Born Abel Tesfaye, the Weeknd is a music and fashion legend. He is heralded for his chart-topping wiles and quirks and his super secret style, which seems to have never been missed by fans or critics alike. The Weeknd’s sartorial evolution reflects this sonic one, tracing his trajectory from the bare early years to his current retro-inspired maximalism. With his signature brand of cool sophistication infused with just the right amount of rebelliousness, the Weeknd has established himself as a trendsetter in music and fashion.
The Style Odyssey of The Weeknd
Early Days of Sleek Minimalism
During the early parts of The Weeknd’s career, his style choices were understated and sometimes minimalist, which befit his slightly enigmatic image.
- Neutral Palette: Black and dark tones were prevalent in his wardrobe, underscoring simplicity and refinement.
- Hair of Jens: His freeform dreadlocks, which he famously wore without any constraining style, gave his otherwise plain outfit a variety.
- Streetwear Edge: Although his palette was neutral, bomber jackets and hoodies loosely fitted over slim-fit jeans gave his ensembles a casual, street-smart edge.
The Starboy Era – Introducing High Fashion
Starboy was a turning point in The Weeknd’s style evolution.
Designer Collaborations — Beginning to infuse more profound high fashion into his wardrobe, between collaborations with brands such as Puma and Alexander Wang, TheWeeknd set off to build his (high)fashion empire.
Red Carpet Ready: Well-tailored suits with sharp lines and different textures became his calling card for formal attire
Statement Jackets: His love of bold, structured outerwear, like the red leather jacket he wore in the “Starboy” music video, signalled his increasing confidence in his experimentation.
Retro Cool and the After Hours Era
The After Hours era marked The Weeknd arriving at a musical and aesthetic period steeped in ’80s and ’90s nostalgia.
- Bright Colors: The red suit worn during Blinding Lights performances was instantly iconic, bringing to mind vintage Las Vegas glitz and glamour.
- Vintage Accessories: Oversize frames on sunglasses and leather gloves added a polished but nostalgic touch.
- Narrative Style: During this time frame, his fashion choices mirrored the dark, cinematic storytelling in his music videos and performances.
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The Dawn FM Era – Futuristic Flair
The Weeknd kept his retro influences but shifted to a more futuristic aesthetic for Dawn FM.
- Monochromatic Ensembles: All-black and all-white looks were ubiquitous, sometimes spiced with metallic or reflective components.
- Ageing Makeup: Hee used prosthetic makeup to look infeasibly old in promotional campaigns, complementing visual storytelling with sartorial statements.
- Experimental Layers: He offered depth, some wearability (turtlenecks, long coats) and an eye toward the avant-garde (asymmetrical fields of colour).
Signature Styles
The Weeknd has developed an instantly recognizable signature look through recognizable.
The Perfect Jacket: Whether it’s leather bombers or tailored blazers, outerwear is one of the cornerstones of his look.
PANTHEON OF MODERN CLASSIC SHOES: Loafers, dressy sneakers, blameless boot
Attention Details: Minimal jewellery and vintage sunglasses hint at a love for subtlety.
Street Style Inspiration
The Weeknd’s street style off-stage is equal parts relaxed and fashion-forward.
- Casual Cool: Hoodies, oversized tees, and joggers make up most of his daily outfits, usually paired with designer sneakers.
- Monochrome Magic: His street style often features colours matched in the same hue or subtler tones, giving it a groomed aesthetic.
- Statement Sneakers: Whether it’s a popular pair of Yeezys or a custom design, his footwear choices are a showstopper in any casual maximalist ensemble.
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Red Carpet Moments
The Weeknd has served red-carpet looks for the ages that reflect his ever more particular taste.
- Sleek Suits: His fitted black tuxedo at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards embodied modern elegance.
- Pop of Color: Among his boldest choices, his purple suit at the 2016 Oscars illustrated his increasingly confident approach to exploring colour.
Fashion in Music Videos
In his music videos, The Weeknd cleverly weaves fashion into a larger narrative, making his visual work akin to cinema.
- Blinding Lights: The close-fitting red symbolized chaos and glamour, and the echoes symbolized themes of excess and heartbreak.
- Save Your Tears: Prosthetics and retro outfits underlined themes of self-reflection and fame’s toll.
The Trendsetter Effect
The Weeknd’s fashion influence does not just lie in his aesthetic.
- Hairspiration: His trademark dreadlocks spawned countless imitators among fans
- The Menswear Revolution: He has encouraged a generation of men to embrace versatile dressing by mixing formalwear with streetwear.
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Sustainable Choices
As of late, The Weeknd has been thinking sustainably and ethically.
- Charity Collaborations: He has collaborated with brands to create collections for environmental causes.
- Timeless Pieces: He believes in quality clothing that never goes out of style, so there’s less need to run out and buy fast fashion.
Conclusion
The Weeknd’s fashion evolution reminds us of his artistry and willingness to experiment. His sartorial evolution reflects his musical maturation from slick minimalism to loud, retro inflexions; on stage, walking the red carpet, or just casually wearing clothes, The Weeknd keeps pushing the boundaries of modern menswear and will go down as one of the most stylish artists of the era.
