Ten of the Most Influential Pop Legends

Michael Jackson’s Glove

A lot of the things we do today is influenced by the way certain celebrities lived their lives in the past. Whether it’s about the cars we drive, the clothes we wear, or the accessories we prefer, behind our every choice there is the influence of a pop legend, almost every time. Here are some of the most influential Hollywood stars that shaped the world that they lived in on many different levels, and here is part of the legacy they left us.

1. James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder, aka “Little Bastard”

James Dean’s “Little Bastard” Porsche 550 Spyder 

Young and restless, that’s how this “bad boy” Hollywood icon can be described. He loved speed, he loved cigarettes and he lived his short life to the fullest, saying: “Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today”.

The gorgeous custom Porsche that got the name “Little Bastard” was based on the Porsche 356 and modified according to Dean’s specifications. It was beautiful and extremely fast for its time, too fast actually. When Dean presented his roadster to Alec Guinness (who interpreted Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars), the actor found the car sinister and said “If you get in that car, you will be found dead in it by this time next week”. Exactly seven days later, Dean crashed with his Porsche and died at age 24.

2. Marilyn Monroe’s White Dress

Marilyn Monroe’s Subway Dress 

One of the most iconic photographs in pop history is the one showing a playful and glamorous Marilyn Monroe holding down her dress with one hand, as the wind from the subway trains lifts it much over her knees. The picture remained in history as a perfect expression of Monroe’s stardom. The white dress was recently sold at auction and fetched a staggering $4.6 million.

3. Andy Warhol’s Wig

Andy Warhol’s Wig 

From dark grey to completely white, Andy Warhol’s wigs were always special. Whether he chose to wear them well-kempt or ruffled, the American artist always made an impression with his signature wigs. As he aged, his hair became more and more unkempt, even crazily tousled, becoming a trademark for him. One of his many wigs sold recently for $10,800.

4. Jimi Hendrix’ Guitar

Jimi Hendrix’ Blazing Guitar 

As a closing gesture for his 1967 London Astoria show, Jimi Hendrix set his 1965 Fender Stratocaster on fire in front of his numerous ecstatic fans. The gesture was an expression of his free spirit and was soon followed by other similar manifestations coming from various rock artists. Unsurprisingly, when the famous guitar was put up for auction, memorabilia collectors entered a bidding was that is said to have ended at $375,000.

5. Charlie Chaplin’s Hat

Charlie Chaplin’s Bowler Hat 

Charlie Chaplin is hardly recognizable without his iconic bowler hat. This simple accessory, together with his cane and fake moustache made up his signature image, one that can be recognized everywhere in the world. The talented actor and director brought huge audiences to theaters with his talent as a comedian and mime. The bowler hat was also presented at auction with a starting bid of $60,000.

6. John Lennon’s Circle Glasses

John Lennon’s Glasses 

John Lennon’s image doesn’t seem complete without his circle glasses. Even he knew that, and when he scribbled his famous self portrait he didn’t forget to draw the glasses too. The fashion world was soon invaded by a new craze and even today people still recognize the round glasses as a John Lennon signature accessory. In 2008, one of his pairs of glasses was sold at auction for an undisclosed sum, but pre sale estimates were pretty high: approximately $1.5 million.

7. James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5

James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 

One of the most famous cars in history is James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5, a luxury vehicle that perfectly mirrored all the charm and special qualities of its owner, a secret agent. The British luxury vehicle appeared in several Bond movies and marked an uninterrupted relationship between Aston Martin and Agent 007. When the iconic DB5 was auctioned off in 2010, it fetched $4.1 million.

8. Michel Jackson’s Glove

Michael Jackson’s Glove 

Michael’s white sequin glove was more than a shiny accessory that perfectly complemented his extravagant outfits. It also represented the artist himself, as a star with a “covered” original self. The piece had a remarkable impact on both the music and the fashion world, as you can still easily see in many music videos today. When the iconic glove went on sale in 2009, it raised no less than $350,000.

9. Run DMC’s Hats

Run DMC’s Hats 

The first hip hop group to have a gold record and also be nominated for a Grammy was Run DMC. They were incredibly successful and had a major impact on the genre. Their style was easily recognizable, especially by the dipped-top fedoras that they were almost all the time. The opulent display of gold and wealth is another thing that still characterizes many hip hop singers today.

10. Steve McQueen’s Persol 714 Sunglasses

Steve McQueen’s Persol 714 Sunglasses 

The King of Cool had only one favorite pair of sunglasses and he wore them everywhere: on and off stage, in the Thomas Crown Affair movie, in any place he needed them. They were a natural part of his iconic image, just as much as cars and speed were a powerful expression of his passionate personality. He was famous for performing many of his own stunts in movies and people usually associate the Persol 714 sunglasses with his legendary dynamism.

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