Marianne Faithfull’s Swinging London wardrobe was as treasured as her music. The 1960s icon—who died on Thursday at age 78, according to a spokespesron—carved out a stellar career with hits like “As Tears Go By” and “The Ballad of Lucy Jordan,” not to mention her memorable performance in Jack Cardiff’s The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968). But it’s her innate sense of style she was perhaps most famous for.
From silk neck scarves to knee-high leather boots and oversized collars, the singer set the sartorial tone for the decade while sidelining flower-power fashion. Whether in a leather jumpsuit or a colorful velvet suit, Faithfull set the stage alight, her blunt fringe becoming as legendary as her four-year romance with Rolling Stone Mick Jagger.
In celebration of her life, below we take a closer look at one of Britain’s longest-reigning style muses.
Photo: Getty Images1/151964
In a cuffed minidress, she poses for a portrait with her pet Dalmatian.
Photo: Getty Images2/151964
In her go-to paisley patterned shirt, she hangs off a ladder in London for a promo shot.
Photo: Getty Images3/151965
For her TV appearance on Thank Your Lucky Stars, she opted for a monochrome dress and classic black pumps.
Photo: Getty Images4/151966
She liked to add a French-girl touch to outfits in the form of a silk neck scarf.
Photo: Getty Images5/151966
Standing outside London’s National Film Theatre (now BFI Southbank), she looked every inch the star with a jacket shrugged over her shoulders and patent Mary Janes on her feet.
Photo: Getty Images6/151967
In a ruffled shirt and shades, she’s pictured here leaving court after Mick Jagger and Stones guitarist Keith Richards were sentenced for drug possession in Chichester.
Photo: Getty Images7/151967
The young couple opt for their version of black tie for an evening at the ballet at London’s Royal Opera House.
Photo: Getty Images8/151967
Posing for a portrait at the Chichester Hotel, she opted for a wool suit and an oversized collar.
Photo: Getty Images9/151967
In dark brown suede and taupe leather boots, Faithfull arrives for the wedding of singer Gene Pitney.
Photo: Getty Images10/151967
In her favored floppy hat and sundress, Faithfull is captured in her home on Marylebone Road.
Photo: Getty Images11/151967
At the Shepperton Studios in London, Faithfull proves only she could pull off a leather jumpsuit with such ease.
Photo: Getty Images12/151969
In a poncho-style coat, white tights, and buckled pumps, Faithfull leaves court with Jagger.
Photo: Getty Images13/151969
Keeping it chic in oversized shades and a snakeskin-inspired dress.
Photo: Getty Images14/151969
A fan of a lace collar, for this portrait she coordinated her knitwear with a skirt.
Photo: Getty Images15/151970
Faithfull’s mix of a baker boy hat and all-velvet outfit marked the start of a new decade, and a new fashion era.
