McLaren... The Original Anarchist

Sex Pistols - Anarchy in the U.K.

Over the past several years, I have become much more interested in karma, fate, destiny and the energy in the universe. I've never been a religious person, but I can definitely say that I am spiritual. I have experienced some strange and unexpected situations lately, so it's possible that I put too much stock into little coincidences.

Malcolm McLaren with the Sex Pistols, circa 1976

Photo Credit: mirror.co.uk

In any case, I found it a little weird that I had mentioned the entrepreneurial leader of punk, Malcolm McLaren in my post on April 7. I also talked about him in my post about Sex Pistols front man, Johnny Rotten (aka John Lydon) back on January 31 (Johnny's birthday). When I heard of McLaren's passing yesterday, I got chills. I know that I am, but a little speck in this big universe, so it would be unbelievably egocentric to think I had something to do with it, but I did find it odd that I had just mentioned him the day before his passing.

 

Sex Pistols in the trash

As if that didn't freak me out enough, I had just featured Vivienne Westwood in my "Happy Birthday" section of this blog because Ms. Westwood turned 69 years old yesterday. As most of you know, McLaren and Westwood were an item in the late 60's through 70’s. Strange that he passed away on her birthday, no? The couple have a son together, Jospeh Corre, who happens to be the founder of my favorite lingerie line, Agent Provocateur.

McLaren & Westwood, circa 1977

In 1971, Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood opened a shop in London where they sold clothing that they designed for theatrical productions. McLaren met the band the New York Dolls (yep, Buster Poindexter!) in NYC in 1972 and upon returning to London, he started to create costumes for the group.

New York Dolls

Photo Credit: bbc.co.uk

By 1975, McLaren had renamed the shop SEX, selling a variety of S&M style apparel. Original Sex Pistols bassist, Glen Matlock (later replaced by Sid) worked at the shop and McLaren started to manage the band (called The Strand at the time). When McLaren was introduced to the eccentric John Lydon, he recruited him to be the lead singer of the band and renamed them the Sex Pistols. In 1977, their first single “God Save the Queen” was released. McLaren was arrested after he arranged for the Pistols to perform outside the Houses of Parliament.

Johnny Rotten

MaLaren managed other bands such as; Adam and the Ants, Bow Wow Wow and the New York Dolls. Apparently, McLaren was interested in managing the group the Red Hot Chili Peppers and approached lead singer Anthony Kiedis in 1985, but was unimpressed with them after a live set. He proposed to reinvent the band and Kiedis and his mates rejected the offer.

Adam & the Ants

Bow Wow Wow

McLaren also had a solo career in the 80’s and 90’s collaborating with Jeff Beck, Bootsy Collins and even Catherine Deneuve. Then in 2004, his song “About Her,” based on the Zombies hit “She’s Not There” was used by Quentin Tarantino in his cult film, Kill Bill Vol. 2. McLaren was accused of plagiarism for allegedly copying the work of a French musician, but was cleared of the charges.

McLaren circa 1975 in front of his shop in London

McLaren spent his later years living with his Korean American girlfriend Young Kim between Paris and New York. Malcolm McLaren died on April 8, 2010 at age 64 of mesothelioma in a clinic in Switzerland.

UPDATE 4.11.2010 :  The brilliant WendyB kindly sent me this post that she did back in October 2007.  It's chock-full of McLaren info.  She also mentions him here.  What can I say, great minds think alike!  Or, at least they like the same music!!  Thanks Wendy... you ROCK!

More Creeps

Just what we need, more creeps in this world!  Thought I would build on yesterday's post - looks like it's not just musicians rockin' these shoes.  Check out these creepers taking a stroll down the runway...

Armand Basi, Fall 2009

Nathan Jenden, Fall 2007

Galliano for Dior, Fall 2004

Photo Credits: Firstview

Creepy Cool

Radiohead - "CREEP"

Back in January, I posted about a fabulous pair of Rupert Sanderson pony skin, platform “creepers.” I wasn’t able to purchase these beauties because they were sold out. So, I have to settle for my less elegant, old school creepers.

wearing my white "creepers"

The Creepers -- rockabilly band from Australia

I only wear these babies every once in a while because they are the type of shoe you can’t wear every day – people remember them. With the exception of my singer/songwriter bud Jensen, none of my friends appreciate the rockabilly and punk rock vibe they suggest.

Stray Cats, Brian Setzer rocks out in his creepers

"creepy" Jerry Lee Lewis

Rockabilly music is a mixture of rock ‘n’ roll, country, R&B, swing and boogie woogie. The music style emerged in the early 1950’s making its mark with lots of bass, energy, pompadour hairdo’s, bolo ties (check out WendyB’s post on these!) and brothel creepers (as they are technically known).

