ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

David Hockney's Enduring Influence on Fashion and Personal Style

artist · 2026-06-12

David Hockney has established himself as a fashion icon with his distinctive look—peroxide hair, round glasses, rugby shirts, and yellow Crocs. A self-portrait from when he was 16 depicts him in a blue coat, red scarf, and yellow tie. During the 1960s, he transitioned to bleached hair and round spectacles, and by the 1970s and 1980s, his attire included vibrant suits and trenchcoats. Vogue remarked in 2025 that "he became an artwork himself," while Vanity Fair recognized him in its Best Dressed List in 1986. Hockney has produced over 300 self-portraits, influencing designers like Christopher Bailey and Paul Smith. He mingled with Warhol and others in the 1960s bohemia. At the 2022 Order of Merit luncheon, King Charles expressed admiration for his yellow Crocs.

Key facts

  • David Hockney's self-portrait at 16 shows him in a blue coat, red scarf, and yellow tie.
  • He bleached his hair in the early 1960s after a Clairol ad.
  • His round spectacles replaced NHS glasses by the mid-1960s.
  • Vogue stated in 2025 that Hockney 'became an artwork himself.'
  • He appeared on Vanity Fair's Best Dressed List in 1986.
  • Hockney created over 300 self-portraits documenting his outfits.
  • Christopher Bailey designed a Burberry collection inspired by Hockney in 2013.
  • Paul Smith created a Hockney-inspired collection in 2008.
  • At his Royal College of Art graduation, Hockney wore a gold lamé jacket and dyed hair.
  • A dupe of Hockney's Coney Island sweatshirt is sold on Etsy for £40.
  • Hockney wore yellow Crocs to the Order of Merit luncheon in 2022.
  • King Charles commented on Hockney's yellow Crocs.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • London
  • Cannes
  • Buckingham Palace
  • East Yorkshire
  • King Charles (met in UK)

Sources

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