Rebel, Rebel

low-fi pics from "Big City Rebels" with Sammy Valentine and his amazing 8 inch spiky black and green hair. i'm wearing the red flame tee.

I meant to post this back in October but only got around to it now. This was from Sammy Valentine's "Big City Rebels" show at Santos Party House with "Wild Street" and "Veins of Jenna". I love Sammy's shows because they're a total 80s hair metal/glam revival. The bands are always full of energy and fun to watch. Posted about the previous show here. I have no idea who the dude in Kiss makeup is, but he exemplifies the vibe of "Big City Rebels" with his open shirt and over the top makeup. Looking back on it my hair could have been muuuuch bigger!

Rock N' Roll Style Guide: Keith Richards

"Fashion thinks more about me than what I think about it" says Keith, and I'm not surprised. When you're Keith Richards entire collections are built around you. Does Balmain Fall 2010 come to mind? Keith Richards is a classic rock star for a reason, he hasn't changed his signature sound or style in the past 40 years. When you have a good thing going..why change?

Style Breakdown: Glam, hippie, pirate, gypsy. Perfectly tailored suits accented with statement pieces (feather boas, sequin waistcoats, printed scarves, velvet bell bottoms). The frame of mind that you must wear everything you'd need for a month long tour all at once.

The Essentials

• Layers: You see a hint of polka dot underneath a pin striped blazer, a paisley scarf braided with a solid one. His layers and pattern mixing keep you wondering "what's underneath?". Layering should work is such a way that each layer you remove still reveals a complete look. Even if you're shirtless! When Keith removed a layer there were always necklaces and scarfs underneath. Not every layer has to be a statement piece, the statement is the completed look. You can add variation and contrast by mixing layers with prints all in the same color scheme, or by wearing a few different textured or colored fabrics in similar prints.

• Bell Bottoms: Tight on the thigh, belled below the knee, in jean, crushed velvet, and leather.

• The Perfect Suit: Well cut, high-waisted, and three-piece.

• Glam Accessories: Feather boas, sequin vests, leather cuffs, silk scarfs, statement belts

Get Keith Richards' look..etro top $380, mathew williamson vest $1000+, lucky brand necklace $39, lucky brand scarf $50, lucky brand leather belt $49, jbrand jeans $180, cavalli top $580, isabel marant earrings $120, lucky brand fabric belt$50, lucky brand shoes $110

I recommend finding less expensive versions of the tops in stores like Zara or Century 21. Another option is scouring the men's sale racks at department stores. Guys are less likely to purchase wild prints and smaller sizes are often left over and heavily discounted. Despite it's $1,000 price tag, I like that this vest is a nuetral color which makes layering easy. A great sequin vest shouldn't be hard to find in a vintage store. The Lucky Brand accessories are great for finishing off the look... lots of authentic looking accessories at a fairly reasonable price.

Take a Picture

collage created w/screen shots from Filter's "Take a Picture" directed by David Meyers

While I don't exactly "feel like a newborn" while watching "Take a Picture", it definitely triggers the fairytale loving child in me. The video plays like a modern fairytale with its mermaid imagery, star filled sky, glistening night sea, and sunken treasures. Interestingly enough.. the song was written about Richard Patrick's experience getting naked on a plane while inebriated. No matter how hard you dig I'll doubt you'll find the symbolism. The David Meyer's directed video premeired in 2000. At the time, CGI (computer generated imagery used often in conjunction with a green screen) was becoming the major force in the special effects world. "Take a Picture" is a fantastic melding of CGI with man-made sets. The layering of the two gives you that other-worldly sensation where you're not sure where the set ends and the CGI begins. I'm completely bewildered by the house flooding scene.

The song was Filter's biggest commercial hit, but not the best representation of their much harder, electronic sound. A few years ago, I saw Richard Patrick play at the Bowery Ballroom with Army of Anyone. He's one of the few men with the ability to scream in tune. During the show, Richard threw an open water bottle out into the crowd which managed to land right on my friend's head. She was drenched, but just shook out her hair and continued to jive to the music. After the show, much to our surprise, Richard ran up to us and sincerely apologized to her. He was an extremely cool, down-to-earth man, very much the opposite of the rock star stereotype.

Tonight

I’m currently styling Alex York, a musician who’s about breathe some oxygen into the New York music scene. Alex York is a pop/rock performer with charisma and presence reminiscent of rock legends. His self-written music brings together catchy pop melodies with hip hop beats, hard rock guitars and glam theatricality. Tonight he’s performing at The Delancey, the first of many great performances to come.

For more info and some song samples check out www.alexyork.com