Soulful sound, flash fashion: a musical interlude with a cappella group Pentatonix, ‘Can’t Sleep Love’

27 Saturday Feb 2016

Posted by meappropriatestyle in music influence - fashion, music notes, musical interlude

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'Can't Sleep Love', a cappella group, music and fashion, musical interlude, Pentatonix

Pentatonix

is a five member

two-time Grammy award-winning

a cappella singing sensation.

Three members of the group attended high school together in Arlington, Texas.

The remaining two later joined in order to create an ensemble

to compete in The Sing-Off –

a television singing competition programme, Season 3 in 2011.

The group would go on to win the competition

launching a successful career in the music industry.

Their style is a smooth melding of

pop, R&B, reggae and classical tones.

…

Pentatonix

sings

Can’t Sleep Love

…

(image from rcarecordspress.com)

Musical interlude : Celebrating curvy curves – ‘All About that Bass’ by singer/songwriter, Meghan Trainor

29 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by meappropriatestyle in diversity in fashion, diversity in images of beauty, fashion and music, music influence - fashion, music notes, musical interlude

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'All About That Bass', diversity in fashion, diversity in images of beauty, embrace diversity, Meghan Trainor, musical interlude

Summer sunshine season is almost here

and with it comes that urge

to listen repeatedly to, to sing out loud to, to dance freely to

music that generates upbeat in tempo and sentiment.

Cue the smash hit

All About that Bass by music wunderkind

Meghan Trainor,

who at only 21 years old, has worked with

current pop music talents:

Bruno Mars, Solange Knowles, Niki Minaj, Rhianna-

to name a few.

…

Ms. Trainor is a multi-instrumentalist who is inspired by

various musical genres:

soca (Caribbean/calypso), doo-wop, jazz, hip-hop and

crooners of old, such as Frank Sinatra.

…

Her original tune All About that Bass was nominated for Grammy Awards

in three categories: Favourite Song, Record of the Year, Song of the Year (2014).

The song’s lyrics communicate a theme of embracing/loving oneself as is:

“Writing that song, I was thinking about girls today and how there’s even more pressure to be thin now, because of Instagram and selfies and that constant competition … ” (quote , Meghan Trainor from meghan-trainor.com)

The message decries fashion photo-shopped images

as unobtainable ideals of body perfection

and laments the added self-inflicted demand to achieve such goal.

The song encourages consideration of true body perfect as

“all about that bass”:

celebrating what is natural, healthy, strong, robust-

whatever the body measurements.

…

“All About That Bass is to love your body no matter what.”

(quote, Meghan Trainor from meghan-trainor.com)

…

A watch and listen:

Make it a Summer 2015 anthem

All About that Bass

by singer/songwriter Meghan Trainor

…

A read:

“All About That Bass”
(with highlighted lines)

Yeah, it’s pretty clear, I ain’t no size two
But I can shake it, shake it, like I’m supposed to do
‘Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places

I see the magazine workin’ that Photoshop
We know that shit ain’t real, come on now, make it stop
If you got beauty, beauty, just raise ’em up
‘Cause every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mama she told me “don’t worry about your size”
(Shoo wop wop, sha-ooh wop wop)
She says, “Boys like a little more booty to hold at night”
(That booty, uh, that booty booty)
You know I won’t be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that what you’re into, then go ‘head and move along

I’m bringing booty back
Go ‘head and tell them skinny bitches that
No, I’m just playing, I know you think you’re fat
But I’m here to tell you…
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top

Yeah my mama she told me, “don’t worry about your size”
(Shoo wop wop, sha-ooh wop wop)
She says, “Boys like a little more booty to hold at night”
(That booty booty, uh, that booty booty)
You know I won’t be no stick figure, silicone Barbie doll
So if that’s what you’re into, then go ‘head and move along

You know I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I said I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass…

Because you know I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass, no treble
I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass… Hey!
I’m all about that bass
‘Bout that bass… Hey!
I’m all about that bass
Bout that bass…
Hey!
Yeah yeah… ohh… You know you like this bass… Hey…

…

‘The Lady Sings the Blues’: in celebration of Billie Holiday

07 Tuesday Apr 2015

Posted by meappropriatestyle in accessories, hair accessory, history notes, music influence - fashion, music notes, musical interlude, signature piece

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'Lady Sings the Blues' - autobiography, 'Strange Fruit' - lyrics/poem, Big Band Era, Billie Holiday, jazz music, jazz/blues singer, musical interlude, signature hair accessory - gardenia

Acclaimed jazz singer Billie Holiday

was born on 7 April 1915.

Today the music world celebrates the centenary of her birth.

