1. Madonna - Blond Ambition Tour (1990) Always lauded, and at times harshly criticized, for her chameleon-like reinventions, she is nevertheless the artist who most brilliantly illustrates -- and has done the most to encourage -- the symbiotic relationship between music and fashion. Madge reached her sartorial high point during her wildly successful Blond Ambition Tour, featuring costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier who designed the now legendary cone bra.

2. Michael Jackson - "Beat It" music video (1983) Perhaps the most iconic single article of clothing in pop music history, MJ's red leather jacket was a cultural watershed moment because it became almost synonymous with Thriller, i.e. the biggest album of all time. The ankle-baring trousers -- a nod to Fred Astaire -- white socks and black shoes were also trademarks of the 80s and still loom large over the singer's incredible legacy.

3. The Beatles - The  Ed Sullivan Show (1964) When the Beatles invaded America, they brought along with them enduring and generation-defining trends such as the Beatle boot, collarless suits and the mop top -- not to mention hysteria the likes of which Justin Bieber could only dream.

4. David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust Tour (1973-74) Without Ziggy, Elton John would never have discovered his love of feathered headdresses, LaBelle wouldn't have strutted around New Orleans in their silver lamé and simply put, there would be no Lady Gaga. A high-concept album with a high-concept look, David Bowie introduced androgyny to the pop culture masses, and decades later his seminal faux rocker is still a fashion favorite.

5. Diana Ross and the Supremes - "Come See About Me" on The Ed Sullivan Show (1964) Three black girls from Detroit became the epitome of style, grace, beauty and glamor in the midst of social upheaval and racial injustice. Oprah said it best (as she does with everything): it was life-changing.

6. Ramones - Ramones (1976) While the Beatles inspired bands to dress up, the Ramones' relaxed, almost comalike coolness influenced other bands to keep it simple -- years later their pared down style still feels like quintessential New York. Especially with all the hipsters dragging their Converses, skinny jeans and leather jackets around.

7. George Michael - "Freedom! '90" video (1990) George Michael's identity crisis led to the zenith of the supermodel explosion. Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Tatjana Patitz took the place of the singer -- reluctant to appear in his own video -- and  lip-synched their way to iconic status in the clip directed by future friend of Facebook, David Fincher.

8. Nirvana -  "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video (1991) Marc Jacobs' landmark Grunge collection for Perry Ellis in 1992 may have led to his dismissal, but it also cemented the enormous cultural impact Kurt Cobain and Nirvana had inadvertently etched out for themselves thanks to the success of "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Till this day the sight of plaid inspires those famous first notes and the image of zombie cheerleaders dancing through my head.

9. Run-D.M.C. - "My Adidas" (1986) Hip hop has long been obsessed with fashion and material goods, but we wouldn't have Kanye "The Louis Vuitton Don" West rapping about haute couture if we didn't have Run D.M.C. extolling the virtues of their shell tops.

10. Lady Gaga - "Bad Romance" music video (2010) Gaga went from popstar to phenomenon on the heels of her Alexander McQueen armadillo shoes. The video stands as an homage not only to McQueen and his legacy, but to the woman most responsible for Gaga's amazing aptitude for reinvention: Madonna. And she's been paying homage ever since.

- Seems like brownface doesn’t really fly these days. One of Ashton Kutcher‘s Popchips ads, in which he plays an Indian man, was deemed racist by people with eyes and ears and subsequently taken down. No word if the NAAKL, the National Association for the Advancement of Karl Lagerfeld, plans on any legal action. [NY Post]

- Nicholas Kirkwood wants the Duchess of Cambridge to step up her shoe game. Ah, if only one day Kate Middleton hoofed it in a sky-high tranny heel, the world would be a much better place. Or at least a much more fierce place. [Grazia]

- Cameron Diaz says she burst into tears following her super short (and super unflattering) haircut. But honestly, who didn’t? [Us]

- The makers of UGGs are getting $686 million from 3000 Chinese websites accused of selling counterfeit boots. Was it really worth it China? [Huff Po]

- Courtney Love lost the publicity rights to Kurt Cobain‘s name, likeness and appearance some time in 2010 in exchange for a loan from daughter Frances Bean‘s trust. Stories like this are really what Mother’s Day is all about. [Vulture]

But why is this such a great moment for Dr. Martens? Becuase they've always got their finger on the pulse of what we want to wearing.

Because the white wash is pure brilliance (and a little Margiela).

