Since his break from “One Direction,” Harry Styles has truly made a name for himself, outside of the shadow of his former boy band days. His stardom is not only based on his endearing music but also on his courage to tinker with musty societal boundaries.
Styles has just dropped his third solo album, “Harry’s House,” with contributions from big names such as John Mayer, Tobias Jesso Jr., and Quincy Jones.
The eclectic singer has headlined twice at Coachella this year and will be starting his tour shortly. If it wasn’t obvious already, Styles doesn’t seem to be taking a break from his music industry domination.
Harry Styles at the GRAMMY Awards on March 14, 2021 in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images
Styles has used his celebrity to continuously push boundaries regarding sexuality and gender expression, especially when it comes to fashion.
Some have even dubbed him the new David Bowie because of his propensity to play with the constructs of gender. Styles himself admitted that the “Ziggy Stardust” legend is one of his musical heroes.
His most trailblazing moment was when he appeared on the cover of Vogue as the first solo male while donning a Gucci ballgown complete with a tuxedo jacket. While many praised the genderfluid look, some were unimpressed.
WHAT IS HARRY STYLE’S SEXUALITY? EVERYTHING THE SINGER HAS EVER SAID ABOUT HIS SEXUALITY AND GENDER EXPRESSION
Styles, however, does not view fashion in such a strict sense, stating that he finds it playful and creative. This ability to be innovative and have fun increased, he said, when the gender binary in fashion is not so strict, leaving space for more freedom.
The vocalist has also expressed his joy that non-gender-conforming fashion is slowly becoming more common, accepted, and accessible.
While Styles is not shy to use fashion to challenge gender norms, he keeps his sexuality and gender close to his chest. He expressed:
“The whole point of where we should be heading, which is toward accepting everybody and being more open, is that it doesn’t matter, and it’s about not having to label everything, not having to clarify what boxes you’re checking.”
Despite the hush-hush, fan theories have been swirling around. His followers have picked apart his album covers, analyzed his lyrics, the clothes he wears, and more. But, perhaps the closest they can come is to a quip Styles made in a 2017 show in Los Angelos: “We’re all a little bit gay, aren’t we?”
“HARRY’S HOUSE”: EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT THE SINGER’S NEW ALBUM
As the solo singer grows, his new album “Harry’s House” shows off more diverse and exploratory music. In contrast to his previous album in 2017, “Fine Line,” which held a more classic rock feel, these new tracks lean towards an Indie Pop 80’s synth style.
On a more personal note, Styles said that this album reflects most of who he truly is. Through his fashion and outspokenness, this ability to be his true self appears to be important to the singer.
So, coming home to himself inside his art may undoubtedly translate to an empathetic sense of satisfaction for listeners.