…

(image from baltimoremagazine.net):

Billie Holiday

…

Born Eleanora Fagan Gough

(she would change her name to Billie Holiday)-

she was first raised in Baltimore, Maryland

and later moved with her mother to Harlem, New York.

She lived a childhood and teen years of hardship:

poverty, school truancy, arrest for prostitution.

…

“I never had a chance to play with dolls like other kids.

I started working when I was 6 years old.”

(quote from usatoday.com)

…

In 1933, while working as a singer in noted Harlem jazz club Pods’ and Jerry’s-

the 18 year old was discovered by producer John Hammond.

This business association would launch her music career.

During the late 1930s, she collaborated with the greats of the “Big Band Era”:

recording with Benny Goodman-

famed clarinetist and bandleader, known as the “King of Swing”;

touring with jazz pianist, composer and band leader Count Basie

and collaborating with clarinetist, composer, band leader Artie Shaw.

She was the first Black female singer to work with an all White band.

…

Flyer for show featuring

Billie Holiday with the Artie Shaw Band (March, 1938)

…

While performing, her signature accessory were gardenia flowers,

which she wore as hair adornments.

…

(image from musicians-allaboutjazz):

…

Though her vocal range was limited

her musical talent knew no bounds.

Her sound was emotive, haunting, genuine, original.

…

“I don’t think I ever sing the same way twice.

The blues is sort of a mixed-up thing.

You just have to feel it. Anything I do sing is part of my life.”

(quote from cbsnews.com)

…

“I’ll be Seeing You”

sung by the incomparable

Billie Holiday

…

Nicknamed ‘Lady Day’ by jazz saxophonist Lester Young (Count Basie Orchestra)

she is esteemed as one of the greatest female jazz singers.

Her musical legacy has influenced the creative works of artists such as

Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin.

…

She became a voice of the American civil rights movement.

Using her talent and celebrity to highlight

the issue of racism in the United States,

which woefully defined the time-

Ms. Holiday recorded the song Strange Fruit.

The lyrics are the words from a poem of the same name

which was written in 1937 by Jewish school teacher Abel Meeropol.

…

(image from slideshare.com):

…

The words create a vivid image of the horrors of lynching,

which occurred in areas of the American south .

Commodore Records bravely recorded the song (1939) and

Time Magazine named it the song of the century.

…

A beautiful woman with a beautiful voice

she died on 17 July 1959 from drug and alcohol abuse

She was just 44 years old.

…

On this day which marks

what would have been her 100th birthday,

she is justly honoured for her contribution

to the music industry with a star on the

Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame, NYC.

…

(image from cbs.com):

Billie Holliday

7 April 1915 – 17 July 1959

…

To learn more of her life from her own accounting

read Ms. Holiday’s autobiography Lady Sings the Blues,

first published in 1956.

The Soul Train Line: dance moves, fashion grooves

08 Sunday Feb 2015

Posted by meappropriatestyle in fashion and music, fashion fun, free to be me, music influence - fashion, music notes, musical interlude

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'70s fashion, '70s music, 'Soul Train', music and fashion, Soul Train Line, Soul Train- tv show

On the air for thirty five years,

Soul Train

was an American music and dance television programme

which spotlighted Black-American music talents.

It was created by trailblazing producer, Don Cornelius.

…

From the show’s inception in 1971,

the Soul Train Line

was probably the most popular segment of the hour-long programme-

dancers executed the latest moves in the latest fashion.

It was a ’70s music and fashion parade.

…

(image from pixgood.com):

…

The Soul Train line consisted of two rows of dancers:

guys on one side, gals on the other and a space between.

In couples, they progressed in consecutive order-

performing their best steps to the best tunes

on the airwaves.

…

Flashback to the ’70s

music sounds and fashion images

that rolled in on the ‘Soul Train’

The ‘hippest trip in town!’

…

Soul Train Line, 1974

to the sounds of

The King of Soul, James Brown: ‘Cold Blooded’

…

Soul Train Line, 1975

to the sounds of

Rufus ft. Chaka Khan: ‘Once You Get Started’

…

Mark your diary! … for the ‘Return of the Rude Boy’ at Somerset House, London

21 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in exhibitions, fashion cultural reference, menswear, music influence - fashion, street style sass

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"Rude Boy" - song, Dean Chalkley, Harris Elliot, Mark your diary, Michael Rose - singer, Rude boy fashion, Rude boy music, Somerset House- London, street style sass, summer exhibitions - 2014, The Return of the Rude Boy

Rude Boy

Rudy

Rudi

Rudie

are slanguage street

for the 1960’s Jamaican subculture, which

rocked a reggage inspired music mood and

a fashion flair of sharp suits and skinny ties.

