George Michael's Iconic Holiday Sweater and the Christmas Clothing Craze

The Story Behind George Michael's Iconic Holiday Sweater

In the 1980s and 90s, George Michael was one of the biggest pop stars in the world. As the legendary frontman of Wham! and later as a massively successful solo artist, he captivated audiences with his soulful voice, good looks, and charismatic stage presence.

Among his most iconic images is the holiday-themed sweater he wore in the music video for "Last Christmas," the 1984 Wham! hit that has become a staple of Christmas music playlists. With its kitschy pattern of snowflakes, reindeer, and images of George Michael himself, this sweater is now instantly recognizable to music fans around the world.

The Sweater's Humble Beginnings

In various interviews over the years, George Michael discussed how he originally found the sweater prior to the "Last Christmas" video shoot at a thrift store in North London. Amused by its flashy and festive look, he bought it on a whim for £5.

At the time, he likely had no idea that sweater would go on to be one of his most iconic fashion statements. But its playful styling aligned perfectly with the mood of Wham!'s song and music video - both unapologetically sentimental and fun.

Elevated to Pop Culture Icon Status

The moment George Michael donned that jolly Christmas sweater for the "Last Christmas" video shoot, it was destined for pop culture greatness. Its eye-catching patterns and colors jumped right off the screen.

As the song and video exploded in popularity year after year, so too did George's legendary sweater. By the late 80s, George Michael fans around the world were searching thrift stores to find their own versions of that one-of-a-kind ugly Christmas sweater.

Enduring Popularity in the Internet Age

Decades later, interest in George Michael's Christmas sweater shows no signs of stopping. If anything, its fame has only grown thanks to memes and nostalgic Gen Xers sharing photos of it on social media.

The advent of online shopping has also made it easier than ever for Wham! fans to get their own replica sweater to wear during the holidays. Etsy and other sites offer sweaters mimicking its design so fans can channel the 80s spirit of George Michael.

The Christmas Sweater as a Pop Culture Phenomenon

While George Michael's sweater is one of the most famous examples out there, it reflects a broader trend of Christmas sweaters becoming a pop culture phenomenon.

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Take Off

By the 2000s, thrift store Christmas sweaters were gaining popularity across North America as "ugly Christmas sweater" parties and contests began taking off. Pop culture allowed people to unwind and lean into gaudy sweater styles they might otherwise ignore.

Part of this trend may have been nostalgia for the sweaters worn by beloved pop culture figures like George Michael. But making lighthearted fun of outrageous designs also appealed to millennials' sense of irony and humor.

The Kitsch Goes Mainstream

Soon companies began mass producing new Christmas sweaters to feed demand. Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and even high-fashion brands sold sweaters festooned with Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees, and everything in between.

While thrift store finds retained a certain hipster credibility, commercially produced Christmas sweaters gained mainstream popularity through the 2010s. An element of kitsch previously mocked as ugly became fashionable and cutting-edge.

The Iconic Sweater Endures

But even through the tidal wave of new Christmas sweater options, George Michael's iconic sweater remains etched in pop culture history.

It represents not just a memorable moment in 80s music, but the ability of a single colourful, creative fashion statement to take on a life of its own. That one humble £5 thrift store find gained George Michael pop culture immortality - and gave the world a new favourite Christmas tradition along the way.

FAQs

Where did George Michael get the original sweater?

George Michael bought the original Christmas sweater at a thrift store in North London prior to the Last Christmas video shoot. He paid £5 for it.

What made the sweater so iconic?

The sweater's kitschy, ironic design perfectly matched the festive spirit of Wham!'s Last Christmas song and video. Its eye-catching colors and patterns made it instantly recognizable and memorable.

Where can I buy a replica of the famous sweater?

Replica George Michael Christmas sweaters are available from many online retailers like Etsy. Or you can try to find a lookalike sweater at your local thrift store.

Why did ugly Christmas sweaters become so popular?

In the 2000s, ugly sweater parties took off as people enjoyed the irony of celebrating the holidays with gaudy designs. George Michael's sweater paved the way for this trend to go mainstream.