In celebration of Black History Month, we highlight Goldie, a groundbreaking British artist whose influence has reshaped both the music and fashion landscapes. Goldie’s influence extends far beyond his contributions to music. He serves as a powerful example of Black British creativity and cultural impact. In this article, we explore the who, what, and why of Goldie, tracing his journey from the streets of Wolverhampton to becoming a style icon.
Known for his distinct image —a gold-toothed grin and tattoos— Goldie, born Clifford Joseph Price was introduced to the world stage as a pioneer of Jungle and drum and bass music. Born in 1965 and raised in Wolverhampton, in his early years Goldie was already displaying a flair for creativity and street culture. Before he would evolve into being one of the most recognised figures in electronic music, Goldie cut his teeth as a central figure in the UK’s burgeoning graffiti scene before turning to music as his main creative outlet. Blending jungle and drum and bass to create genre-defining work, with his 1995 debut album Timeless, Goldie would cement his place in music history.
With his status in music solidified, his influence would begin to stretch beyond sound. Informed by his time in the hip-hop and street art scenes, through his bold personality and distinctive look, the music star would become synonymous with the fusion of urban style and avant-garde fashion and would often be seen as a walking embodiment of street culture’s crossover with high-end aesthetics. With a penchant for streetwear, music would soon become just of one his many creative outlets and Goldie’s evolution of style would pave way for his status as a figure of admiration within both the music and fashion worlds.
What has Goldie Accomplished?
Although his legacy is often tied to his music, Goldie has also had significant fashion and style influence. Ahead of his time, in the 90s the style icon was integral in bridging the gap between the underground streetwear scene and mainstream culture particularly through his collaboration with streetwear brands like Stüssy, Supreme and A Bathing Ape. Becoming a key ambassador for the brand, he wore Stüssy extensively and was often featured in the brand’s iconic ads; bringing the American streetstyle to London’s gritty streets, his early association with these brands certified his significance as a central figure in the streetwear culture.
Often seen in baggy pants, oversized bombers and Stüssy’s signature bucket hats but with his own distinctive UK twist, his association with foundational streetwear brands and his ability to meld the rough, rugged streetwear aesthetic with high fashion elements would soon enough catch the attention of the high fashion elite leading him to be featured in fashion shows and magazines. His eclectic style and ability to blend graffiti culture, Hip-Hop sensibilities with the world of luxury fashion would make him part of a rarefied class and place him at the intersection of music, art, and fashion, solidifying his role as a trendsetter.
In recent years, Goldie has continued to forge notable strides in the fashion industry through his continued work with Stüssy, Adidas and his own Metalheadz clothing label. Already an established powerhouse within the ever-evolving realm of streetwear, his appearance at key cultural events as-well as collaborations with major designers and fashion houses have made him a mainstay of the culture.
Why is Goldie a Black British Icon?
Fearless individuality has set Goldie apart. In a world where conformity has often reigned Supreme, his raw embrace of authenticity – with his gold teeth, tattoos and ever-evolving personal style he’s continued to challenge the traditional ideas of fashion and style. Goldie’s journey from graffiti artist to music legend to fashion icon is one littered with self-expression and originality. His style was more than just clothes; it was a statement. As a Black British artist, his impact on fashion is unique, not only because he embraced his roots but because used his platform to push forward ideas and the boundaries of the status quo.
Credited with helping streetwear gain legitimacy within the fashion world, Goldie’s influence has helped break race and class borderlines within a fashion industry that is known to be slow to embrace diversity. And his influence continues to resonate, in 2016 Goldie was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), for services to music and young people; proving that the intersection of music, art and fashion can create something truly iconic.
A figure to be both admired and studied, his early collaborations with brands like Stüssy and Supreme are now seen as pivotal moments in the history of fashion. Goldie didn’t just wear the clothes; he embodied the movement behind them. Bringing street culture into the heart of British fashion, his ability to navigate both the underground and mainstream worlds made him a pioneer for future generations of Black creatives and ultimately secured his legacy as a Black British fashion icon.