78/87 London Youth

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Every time I read something about the birth of punk I find myself fascinated with the sartorial side of the movement, so essential, given its roots in Viviane Westwood's and Malcolm McLaren's butique. Similarly, the numerous alternative fashion styles of the 80s perfectly resonate with my aesthetics.

 I often analyse the style of the leading figures of such movements, predominantly musicians, but the "common" representatives are equally inspiring. They show how the cultures operated in "real life", not necessarily connected to stage presence and band's image. It is remarkable that they were not any less radical. It perfectly shows in Derek Ridger's new book, "London Youth 78/87".

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"London Youth 78/87" seems to perfectly grasp the essence of the atmosphere of early years of punk and subsequent decade full of vivid subcultures. As indicated in the title, it focuses on the life in England's capital. 

The book's author, Derek Ridgers, is one of the most accomplished and versatile photographers. Whether taking street style portraits or working with legendary musicians his photos always have the rough, honest quality. It is also remarkably how he manages to create fragile, tense, yet intimate bond with the protagonists of his photos.  

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"London Youth" is available on Amazon. 

Icon - David Sylvian

David Sylvian was the lead singer of Japan, one the most interesting new-wave bands. Wandering between glam rock and New Romantic movement they were so innovative and original that it was impossible to pin them down. Having reached commercial peak in early 80s, the band dissolved and Sylvian pursued solo career, similarly full of unexpected turns and surprising collaborations. 

David Sylvian's is extremely intriguing and his image is definitely one of the many things which make him so fascinating. And it's also difficult to pin down, not only because Sylvian's look evolved throughout his career, but also because it never obviously adhered to one particular style.

 Sylvian's style embodies 80s fashion, but lots of his outfits would look hip also nowadays. He fluctuated between librarian modesty and baroque lavishness. He was androgynous but in subtle, refined way. He looked unearthly but at the same time naturally and effortlessly.

  

Japan - Visions of China

David Sylvian once mentioned that his style, extravagant as it may be, was not a disguise, it expressed who he really was. This sincerity and nonconformity make him a truly remarkable figure. 

David Sylvian is an icon because he always did what he wanted to with his music, never compromised and despite the popularity he never lost his mystique. 

But his is also a great source of fashion inspiration, especially when it comes to blazers, shirts and tuxedos.

Coachella 2014 - Style Inspiration

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Coachella has always been one of my dream festivals. It combines lots of things I am enthusiastic about, specifically sun, palms, heat and, obviously, great deals of performances which are classified with the highest priority on my personal concert wish list.

It is also one of the most fashion-related festivals - and while it is not necessarily a bad thing - I am a fan of experimenting with my style at the festivals a little more than usual myself - it can be problematic. 

I suppose some people are just too desperate to show their inner hippie and it most cases just miss the point of what a music festival should be about. Go and see Tyler, The Creator's twitter for reference as it is not my intetion to elaborate on this subject (or the subject of wayy too common mindless cultural appropriation).

Despite all the irritating things about Coachella and its style-related aspect it remains a great source of inspiration.

I decided to focus on artists' outfits and I have chosen the most interesting (at least in my opinion) ones of the first weekend:

Icon - Justine Frischmann

Justine Frischmann is everything - smart, edgy and rebellious, but also very enchanting, always with perfect haircut and at least a couple of britpop boys going crazy for her.

One of the Suede founding members, having parted with the band and Brett Anderson, she enjoyed massive success with her new group - Elastica. With sharp, disorted guitars, cocky lyrics and captivating stage presence Elastica was the second most played britpop band in US - after Oasis.

Justine's killer, nonchalant style is definitely worth revisiting. Also, after the My Mad Fat Diary inspiration post I really feel focusing more of the 90s and it's the perfect occasion to see their slightly different side. 

Prepare for lots of black.

Inspiration - My Mad Fat Diary

Since the second season of My Mad Fat Diary finishes tomorrow, and I got way more emotionally involved in this show than I planned to, I decided to make a quick post about the impeccable 90s style, relaying on this great TV series. 

Nowadays, it's safe to say that we're experiencing some kind of 90s revival. Not only in fashion, just think about bands like Jagwar Ma or Peace which channel the famous baggy madchester sound in their music. Not to mention reforming "britpop" bands.
Notice how the outfits don't really look dated, in fact you could probably easily buy half of them in Topshop. Fashion and music go in circles and I don't mind it at all.
Anyway, My Mad Fat Diary perfectly captures the moment of nostalgia for the 90s and revives their crazy, cool, and overall incredible style. One of my main inspirations for this post was, besides the show itself, this great tumblr: http://mmfdfashion.tumblr.com/

Let's go back to the July '96.

We Are The Stains and We Don't Put Out

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains, my recent discovery, is a cult punk movie from early 80s, which never really had an official, cinematic release. It's therefore quite difficult to find, or even find out about, but I guess it makes it even cooler. 

"The media and disaffected teens mistake the acerbic rants of an obnoxious teenage punk rocker as a rallying cry for the women of America, launching her and her talentless group to national stardom."

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The Fabulous Stains is a scpecific movie, but I found it likeable - no wonder, it contains some of the cinematic themes which make me quite biased. I mean, it really feels like a movie from 1982 and some parts are quite awkward and contrived, but that's the part of its charm. But there are lot more reasons to love it than to hate it. Firstly, Diane Lane is truly fabulous, her character and her band just ooze with girl power. I absolutely loved the Corrine Burns - Diane Lane's character - transformation. Believe me, the famous cigarette scene is just one of the numerous badass things she does in the film. And all the "skunk" fangirls were great.

Style Crush - Lorde

Lorde - talented teenage sensation of recent months caught my eye not only with her modern, eclectic music, but also with her great style. I know it's very soon to talk about her, given she's just starting her career, and her style may change. Moreover, she hasn't been in the spotlight for a long time, so there are not that many of her outfits documented. Nonetheless, I decided to write a post with her style analysis - she's without a doubt  an interesting figure, and I'm sensing some really cool influences in her fashion choices.