Obesity and Speed

They stole my heart in past seasons with they're teeth t-shirt and webby garments and haven't left my mind since. The MisShapes have been fans of Obesity and Speed for the past few years and look undeniably natural adorned in the disturbed clothing. I'm really excited about the Fall collection. They have a dark take on the plaid trend that sets them apart from other barnyard designs. The shirts are much less Jethro with hoods sewn into the collar and as soon as the wearers makes an exit your face to face with a mummy. Perfect paint splatters make an appearance in this collection as perfect drippings that add a cryptic effect, making the font look like tree branch claws. In contrast to the creepyness they have black and white dresses, some with braided detail, draped to delicate, grecian perfection. If you are forced to join the living these dresses are the way to go. But the fabulous t-shirts display creatures of night with writings such as "I walked with a zombie" and "The fear of death disturbs me." Nothing else would do on an Obesity and Speed shirt. Accompanied by the perfect gloves for strangling ..er.. driving (or revving up your bike) this collection looks absolutely appropriate for the Halloween season.

http://www.obesityandspeed.com/

Icon: Guns n' Roses

Guns n' Roses were dirty rock star stylish as a collective (excluding Axl's wearing briefs on stage phase). Head scarves and cowboy boots were a must along with a slew of tatoos. One of them managed the snage the heart of model Stephanie Seymour with his bad boy looks and wrote the ode to hear "Sweet Child of Mine." During hair metal, mock rock era America Guns n' Roses put the testosterone back in rock n' roll with undenyable sleaze. It was loud, fast, and harbored the sexiness that can only come from a blues influence. That sound has lived on to shook my deffinition of rock as a thirteen-year-old. In one song they taught me what it really sounds like and years later I haven't looked back.

Axl's turbulent emotions ended many shows far too early because of his proclivity to walk off stage, but Slash was a trooper. At times he'd be so into playing (and probably intoxicated) that he wouldn't flinch when his cigarette fell from his lips, behind his guitar and into the waistband of his tight jeans. They lived the part as much as they looked it which led to their denimse. Now Axl sports corn rows but I'll never forget the way he rocked teased hair like no other in the "Welcome to the Jungle" video that shook my world.

Chris Benz and Annie Hall

Don't know how to wear a tie without looking like a pre-teen? Can't figure out how to rock those wide-legs? Just look to the girl who did it the greatest, Annie Hall. And let Chirs Benz (just 24!) provide the pieces. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the television when I saw her round sun shades and boyish attire. Button up's with a vest and tie to the typically masculine blazer were her usual look. Besides that the tale of a quirky couple keeps you very well entertained. I've recently fallen for Chris Benz' work full of loose ties, color blocked polo dreses and oxfords galore. This may sound like a collective of redundant pieces but Chris has his tricks here and there: Bright mohair 60's-esque coats? Quadrupal breasted coat anyone? There is a softer side present as well: metallic and vintage looking dresses, silk and chiffon blouses to go with your boyish wide legs. Anne Demeulemeester would certainly salute his tomboy tuxedo look as well. Now go grab a newsboy cap and steal your dad's belt to complete a look that's anything but ordinary.

Jean Junkie: April77 Johnny Thunder Jeans

I'm always looking for something new in the sea of five pocket jeans that have sprung up in recent years. The simple tapered blue jeans that new brand after new brand keeps making is becoming a bit boring. In this instance I have to thank God for April77 Johnny Thunder jeans. They echo his attitude and probably would have been a favorite of all the Dolls. These look as good on guys as the do on girls (which would have been a plus for the group). They look as if they could have been created during the early days of punk and Anglomania and remained timelessly cool. The a-symetrical zipper is tough, sexy and undeniably punk rock. That coupled with the notoriously slim fit will make anyone turn into Johnny Thunders. I must say, if he were with us he would most deffinitly be rocking these jeans.

www.april77.fr

April 77 FW 07/08

Theres something very, very noir about the April 77 FW 07/08 collection. In a way it reminds me of one of my favorite films Ascenseur pour L'echafaud or Elevator to the Gallows ( a crime drama against a backdrop Miles Davis.) Aside from noir other aspects of the late 50's are present. Some pieces, like the cuffed dark skinny jeans and fedora evoke a rebel in Paris. All that's missing is the cigarette. Other garments are typical of the time period. The loose grey trousers, collard shirts and cardigans look like schoolboy essentials but paired with dark wingtip shades and pointy boots you could look like a rebel, 50's style. Most other April 77 collections have been overtly rock and punk (in the very best way) but this time it seems that they want to be more subtle (and make me want to go watch Fist in the Pocket.)

http://www.april77.fr/

Psychotic Knowledge

Earlier this year I found the website http://www.psychopedia.com/. On the site they have several films and art projects including the likes of Mellisa Auf Der Maur, The Like, JT Leroy, Kirsten Dunst and interesting others. My favorite features on the site are Dusk to Dawn (where people make videos concerts),the Denim White Pages and the Road Test series. The Road Test's will give you truthful insight on what really deserves your money. Musician's and artist's try out restaurants, beauty products, spa's, jeans, electronics and anything else that permits the thinning of your wallet. I was especially delighted to see Nick Zinner, The Raveonettes, Annie Hardy and Trash and Vaudeville's Jimmy Webb road testing. I especially liked the article where they had a few girls of different heights and and sizes try on the same jeans to see which jeans worked for them. Its safe to say that Psychopedia is far from psychotic.

What the Men Wear

Near the beginning of this blog I wrote about the impression mens fashion has on my own style. I will always admire women who dress like women all the time and I enjoy wearing a dress. When I put one on I'm entranced by the idea of lady-like soft steps and unscathed nailpolish. But theres something about trousers and a fedora with boots that defines me. I have a collection of blazers that takes over the top half of my closet. My mother has negatively commented on the oversized ones that hide my waist. Sure, my style differs everday and seeing that it is summer I'm all about skirts and my mocasins, but I always return to a Kings of Leon-esque look. Recently dandyism has become another taste to mix with my love of rugged clothing. The idea of looking like an old man on a bender (which I've realised is very Pete Doherty) is an appealing option to me this fall. I was recently entraced by a perfume sample that I found out is a cologne. It is Boucheron Jaipur Homme. My mother has an aversion to me wearing it but I don't see the problem. To me it is a unisexy musk, not uber manly.

I love women who wear an edgy, menswear inspired look well (Kate Moss, Alison Mosshart, Lou Doillon, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Daria Werbowry). I really the love J. Lindeberg campaign with Alison Mosshart. Johan said he wanted a tough girl and he surely didn't make a wrong choice. The images evoke something close to her unbelievable on stage performaces with her knarly hair and a tuxedo jacket.

Perhaps one day I will grow up to be the Jackie O. look alike that I dreamed about as a child.