The Clash - Mick Jones (second from left) in his black creepers

Sex Pistols (pre Sid) - Steve Jones in red creepers

In the 1970’s, Malcolm McLaren (who was Vivienne Westwood’s partner at the time) sold creepers at his shop in London and the shoe was popular among punk, new wave and ska bands. Typically, they were worn with stovepipe pants and white T’s, but some fans of rockabilly (known as Teddy Boys) also wore them with Edwardian style jackets.

jacket - Belstaff

tee - DSquared

jeans - Guess

shoes - T.U.K.

shades - Gianfranco Ferre

ring - Metal Pointus, Paris

Brothel creepers are a little hard to find today, but they are still sold as stores like the British Boot Company and Underground shoes U.K.

various creepers available on Polyvore

White Lies

Yves Saint Laurent, Resort 2010

Spring is officially underway and people are anxious to shed their winter layers and break out the shorts and flip flops.  But, what about the "rules of fashion" and do they really apply?  Are we actually supposed to wait until Memorial Day until it's safe to wear white or open-toe shoes? 

Akris (left) & Celine (right), both Spring 2010

I've never been one to play by the rules and I am not a follower.  In fashion, it is okay to be an individual and "wear what you want," as my friend WendyB would say.  As long as an outfit is fabric appropriate and stylistically tasteful, I say it's perfectly fine to wear white.  I wouldn't recommend sporting a little white sundress and sandals just yet, but the looks in today's post would certainly be acceptable.  And jeans and a plain, white tee... seasonless.  You can never go wrong.

Jil Sander (left) & Michael Kors (right), both Spring 2010

Photo Credits: Firstview

Peter Cottontail

my bunny Miles (Netherland Dwarf)

May 1999 - May 2008

Happy Easter!  I had a busy holiday weekend, so I just have time for a quick post today.  I know this is not design or fashion related, but I did say in the beginning that this blog discusses whatever I find interesting at any given time. Therefore, I'm going to mention animal welfare and animal rescue, both of which I support and believe in wholeheartedly.

little "Miss Miles" (I thought she was a boy when I first got her and never bothered to change her name!)

Since it is Easter and I am a bunny person, I wanted to remember my dear little pet "Miles" who passed away nearly two years ago at the ripe old age of nine.  What is that in bunny years anyway?  I ADORED my little pipsqueak more than anything and spoiled her rotten.  I miss her everyday :-(

she was trained so well - she could jump for her treats!

Many people feel that Easter is an appropriate time to purchase little fluffy chicks or baby bunnies for their little ones, but they don't take the time to research and understand that these animals require just as much love, attention and care as a dog or cat.  A lot of times, children are excited and fascinated with their new pets for a few days and quickly become bored and ignore the animals, or even worse, neglect them.

Miles lounging in one of her beds

Miles lounging in my bed!

As if animal cruelty isn't rampant enough, every year around this time an overwhelming number Easter "bunnies" are abandoned or harmed.  If you know anybody who is considering buying a rabbit as a gift, please let them know about this and maybe they will reconsider -- unless of course, they are rescuing a poor little fluff ball.

I didn't get her as a gift... I just did really annoying things to her which she tolerated (against her will!)

Sorry to get all "preachy," this is just something near and dear to my heart.

my sweetie

UPDATE: WendyB kindly sent me this article from the Wall St. Journal.  Thanks Wendy!!

Pastels Please

I know that I have mentioned many times in my posts that I do not wear a lot of color.  After all, I'm a New Yorker, for God's sake!  Well, the other day I spent my afternoon (and into the wee hours of the night) as an extra on the set of "The Good Wife."  I was instructed to bring three changes of wardrobe -- no white, no red and no busy patterns.  So, I brought black, black and more black.  They actually asked me to put on a cheesy olive colored knit top for one of the scenes and I reluctantly agreed.  But, back to the point...

Alberta Ferretti, Spring '08

Spring time is all about color and April calls for pastels in particular.  I can't remember the last time I actually went to Church... oh yes, my friend's wedding at St. Patrick's Cathedral.  I had to speak in front of everyone -- talk about pressure... and guilt!  But, I digress...   Anyway, if I were forced to wear pastels, say... to Church, I would only do so if I could choose one of the lovely outfits in this post.

Bottega Veneta, Spring '07

Bottega Veneta, Spring '07

Jonathan Saunders, Spring '09

OK, maybe this is not technically pastel, but I adore Mr. Saunders and had to include him in this post!

Giambatisa Valli, Resort '08

Giambatista Valli, Resort '08

Somehow, masterful Marc Jacobs manages to make pastel colors work for the Fall seasons too!  In my humble opinion, he does so much better with Louis Vuitton than he does for his own line!  I'm in love with this suit...

Vuitton, Fall '08

Vuitton, Fall '08

Photo Credits: Firstview

Foolish Things

Happy April Fool's everyone!  Thought I would just share some foolish and whimsical fashions...

Victor & Rolf

Hussein Chalayan

Undercover (left), Comme des Garcons (right)

Maison Martin Margiela

Thierry Mugler

Courreges

I could have gone crazy with this post -- the possibilities are endless!  I thought it would be more fun if you guys could share some crazy ensembles, so send in your comments!

Happy April Fools!  Go prank a loved one!