…

(image from redbubble.com):

RBL style is back!

…

Somerset House, London

is the venue for the summer exhibtion

The Return of the Rude Boy,

which examines the sartorial stance and music making

of the 21st century Rude Boy.

…

Curated by photographer and film maker

Dean Chalkley

and creative director

Harris Elliot

the exhibition showcases over 60 portraits of

individuals across the U.K. who embody the

spirit and quality of the modern Rudie

in dress, grooming and music interests.

…

Michael Rose sings “Rude Boy”

He’s back in town!

reggae rhythm, dancehall-ability

…

There will even be a bona fide Rude Boy barber

at a pop-up station to tidy your look into Rudy style!

(Remember to book for a barber appointment.)

…

Return of the Rude boy

13 June – 25 August 2014
Daily 10.00-18.00
Terrace Rooms, South Wing
Free admission

Somerset House, London

for further information visit:

http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/return-of-the-rudeboy

Rude Boy Fashion, 1960s Remake

20 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in accessories, fashion words / phrases, fashionspeak..., men's suiting, music influence - fashion

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Jamaican subculture- 1960s, pork pie hat, rocksteady, Rude boy fashion, Rude boy music, ska-reggae-jazz-R&B fusion, suits

Rude boy

references a Jamaican subculture,

which dates back to the 1960’s-

musically identified with rocksteady:

a fusion of R&B, ska, reggae and jazz

and with fashion focused by a smart dress style of:

fitted suits

button up shirts

thin ties

loafers, brogues

and topped off by a fedora or pork pie hat

…

Elements of the Rude boy look is

evidenced in today’s street style swagger fashion:

cool, confident, composed

…

So gents, get your Rude boy groove on!

…

Rude boy look: the original

(images from kamaraappleton (t) and dancehallreggage-entertainment (b):

…

Rude boy look: contemporary takes

true to form and with a twist

(image from drmartensofficaltumblr.com):

…

(image from dressroom.hu):

…

(images from boyfromdagbon.com):

with a light weave roll neck jumper

…

on the wild side: with animal print scarf

…

(images from modehunter.co.uk):

…

(image from chicagostreetstyle.com):

…

Rude boy a la denim dimension

(image from modehunter.co.uk):

…

(image from dressroom.hu):

…

A blast from the past: that ’80s show … thanks to the Boy (George, that is!) and Culture Club

13 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in distinctive hair styles, diversity in fashion, diversity in images of beauty, hats, headwear, music influence - fashion

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'80s inspired fashion, '80s music, 'It's a Miracle' - song, Boy George - Culture Club, Boy George- braids, diversity in images of beauty, flamboyant fashion

A Walk down ‘Fashion and Music Memory Lane’

’80s style

with the Boy and his Crew

…

the hats

the hair

the clothing

the make-up

Genius!

…

Rumour has it that they’re set to make a group come back!

I for one hope that rumour becomes reality.

…

Boy George and Culture Club

back in the day

(image from dailymail.com):

…

(image from gigwise.com):

…

Remember their 1983 hit ‘It’s a Miracle’

from The Colour by Numbers album? –

Pure ’80s Gold:

What’s out, is really what’s in (again): the ‘Buffalo’ hat

04 Tuesday Feb 2014

Posted by meappropriatestyle in accessories, creative headdress, fashion discussion, fashion fun, hats, look book-back, music influence - fashion, signature look, signature piece, street style sass, style ideas?, urban-chic

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audio - Get Lucky, Daft Punk, Grammy Awards 2014, Malcom McLaren, music and fashion, Pharrell Williams, the 'Buffalo' hat, Vivienne Westwood, Vivienne Westwood - a/w 1982

Music creative all – rounder: singer, producer, writer, collaborator

Pharrell Williams

“Got Lucky” at the 2014 Grammy Awards

winning the award for Pop/Duo Group Performance with Daft Punk

for titled tune “Get Lucky”;

Pharrell was honoured with four gongs in all

including Producer of the Year.

…

(image from eonline.com):

Pharrell Williams at the Grammy Awards 2014

…

His talents extend beyond the recording room

as he is also regarded by some as a bit of a fashion statement maker –

gracing the covers/pages of magazines as testament.

…

(image from burgundywhispers.com):

…

Spotlighted at this year’s Grammy Awards event

for his music industry achievemnts

Pharrell’s chosen hat-wear was an equal attention grabber.

His much talked about ‘home on the range’ hat

generated a twitter buzz frenzy.

