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 changed1997
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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)."
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.
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?
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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