Celebrities have always had a huge influence over popular culture. Rock stars, sports stars, movies stars and TV stars have often capitalised on this influence. In recent times, Posh and Becks have carried this mantle to the max and their family name has become a huge, international brand. It is expected that female celebrities bear this influence but what about men's fashion? Rock stars? Sure? Movie stars? Certainly? Sports stars? Absolutely. What what about TV stars.
Don Johnson and Phillip-Michael Thomas of Miami Vice fame, despite the show's dark theme, took bright pastel colours and gave men the world over an excuse to wear them with the t-shirt under the Arminai jacket look. They have been somewhat credited for wearing the look and is perhaps the look we most think of when hearing the show's name. Johnson particularly saw his influence on popular culture with the no-socks, loafers look and white linen pants. The look just worked and many American took this on board and began to see Italian fashion as cool again.
Fashion was considered such a significant part of the show that designers such as Hugh Boss and Gianna Versace were consulted to keep the male leads looking the part.
The show lasted for five years and during those five years, certain brands were huge beneficiaries of its popularity and influence. Many opted for Ray-Bans in their first step to emulate the Sonny Crockett look and the brand saw a significant increase in sales. After Six launched a line of Miami Vice dinner jackets while Kenneth Cole did the same with Crockett and Tubbs shoes. Perhaps, the most famed product that launched on the back of the show was the Stubble Device. This was to achieve the Crockett stubble look and was created by Wahl Clipper Corp. Initially, it was to be called the Miami Device but they decides to sidestep a possible lawsuit.
When assessing the decade in the context of popular culture, its styles set a standard. They existed into the 1990s and still bears resemblances in elements of men's fashion today.
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