The world is filled with sorrow as we bid farewell to the extraordinary musical icon, Tina Turner, who passed away at the age of 83. While her groundbreaking contributions to rock & roll are well-known, it is essential to acknowledge her lasting impact on the world of fashion. Renowned for her electrifying dance moves and high-octane performances, Turner frequently mesmerized audiences with her captivating choice of attire—fringe-adorned, sparkling ultra-miniskirts that beautifully showcased her legs. Surprisingly, Turner disclosed that her sartorial decisions were primarily driven by practicality rather than mere aesthetics.
In her memoir, “That’s My Life,” the legendary artist humbly reflected, “I’m probably the last person you should ask about my legs! When I was growing up, I always thought they were too long and slender. I felt like an awkward pony, so displaying them was never my intention. Wearing short skirts on stage had a practical purpose—it granted me the freedom to move, and I genuinely adore movement.”
And move she certainly did. Even as recently as the 2008 Grammy Awards, Turner effortlessly commanded attention, offering formidable competition to none other than Beyoncé, clad in a form-fitting silver jumpsuit. Now, let us embark on a nostalgic journey through the years, exploring some of Turner’s most iconic ensembles—a testament to her timeless influence on the world of fashion.
1964
Tina wore this Jacquard-and-chiffon green dress during a photo shoot that was meant to promote her as an R&B duo with her then-husband, Ike Turner. She was 25 years old here and looked very much the rising ’60s singer.
1966
Tina wore this navy-and-white houndstooth suit during a recording of the musical television show Ready Steady Go in London. Around 27 years old here, Tina was still married to Ike and still stayed largely covered up while she was performing.
1970
Tina wore fringed dresses at many of her performances, like her iconic 1970 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Performing on The Pearl Bailey Show, 1971
Performing in London, 1973
On The Cher Show with Cher and Kate Smith, 1975
In Costume, 1977
Tina wore on her post-Ike tour. The bedazzled bustier-corset was, once again, designed by the famous Bob Mackie.
1978
Orange, feathered Bob Mackie “flame dress” was peak diva.
Performing in London, 1979
1983
This ripped-up minidress symbolizes Tina’s transition from newly solo artist to global superstar and icon. She wore this 1983 outfit right before she released her mega-hit album Private Dancer in ’84, along with the smash single, “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Here, you can see she’s already starting to transition to her signature shag wig
1984
This dress-pant, dress-shirt, loose-tie combo perfectly encapsulates Tina’s iconic look, down to the shaggy rock star haircut. It was at this time that Tina completely came into her own and fully embodied her edgy, rock diva image.
At the 1985 Grammy Awards
1985
Many people might recognize this outfit from the music video for “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” and indeed, it’s very similar. Tina wore this outfit during her Private Dancer tour throughout 1985. The jean jacket, the leather miniskirt, the fishnets, the honey-blonde wig…this is the look people think of when they think of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
1985
Tina wore this futuristic, chain mail armor look for the 1985 movie Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Like other Mad Max installments, this movie is set in postapocalyptic Australia. In the movie, Tina plays the villainous Aunty Entity, the ruthless, glamorous leader of Bartertown.
Performing in Germany
This black leather cutout Azzedine Alaïa dress is pure Tina Turner: sexy, edgy, daring. She wore this dress to the designer’s 1989 fashion show. She was 49 years old here and at the peak of her fame and power.
1990
1990
1993
1997
Tina was 58 years old and rocking a silver-and-black sequined slip dress that we’re sure stopped a fair amount of traffic. An iconic late-’90s look for her.
2000
Tina wore this sheer black ensemble to the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, France, in 2000.
2008
Tina wore this flashy silver bustier and matching hot pants when she performed at the 2008 Grammys alongside Beyonce
2019
n 2019, Tina turned 80 years old and was still every bit the stunning rock diva she had been for decades. She wore this floor-length bejeweled, tawny-brown gown to the Broadway premiere of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.
