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London Cultural Icons

Throughout history, the British have made their mark on pop culture from art and fashion to music and film. The 60's "Swinging London" saw the emergence of supermodels such as Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy, and was dominated by "British Invasion" rock groups like The Beatles and Cream. The 70's brought attention to glam rockers like David Bowie and punk pioneers like the Sex Pistols, while the 80's were marked by the political influences of powerful women - Princess Diana and the "Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher. The "Cool Britannia" and post-Britpop eras of the 90's and 2000's were propelled by even more inspirational performers, designers and pop culture phenomenon. Biography looks at London's leading icons through the decades.

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    London Cultural Renaissance - Cultural Icons: 1980s

    The 1980s were an important era in London marked by several significant social and historical events. On July 29, 1981 the United Kingdom saw the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The new Princess of Wales soon became a cultural icon—noted for her patronage, charity work and refined sense of fashion. Another history maker, Margaret Thatcher, served as Britain's first female prime minister, soon establishing herself as the authoritative "Iron Lady." Biography.com looks at these powerful women and the many other figures of the '80s, who made their mark on the decade.

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    London Cultural Renaissance - Cultural Icons: 1980s

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    Cool Britannia - Cultural Icons: 1990s

    In the 1990s, London's artists and cultural tastemakers embraced their British roots. Pop acts like Oasis, Elastica and the Spice Girls dominated 90's music, and reinforced British pride with symbolic use of the Union Flag—Oasis member Noel Gallagher famously used a Union Jack guitar while "Ginger Spice" Geri Halliwell wore the symbol on her trademark, flashy dress. The period was also marked by influential designers like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, whose unique designs established numerous fashion trends for the decade. Biography.com celebrates these prominent figures, and the many others who led the way for "Cool Britannia."

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    Cool Britannia - Cultural Icons: 1990s

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    Post-Britpop London - Cultural Icons: 2000s

    After the Britpop music scene of the early 90's, a new genre of celebrities stepped into the London spotlight from athletic superstars such as David Beckham to pop culture phenomenons like Simon Cowell and Susan Boyle. Alternative rock acts like Elastica and Oasis were replaced with soulful songstresses like Amy Whinehouse and Adele, and actors like Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley and Robert Pattinson became international superstars. The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton also became a royal, social and fashion icon, as well as a defining figure of the decade. Biography celebrates these cultural icons of the new post-Britpop era.

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    Post-Britpop London - Cultural Icons: 2000s

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    London Punk- Cultural Icons: 1970s

    Following the "Swinging London" era of the 1960s, a new group of cultural icons arose. The 1970s saw the emergence of the punk rock movement, built upon the wave of psychedelic and folk rock music introduced in the '60s. In the post-hippie era of the early '70s, rock 'n' roll had a new glam image, pioneered by outrageously dressed rockers like David Bowie and Marc Bolan. Soon other acts followed, most notably young performers like Siouxsie Sioux and groups like T.Rex and The Clash. The music of the '70s inspired fashion as well, in particular designer Vivienne Westwood, whose punk designs for the Sex Pistols helped define the decade's London style. Biography.com looks at the various icons who defined London in the '70s.

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    London Punk- Cultural Icons: 1970s

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    Swinging London - Cultural Icons: 1960s

    The 1960s were a time of significant cultural and social change in London. The post-World War II era, coined "Swinging London," saw a youth-driven shift in culture, from old to new. Symbolized by famous faces like English supermodels Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy to "British Invasion" rock bands like the Beatles and Cream, the era created a fresh and modern approach to everything from fashion to music to cultural attitudes. Biography.com looks at the inspirational forces behind the "Swinging London" revolution.

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    Swinging London - Cultural Icons: 1960s

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