Debbie Harry of Blondie Defined the Punk Style That’s Everywhere Again
Before Deborah Ann “Debbie” Harry became the iconic bleach-blonde front woman of the new wave punk band Blondie, she was the adopted daughter of two gift shop owners in New Jersey, a go-go dancer, and Playboy Bunny. It wasn’t until the mid-70s that she took to the stage as a singer, but all along she had more style and attitude that she knew what to do with, a coquetish badassness that made her a star. Beyond her hair and eye makeup, she was a pioneer of the mid-70s / late-80s style we see everywhere on the runways today, from one-shoulder tops to berets to colored tights. And at the age of 71, she hasn’t lost her touch. These days, she can be spotted at fashion week parties in Paris, New York, and everywhere in between, and most recently she performed in a dress that said, “Stop f—ing up the planet.” And as for her musical career, today Blondie released its 11th studio album, Pollinator, which features collaborations with young artists like Charli XCX and Dev Hynes. Over 40 years after the band first got together, their influence looms large.
Debbie Harry wears a one shoulder blue jumpsuit to perform with Blondie circa 1970. She would wear similar silhouettes throughout her career.
Bondie was doing merch long before everyone else. Here, Debbie Harry models the punk rock band’s embroidered script sweater top.
Being a punk rocker and all, Debbie Harry’s style was flashy but never ostentatious; stylish not fashionable. Here, she wears jean shorts and a tank on Coney Island.
Debbie Harry wears a “punk” t-shirt and scarf to a photo session on January 1, 1977 in New York City.
Debbie Harry performs with Blondie onstage in February 1977 in Los Angeles, California wearing a pink beret, sunglasses, and pants.
Debbie Harry wears a striped (and ripped) halter top to perform onstage with Blondie in April 1977 in Los Angeles, California.
Debbie Harry poses with Blondie wearing a Starliner 77 tank top, jeans, and pumps at the Bel Air Sand Hotel in 1977 in Los Angeles, California.
Debbie Harry poses in front of the Hollywood sign in 1977 wearing a floral skirt, striped shirt, sunglasses, and her signature heels.
Debbie Harry toughens up her look by wearing cargo pants, boots, a button-up and a leather jacket in London, England circa 1977.
Debbie Harry wears a one shoulder t-shirt and a red tie while performing circa 1977. To offset the top, she pulled her hair into a right-sided ponytail.
While visiting Shinko Music in Tokyo in January 1978, Debbie Harry wore a black mini dress with figure-eight cutouts and knee-high boots.
While backstage at the Whisky a Go Go circa 1978 in Los Angeles, California, Debbie Harry was photographed in a “Vulture” shirt and a beret.
Debbie Harry sings in blue gloves at Blanford Studios in Marylebone, London during the making of a pop promo for Blondie’s single ‘I’m Always Touched By Your Presence Dear’ for Chrysalis Records.
Debbie Harry performs ‘Heart of Glass’ on the TV show Midnight Special that aired on January 19, 1979 in Los Angeles, California. She wears a blue cutout romper with matching tights and a headband.
In the late-70s and early-80s, Debbie Harry really began to experiment with color from head-to-toe. Here, she wears a yellow romper and matching tights.
Debbie Harry attends the “Art Against AIDS” Cocktail Party and Auction at Sotheby’s in New York City with Richard Gere wearing a colorful ensemble.
Debbie Harry performs in Amsterdam in 1989 wearing a leopard print onesie and knee-high black boots. Even in her middle-age, she wasn’t afraid to take risks.
Debbie Harry poses against a wall at the Marcus Ampitheater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin wearing a bold, red fringe suit set.
Debbie Harry wears a surreal, colorful jumpsuit to the City Kids Foundation Benefit in New York City circa the year 1999.
Debbie Harry attends the “Coach Prom” in a letterman’s jacket, camo dress, and metallic boots at Hotel Salomon de Rothschild on March 1, 2016 in Paris, France.
Never one for subtlety, Debbie Harry performs at The Roundhouse in London in 2017 wearing a dress that reads: “Stop Fucking the Planet.”
