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How Skulls Took Over Fashion

Once scary, now stylish, skulls are trendy—and not just at Halloween

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 30, 2009 11:08 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Skulls, once seen as sinister symbols, are now used on everything from children's shirts to underwear. Sara Dickerman of Slate takes a look at how the trend developed:

  • In the 16th century, artists like Albrecht Dürer were still using skulls to remind people of their mortality.
  • French pirate Emanuel Wynn was the first to use the skull-and-crossbones logo on his ship's flag.
  • As skulls came to symbolize bravado, fighters—from US special operations to the Nazi SS—used them on uniforms.

  • Mourning jewelry was fashionable in the 19th century, and the "look" lived on thanks to bands like the Grateful Dead and Loree Rodkin, who launched a line of Goth jewelry in 1989.
  • Mexican art of smiling, dancing skulls, used to celebrate Dia de los Muertos, helped skulls become more widely accepted.
  • The skull became an icon in 1970s London counterculture, where Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood launched a series of skull-inspired punk gear.
  • Skulls became truly fashionable thanks to Alexander McQueen, whose scarves have been spotted on Kate Moss and the Olsen twins.

Skulls are a common theme of Ed Hardy shirts.
Skulls are a common theme of Ed Hardy shirts.   (ZapposGear)
Skulls were often used in Albrecht Dürer's paintings.
Skulls were often used in Albrecht Dürer's paintings.   (Getty Images)
Skulls owe much of their popularity to pirate culture.
Skulls owe much of their popularity to pirate culture.   (AP Photo/Scanpix Sweden, Fredrik Persson)
During World War II, the death's head was a used on a number of Nazi SS uniforms.
During World War II, the death's head was a used on a number of Nazi SS uniforms.   (Getty Images)
Goth accessories and jewelry became popular in the late 20th century.
Goth accessories and jewelry became popular in the late 20th century.   (Getty Images)
A model walks the runway at the Deborah Lindquist Fall 2006 show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios on March 20, 2006 in Culver City, California.
A model walks the runway at the Deborah Lindquist Fall 2006 show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios on March 20, 2006 in Culver City, California.   (Getty Images)
The famous Grateful Dead skull and roses poster designed by Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse Miller is seen in this undated photo provided by Evolutionary Media Group.
The famous Grateful Dead "skull and roses" poster designed by Alton Kelley and Stanley "Mouse" Miller is seen in this undated photo provided by Evolutionary Media Group.   (AP Photo/Evolutionary Media Group, Mouse Kelley)
Workers carry an artwork with fake skulls to be placed in Mexico City's Zocalo plaza during preparing for Day of the Dead festivities, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007.
Workers carry an artwork with fake skulls to be placed in Mexico City's Zocalo plaza during preparing for Day of the Dead festivities, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Alexander McQueen's skull designs, like this one worn by Elle Macpherson, are popular with celebrities.
Alexander McQueen's skull designs, like this one worn by Elle Macpherson, are popular with celebrities.   (Getty Images)
Benji Madden attends a party to celebrate the launch of Helio, a new mobile communications service, at a private residence on May 3, 2006 in Los Angeles, California.
Benji Madden attends a party to celebrate the launch of Helio, a new mobile communications service, at a private residence on May 3, 2006 in Los Angeles, California.   (Getty Images)
A model walks the runway at the Antik Denim Fall 2006 show during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios on March 21, 2006 in Culver City, California.
A model walks the runway at the Antik Denim Fall 2006 show during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios on March 21, 2006 in Culver City, California.   (Getty Images)
Handbags are seen around Smashbox during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios March 19, 2005 in Culver City, California.
Handbags are seen around Smashbox during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios March 19, 2005 in Culver City, California.   (Getty Images)
Ozzy Osbourne's skull painting is among hundreds of items from the various homes of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne on display at Gibson Guitar Center in Beverly Hills, Calif., Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007.
Ozzy Osbourne's skull painting is among hundreds of items from the various homes of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne on display at Gibson Guitar Center in Beverly Hills, Calif., Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007.   (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
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When everyone started making skulls, and they were on underwear sold at Sears, they lost their allure. - Loree Rodkin, who launched a line of Goth jewelry

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
drlarrymitchell
Nov 2, 2009 8:59 AM CST
This is good news. Now, all who take issue with my sartorial skulls can fuck off.
Toon
Nov 1, 2009 12:38 PM CST
Gee, and here I thought it had to do with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and the popularity of pirate images in general. Alexander McQueen is just doing what a lot of high end fashion designers do, steal from the popular culture,put their own name on it and sell it back with a high mark up.
grassisntgreener
Oct 31, 2009 3:44 AM CDT
big news.

 
fashion • skull • Grateful Dead • pirates • Halloween • Vivienne Westwood • trend • Jay-ZTV • women's issues • trends • Alexander McQueen

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