Tina Turner, one of the most glamorous and groundbreaking divas of music, has died at the age of 83 after a long illness. Known for overcoming tremendous personal and professional struggles, the “Proud Mary” singer always sparkled and shimmered while on stage, despite whatever might be going on in her private life. It was a partnership with legendary costume designer Bob Mackie that helped the star transition from her singing partnership with abusive ex-husband Ike Turner to a solo career, with the sexy leg-baring on-stage looks punctuating her new pivotal time and catapulting her to stratospheric success. Below, see some of Turner’s most iconic fashion moments throughout her life.
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Tina Turner began her career as a husband-and-wife R&B duo with Ike Turner. In 1964, she posed for this portrait in a demure green and gold ensemble.
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Pictured here in 1966, Tina performed during a recording of the television show “Ready Steady Go!” wearing a houndstooth suit and sunglasses.
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Her outfits weren’t always so buttoned up; in 1968, Turner wore this gold sparkling dress with a hip-high slit. that would later become her signature style.
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The Turners performed on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1970, with Tina sporting a gold fringe minidress — with the Ikette dancers sporting matching pink versions.
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In 1976 Tina left Ike — causing a major upheaval in her life and career. A few months after filing for divorce, she appeared on “The Sonny and Cher Show,” where she wore this glittering silver gown and made an important connection with Cher’s costume designer Bob Mackie.
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When Tina became a solo act, she learned to fly on her own — literally and figuratively. Her partnership with Mackie took her to new heights visually, with this famous winged look kicking off a beautiful partnership.
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Mackie once said that Turner would buy cheap evening gowns to save as much money as possible while she was going through a divorce, and the pair would simply cut away tons of fabric to show off her stunning figure in what became her signature look.
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What’s love got to do with it? Turner donned this risqué look for a 1977 performance in Las Vegas, wearing a Mackie-designed sheer bodice corset bodysuit with a heart over her crotch.
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It wasn’t all low-plunging tops and leg-baring skirts; In 1977 Tina sported a three-piece white suit and matching fedora.
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Probably her most iconic look, the 1978 Mackie “flame dress” has been cemented in history as perfectly emblematic of Turner’s kinetic on-stage persona. However, she wasn’t the first (nor the last) to wear the shimmering fringe gown. Cher sported an identical look when the two performed together and others, including RuPaul and Beyoncé have worn recreations in tribute to the superstar.
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Her first solo album, 1985’s “Private Dancer,” marked a new chapter for Turner, with the glam diva transitioning into her title as Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll with an edgy yet laid back look and a shaggy wig.
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Turner’s love of hip-high slits and metal mesh were ever-present in this era.
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At her 50th birthday party, the superstar went for a dramatic floral ballgown.
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And at 56 years old, she proved she’s still got it, gracing the stage at Wembley Stadium in 1996 wearing a sexy Versace minidress.
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In 2000, she began incorporating more jumpsuits into her look, including this totally sheer black number.
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While on her Twenty Four Seven Millenium Tour, she looked sexy and edgy in a latex corset and knee-length tights, with tons of chain belts for a rock ‘n’ roll look.
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She wore a silver version of the same style in 2008 while performing with Beyoncé at the Grammy’s.
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Tina made a surprise emotional speech after opening night of “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical,” in New York City in November 2019, wearing a beautiful brown sequin dress.
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