‘You hear what you see’

Posted by Rebekah Roy on March 6th, 2011

Queen Stormtroopers in Stilettos 1 You hear what you see

I went to the Queen exhibition ‘Stormtroopers in Stilettos‘ near Brick Lane. The event celebrates the 40th anniversary of the band’s formation. There is a lot to see and listen to but what really caught my attention was an article by Hanna Hanar, which include this quote ‘You hear what you see‘. This just seems to sum up everything that I believe about the relationship between fashion and music: they go hand in hand. Queen was one of the first bands to really understand this idea and to really explore it – and have fun with it!

Queen Stormtroopers in Stilettos 2 You hear what you see

The harlequin-panelled catsuit in cream, orange and green, notice it even has feet!

Queen Stormtroopers in Stilettos 3 You hear what you see

Queen Stormtroopers in Stilettos 4 You hear what you see

This is a pattern of the white suit that Freddie wore at Hammersmith Odeon. The designer Wendy Edmonds stitched the seams 3 times as the suit was so tight she was afraid that it would split – but if didn’t!

Queen Stormtroopers in Stilettos 5 You hear what you see

Zandra Rhodes created many garments for Queen including specially customized batwing tops and pleated trousers for the band. She also made bespoke capes, batwing tunics and white trousers that became the bands signature look.

Stormtroopers in Stilettos is open at the Truman Brewery, 15 Hanbury Street, London E1, until 12 March. The exibition is free but donations can be made to the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

Queen Stormtroopers in Stilettos mercuryPhoenixTrust You hear what you see