The style evolution of Daft Punk

Publish date: 2024-05-06
Fashion blogFashionFrom plastic masks to Hedi Slimane, the French knob-twiddlers have tried a number of looks over the years. Most of them, admittedly, robot-inspired. To celebrate their new album, we look back at how their look has changed
Photographer: Paul Bergen/Redferns

1997

If you think Game of Thrones represents an epic battle, consider the harrowing, centuries-long feud that exists between dance-music magazines desperately attempting to find creative new ways to depict pairs of men pushing buttons, and dance acts who don't want to have their pictures taken. Here we see the messy aftermath of one minor skirmish in this ongoing war.

Photograph: Mick Hutson/Redferns

1997

The battle escalates in this photograph. Note that the "fashion choices" in this image instantly date the band in a way their future ensembles will not. Note, also, the very subtle hints in this image that the band may hail from France. Top marks though for how effortlessly they wield that bread; it's a concept many French artists would consider a pain.

Photograph: Virgin

2001

This early shot of the duo's robot makeover – the helmets were a collaboration between LED company LED FX and special effects experts Alterian Inc – predates Hedi Slimane's not-exactly-revolutionary decision that shiny robot heads look better on black leather. So here we find Thomas and Guy-Man taking sartorial inspiration from the colour scheme of the business end of a strawberry Cornetto.

Photograph: Karl Walter/Getty Images

2006

By the time this Coachella appearance whirled around, the robot helmets were in their third iteration. An exhaustive helmet chronology on TheDaftClub.com notes that these helmets feature no LEDs ("except for the ones on Guy-Man's ears that are purely ornamental") adding, as a "fun fact", that "Thomas's helmet underwent two main ear variations during this era".

Photograph: a still from Electroma

2006

From the more permissive vantage point of 2013 it's hard to remember a time when robot marriage was frowned upon, but this brave and important scene from 2006 film Electroma caused controversy at the time – and it's worth remembering that robot love is not recognised by many US states and unions of this sort are still illegal in many parts of the world.

Photograph: Dan Monick/ Corbis Outline

2007

It's Bango and Guy-Man just kicking back and relaxing during the hectic promotional schedule for 2007's Alive album. As you can see, it was two-for-one on cocktails when this photo was taken. You'll also notice Thomas asking for help with his crossword. The anagram in 2 down is proving particularly problematic: "German electro band declines ice cream, tries sorbet tho (9)."

Photograph: A promotional image from Tron

2010

For the band's appearance in Tron Legacy, they recruited the film's special-effects maestros Ironhead Studios to handle helmet duties. Guy-Man's helmet shows the most noticeable differences, and both helmets now come with light blue LEDs.

Photograph: Daft Punk/ Columbia

2013

For their latest makeover from Hedi Slimane, Thomas and Guy-Man take on a disco glitterball feel with Saint Laurent's sequin-strewn Le Smoking tuxedo suits, also seen in the Get Lucky Saturday Night Live ad. The helmets seem shinier than usual, but, let's be honest, they probably did that in Photoshop. Also: has Guy-Man been working out?

Photographer: Nicholas Eveleigh/Getty Images

2017

Feeling cornered by escalating expectations, Daft Punk went back to basics with this final iteration of their trademark headgear. These helmets were designed specifically for the benefit of audiences attending Daft Punk's farewell tour, which the duo performed "in the round". They feature no LEDs, and Guy-Man's ears have now been completely streamlined.

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