Dressing in the Dark-ness: Justin Hawkins rocks a garish pin striped suit while walking his dog

Justin Hawkins has never been subtle about his dress sense, and was famous for his outlandish catsuits after his flamboyant band The Darkness stormed the charts in 2003.
The band are embarking on a comeback after years in the pop wilderness, but lead singer Hawkins hasn't lost the ability in the unusual fashion stakes.
Chanelling Willy Wonka, he wore a red and blue pin striped trousers and waistcoat as he walked his dog Bonnie near London's Dorchester Hotel.

 

Unusual new look: Justin Hawkins shows off a new look while walking his dog in London

With the suit jacked clasped in his arms, his heavily tattooed arms and chest were on display, as was his scruffy hair and goatee.

 

Not that the eccentric Hawkins seemed to mind -  he is enjoying his band's new popularity.

 

Walking the dog: Hawkings took time out from the Darkness comeback to spend time with her pet pooch Bonnie

Not only are they supporting Lady Gaga as part of the UK leg on her Born This Way tour, last month's comeback album Hot Cakes received generally positive reviews from critics.
Recalling the moment they were asked by Lady Gaga to join them on her tour, he said: 'As soon as she asked us, we said yes. She is the greatest pop star of the 21st century. She’s always in character. Her persona in interviews can be weird, but in a great way.

 

Comeback: The reformed band are currently supporting Lady Gaga's UK leg of her world tour

‘I also agree with her strong anti-bullying stance. If there’s any band who can sympathise with an anti-bullying campaign, it’s us. We’ve all experienced bullying. It makes me cry when I think of kids being bullied for how they look.’
The band enjoyed huge success with their debut album Permission To Land, selling three million copies thanks to their hit song I Believe In  A Thing Called Love

 

Flamboyant: The Darkness were briefly rock superstars following their 2003 debut Permission to Land

However, their follow up album in 2005 flopped, and Hawkins later quit the band.
His feud with his brother and band member Dan Hawkings threatened to derail any  reunion, but Justin claims all is right with the band now.
He added: 'I had to make a lot of tough decisions when I left the band, but leaving my brother was the hardest.

‘After a while, though, any awkwardness between us disappeared. We started writing songs together and that laid the foundations for this return...
'There are the bands who have a little success before a slow decline. Then there are the ones who ride the roller-coaster, where your mood swings constantly between jubilation and despair. I prefer the rollercoaster.’