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Saturday 30 April 2011

Punk Pioneer: Poly Styrene & X-Ray Spex

Poly Styrene 

As there is Royal Wedding fever overkill everywhere right now. I thought I'd introduce you to
an individual who was a source of inspiration to me in my teens when I was singing in various bands.
I wish I had told you about her when she was alive. I was upset to hear about the death of Poly Styrene,
one of the first British punk pioneers. Born Marianne Joan Elliot-Said,
to an Scottish-Irish mother and
dispossessed Somali  aristocratic father, ran away from home aged 15.
On her 18th birthday, she witnessed one of the first gigs of the Sex Pistols,
where she was inspired to start her own punk band X-Ray Spex - Poly Styrene was born.


Poly Styrene

I was introduced to the world of X-Ray Spex after attending an anniversary gig
for punk music at the 100 Club at Tottenham Court road, with many punk legends
in attendance. I became friends with Bruno Wizard, who was a good friend, fellow
punk and collaborator of Poly Styrene, fronting his own ironic punk band
The Homosexuals during the heyday.
     We spent many an afternoon in cafes in Soho, seeing bands he manages,
with Bruno regaling me with his many adventures with Poly. He gave me a limited
edition album of X-Ray  Spex
with it's special art cover. Once I heard the words:  " Some people think little girls 
should be seen and not heard, but I think oh bondage up yours!"
I was hooked and obsessed about the band for a long time. I may often to start a DJ set with this
particular song, with Poly's nonchalant but menacing intro.

Original 77 punk loox
Chrissie Hynde, Pauline Black, Debbie Harry, Poly Styrene, Viv Albertine, Siouxsie Soux 1977

poly-styrene

Poly Styrene. R.I.P.









The landmark X-Ray Spex
album Germ Free Adolescents
was a primary influence on
Britpop and Riot Grrrl.
Their influence has been
felt the world over. I was caught by
the combination of her distinctive voice, intelligent, political, humanitarian lyrics
(tackling poverty, racism amongst others) paired with her stylish rebellious attitude
and soaring saxophone behind most of their tracks. She made history as a bi-racial feminist
punk who put her own stamp on the movement. Poly was customising before
it was considered cool. Instead of the ready made expensive Seditionary style,
she performed in her self-made Day-Glo clothes & dental braces, encouraging
you to Do-It-Yourself.
file:///mnt/sdcard/download/poly-styrene-xrayspex

Billboard described her as " The archetype for the modern day feminist punk....
she was one of the least conventional front-persons in rock history, male or female."

Friday 15 April 2011

I Know What You Wore Last Night: Havaianas

What to wear to a a launch party for British festival foot gear?! 
 Since living out of a suitcase for the last 5 months, I have 
lost track of what I have, what I've worn and what needs to go!!


I settled on this....



What's your verdict Fashion Police?

The White Onesie is a vintge Betty Barclay , the tassled bag
is Oasis and the Leopard print tights are Topshop.



I particularly like these shoes I wore!! Shoes Glorious Shoes!!

By Office - From eBay Fashion Outlet
Shoes By Office from eBay Fashion Outlet
One Step Ahead!

Wednesday 6 April 2011

TRUST: The Prince's Trust Lipstick Campaign

As I arrive back from my adventures in LALA Land, my latest campaign was launching for The Prince's Trust. It is a brand new perfect LRL (Little Red Lipstick). As I discovered it suits many different skint tones and pouts, with celeb hairstylist and Kate's BFF James Brown, Henry Holland, Holly Valance, Lisa Butcher and others were also fronting this campaign and Pouting for The Prince Charity. The Prince's Trust enlisted the help of celebrity make-up artist Karen Adler, who counts Anna Friel as one of her clients and besties (who I thought on the shoot could be her twin sister!)

Pouting for charity: The Prince's Trust

 Karen revealed to me on the shoot that she also got the opportunity to achieve her dreams with the help of The Prince's Trust. I also know others who have benefited from the money raised for young people who want to make something of themselves and launch a career, dream, business....

I feel honoured to be able to lend my time lips to the cause, as I am a fan of the trust and also now of the lipstick!



Check Out Behind The Scenes!




TRUST Lipstick
Or call 0800 50 40 30