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.

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.

Icon - Patti Smith

I feel that Patti Smith is a perfect figure to talk about in my first post. She is an ultimate punk legend with remarkable voice, who inspired numbers of musicians and writers. She is also a strong, wise person, never afraid to break the gender, cultural, and artistic norms. And, finally, she is one of my biggest role models and style icons. 

Actually, Smith is probably many people's style icon, especially in times of recent punk and grunge revival. But I think that pigeonholing her androgynous style as just "punk" is, in a way, an understatement. There is so much more to Patti than that.

While reading her wonderful memoir "Just Kids" I found it fascinating how her fashion choices have always been carefully thought of, and reflected the things that were important to her. She is a fashion inspiration not simply because of what she wore, but also for how and why she wore it. Basically, to dress like Patti you have to have not only right clothes, but also right attitude (which is the case with many other fashion icons, but in my eyes the psychological aspect of their outfits is often ommited). 

Enough talking, let's explore and analyze Patti's style: