edges appearance immediately informed the birth of grunge within the fashion world.

Grunge as a stylistic category was created in response to Nirvanna’s idiosyncratic identity and unforeseen fashion choices. The looks that Cobain rocked on the cover of magazines or at sold-out performances were incredibly sought after and eagerly recreated. His signature Christian Roth sunglasses and oversized sweaters became the pinnacle of grunge styling. Additionally, Cobain’s affinity towards distressed jeans, silk pajama shirts, layered flannels, and painted nails became impetuses for pervasive trends among the world’s youth. 

Cobain was fearless when it came to dressing. He would often take to the stage in floral gowns or leopard jackets to emphasize the fact that he was unconcerned with the limitations of gender (no doubt paving the way for a certain floppy-haired, gown-sporting musician today). His stylistic freedom encouraged others to adapt a sense of fluidity within their wardrobes and embrace the blurred lines of sexuality.

The advent of grunge as a product of Cobain’s eccentric style fundamentally changed high fashion. Since the '90s, established designers have included aspects of grunge in their runway collections. In Marc Jacobs' Spring/Summer 1993 collection for Perry Ellis, the young designer created an iconic tribute to Nirvana. Models Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Kate Moss dominated the catwalk in Doc Martens, statement pinstripes, and baggy beanies. Jacobs recreated the same collection under his own label with a modern-day twist in 2018. The explicit homage to Cobain and his bandmates went on to inspire a number of grunge-infused fashion moments, on and off the runway.