Because these leopard print kicks are 30% off right now. (with the code TAKE30)

Because the creepers are color blocked and woven at the toe.

Because these spotted calf hairs were designed for men.

Because these were created for men, too.

Because they make a pink floral none-too-girlie.

Because sliced leather wedges will get a rise out of you.

Because the cutout creme floral gives a sundress something to run with.

Because they're able to have a flexible change of sole.

Because a high red patent turns up the volume.

Twiggy in Anna Sui, shot by Steven Meisel. Vogue Italia, 1993

Did Nirvana have an influence on your designs?

Yeah, I did a grunge collection. Same season as Marc Jacobs. I had gone to see Nirvana a bunch of times, and it was such a strong movement, that period.  Because there was finally great music again, different music. It was different than all that stadium stuff going on. It was fun going to concerts. It was exciting because you would see lots of interesting people there, and festivals were starting. It was good.

Did the grunge movement influence the way you dress as well?

I never wore a plaid shirt, I’m not that type of girl. There was a shift, I always liked that hippie look, but it wasn’t about hippie anymore.  It was more pared down and the colors were more somber. Everything was more quiet and somber.

 ©Jesse Frohman/courtesy of The Morrison Hotel Gallery

Then how might you explain his leopard print jacket?

It was vintage. The collection I did after the grunge collection was because I went to a festival and I could see people were wearing a combination of vintage, sports and a lot of Tibetan influence because there were a lot of Tibetans refugees coming here, so you could buy lots of handicrafts. Kind of uniform, army stuff too. That kind of became a trend through the 90s, for alternative music, alternative look.

Now, onto a different movement that’s influencing designers right now: The Green Movement. What advice would you give a designer to get into in the eco-friendly movement?

I don’t know, that’s a dual edge sword, because I’m not sure that eco-friendly is really eco-friendly. There are pros and cons to it. So I think the best thing we can do is support local workers, local craftsmen, and that’s what we can do. But I’m not a big one on the other.

I also asked this question of Nanette Lepore [both are highly involved with Save The Garment Center]: If you were in an elevator with a young designer who was about to send her collection overseas to be produced, what would you tell her?

I think it’s more and more difficult because they want bigger and bigger quantities. The prices are getting higher. But if you have that kind of a collection, that’s great! That’s great if you can sell that much, but most new designers don’t have that kind of volume, unless you’re working for an established company.

How long did you spend with Kurt Cobain for this epic shoot?

20-30 minutes max, but not by my choosing.

How did the styling go down?

He didn’t really change much. He came with a few things in his hand. I put one thing on and another thing off. But it wasn’t like, let’s get him in the dressing room and style him up.

Jesse Frohman on the right, Morrison Hotel Gallery owner Peter Blachley on the left Were you a Nirvana fan before the shoot? Oh yea, I was a huge fan! What was it like meeting him as opposed to what you expected? I had no preconceptions. I only have preconceptions when I’m told. I shot Woody Allen, I remember, and I had no idea what he was going to be like. In fact he turned out to be as neurotic as he is in his movies. With Kurt, nobody told me what to expect. All I knew was that he wasn’t interested in media hype. He wasn’t about the fame or the attention. And I figured he wouldn’t want to do a lot of pictures. I knew I had to be quick and organized. So in that sense I was prepared. In terms of his personality, I didn’t know if he was going to be real jovial and friendly and helpful and collaborative, or if he was going to be difficult. In fact, he was really nice.

When he was posing, was there any difference in his demeanor on camera and off? I don’t know, but I really believe that we had a real intimate moment and a real collaboration. Every portrait I do is a collaboration, even if it’s a bad one. But you’re still there together. Sometimes there’s’ a moment or a period of time when you’re together that you really join as one team to create one thing. He understands what I’m trying to do, and I understand what he’s about. That’s when you get great pictures. When you don’t understand each other is when you’re fighting. What I did was I tried to get him relaxed. Once I did that, he revealed himself, he got comfortable. And that’s when I got all the wonderful pictures in a short amount of time. He was like in his living room. There’s a lot of shots I didn’t put in the show, that I love very much but they’re much less flattering. It’s almost like he’s dancing like a bird.

What is your strongest memory of Kurt Cobain from the shoot? He came up to me when I first met him, and he said, “Do you have a bucket?” And I said, “Sure what do you need a bucket for?” And he said, “Because I think I’m going to puke.” Now I’ve told that story a few times, but when you say what’s your strongest memory, you don’t forget a thing like that. It’s not a common request. Did he puke? No, but we did have the bucket just outside of the frame. Proof: third column, middle picture, bucket in the corner.

