On July 8, 1996 five British women burst onto the music scene and forever changed the landscape of pop music.
We know what you're thinking. 'Burst onto the scene' might be an overused phrase, but in this instance, it's entirely accurate and appropriate. With their first single 'Wannabe' - released 25 years ago today - Mel B's northern bellow of 'Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want' while the five women wreak havoc at the St Pancras hotel in the music video, ushered in a new sound, face and attitude for popular culture.
The Spice Girls went on to, frankly, rule the world. There were albums, films, merchandise, high-profile heartbreak when Geri Horner, neé Halliwell, left the band in 1998 and one hell of a reunion at the 2012 Olympic Games.
But another field in which they exerted influence was fashion. From leopard print catsuits (Mel B), to athleisure (Mel C) to platforms (Emma Bunton) to streaky highlights (Halliwell) and to LBDs (Victoria Beckham), their signature looks as Scary, Sporty, Baby, Posh and Ginger Spice filtered into street style.
Today, as Nineties and Noughties style is experiencing a resurgence, the evidence is concrete: Spice Girls Forever and Friendship Never Ends.
To celebrate the poignant milestone of the record-breaking group's first single turning 25, here are some of the band's most memorable looks.
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1
Spice Girls
Getty Images
When? January, 1998
Where? Australia
What? Attending the premiere of Spiceworld: The Movie
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2
Spice Girls
Getty Images
When? February, 1998
Where? London
What? The BRIT Awards
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3
Spice Girls
Getty Images
When? January, 1998
Where? Birmingham
What? Posing for a studio portrait
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4
Spice Girls
Getty Images
When? 1998
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5
Spice Girls
Getty Images
When? 1998
Where? London
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6
Spice Girls
Getty Images
When? March, 1998
Where? Paris
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7
Spice Girls
Getty Images
When? May, 1998
Where? London
What? Recording the music video for their official World Cup single '(How Does It Feel) To Be On Top Of The World'.