Silicon Valley’s New Power Dressing: A Reflection of Influence and Control
Silicon Valley’s tech moguls have long been known for their casual, utilitarian style. Hoodies, sneakers, and fleece vests once symbolized a commitment to innovation over aesthetics. However, this image is rapidly evolving. Today’s tech billionaires are embracing tailored suits, luxury accessories, and a style that conveys dominance rather than humility. While this may seem like just a fashion shift, it reflects a deeper change in how these leaders perceive power, status, and their influence on society.
For years, tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos cultivated a low-key look to signal efficiency and focus. That era is fading. By 2025, high-profile figures in Silicon Valley have adopted an aesthetic that aligns them more with corporate titans and historical leaders than with the programmers they once were.
Mark Zuckerberg’s transformation is perhaps the most striking. Once defined by his simple gray T-shirts, the Meta CEO has evolved into a jiu-jitsu-trained billionaire with a preference for rare luxury watches and custom clothing. His collection includes timepieces like a $365,000 Richard Mille watch and an $895,000 Greubel Forsey Hand Made 1. His revamped image accelerated after a viral AI-generated image of him with a beard surfaced in 2024, fueling his shift toward a more physically imposing persona.
Elon Musk has also embraced a calculated new look. His style fluctuates between an “aging rockstar” aesthetic, often featuring Belstaff leather flight jackets, and a “sci-fi villain” persona, highlighted by sleek, all-black Tom Ford suits. His evolving image mirrors his growing political alignment. In January 2025, Musk appeared via video at a controversial far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) election campaign, positioning himself against what he called “eunuch elites.” His transformation suggests not just a stylistic shift but also an embrace of a more authoritarian narrative.
Jeff Bezos has perhaps undergone the most dramatic style overhaul. The former fleece-wearing executive now regularly appears at Milan Fashion Week, attending Dolce & Gabbana shows and wearing hand-tailored suits. His muscular image, combined with his embrace of luxury fashion, has earned him a reputation as a style icon recognized by major media outlets.
This widespread shift in appearance is about more than clothing. As journalist Amy Francombe recently argued, it signals a rebranding of power in Silicon Valley. These billionaires are no longer presenting themselves as modest innovators; they are adopting the aesthetics of emperors, military leaders, and corporate oligarchs. Their choice of clothing—especially luxury watches—serves as a symbol of their self-made authority, echoing the industrial barons of the past who wielded tremendous influence.
At the same time, their companies are making significant policy shifts. Meta has recently dismantled several fact-checking protections, while Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has dropped its AI ethics pledge to work more closely with military and surveillance technology. These moves suggest a departure from tech’s traditional progressive ideals and an embrace of unregulated power.
This transformation aligns with broader political trends. Under the 2025 Trump administration, Silicon Valley’s top figures appear increasingly comfortable with consolidating power and engaging with strongman politics rather than advocating for public transparency. Their evolving aesthetics reflect a strategic effort to amplify their influence, not just in business but in shaping global political narratives.
The question remains: What does this shift mean for the future of technology and democracy? If tech leaders continue consolidating power, adopting authoritarian aesthetics, and aligning with unchecked influence, the impact could be profound.
Amy Francombe’s assessment is clear—this is more than just a trend; it is a reflection of deeper ambitions. History suggests that when powerful figures begin dressing like rulers, their actions may soon follow suit. The world should be paying attention.
