Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 24, 2025 · Entertainment

Annie Lennox on Taking 'Male Power': The Story Behind Her Iconic Suits

Annie Lennox displays her signature look, dressed in a suit at the height of her fame

Annie Lennox Spills the Tea on Her Iconic Androgynous Look

In a shocking revelation, legendary singer Annie Lennox has finally broken her silence on the inspiration behind her iconic androgynous style in the 1980s. The Eurythmics frontwoman, now 70, has been talking to the BBC's Woman's Hour podcast about how she deliberately created her bold look to assert her equality with her male partner, Dave Stewart.

The news is sure to send shockwaves through the music industry, and we can't get enough of it! So, what exactly drove Lennox to adopt such a radical style? According to her, it was all about taking "male power" for herself. Yes, you read that right - she wanted to be seen as an equal to her partner, not just in terms of talent but also in terms of fashion.

Lennox said her 80s look had nothing to do with sexuality and was about taking 'male power'

"I wore suits to take male power for myself," Lennox explained, "and I think that's what people saw when they looked at me on stage with Dave. They thought we were equals." This bold move was a deliberate choice, not just a phase or a fashion trend. Lennox was making a statement about her music and her art, and it wasn't just about the clothes - it was about the message she wanted to convey.

But what really got our attention is when Lennox revealed that her androgynous look had nothing to do with her sexuality. "It's actually had nothing to do with my sexuality," she said firmly. "People always assume that, but it's not true." So, what was the real inspiration behind this radical style? According to Lennox, it was all about reinterpreting traditional notions of power and equality.

"I think everybody has a male and female aspect to them," she explained. "We have the DNA, and we're kind of a variant of that in a way." This idea of fluidity and androgyny is nothing new, but coming from one of the most iconic musicians of all time, it's a game-changer.

And let's be real - Lennox's bold style was not just about her music; it was also about making a statement. When she was called a "gender bender," it told her something about how people looked at her at the time. But what they didn't understand was that this look was all about empowerment, not confusion.

"I think it's actually a very powerful thing to be able to take on different personas and explore your own identity," Lennox said thoughtfully. "It's a freedom that I feel very lucky to have had." And that's the real takeaway from this story - the freedom to express oneself without fear of judgment or reprisal.

Of course, we can't talk about Annie Lennox's style without mentioning her incredible music career. With Eurythmics, she released seven studio albums between 1981 and 1989, including the iconic "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and "Thorn". And who could forget their reunion in 1999 to record a final album entitled "Peace"?

In short, Annie Lennox's iconic androgynous look was never just about fashion; it was always about making a statement. And now that she's opened up about the inspiration behind her style, we can't help but wonder what other secrets she might have hidden away.

Sources:

This article is based on an exclusive interview with Annie Lennox on the BBC's Woman's Hour podcast, as featured on thescholarlynote.com