Pat Benatar, the legendary singer behind hits like “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “Love Is a Battlefield,” recently shared a fun fact about her wardrobe.
Despite being a style icon of the 1980s, Pat still has some of her iconic outfits from the era, including one item that her daughter Hana Giraldo is desperate to have.
Pat Benatar’s Favorite 1980s Item
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the WhyHunger’s 50th Anniversary Chapin Awards Gala in New York City, Pat revealed she still owns a striped shirt she wore in her first MTV video for her song “You Better Run”.
This video was significant as it was the second-ever music video to premiere on MTV, right after The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star.”
Pat fondly recalled that her youngest daughter, Hana, “begs for it every week” but said they “hide it” because it holds sentimental value. The shirt is now framed and kept safe. Hana, 31, is clearly eager to have the iconic shirt, but for now, it’s staying with Pat.
Pat Benatar’s Style Evolution
Pat Benatar also opened up about how her style shaped her career, especially in the early days. In a 2022 interview with Vulture, she explained how she was searching for the perfect stage presence in the 1970s.
At an open mic event, she tried a bold new look: a leotard, black tights, short boots, and big eye makeup. This new style caused an immediate change in how the audience reacted, and Pat knew she had found something special.
She recalled, “I sang the same songs that I’d performed for two years, and the audience went insane.” Pat realized she had cracked the formula: her clothing and stage persona helped her connect more powerfully with the crowd. From then on, she knew how to dress to match the energy she wanted to bring to the stage.
Pat Benatar’s Legacy and Humanitarian Work
During the WhyHunger event, Pat was honored with the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award, which she received alongside her husband, Neil Giraldo. The two, who have been married since 1982, also collaborate on music together.
Pat, known for her timeless hits, is beloved by fans for her contributions to rock music and her ability to stay true to herself. She has shown that her style and music are still relevant today, just as they were in the 1980s.
Pat Benatar’s closet is a treasure trove of 1980s memories, including the iconic striped shirt that her daughter Hana desperately wants.
This shirt, along with her stage evolution and fashion choices, has helped shape her unforgettable career. Pat’s legacy in both music and humanitarian work continues to inspire fans around the world.
