Remarkable pair of gray knit leg warmer-style leggings worn by Prince during his first-ever solo shows at the Capri Theater on January 5-6, 1979, each measuring about 30″ long. In very good to fine condition, with a few holes and tears from significant use. From the collection of singer-songwriter Susannah Melvoin, an extended member of the Revolution during the Parade era, who shared a longterm working musical relationship with and was engaged to Prince during the 80s. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Susannah Melvoin.
Prince gave these leggings to Melvoin to keep warm during filming of Purple Rain in the winter of 1984. The period Prince wore these legwarmers is consequential to the legacy he would begin to create in the world of music and fashion. During these early solo shows at Minneapolis’ Capri Theater, Prince, then only 20 years of age and a relative newcomer to the Warner Bros. roster, used these stage performances to further develop his singular fashion style and stage persona. Given their timeframe and stage-worn status, these leggings epitomize the blossoming sense of fashion and creativity Prince would soon be forever remembered.
A photo of Prince wearing these leggings was taken by Greg Helgeson, and may be seen in an excellent article about the Capri Theater shows.
Listen to Susannah Melvoin tell the story of these leggings in her interview on the Rare and Remarkable! Podcast.
