Miles Davis will forever be etched in history for the way he continually evolved musically. He effortlessly transformed with the times, moving from bebop to fusion — as did his style.
Davis inherited his fashion sensibilities from his father, a successful dentist and businessman who instilled in him a great sense of confidence and pride in personal appearance. Posthumously, he has been hailed as one of the most stylish musicians of all time by both Esquire and GQ.
Michael Stradford has simultaneously encapsulated the musical and aesthetic journey of Miles Davis in his book, MilesStyle: The Fashion of Miles Davis. It isn’t just a coffee table book. It’s an in-depth look at the relationships he built throughout his life and their influence on his personal style, featuring interviews with Quincy Jones, Frances Davis, Clark Terry, Betty Davis, Vince Wilburn, Jr., Lenny Kravitz, Ron Carter, Marcus Miller and more.
Davis left an indelible mark on everything and everyone he touched. Perhaps more importantly, however, is the impression he made on the confidence of darker-hued African Americans. His mere presence made it acceptable to flex in your complexion, as he helped lay the blueprint for free artistic expression and individuality. On the first virtual edition of The Pulse, Stradford talks about his writing process, and the many facets that contributed to Miles's persona. (Note: The first five minutes of the video captures some technical difficulty. Feel free to fast forward.)
MilesStyle: The Fashion of Miles Davis releases on May 12, and is currently available for preorder on Amazon. For signed copies visit Michael Stradford’s website.
