Last month I gave you “My Two Cents” about the Madonna for Louis Vuitton campaign. Guess what? I have more “cents.” Did you honestly think I would see the picture above and NOT have something to say? In my first post, I was over Madonna in leotards. Now, not only am I over Madonna in leotards, I am over crotch shots. It’s so vulgar. Why does one of the most iconic luxury brands need a money shot to sell its product? I didn’t get her as a choice for a model, and I do not get this photo. Madonna please stop. I want to remember you in all of your Everybody, Borderline and Holiday glory. You’ve gotten older. Please age gracefully. Madonna, please put your choo-cha away . . . I’m just sayin’.
My latest iTunes download was the 2007 album What’s the Time, Mr. Wolf? by The NOISEttes. Fronted by the astonishingly fashionable Shingai Shoniwa, The NOISEttes have a sound that’s an amalgamation of punk, soul, blues, and good ol’ rock and roll. Their music is dark, heavy, sexy sexy sexy and I just had to have it!
Shingai Shoniwa sings like a songbird raised by Billie Holiday and Siouxsie Sioux and godmothered by Beth Gibbons of Portishead. She patrols the stage like a Runaway (Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Sandy West) and the way she rips on the bass would make Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart proud.
They’ve been likened to the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and the White Stripes but the dynamic collaboration of guitarist Dan Smith and drummer Jamie Morrison, who complete the trio, has the Noisettes in a category that teeters on Afro-Punk and indie-rock at it’s finest.
But let’s get back to Shingai’s eye for fashion. This girl is hot. The fiery frontwoman flaunts feather-and-war-paint stage attire mixed with elements of the London punk scene, all while pulling from her Zimbabwan roots, where tribes express themselves in the way they dress.
Music, outfits, and big earrings—all the makings of a fashion icon.
Check the shots of Shingai’s style below:
More on Shingai Shoniwa, The Noisettes and the Afro-Punk movement after the jump!
So sexy. So seductive. I’ve found myself “addicted to V” as of late. Vampires to be specific. I’ve always had a fascination with Vampires…it started with a documentary my Dad and I watched when I was a little girl. I remember being scared but even at that young age, I was totally attracted to the romantic aspect. Bram Stokers Dracula is one of my all time favorite movies. My recent obsession was sparked by HBO’s first season True Blood…a love story between a mortal and a vampire set in Louisiana. A synthetic blood, “True Blood” has been invented so Vampires can “mainstream” or co-exist with mortals. Silly I know.
Lily Allen has a new album, It’s Not Me, It’s You, dropping on February 9thand to go along with the drop she’s got a brand new website. The site includes downloads, her blog and tons of information, but the most fun part is a new video game called “Escape The Fear.” You can play it below and be sure to visit the new site here.
FlakeTV gives us an inside look at Iguapop Gallery & Shop, a gallery/clothing shop in Barcelona’s El Borne neighborhood. They host exhibitions by artists like Miss Van and Kim Gordon (of Sonic Youth).
It sounds like Iguapop also carries an nice collection of magazines about fashion, design and urban art so if you’re ever in Barcelona, drop on by!
We recently posted about “The Party for Change� fundraisers for the Obama campaign put on by the amazing duo of Shepard Fairey and DJ Z-Trip. Z-Trip has generously put the mix he was doing at these shows online, in hopes of spreading the word to people who need to hear it most.
So, here it is: Click the image below to download and please read the message from Z-Trip below…
I encourage you to download it and pass it along to anyone you think should hear it. Feel free to burn copies, share it with friends, family, co-workers, strangers, and especially anyone you know is on the fence about this election. I’m also putting out a radio friendly version, in case anyone wants to broadcast it.
Please share the message. Educate those who may not know what is really going on. There is still time.
If you, or anyone you know, isn’t registered to vote, I encourage you to make it a priority and fix that before it’s too late. This election is WAY too important for anyone to not get involved. If you need more information on how and where to register, vote, or participate, please check the links below.
I honestly feel if we make our voices heard, this time WILL be different.
This upcoming election may be the most important one in our lifetime, with issues such as equal pay and Roe vs. Wade at the forefront of national discussion. And with Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin running for office, women are beginning to confuse her as an icon of feminism, which is defined as “”the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men.” Contradictory, no?
Well the real icon of feminism, Gloria Steinem, sits down with writer Suheir Hammad and talks about the misconceptions of feminism, not being a breeder, women in the workplace, and of course, Sarah “the Flintstones were real” Palin.
“Having someone who looks like you and behaves like them — who looks like a friend but behaves like an adversary—is worse than having no one.”
Make sure you read up an all the issues that are being discussed this election that can affect our rights as women, as well as our daughters and granddaughters!
Crewest Gallery Presents…
Syndrome
“I Learned It By Watching You”
Saturday, September 6th, 2008
7:00pm
Crewest Gallery is putting on an art show which observes the effects of mass media on the public. The title “I Learned It By Watching You” was inspired by a popular, Reagan era PSA that aired on American television during the late 1980s. Each piece of art will show a different perspective about the influence media has on our opinions, beliefs, and lives. With so many people tuning into television these days and being sent so many different messages, this should be an interesting exhibition. DJ DAZ will keep your head nodding all night long.
Syndrome is composed of artists Micah Hancock, James Larese and Mars
Sandoval. It first started as an LA based art collective showing in galleries in New York City as well as LA. Not too long after, Syndrome went on to start a creative boutique under the same name.
If you attend the opening reception, you can check out their first limited edition toy which will be released at that time. The toy will be signed by the artists and draws its inspiration from the accompanying art exhibition.
For updates on the show and to see photos of some of the works in progress hit this up.
Solange Knowles steps out (and WAY in front of the other Knowles sister) with a fresh and fun sound on her new CD, SoL-AngeL and the Hadley St. Dreams. The album features a dream team of collaborators including three-times Grammy award-winning music producer Mark Ronson, the ever-so-funky Cee-Lo, Pharrell, Jack Splash, The Neptunes, the legendary award-winning Lamont Dozier, and Bilal.
Here’s the good word:
Inspired by the ’60s and early ’70s, Solange showcases a Motown influenced sound that has been given a brand-new kick while at the same time offering her love of London-inspired Electronica on a few select hits. Highlight tracks on SoL-AngeL and the Hadley St. Dreams include The Neptunes produced “I Decided - PT1,” and the Freemasons version of the same tune, “I Decided - PT2,” the Soulshock & Karlin produced “Sandcastle Disco,” the Cee-Lo penned “T.O.N.Y” and the honest and revealing co-written and co-produced by Solange, “God Given Name.” A new video for “Sandcastle Disco,” directed by Solange herself, recently debuted on MTV’s F’N MTV and BET’s 106 & Park. —Marketwatch.com
