L’HISTOIRE: Grace Jones’ Dramatic Leather Issey Miyake Look at the 1983 Grammys

L’HISTOIRE explores fashion history moments you should know, from what actors wore on a red carpet to celebrities who made cameos on the runway. Some are unsung, and some are better known. Each is part of the fabric of today’s fashion world, be it barrier breakers or culture makers.

When it comes to Grace Jones and fashion, a cardinal rule is to expect the unexpected—if not the outright outlandish. Known for her striking, androgynous features and fearless approach to style, Jones has never shied away from making a statement that was as bold as she was. And she did just that for the 25th Annual Grammy Awards in 1983. Clad in a sculptural creation by her close friend and longtime collaborator Issey Miyake—who considered her one of his muses—her look was so extravagant it reportedly kept getting caught in Rick James’ braids.

Jones commanded attention in a sculptural leather dress, complete with a matching ultra-wide-brim hat that framed her face like a piece of living art. The sleek black leather ensemble hugged her form, while sharp, pleated details added a futuristic edge. Her makeup was just as striking—exaggerated contouring and precisely defined brows accentuated her angular features, echoing the architectural elements of her look. The ensemble wasn’t just fashion: It was performance art, a bold fusion of strength and elegance that remains a defining moment in both Jones' legacy and Miyake’s visionary design.

The Jamaican singer began modeling over six decades ago, gracing runways for Yves Saint Laurent and Alaïa while appearing on the covers of countless high-fashion magazines. Yet, her relationship with Miyake remains one of the most enduring and visually striking of her career. In the years since his 2022 passing, Jones continues to honor his legacy with her affinity for his bold, architectural designs. Her 1983 Grammys look, like so many others, underscored the synergy between her avant-garde persona and Miyake’s visionary craftsmanship, cementing their shared status as icons.

Jones’ idiosyncratic style has made her a lodestar for boundary-pushing artists across generations. A true pioneer, she paved the way for many of today’s visionaries who have each embraced elements of her audacious aesthetic. Jones’ striking approach to fashion extends beyond show-stopping ensembles; she revels in the subversive, the avant-garde, the unsettling, and the outright surreal, yet she wears it all with an effortless command. This boldness, both sartorial and artistic, continues to reverberate through pop culture.

Janelle Monáe’s signature tuxedos and androgynous styling mirror Jones’ ability to blend masculine and feminine energy. Lady Gaga’s elaborate stage personas owe a clear debt to Jones’ theatricality, while Madonna’s chameleonic reinventions echo her fearless self-reinvention. Björk’s experimental edge—both in fashion and sound—follows Jones’ precedent of turning eccentricity into high art. Even Beyoncé, a paragon of polished mainstream pop, has tapped directly into Jones’ legacy, collaborating with her on Renaissance’s electrifying track “Move.” Across decades, Jones has not only set trends but shattered conventions, proving that true style isn’t just about looking good—it’s about daring to be unforgettable.