Music and fashion have long been intertwined, influencing cultural trends and shaping individual expression. Few bands embody this connection as well as Information Society. Known for their innovative work in synthpop and electronic music, the band not only transformed the sound of the 1980s but also made a lasting impact on the fashion world. Their futuristic aesthetic and forward-thinking approach to style continue to resonate, inspiring both music and fashion decades after their debut.
In this post, we’ll explore how Information Society’s unique blend of music and fashion has influenced pop culture, and how their iconic style continues to inspire modern fashion trends.
The Rise of Information Society: Synthpop Meets Style
Information Society was formed in the early 1980s, quickly gaining popularity with their distinct synth-driven sound. They merged elements of new wave, synthpop, and electronic dance music (EDM), producing catchy, futuristic tracks that were ahead of their time. Songs like “What’s on Your Mind (Pure Energy)” became major hits, capturing the imagination of listeners drawn to the band’s tech-forward and dystopian themes.
But Information Society’s impact wasn’t limited to their music. They embraced a unique visual identity—bold, angular designs, digital motifs, and space-age imagery that set them apart from other bands of the era. At a time when music videos were as important as the songs themselves, the band’s futuristic aesthetic aligned perfectly with the technological and digital themes of their sound.
Music and Fashion: A Powerful Symbiosis
From the outset, Information Society understood the importance of image. They knew that their fashion choices could enhance the message in their music, creating a fully immersive experience for fans. With MTV at its peak during the 1980s, artists who merged music with a distinct visual identity often found the greatest success. Information Society was no exception.
Their fashion choices reflected the futuristic, high-tech world portrayed in their music. They frequently wore sci-fi-inspired outfits—metallic fabrics, geometric shapes, and androgynous silhouettes—creating a style that was as avant-garde as their sound. Their bold, experimental approach made them stand out in the fashion world, while their music influenced a generation of listeners.
This seamless connection between music and fashion was not unique to Information Society but they certainly excelled at it. Like David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona or Madonna’s ever-evolving image, Information Society’s visual style was integral to their identity. Fans didn’t just listen to their music; they fully experienced it through the band’s forward-thinking aesthetic.
Cyber Aesthetic and Futurism in Fashion
Information Society played a significant role in shaping the cyber aesthetic that emerged during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Drawing inspiration from science fiction and technology, the band’s fashion sense was rooted in futurism. They were known for pushing boundaries with their outfits, using sleek, minimalist clothing that looked like it belonged in a tech-driven world.
Their cyberpunk-inspired wardrobe became symbolic of forward-thinking fashion. Information Society’s style—futuristic sunglasses, metallic accents, and monochromatic looks—created an image of a world shaped by computers, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. These themes, which once seemed distant, have now become more relevant than ever as technology continues to evolve.
Today, many designers look back to bands like Information Society for inspiration. The resurgence of 1980s and 1990s fashion trends, especially those that incorporate technology-inspired motifs, owes much to the influence of bands like Information Society. Metallics, holographic materials, neon colors, and digital patterns are all hallmarks of the cyber look that the band helped popularize.
Modern Fashion and Information Society’s Influence
The influence of Information Society extends beyond their music and into the world of modern fashion. Today, fashion designers often revisit the cyberpunk and techno-futurist trends that the band popularized, tapping into the nostalgia of the 1980s and 1990s. From high fashion to streetwear, their futuristic style continues to inspire.
The band’s embrace of gender fluid fashion—mixing masculine and feminine styles—was ahead of its time and resonates strongly with today’s more inclusive fashion landscape. Androgynous elements, such as their oversized jackets and sleek trousers, anticipated the unisex styles that are now mainstream.
Fashion brands like Balenciaga, Off-White, and even Nike have incorporated elements of futuristic and tech-inspired aesthetics into their collections, maintaining the cyber influence alive. Whether intentionally or not, these designers continue the legacy of bands like Information Society, who blurred the lines between music, fashion, and technology.
Fashion in the Digital Era
In today’s digitized world, the intersection between fashion and technology is more relevant than ever. The rise of virtual fashion shows, digital influencers, and even wearable tech reflects the futuristic ideals that Information Society embraced. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are changing how people experience fashion, much like how music videos redefined the relationship between artists and their fans.
In many ways, Information Society’s vision of a tech-driven future has become reality. Their legacy lives on in the ways artists and designers continue to merge digital elements with traditional art forms, showing that the cyberpunk aesthetic they helped pioneer remains a driving force in modern pop culture.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Endures
Information Society’s influence on music and fashion is undeniable. Their futuristic style and innovative approach to sound helped shape the 1980s, but their impact goes far beyond that era. Their influence can still be seen in modern fashion, where cyber-inspired designs and gender-fluid styles continue to dominate.
As the world moves deeper into a digital age, the ideas that Information Society introduced—both in music and fashion—remain relevant and continue to inspire new generations. Their legacy serves as a reminder that creativity doesn’t belong to one medium alone, but thrives at the intersection of many. Music, fashion, and technology together create something truly timeless.