Musicians as Style Muses

I am a firm believer that it is possible to find style/fashion inspiration from a variety of places. Simply following what fashion magazines are saying is a “do” or “don’t,” does not create a stylish individual. Looking to movies you like, art you enjoy, people you admire or music you could not ever live without are all ways to find what suits your personal style (This is also what designers do, prior to creating a collection).

So what if what you choose wear is not following fashion, it represents who you are as a person; where you have been, where you want to go, who you want to be. Wearing nothing but trends is unoriginal and truthfully, boring. It is crucial to branch out and make your own rules.

I can honestly say that music and musicians have a great deal to do with how I have shaped my style, much more than fashion magazines. Many artists have a strong sense of self and with that, a great sense of personal style.

I am frequently inspired by musicans. It has been said, that if you like a particular artist, it is likely you will also enjoy the music that artist enjoys. I think the same could be said for the personal style of a musician you like. I often discover things I would love to wear because it is worn by musicians I adore.

I would like to point out the fact that many of my musician style icons are men. This may come across as odd, but I feel the styles worn by the artists I am fond of represent more than simply masculine and feminine clothing. Their personal style, confidence and creativity are what make them my personal (music) style icons. Plus, I have no problem “borrowing from the boys” when it comes to cool articles of clothing…a nice shirt, is a nice shirt.

I admire:

Jim Morrison for his adventurous style; skintight leather pants are not the easiest thing to wear.

Bob Dylan for his signature sunglasses; having a signature is something admirable, because I can’t commit.

John, Paul, George, and Ringo always look cool. I like how each had their own look, yet when they were together their style complemented one another.

Led Zeppelin’s style is endearing and very cool. I appreciate the collared shirts, jeans, and long hair.

Kurt Cobain’s grungy cardigans and plaid shirts exude personality. I appreciate how he managed to make two of the most classic pieces of clothing his own.

Most of the other present-day musicians, who influence my style, look like they came from the sixties/seventies era.

I often Google Sean Lennon and his girlfriend Charlotte Kemp Muhl, who together have a band called GOASTT (Ghost of a Saber Toothed Tiger), for style inspiration. They look like next generation hippies, with a lot of money and sophistication thrown in. (above left)

I adore “Kings of Leon’s” style circa 2004; long hair, tight jeans, black boots, and flip flops reflect another time and a carefree attitude. (above right)

Jenny Lewis and The Parisian girl group “The Plastiscines” are influential in vintage-inspired looks; dresses, long hair, winged eye liner, and vintage-looking sunglasses.

The guys in Vampire Weekend look like preppy, Manhattan, NY students in colorful collared shirts, and sweaters. Their look has encouraged me to branch out toward more prim styles.

I recommend you take a look at your IPod and Google some of the artists you love to see what they wear. You may find yourself as inspired by the wardrobe as the music.

Photos-

Vampire Weekend from Noise Medicine ; The Plastiscines from sugarscape.com ; Jim Morrison from democraticunderground.com; Bob Dylan (w/ Francoise Hardy) from Iamthechildofthemoon.blogspot.com; The Beatles from Bluebird Vintage; Led Zeppelin from zero1.blog.com; Kurt Cobain from brooklynradio.net; Sean Lennon and Charlotte Muhl from amorepace.wordpress.com; Kings of Leon from LastFM; Jenny Lewis (w/Brandon Flowers and Conor Oberst) from New York Times T Magazine; The Plastiscines from Anthem Magazine; Vampire Weekend from ashcan.wordpress.com

Finding Style Inspiration in Film

I have been truly passionate about fashion and personal style since I was a very little girl.
Despite an overwhelming lack of fashion literature in my house growing up, I found a great deal of style inspiration from movies. As a child, I emulated what my favorite film characters chose to wear. It never mattered if they were dressed in current trends or period pieces. I loved that a character in a film could pull off any style and since it fit their personality look good.
My opinion today is no different, every single time I watch a movie I study each character’s wardrobe and take it as inspiration for my own personal style and wardrobe.

There is something truly extraordinary about dressing a character.
A costumer has to take a variety factors into account. They look to the history of a character that is not necessarily delivered on the screen. They question why are character would wear certain items (are they emulating someone?), imagine how they would acquire certain items of clothing or accessories, and consider each facet of the character’s personality to fittingly dress them. I think when dressing one should consider such historical and inspirational factors.

I often find myself so distracted with a character’s wardrobe...
that I have to re-watch the film to grasp the full story. I take into account all the details of character’s personal style and apply the components of their wardrobe to their personality.

With each many of my favorite movies it is not only the storyline, but the style of the characters that I adore. I think just about anyone can find style inspiration from film if you pay attention to such details.

Below are some of my favorites, I have studied closely and often consider while searching a store, my closet or creating something new.

“When we go to Morocco, I think we should wear completely different clothes, and be completely different people."

My favorite movie of all time is Almost Famous. I love the fashion in the film so much that several summers ago I vowed to only wear what Penny Lane would wear. Whether lying in the sun in my backyard or out with friends,I dressed like a “band-aide” from the early 1970’s, cut-off shorts, white billowy tank tops, and polka dot blouses. I wore my hair long and messy (and still do). I loved the freedom Kate Hudson’s character’s wardrobe conveyed. I am endlessly inspired by Penny Lane. What she wore was as romantic and free-spirited as her personality in the film. Oh the glamour of life on the road, it looked as if she could easily throw her stuff in a suitcase, hop on the bus “with the band” and never look back; my one true dream in life.

Audrey Hepburn is a classic style icon. No matter what she always looked sophisticated and chic. She stars in two of my favorite films; Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Roman Holiday. The wardrobes in each of these movies are impeccable. Hepburn’s Holly Golightly is the consummate city girl; always elegant and confident in ballerina shoes, trench coats, and dresses and Hepburn’s breezy, yet sophisticated gladiator sandals and prim white shirts with the sleeves rolled up in Roman Holiday has influenced my personal style. (The entire wardrobe from the Breakfast at Tiffany's was designed by Givenchey)

Sofia Coppola is my favorite female director. I adore both her work and personal style. Her films the ethereal 1970's based The Virgin Suicides and ultra-feminine Marie Antoinette are captivating. They are not “fashion” films necessarily; however there is so much beauty and style in each that I am often overcome with a sense of personal inspiration and imagination after viewing them.

Other films that inspire my style:

Dazed and Confused

Clueless

Sex & the City: The Movie

(500) Days of Summer

Factory Girl