…

(image from vanityfair.fr):

Award winners: Pharrell and the ‘Robots’ of Daft Punk at the Grammys 2014

…

(image from popsugar.com):

Pharrell performing with Robin Thicke, Grammy 2014

…

Although a unique style – setter in his own right,

the origins of Pharrell’s Grammy creative head-dress, can be traced to

the 1982 a/w Vivienne Westwood collection ‘Buffalo Girl’

(in collaboration with Macolm McLaren)

…

(image from nancyfashionfancy.blogspot.co.uk):

Malcolm McLaren sits betwixt two models, all in ‘Buffalo’ hats (1982)

…

(image from collections.vam.ac.uk)

iconic ‘Buffalo suiting’ – at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London

…

This mass outpouring of commentaries on Pharrell’s Buffalo hat seems

cultural commentary on the bond between

the music and fashion industries: as dwelling reflection of one in the other.

…

Over thirty years has passed since

the Buffalo hat was a fashion runway sensation –

and 2014 witness it centre stage at the music industry’s gala night.

…

Ah … the ever cyclical quality of fashion:

what’s out, is really what’s in (again).

Pharrell, cheers for the reminder .

…

Pharrell and Daft Punk

‘Get Lucky’

Fashion fantastic: let’s hear it for the boys! menswear, a/w 2013 by designer Walter Van Beirendonck

17 Sunday Nov 2013

Posted by meappropriatestyle in accessories, avant garde, design inspiration, ear adornments, knitwear, menswear, menswear designers, music influence - fashion, runway presentation

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Antwerp Six, autumn/winter 2013, avant garde fashion, menswear, music icons influence on fashion, Paris Fashion Week, Walter Van Beirendonck, whimsical fashion

Belgian designer

Walter Van Beirendonck

is a visionary of riddles and contradictions.

…

(image waltervanbeirendonck.com):

designer, Walter Van Beirendonck

…

A member of the design force known as the

Antwerp Six

-Dries van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, Dirk Van Saene

Marina Yee and Dirk Bikkembergs-

Mr. Van Beirendonck and compatriots are

influenced by imagery of popular culture.

…

His menswear collection for a/w 2013

shown during Paris Fashion Week

is inspired by the ultimate pop icon David Bowie

with a nod to Mick Jagger-esque physicality.

…

Sci-fi ear adornments

Pouting bright red lip attachments

Colourful knitwear of playful configurations

Cropped quilted trousers

Floor length evening robe coverings

Sparkly pieces to razzle dazzle ’em

…

The clothes exude

impeccable tailoring yet elaborately embellished

masculinity yet mockingly not quite so.

The collection is enigmatic:

seemingly bright OTT fashion fun,

though tinged with a bit of the sinister.

Provocative.

…

(images from showstudio):

Walter Van Beirendonck

menswear, a/w 2013

The Collection

…

and the award goes to …

14 Thursday Nov 2013

Posted by meappropriatestyle in design inspiration, emerging designers, menswear, menswear designers, music influence - fashion, ready to wear, urban wear

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'90s hip hop fashion influence, autumn/winter 2013, CFDA, Council of Fashion Designers of America, Dao-Yi Chow, Maxwell Osborne, menswear, New York urban fashion, Public School, Swarovski Menswear Designer of the Year Award, urban style

Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne

(image from nytimes.com):

the designer duo behind menswear fashion label

Public School

scooped the

Swarovski Menswear Designer of the Year Award

for their autumn/winter 2013 collection.

The award was bestowed by the

Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

CFDA awards are the Oscars of the fashion industry;

an accolade to excellence.

…

Chow and Osborne are both native New Yorkers whose

entry into fashion design was influenced by other factors.

During his final two years at New York University (NYU)

Chow interned for Sony Records.

His ambition was to work in the music industry.

He grew up listening and loving ’90s hip hop tunes.

After completing his university studies he worked as a journalist,

writing for Blaze and Vibe magazines.

For Chow, “music was essentially (his) introduction to fashion.”

He was drawn to the style and imagery

projected by hip hop music artists,

whose novel sound and novel attire commanded attention:

urban

unique

attitude

…

Osborne’s road to fashion also had its detours.

He attended art school then law school,

but neither was the right fit.

While working as a sales associate at Tommy Hilfiger

he became intrigued with clothes.

He interned at Sean John, the clothing label owned by

music mogul P. Diddy.

While there, Osborne learned a great deal about the

business of running a successful fashion label.

…

Chow and Osborne meet when both were with Sean John.

They established a design/business partnership and in 2008

launched their label, Public School:

a menswear clothing line,

interpretive of their NYC upbringing.

…

Public School, a/w 2013

The Collection

(images from hypebeast.com):