Style Icons: Female »Bianca Jagger

bj1Lovely in White

The life of a mom of two is many things, many happy and wonderful things, but it is not glamorous. When I allow myself to pine for the days to come (and they are coming) where I don’t have to worry about breastfeeding and spit up spoiling an outfit, thoughts turn to fashionable, dynamic women – women who can wear white without it getting smeared with jam. So of course, I think of the maven of white suits – Bianca Jagger.

One time party wife of Mick, life of the most exclusive parties, and fearless activist, she owns every breast bearing, fur slung, glistening white ensemble she dons. A stunning woman with impeccable style.

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Posted on January 11, 2013

Style Icons: Male »Adam MCA Yauch

RIP

Maybe it’s because we that grew up listening to The Beastie Boys are at the age when horrible things realities like cancer and other illnesses no longer just seem like something that happens to other people. Maybe it’s because anyone my age has at least one vivid memory associated with the band (I have quite a few myself) but the tragic death of Adam Yauch, aka MCA, has hit people of my generation particularly hard.

It feels like someone we knew has passed on. It’s close to home and he was far, far too young.

He was the social conscience of the band, the one that brought some gravitas to the party. He and his Tibetan activist wife have a daughter, and the photo below just breaks my heart for them.

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Posted on May 4, 2012

Style Icons: Female »Nancy Cunard

They Don’t Make Heiresses Like This Anymore

Nancy Cunard was an unconventional inspiration who beguiled authors (Langston Hughes, James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway) and artists (Constantin Brancusi, Man Ray) with her passionate activism and unique style.

Often adorned with African bangles up and down her arms, Cunard made fashion headlines but shunned her heiress fortunes and a lifestyle of leisure, instead devoting her life to fighting racism and fascism.

Sadly, her views cost her her fortune and her addictions and gradual mental instability left her penniless and homeless.

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Posted on March 30, 2012

Hunks »Fela Kuti and Sahr Ngaujah

African Musician and the Man Who Plays Him on Broadway

Of all the Tony nominated plays and musicals from the year on Broadway, Fela! looks the most interesting. I’ve yet to see the acclaimed show but find the dynamic star Sahr Ngaujah stunning to gaze upon, especially when sporting an off white tuxedo with snake skin lapels as he did on the Tonys red carpet. The legendary musician, Fela Kuti, whom he plays is an equally intreguing, stylish and handsome man on top of being a revolutionary Nigerian activist and artist.

Click here for the rest of Fela Kuti and Sahr Ngaujah

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Posted on June 20, 2010

Style Icons: Female »Lena Horne

R.I.P.

A golden song voice and a beautiful face to match, Brooklyn born Lena Horne forged an inspiring and multifaceted career that didn’t even miss a beat as her strong political beliefs got her in trouble (she was blacklisted during the Red Scare. Not to be kept down by anyone, though, Horne continued on as a major civil rights activists while belting out “Stormy Weather” in night clubs and winning awards.

The gorgeous songstress with those dynamite cheekbones and adorable smile, passed away this week at the age of 92.

Click here for the rest of Lena Horne

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Posted on May 16, 2010

Style Icons: Female »Zelda Rubinstein

Don’t Go Into the Light

Zelda Rubinstein became a part of many of our childhoods thanks to her memorable role as a ghost hunting medium in Poltergeist and now, at the age of 76, she has herself finally gone into the light. Aside from that pivotal role, Rubinstein was a fearless activist against HIV and Aids and spoke out about the dangers before it became fashionable. Rest in peace, Zelda.

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Posted on January 31, 2010

Style Icons: Male »Jeremy Bentham

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As a social reformer, Jeremy Bentham was the shit. He was, according to Wikipedia, “in favour of individual and economic freedom, the separation of church and state, freedom of expression, equal rights for women, the end of slavery, the abolition of physical punishment (including that of children), the right to divorce, free trade, usury, and the decriminalization of homosexual acts. He also made two distinct attempts during his life to critique the death penalty”.

If that weren’t achievement in awesomeness enough, the man donated his body to science then had himself stuffed with hay for display. His own, real head was, for a time, on display below his body (it was unable to be permanently attached to the body) but it was the source of too many college pranks to remain accessible.

While the name Jeremy Bentham is familiar to those familiar with Lost (it’s the name Locke traveled under after leaving the island) I was actually introduced to the man, his philosophies and his unique after death requests through a philosophy lecture that aired on PBS.

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Posted on January 17, 2010

Style Icons: Female »Nellie Bly

nellie blyLiving in a time where being “a straight up bitch” is worn like a badge of pride (clearly I've been watching too much reality TV) it's nice to learn about a true heroic woman with integrity and guts like Nellie Bly.

In 1887, she faked insanity in order to uncover the horrific conditions in insane asylums and her subsequent article and book Ten Days in the Madhouse prompted grand jury investigation and lasting changes to the mental health system.

If that weren't enough, she also once held the record for traveling around the world – this feat inspired an amusement park that still stands in Bensonhurst. All done with stylish panache in hounds-tooth suits and lace collars.

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Posted on July 13, 2009

Style Icons: Female »Julia Butterfly Hill

julia butterfly hillJulia Butterfly Hill inspired millions when she independently climbed a redwood and stayed there for over seven hundred days to stop the Pacific Lumber Company from cutting it down. Certainly the inspiration of the character of Sierra in this week's excellent book recommendation, Hill has also prompted singers to write about her.

A model example of peaceful activism, Hill continues in her efforts for conservation and environmentalism, and she writes a blog about her experiences.

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Posted on April 20, 2009

Style Icons: Female »Selda

Turkish Folk Singer

It was impossible not to pick Selda as my style icon this week. Her songs have been playing everywhere I can play them for the past week or so and it’s been so inspiring to discover such an innovative and strong-willed woman.

Her highly prolific, popular, and controversial career was unique for a woman in Turkey.

Her call for human rights, equality, and free speech sometime landed her in jail and caused loads of trouble with authorities. Never dissuaded, she continues to perform to this day and runs her own company in Turkey.

As you can see by this collection of her album covers, she had a beautiful presence. She reminds me in some photos of the gorgeous mom of a school friend, Mrs. Moscovici, which makes me like her even more.

I recommended her acclaimed 1976 self titled album this week. Listen to it, please!

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Posted on September 8, 2008