Why Every Young Trendsetter Should Know Who Debbie Harry Is

(John Henshall/Alamy)

Debbie Harry is a punk/new wave legend. As the lead singer of the 1970s band Blondie, she has broken down barriers for women that came in the music industry after her. She has inspired the likes of Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and many others that have become legends in their own right.

While she has played an important role in music, her influence on the fashion industry is just as great. in the late 1970s, Harry busted onto the scene with a unique style that was all her own. Mixing graphic t-shirts, leggings, leather, denim, and a devil-may-care attitude, she changed the way women in fashion were looked at. Harry became known for a mix and match style that is hard to pin to one specific look. Harry's nonchalant attitude towards mixing demure with daring decadence has lead to her inspiring the likes of Marc Jacobs, Zandra Rhodes, Steven Sprouse, and The Blondes among others.

Debbie Harry's influence is still seen today, even if the younger generations might not be familiar with her. Skinny pants paired with a graphic tee and a pair of stilettos is one of her trademark looks that we see young girls rocking today. Blazers paired with hot pants, mixed matched patterns, short metallic dresses worn with studded belts - all of these trends are popular today; all were also worn by Debbie Harry 35 years ago as well. Even the popular two-toned hairstyles (blonde on top, dark underneath) have been credited to Harry. Legend has it that Harry was short on cash in Blondie's early days and would dye her own hair blonde rather than pay salon prices- only dying the hair that she could reach or see.

The lesson to be learned by any young trendsetter that wants an edgy, yet timeless look is to simply Google images of Debbie Harry and go from there.