78/87 London Youth

(source)

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".

(source)

"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.  

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)

"London Youth" is available on Amazon. 

Coachella 2014 - Style Inspiration

source

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:

Black on Black

Because my resolution for spring is to wear more black. 

The famous Yohji Yamamoto's quote sums up what black clothes are all about.

You can style black in many ways and never look wrong, it looks sharp and stylish and a little intimidating - in a good way. It is my go-to colour when I know I'll be meeting uber fashionable people, or when I want to look professional.

Most people use all-black look to compose elegant and minimal outfits, it's the easiest way and it always looks just right. However, my favourite way to wear black involves playing with textures, layers, and original cuts. And it has to be slightly gothic and dramatic.

Since recently I really feel like trying to wear black this way. Here is a couple of photos for reference:

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."

via imdb  

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.

Style Crush - Sky Ferreira

So Sky's debut album is finally out. And despite recent troubles the singer found herself in, it seems to be quite a success (8.1 on Pitchfork and #8 on iTunes - so far). I'm happy for Sky as I genuinely like her. She may be not perfect, but she works hard trying not to fall into the numerous traps of show-business. Her music is a perfect pop with attitude, and she is one of very few people who can pull off grunge-inspired edgy chic. 

You're Not the One

While celebrating Night Time, My Time, let's see some of the Sky's best outfits: