70's Vintage Punk Rock Vixen Wendy O Williams

Before there was Madonna, Lady Gaga, or any other who was considered to be a 'shock rocker' female pop star, there was a force to be reckoned with and her name was Wendy O Williams.  If you were growing up in the late seventies to early eighties, you know exactly who I'm talking about!  In July of 1978, her band 'The Plasmatics' gave it's debut performance at the infamous CBGB in New York. Williams instantly became a punk rock cult icon for the ages and had a consistent following during her career thereafter.  

If you think today's female musicians have pushed the envelope in regards to what's considered controversial or taboo, Wendy O puts them in the rank of saints compared to her on stage antics. Williams was an intense personality on every level and it came through in her lyrics, her persona and most of all her wardrobe which was mostly 'skin'.  She was big on strategically placed electrical tape.  In the early 80's she was arrested several times for simulating sex on stage, attempting battery on an officer and for perpetrating obscene conduct.  She even went as far as to perform in nothing but shaving cream on one occasion!  This chick was off the hook crazy and the crowds ate it up!

After The Plasmatics went their separate ways, Williams attempted a solo career in 1984 when she released an album titled "W.O.W" that was produced by Kiss members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley & Ace Frehley.  She also gave a shot at acting appearing in the 1986 indie film, 'Reform School Girls'.  She ended up retiring all together in 1991 and toned it down quite a bit ending up working in a health food store, citing that she was just sick of people!   

Unfortunately, Wendy O Williams stage act was not an act at all, the brash & hardcore personality she portrayed to the public, was really who she was on the inside.  In 1993 she attempted suicide by hammering a knife into her chest but she changed her mind when it just lodged in her sternum.  Another attempt occurred in 1997 with an ephedrine overdose and finally she succeeded on April 6th 1998 when she went into the woods near her home and shot herself.  She was only 48.  This vintage music vixen was the epitome of a bad girl style icon and definitely paved the way for those who followed in her footsteps, so f.y.i. it wasn't a big revelation when Amy Whinehouse, Lady Gaga or Pink rocked the tape, as the punk rock vixen queen of 'shock & awe', Wendy O Williams had 'been there and done that' when they were still in diapers!        

 : hangout.altsounds.com  , fabsugar.co.uk , flickr.com , myspace.com , noisy-subculture.blogspot.com , corbisimages.com , chorniccandy.com, binside.typepad.com , tatparade.blogspot.com

Lady Gaga Wants Her Own Fashion Line

Lady Gaga was recently named 'Fashion Icon' at the CFDA (Council Of Fashion Designers Of America) Awards.

Gaga is said to have an 'eye' for fashion and in her video for her new single "Edge Of Glory", she is seen wearing vintage Versace.  She was quoted as saying "I would love to start a fashion line and would even stop making music for awhile, at least a year". 

After seeing these photos of her whooping it up at the CFDA after party, I'd say...."Don't quit your day job Gaga"!  I think there's a fine line where fashion and taste are concerned and she's teetering on the edge of 'raunch'!  Any thoughts?...




eonline.com, popdash.com, fashion.about.com, mixtapemaestro.net

Fashion In Film Friday

The 1985 film 'Desperately Seeking Susan', starring then newbie super star Madonna centered around an unfulfilled housewife who meets free spirited Susan (Madonna) by accident when she began answering her personal ads in a New York tabloid.  She then becomes fascinated with her, gets amnesia & begins thinking that she actually is her.  Weak story line & weird, I know!  Although the plot left much to be desired, the soundtrack featuring Madonna's hits like 'Get Into The Groove' & 'Like A Virgin' as well as the fashions in this film that inspired a generation!

This movie is all about the popular clothing styles that surfaced in the 80's and Madonna was the first pop icon to make under wear as outer wear in public acceptable with the rise of the boustierre as well as bras paired with see through mesh tops as a bold fashion forward statement!

     

Hard to believe that was twenty six years ago and that to this day, this style is still in circulation, perhaps in a more modestly muted way, but still out there nonetheless!

Pop Icon Lady Gaga's style has definitely been instrumental in reinspiring this vintage style, but on a whole other level, as her no holds barred over the top fashion taste, or lack there of rather, has one upped Madonna in regards to shock value!

I personally prefer the less brash 80's version (i.e. Madonna's style) of under wear as outer wear because even she attempted to leave a bit to the imagination!  Truth is, everyone has the right to 'bare arms' so to speak but the question remains...is less always best?  


slsvggashion.blogspot.com , dvdreleasedates.com , dollydust.blogspot.com , urbanglossy.com, refinery29.com, fashionforlunch.com , usahangout.com

Spotlight Saturday - Cher is 65!

Academy award winning actress & pop songstress Cher turned 65 yesterday & just in case you didn't know, she was 'all of that' way before there was ever a Madonna or Lady Gaga.  At almost 18, she paired up with then soon to be husband Sonny Bono to record the hit 'I've Got You Babe' & that hit set her career ablaze.

From the very beginning of her early stardom, Cher became a style icon and the fashion muse of designer Bob Mackie who created many of the outrageous gowns & costumes we've seen her in throughout the years.

From 2000 to 2005 she was on her 'Farewell Tour' but make no mistake, Cher's not going anywhere soon as then timeless talent has proved she has the ability to keep reinventing herself!

 pics: spinner.com, blogue.us.com, inyourface.com, finalclothesout.blogspot.com, shoppingblog.com, mabjewelrycom

Spotlight Saturday

Every year since 1946, France has been the host for one of the world's most prestigious film festivals.  Held annually, usually in May (this year May 11th - 22nd), in the resort town of Cannes, in the South of France.  Like any other awards show that has to do with movies, the Cannes Festival is all about the red carpet fashions.  It's just getting started, but here are some highlights of what the paparazzi has snapped so far!

Uma Thurman is glamorous in Versace

Rachel McAdams is simply chic Maxime Simoens

   And...Lady Gaga looking as Gaga'ish as ever in?...

pics: redcarpet.fashionunraveled.com , hollywoodcrush.com , radaronline.com

Spotlight Saturday... Royal Wedding Re-Cap

It's Spotlight Saturday once again and since the hoopla has yet to die down, we're bringing to you today a 'Retro Threadz Royal Wedding Re-Cap'.  First off, the British tabloids were on the money as they leaked an early word that Kate Middleton's dress was designed by Sarah Burton for the late Alexander McQueen's fashion house. 

The dress was modest as to be expected but exquisitely beautiful nonetheless and the intricate delicate lace was a mixture of Chantilly & English.  The design pattern included rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.  It was impeccably detailed.  The fitted bodice had a Victorian corset flair which not many women can pull off without being uncomfortable.  Sarah Burton did an excellent job of making a style reminiscent of Princess Grace Kelly's 1956 wedding gown quite current.   

   
I think everyone was thrown off by this vintage style redux by Burton since she is known for her avant-garde designs.  She regularly works for Lady Gaga and given that, maybe they were expecting wedding couture for the Princess that was a little more edgy?


O.k. so now onto the 'hats'...  Seriously some of these were totally Gaga'ish!
For instance this monstrosity worn by Princess Beatrice of York by Irish designer, Royal hat maker Philip Treacy was certainly an attention getter.  Kind of like... 'hey look at me, I wanna make sure I'm in the spotlight'!  Mission accomplished!

In my opinion, the true 'scene stealer' for the day was the Bride's sister Pippa Middleton who looked like an absolute dream in the sleek ivory satin dress with a crepe cowl neckline made especially for her also by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.  This was a risky choice being that 'white' is usually the color reserved for the Bride only on her special day. 

 

Now that the nuptials have taken place, the frenzy begins as the question buzzing around today is..."Do you think Pippa out shined Kate at her own wedding"?  Inquiring minds want to know...or do they really?  Where would we be without our trash mags?!

: weddingspirasi.com , fashion-era.com  rickey.org , royalwedding.aol.com  abcnews.go.com 

Has Lady GaGa Gone GOO GOO?!

There's no denying that Lady GaGa is beyond no holds barred wild and crazy as far as her fashions and performances go, but get this...she's currently claiming that she didn't write her latest song 'Born This Way', because it was actually channeled through to her by one of her very good friends, the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen.  She even went as far to comment in the interview with Harper's Bazaar that McQueen who took his own life a year ago last February planned the whole thing right after he died.  GaGa also stated that she thinks it to be more than a coincidence that her label released the hit on the one year anniversary of his passing and that it truly confirms her belief that he was working through her.


In the same interview with Harper's Bazaar when asked about her new look (i.e. facial horns and shoulder bumps) since she debuted the song 'Born This Way', she went on to say..."They are not prosthetics, they are my bones...I have been waiting for the right time to reveal to the universe who I truly am."

Seriously people...isn't this stunt even a bit much for the extrovert extremist GaGa or has she finally gone goo goo with her antics?  Either way, this totally trumps the time when Detroit born pop icon Madonna suddenly woke up one morning with foreign accent syndrome!   


 glamourmagazine.co.uk

Lady Gaga to Become Fashion Columnist

It appears from what I've read in the news this morning, Lady Gaga is going to become a 'Fashion Columnist' for V Magazine!  The magazine was launched in September of 99' and was a spin off of the limited-edition quarterly mag 'Visionaire'.  Visionaire was more of a couture fashion mag whereas V is all about what's 'ready to wear'.  The mag also focuses on art, music, film & pretty much all things creative...