What’s your favorite Nirvana Song? Smells Like Teen Spirit was the greatest song. I liked all the ones on Nevermind, and even In Utero, but I have to say Nevermind as a body of work. was so great. When it came out, it was such a wonderful break from all the other music that wasn’t so interesting. I guess I love that album.

Did you come away from that wanting to dress any differently? Did he influence you in your dress? No, but the funny thing is, I own the same shirt! Which, you can buy on like a little kids scientific website. It’s a nerdy-kids-that-are-into-science-experiments kind of t-shirt.

Which is your favorite picture here? It changes. For years it was the full-length picture, with the backdrop. Then it was the one with the ember in his eyes. Now it’s the smoking one. He’s channeling so much energy. I especially love the black and white, but I wanted to do a pink one. The street one is interesting to me because I never considered it, but I just found it when I researched for this show, and I just love how it looks in all grays. So they’re all different to me. It changes by day, if you ask me tomorrow, it’ll be a different one.

Experience Kurt Cobain larger than life in some of his most raw and beautiful photographs by Jesse Frohman at

Undead grunge and the hot fucking mess that kind of just cleaned up.

Either get totally body building buff and don a banana hammock, or just go the governator route. As long as you've got your mistress maid with you, you'll be back. Bonus points if you wrangle a small strange child to accompany you.

You're a little monster, ready to go BIG. Your boyfriend however, is slightly lower maintenance. Throw a sport jacket and tee his way, grease him up with a car fixin', then eat the town as Lord and Lady Gaga. Really want to do it right though? HE's Lady Gaga and SHE's Jo Calderone. Don't be a drag, just be a queen.

Old and free, young and uptight. May the lady paint on the wrinkles and wrap her hair like this, and the boy be suited up in morbid innocence. Then make out all night to Cat Stevens.

I know what you're thinking: If I wear a full burqa, how will I drink? Just get a beer hat! You know, what bros wear to football games. You and your Hassidic Jew will get along just fine.

Honor the impending sequel with your best Blue Steel. This works best with a thruple. Check my friends and I in a Halloween past. (If you're Katinka, it is advisable to acquire a fake pistol).

Dress your guy (your gay, who are we kidding) in gold lame, a ten gallon hat, and painted on Zoro mask. Anna - carry a bob and a whip, and a look of condescending disdain all night.

Winehouse joins the pantheon of other brilliant but troubled musicians to pass away at that tragic number: The Rolling Stones‘  Brian Jones (1969), Jimi Hendrix (1970), Janis Joplin (1970), Jim Morrison (1971) and Kurt Cobain (1994).

The cause of Winehouse’s death has yet to be confirmed. [Daily Mail]

*Bands. No solo acts were considered for this list. Or we all know Bowie would be up here.

#10 - NIRVANA

Kurt Cobain embodies the grunge revolution of the nineties. He synced the music to the laying low layered baggy flannel I-couldn’t-care-less look. It was an anti-fashion statement, a call to his own philosophy with reckless comfort, and thus it became fashion.

#9 – GUNS N ROSES

Of the glam metal hair bands that existed in thick of the eighties, Axel Rose and his lusciously locked bandmates were some of the most authentic in the genre. Their punk tinged solid rocker look made their shaggy manes manly. Power leather, head banging bandanas, faded shrunken graphic tees and hand cut effects complement their genuine rockstar songs.

#8 THE KILLERS

The intrinsic cool of Brandon Flowers emanates throughout The Killers. They create the kind of music that so easily sounds contrived when attempted by others, and the same goes for their look. Their polished quality with major statement, like feather shoulders or fur jackets, embodies both music and style in the best light.

#7 – OUTKAST

Big Boi keeps it hood. André 3000 blasts it into the future while tossing around a twenties vibe. He raised his waistline when no one else did and created mayhem with his look in “Hey Ya!” Their music is as smooth and superfast-paced as their appearance.

#6 – THE CLASH

As key players in the original wave of British punk, their shredded, zipped and right tight aesthetic weighed heavily in the formation of the genre. Their politically driven lyrics are backed by their F-you look and general badassery.

