From 50p gold hot pants to Paul Smith suits: how Kylie Minogue became one of pop’s ultimate chameleons

The star’s rise from Ramsay Street to global superstar is the subject of a new book. It’s a journey that has cleverly harnessed the power of fashion to transform, subvert – and shock

From 50p gold hot pants to Paul Smith suits: how Kylie Minogue became one of pop’s ultimate chameleons

TL;DR

  • Kylie Minogue's fashion evolution began with her role as Charlene in Neighbours, but she took control of her image from 1989 onwards.
  • She used fashion as a tool to reflect her desire to evolve, anchoring each new era with deliberate style choices.
  • Kylie's early fashion risks, such as revealing outfits for her 1991 tour designed by John Galliano, created tabloid scandals but signaled a move away from her previous persona.
  • By the early 90s, she became a regular on style magazine covers, working with stylists like Judy Blame and Katie Grand, who helped shape her evolving image.
  • Iconic fashion moments include the black-and-white shot in a Paul Smith suit for her 1994 album, the 50p gold hot pants for the 'Spinning Around' video, and the white hooded jumpsuit for 'Can't Get You Out of My Head'.
  • Minogue's fashion choices, including Balenciaga dresses and Gareth Pugh designs, have reflected resilience and ambition, adapting to different eras and personal challenges.
  • She has consistently used fashion to express different aspects of her identity, collaborating with designers and stylists without being defined by any single one.