Pop star David Bowie has been named as the best dressed Briton of all time in a list compiled by BBC History magazine. In the rankings of weird and pointless shortlists, this has to be way up there; most of the 'nominees' wouldn't have even been around to bask in their sartorial praise so it's just as well that David Bowie won.

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The veteran singer, who is one of the most iconic performers Britain has ever produced, has certainly had an eclectic wardrobe spectrum over the years, with a personal style that is both unique and daring. We've seen him as Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke and Aladdin Sane. He's worn leotards, jumpsuits, tuxedos, platform boots, cowboy hats, knitted legwarmers, silk kimonos, and just a pair of minimalist briefs.

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A man whose idiosyncratic, often androgenous style has constantly evolved, Bowie being recognised for fashion is rather fitting. He will be honoured by British history for his zany clothing after being nominated by designer Wayne Hemingway and voted for by the British public.

Bowie came up against some stiff competition from well-dressed historical figures, including the perpetually ruffed Queen Elizabeth I, top dandy Beau Brummell, King Henry III, Samuel Pepys, Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, and the ever-elegant Anne Messel, the 6th Countess of Rosse.

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There's little wonder that Bowie took the crown with nearly half of all the votes cast, considering people actually have living memory of him. However, the magazine's editor, Rob Attar, implied that it was more of a challenge for Ziggy: "Bowie had to overcome a king, two queens and a political heavyweight to triumph in our poll, and in doing so has struck a blow for 20th and 21st-century fashions," he said, via The Independent.

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This might not be the only 'coveted' award that Bowie wins this year: he's the favourite for the Mercury Music Prize for his triumphant comeback album, The Next Day, which was his first record release in over a decade.

Unfortunately, Bowie has not commented on this most auspicious accolade.

The Full Shortlist:

1. David Bowie - 48.5%

2. Elizabeth I - 13.6%

3. Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire - 9.5%

4. George 'Beau' Brummell - 8.4%

5. Queen Alexandra - 7.1%

6. Anne Messel - 5.3%

7. Henry III - 2.5%

8. Ellen Terry - 2.2%

9. Charles James Fox - 1.6%

10. Samuel Pepys - 1.3%