Among the diamond-dipped rock-and-rollers of the 1970s, Elton John -- oh, he of the tinted eyewear, Tiny Dancer, and shimmering rainbow suits -- is known as much for his larger-than-life style as he is for his larger-than-life talent. In ROCKETMAN, the Dexter Fletcher-directed musical spectacle about the legend premiering May 31, Taron Egerton brings both to the starring role.
This Pride season, we look to Elton John's canonically queer style for inspiration on how to flaunt our unique colors. Scroll on for our top tips on how to get ready for Pride like a ROCKETMAN. In Theatres Everywhere May 31.
Throw some shade in a pair of tinted sunglasses.
From simple, circular frames to massive shades shaped like scissors, nothing is more representative of Elton John's sartorial splendor than tinted sunglasses. In fact, over 50 pairs were on set during the making of ROCKETMAN. For an easy, everyday pair, check out Acne Studios's selection.
Get it at Gucci.
Elton John's '70s-era style is a perennial inspiration for Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele, whose particular brand of exuberant eclecticism has brought the time-honored Italian label to new, younger audiences since his appointment in 2015. It's a peIn fact, Michele designed the wardrobe for Elton John's three-year, 300-stop "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" world tour, including an extra-special jacquard tailcoat adorned with hundreds of crystals and the words "Gucci Loves Elton" emblazoned across the back in pearls.
Bejewel; or not to bejewel.
Okay, we get it: a full Gucci ensemble costs about as much as a four-door sedan, and maybe that's not in the budget this Pride. Fair. But with a bit of patience and a generous dollop of hot glue, you can still get the glitzy look for a fraction of the cost. Get inspired by the elevated, Bob Mackie-made Dodgers uniform John donned for a 1975 performance at the team's home stadium: Stick some plastic beads, gems, or sequins to a your favorite team's jersey to replicate the look with contemporary finesse. Play ball!
Forget the fur — go for the gold!
Though Elton John has often rocked decadent fur and feathered looks over the years, wearing animal products is a bit of a faux pas these days. Many of today's top designers -- from Coach to Stella McCartney -- are taking up the torch for ethical fashion by eliminating pelts from their designs. Rather, to get that luxe textural or metallic appeal, don a faux feather piece from designers like Simone Rocha, MSGM, and Diane von Furstenburg. Or, for an off-the-rack price point, check out ASOS's selection of gilded jackets.
Make like Mackie: Be Yourself.
Throughout his career Elton John collaborated closely with legendary designer to the divas Bob Mackie, costume-maker to the likes of Cher, RuPaul, and Madonna. Known for a signature style that is at once mind-bogglingly excessive and barely there, he is single-handedly responsible for some of John's most outrageous outfits, from Minnie Mouse costumes to glittering suits. For Mackie, however, glamour has nothing to do with the label you're wearing. "Glamour has to do with the charisma of the person wearing the garment, how well they wear it, and how they hold themselves," Mackie tells Out. "They're being themselves, and I think that's important."
Catch ROCKETMAN in theaters everywhere May 31.