#5 – MGMT

This psych rock group from the here and now is a major reason that American Apparel stocked its shelves with blinding neon. Their exceptional style leads Andrew VanWyngarden and Benjamin Goldwasser to experimentation and wild inspiration. For instance, on their website a fan asks, “What inspired the fashion choice for Lolla[palooza] in Grant Park? You looked pretty hot in those jackets. (In every sense of the word.) Amazing.” Andrew’s answer? Quite amazing indeed.

#4 – LED ZEPPELIN

Gah, it’s effortless. The unbuttoned bare chested sexiness of Robert Plant is only upped by the fur collared leather trench of John Bohnam, complemented by the multi-tonal jacket on John Paul Jones and completed by Jimmy Page‘s slick tweed. Their ever present style had the same air as their music; the loudest, most soulful wails and riffs and rips always rode the chillest undercurrent.

#3 – JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE

Jimi Hendrix dressed like the psychedelic royalty he was. Purple and mind altering patterns enwrapped him as he lit guitars on fire, shredded it with his teeth, and as LSD dripped down from the scarf tied around his head (allegedly). The Experience was a spectacle; heady music enhanced tenfold by the showmanship of Hendrix.

#2 – THE ROLLING STONES

The Stones are the greatest vaudeville act of all time, never ceasing. Clothing slings on their rockstar bodies with ease, as does some of the greatest rock and roll ever performed pour out of them. They started out, much like The Beatles and every early British Invasion band thereafter in straight suits and matching haircuts. With time and money they evolved into wearing spectacle-worthy designer pieces like Mick Jagger’s Prada cock feather fedora or these pants. Keith Richards sparked the eyeliner earringed look that Johnny Depp so famously adopted for Captain Jack Sparrow. Undeniable sex appeal lies as much in their music as in style of larger than life, gender bending (yet deeply masculine) cool. And they’re still at it now.

#1 – THE BEATLES

The boys who brought rock and roll to the masses went through a series of evolutions in their seven years as a band. They began clean cut and mop topped, singing sweet yet earth shaking songs of holding hands, sharing secrets, twisting and shouting above the echoing shrieks and screams of crazed fans across the globe.  Always the epitome of class, they experimented with the finest suiting in the world, and it was Pierre Cardin who introduced them to the Indian Nehru jacket. Once they receded from the touring spotlight, they blossomed further as style icons. Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour brought psychedelia to the forefront with neon military regalia, wild paisleys, beads, thin chains, moustaches and acid. Onto The White Album, which they wrote most of while practicing transcendental meditation in an ashram, they developed further spiritually and grew into newer versions of themselves. John Lennon was looking more like Jesus every day, and solidifying his round spectacle staple. Paul McCartney kept charmingly classy, now paring back the brights. George Harrison grew ever more spiritual, keeping a relaxed finery about him. Ringo was actually the most fashionably daring of the four, hamming up the giant rings and divinely accessorizing. The Beatles were indisputable trendsetters as their image and sound transformed through time, transforming the world around them.

“I DON´T KNOW WHERE I´M GOING, I ONLY KNOW THAT I CAN´T STAY HERE” Kurt Cobain

“NO SE DONDE VOY, SOLO SE QUE AQUÍ NO PUEDO ESTAR” kurt cobain

LINK LOVE:PORTRAITS (IV) KURT COBAIN INSPIRATION

Become a FashionIndie.com contributor. Subscribe to Envy.

LINK LOVE: Perez Hilton/a>

April 77 is one brand that definitely hasn’t lost focus of their roots, as they started off as a record label back in the day. The “Records” collection focuses on just that too, the music. The collection is inspired by the different cult music followers known across the land. You could be the most expensive looking Kurt Cobain out there.

via Men’s Rag

Stolen Girlfriends Club is a cool company who have been getting some buzz of late. The company started out as just an art exhibition turned fashion company. The latest line is called “Pretty Vacant” and is described as late 70’s punk, Marie Antoinette, Siouxsie & the Banshees and The Human Heart. The designers designers Marc Moore, Luke Harwood, Dan Gosling, and Zan Mirkin have really caught my eye with collection, and I love the fabric choices. The line to me reminds me of Jekyll and Hyde meets Kurt Cobain, meets The Crow. Totally dig it, and I look forward to more from Stolen Girlfriends Club

So weird one of the day. Kurt Cobain’s ashes were stolen (also see snorted in a line of memorial coke) from Courtney Love’s home. The ashes were in some teddy bear Love had at her house. Great job on losing a rock legend, Love, now if only we can lose you.