She will begin her new gig as columnist writing about 'fashion & art' and her first article will hit the news stands this Summer around mid-May.  Gaga may have very well found a new niche' to add to her long diverse resume, as the 25 year old Grammy winner is best known for her eclectic Fashion choices and outrageous ensembles!  She even has her own fashion design creative team called the Haus of Gaga...  

It seems cliche' to keep saying 'what's next' for Lady Gaga because I don't think she's ever going to run out of ideas!...

pics: appworld.com , jivid.com

Whatever Happened to Grace Jones?

Recently I was reading about the days of Studio 54 and this got me to thinking...What ever happened to Grace Jones?  Remember her? The scarily sexy androgynous Jamaican-American singer, model and actress?

Born in Jamaica, she moved to New York in 1965 and became a successful model in the city but gained her fame as a clothes horse in Paris more so because her looks were considered 'too strong' for American magazines.

She also studied theatre in Syracuse and became an extremely capable actress which overshadowed her musical talents in America, but not in Europe where her status as a recording artist was much higher.  She made some low-budget films in the late 70's, early 80's and became a mainstream actress after starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1984 movie Conan The Destroyer.

Jones made a record deal with Island Records in 1977 and put out a bunch of dance club hits.  It's said to be known that she is responsible for adapting and emerging a new wave style in music and she definitely incorporated performance art into her grooves.  In 81' her album "Pull Up to the Bumper" spent 7 weeks at #2 on the U.S. Hot Dance Club charts. 

So where is she now?  Although she hasn't made an appearance in any mainstream films since the late 90's, it seems as though the 60'something Ms. Jones is still rocking the microphone in all her glory.  Here she is performing at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark wild as ever!  

She's also been spotted several years ago during New York Fashion Week participating in the Jean Paul-Goude African Fashion Collection.

A press article last year stated that the infamous Lady GaGa was said to be interested in working with Grace Jones on a musical collaboration to which Jones replied..."She asked, but I said no....I'd prefer to work with someone who is more original and someone who is not trying to copy me actually"...She also added that she probably wouldn't waste her time seeing GaGa in concert.

Bad move on your part Grace, she could have given you a 'leg up' and some new found media exposure as well.  And what the heck? If the Queen of Pop Madonna even gave her approval for 'style dupes' to Gaga, you should have too! After all...Imitation is the best form of flattery. Get over your damn self!


accesshollywood.com , lanceunemode.wordpress.com , mediaoutrage.wordpress.com , eil.com , painfullyhip.com , fanpix.net , kenyastyle.com

The Bizarre & Beautiful of Paris Fashion Week 2011

Highlights of the recent Paris Fashion Week 2011 hosted the 'bizarre & beautiful' and these three designers in particular set the runway on fire in my opinion with their unique yet exquisite collections.


#1. Mugler's muse Lady GaGa stole the show taking to the gig like she'd been doing it all of her life grinding down the catwalk as her new single "Government Hooker", played as the soundtrack.  Nicola Formichetti a house designer for Mugler, showed her tailored jackets and dresses with extreme "Metropolis" shoulders, latex pants and catsuits. 

#2. Balenciaga flashed fashion gold as he brought punk for Spring turning a 180-degrees from his usual foray.  

Skirts were his coveted item as he showed several versions of paneled knee length styles with asymmetrical hems.  He also did his take on the popular 'dresses over pants' which has been done by most every designer.

#3. Hakaan Yildirim, the Turkish born designer won the French ANDAM award for new talent (given by the country's National Association for the Development of the Fashion Arts) last year, and was definitely the buzz'iest newcomer on this years schedule completely living up to the hype with his fresh take on androgynous fashion (i.e. masculine-feminine themed). 

Who were your fave designers during the 2011 Paris Fashion Week? Retro Threadz wants to know!




pics: fashioninquisitive.com, claudiocina,typepage.com, diyfashion.about.com, zimbio.com, bloggers.com, osochic.com, examiner.com, trendtastic-ny.com    

Runway GaGa

Pop Icon, activist and now runway model for Thierry Mugler at the Paris Fashion Week 2011?  What a perfect show for GaGa to make her debut and an even more perfect fit being that Mugler is known for his shows being a spectator sport.  He intertwines fashion with a performance art vibe each setting being extraordinary in its own right.  

   
Of course GaGa performed her new hit 'Born This Way' gyrating amongst the

models on the catwalk and made it one of the most memorable events of the evening I'm sure!

To get an idea of Thierry Mugler's design styles he fashioned the avant garde 'vintage inspired' costumes worn by Lady GaGa and Beyonce in the music video for 'Telephone'. 

Mugler incorporates the least likeliest of fabric mediums into his designs: leather, metal and vinyl but nothing tops the meat dress GaGa wore designed by Franc Fernandez!  Whether you love her or hate her on her end it's 'mission accomplished' because either way she's always giving us something to talk about!

 news.sky.com , images.dailyfill.com , stopthepress.com , fashionist.ca