Fresh off the newsstands is Lil Nas X’s cover for VMAN and he is submerging himself in the rock era. As an ode from one icon to another, Lil Nas X tapped in Jimi Hendrix for inspiration for the wardrobe he chose to wear in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue.

Lil Nas wore a vintage British military sergeant’s jacket, a headband to wrap around his curls, a long V-neck blouse underneath, statement necklaces, a bandana around his neck, and a pair of jeans to make it less formal; much like the rockstar Hendrix did decades before him.

In 1966, Hendrix moved to London and fully immersed himself in British fashion. The 1960s counterculture brought out a revival of romantic victorian aesthetics not only in the fashion industry, but in music as well. In 1967, the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, showcased the Beatles sporting multi-colored, military sergeant’s jackets.

Hendrix looked to the Beatles for inspiration, just like everyone else did, and is later seen wearing a similar coat to the ones they wore on the album cover. This particular coat that Hendrix is wearing is called a ‘Pelisse’ or ‘Hussar’ jacket, ornamented with a fur trim and gold French braiding. He purchased it from a boutique store named “I Was Lord Kitchener’s Valet” on Portobello Road, in Notting Hill. This outfit shows the influence that living in London had on Hendrix’s style. His interest in European military regalia inspired people everywhere to dress like him.

Today you can see Hendrix’s effect on fashion everywhere around the world, including on Tik Tok. Take a look at the behind the scenes of Lil Nas X’s photoshoot for VMAN, photographed by duo Inez & Vinoodh. They transformed the pop-rap phenom’s Bohemian dream into reality.

@vmagazine

@lilnasx is our new cover star for VMAN 47—shot by #InezandVinoodh and styled by GeorgeCortina! Head to shop.vmagazine.com to order the issue now! ?

♬ original sound – lil nas x

As we see all the time in fashion, trends repeat themselves. The Beatles and the British fashion scene inspired Hendrix, and Hendrix inspired a multitude of American artists and still does to this day.

@vmagazine

VMAN 47 starring @lilnasx is now on newsstand globally! You can order the issue online at shop.vmagazine.com now! ??

♬ original sound – Adam Wright

Take a closer look at Lil Nas X’s cover by ordering the issue VMAN 47 and read his interview with fellow artist Kevin Abstract.