Rock N' Roll Style Guide: Jim Morrison

Stone Temple Pilots at Jones Beach

Stone Temple Pilots at Jones Beach Theater on September 4, 2010

images courtesy of audioperv.com

collage by ASH FOX

It was the first day of September cool enough to break out the leather jacket. On a whim, I made the trek out to Jones Beach from Manhattan to see my favorite band Stone Temple Pilots. I linked up with fellow STP devotees and we hung out in the parking lot drinking beers and reminiscing about our favorite STP performances. We were from a few different generations, but all equally hard core about STP. Being a rock fan is similar to being a comic book nerd, except that instead of attending a convention like Comic-con we congregate in parking lots and back doors at rock shows. Some of the diehards were decked out in STP apparel, others had STP tattoos, but they all had a recognizable glimmer in their eye while talking about STP.

Rock N' High Fashion Collide: John Varvatos

Velvet Revolver, Chris Cornell, Alice Cooper, Perry Farrell, and Iggy Pop by Danny Clinch for John Varvatos

John Varvatos sure mastered the art of the fashion campaign. When Varvatos launched his first “rock star” campaign with Chris Cornell, shot by Dany Clinch I immediately took notice. The photographs had Cornell caught in reverie, strolling through the West Village in a dapper white trench coat. Who was this John Varvatos and what did he do with Chris Cornell’s dirty t-shirt and jean cut-off shorts?

Just a Fan: My Stone Temple Pilots Concert Saga

Without fail, whenever I have a concert to attend, it rains. However, having to bear the elements always sets the mood of the story. "We stuck it out in 5 inch heels in the dead of winter for 6 hours straight" is a line that shows up in almost all of my concert re-tellings. Fro-ed out, frizzy hair is pretty much a guarantee, no matter how smooth it was when getting ready. When the band hits the stage you're too caught up in the magic of experience, transfixed by the music to give a crap about what you look like. Rain storms, other than emphasizing what I'll withstand for rock, and making my hair a frizzy mess, have made me superstitious. If it rains on a show date I'm pretty sure that night will be a magical rock n' roll experience. I've never been wrong.

Dave Navarro's Rock Loft

images courtesy of the LA Times/ Chicago Tribune, and Heidi Toll Design

Dave Navarro's Hollywood loft designed by Heidi Toll is the perfect crash pad with its golden ratio of modern elegance and rock n' roll glamor. Bone imagery, dramatic red lighting, and snake skins, give it the metal edge suitable for a the guitarist. I totally get off on unexpected patterns like the X-ray wallpaper, which has that Chuck Close affect.. it would look like a simple diamond pattern from a distance. The bathroom is a stage dressing room on steroids. How fun would it be getting ready for a night on the town in front of those glorious bulbs? The red lit chandelier over the bed is exceptionally sexy. A famed rock n' roll photographer once told me that red lighting makes everyone look better...I'm sure this applies here.

Rock n' High Fashion Collide: Givenchy

When Ricardo Tisci took over Givenchy in 2005, we were in for a treat. Givenchy became the go-to label for well tailored clothing with a modern approach to iconic rock looks. Even if the prices are out of reach for the average Jane or Joe, they inspire the season. This spring I scored a Bowie stripe inspired Givenchy knock blazer at H&M.. good design trickles down. Givenchy is still known for their brilliantly tailored suits, but now they look less like office wear and more like stage attire. Recent campaigns for the brand pay homage to the glam, metal and gothic elements of rock n' roll with unexpected styling. Each collection focuses on rock star staples--bold stripes, striking hair, and layers and layers of chains. If I could only peek into Tisci’s studio, I wouldn't be surprised to see a picture of Shirley Manson tacked to Fall '10's mood board. I may just have to go magenta come fall.

Rock N' Roll Style Guide: Betty Blowtorch

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all images courtesy of google images

I recently watched Anthony Scarpa’s wonderful documentary "Betty Blowtorch: And Her Amazing True Life Adventures" about the late great rock band. It was bittersweet. Four ferocious women break ground on the LA rock scene, come close to achieving some commercial success, and then lose everything due to the untimely death of lead singer and bassist Bianca “Butthole” Halstead. Their music was a combination of 80’s style hair metal with a bit of pop/ punk mixed in.