Classic Style.

Designer Patrick Kelly, Iman, Grace Jones, Naomi Campbell in the 80's.

I love the energy and joy in this photo.


Via: vintageblackglamour.tumblr.com <- One of my favorite blogs, full of classic images and history.

Jody Watley Individual Style Spotlight | Azzedine Alaia and The Business of Fashion

In Azzedine Alaia. Vintage | 1983. London, England

Azzedine Alaia is another designer I started wearing back in the early 80's while living in London. Other early supporters were his muse supermodel Naomi Campbell and the inimitable Grace Jones. His body clinging dresses were must haves as well as the terrific sculptured jackets (One of my favorite vintage pieces is a butter soft Alaia leather coat worn in my "I'm The One You Need" video in 92) and suits with precision detail. Over the years he produced less work and his flagship stores closed. After the tragic death of his sister in the 90's Alaia seemed to disappear from the industry.

I find parallels in his philosophies with regard to not wanting 'crank out' merchandise at frenetic paces, choosing to focus instead on quality at one's own self designed pace and to make a choice with regard to what area of an industry you feel most passionate. In many ways, the music industry is the same. Artists have a choice on which path they choose as to which part of the game to work and what path (s) to take; there is no one size fits all. He presents collections only when he feels he has something to show to small gatherings and private clientele, and has always worked on his own time frame. This approach may not bring in the mega bucks but there's something to be said for this type of individual style and approach in such a competitive and lucrative Industry; where handbags and signature perfumes are where the real money appears to be.

Read the Article from Business of Fashion: HERE

Work It Wednesday. Grace Jones

 

Classic Grace Jones at the 25th Annual Grammy Awards.



Photo: (via) flickr

Fashion Africa.

Though operating below the international radar, Africa hosts it's own successful fashion week each year in addition to hosting their prestigious Fashion Awards. Winners this year included Black Coffee of South Africa 'Designer of The Year', Duru Olowu 'International Designer of The Year', Sessilee Lopez 'Model of The Year', Grace Jones 'Female Style Icon' and the always visonary Pat McGrath 'Top Make-up Artist'.

To view complete list of winners, click header of this post.



Photos: (via) fashionafrica.com

Celebrity Beauty of the Day: Grace Jones

I've always acknowledged being a huge fan of Ms. Jones. Striking and beautifully unique, there is only one Grace Jones. A few close friends and I giggled like school girls from excitement while attending her spectacular summer 2008 performance at The Hollywood Bowl.

In addition to early music collaborations with Chris Blackwell, Alex Sadkin and Sly and Robbie, Ms. Jones is renowned for having worked with fresh and innovative artistic talent such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Paul Goude and Oscar winning costume designer Eiko Ishioka.
Add to the list of artistic collaborations innovative light artist Chris Levine. With a recently completed exhibition "Grace Jones: Stillness In the Speed of Light" at The Vinyl Factory in London, the Queen of Avant-Garde continues to break new ground.

Look for the new video to "Love You To Life" the third single from Jones' 2008 internationally heralded "Hurricane" album, which will be directed by Levine.

If you're still stuck on her early work, I suggest you rush to update your musical play list with "Hurricane". At 61, the Madame is still incredible musically and artistically.