Grunge is so ingrained in fashion's psyche today that it's difficult to imagine it was born with the style of one person. As Nirvana's front man, Kurt Cobain brought not only angst (and empathy and solidarity) to a nation of disaffected youth, he also brought it his shabby, old-folks-gone-to-seed look. Never has so noble a revolution come clad in so baggy a cardigan.
Photography by Greg Broom
1. Eyes' Disguise
Often hungover (or worse), Cobain hid his pupils from the glare of the spotlight with a rotating collection of vintage sunglasses. White sunglasses by Calvin Klein, $140
2. The Cardigans
Seattle is chilly and full of thrift stores. Is it any wonder that Cobain's closets were packed with warm, moth-eaten grandma sweaters? Printed knit cardigan by Diesel Black Gold, $320
3. Beyond the Beltway
As skinny as Cobain was, a belt was less a statement than a necessity. But the singer wore one with style and flare. Leopard-printed calfskin classic buckle belt by Yves Saint Laurent, $325
4. Jean Spirit
Though he may have looked like a slacker, you'd never catch Cobain in slacks. He preferred blue jeans -- ripped and haphazardly cuffed. Distressed skinny jeans by Topman, $70
5. Pennyroyal Tee
Before Cobain, T-shirts were best worn thick and new. After him, the ideal tee became threadbare with faded graphics. Cream Cosmos graphic T-shirt by Converse One Star, $12.99
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