the army for all things fabulous
Posts tagged 1979
DISCO: The Book
May 28th
James Brown once said, “Any problem in the world can be solved by dancing”, a sentiment that we echo and honor in the Sparkle Army. Within our mission to spread the Word of Glitter, is to also have parties to bring people together to celebrate life, love, sparkles and freedom. The freedom to laugh, smile, wear whatever we want (usually some kind of sequin number with glitter accents and bedazzled space cuffs) and to get down on the dance floor. There’s no denying the sense of unity created when people are moving rhythmically under disco balls and laser beams, and this gorgeous phenomenon has been going on for decades. As proof, I exhibit photos from the newest addition to my library of fabulosity, “Disco” by Roberta Morgen, which are all accompanied by supportive captions.
Published in 1979, the theme of freedom and the priceless feeling that one gets from letting loose on the dance floor is consistent throughout this book. It also offers us evidence that this powerful and sometimes religious experience was not exclusive to major cities. That’s right, dazzling on the dance floor was something that people everywhere joined in on (and still do!). Check out this photo from the Lamar disco in Mississippi- with this kind of interior you can bet many fun and decadently free nights were had!
I must also give special mention to the makeup section because it’s almost as if I hopped in a time travel machine and wrote it myself, but alas, that’s impossible Soldiers (or is it?). In any case, more proof that at one time, people everywhere had fabulous taste and made sure they looked their best while under flashing lights and through gobs of billowing smoke.
I’m so excited to now have this book in my collection because in addition to topics like music and fashion, it has a very strong message. The message that dancing is an important part of life and that it’s something we need to feel happy, fabulous and most of all, free. Plus, it’s also really great to know things haven’t changed that much.
Great Moments in Disco Fashion History: The Disco Commercial
Apr 23rd
By 1978, Disco Fashion had moved out from the nightclubs and across mainstream America with the blinding speed of flashing lights and laser beams and right into our television sets. There were all kinds of dance related TV shows but now, companies of all types also wanted to connect with this dazzling lifestyle and let consumers know that their products were cool and thus, the Disco Commercial was born! These fabulously fun spots pushed everything from beer, soda, clothing, cosmetics and even discos themselves and since it’s not possible to feature them all today, I’m announcing that this will be a whole new sparkling category for Sparkle Army Soldiers to enjoy. Today- we start with one of the best.
Pabst Blue Ribbon is still what the cool kids drink today, but this is from 1979- THE year of Disco! A young Patrick Swayze with super-fab hair is taking his lovely lady dressed in the finest disco chic for a night of dancing and thanks to PBR, they are owning that dancefloor.
VIEWER IMPRESSION: I’d buy it!
http://youtu.be/nTVj5lIkxp4
SPARKLE VIDEO DAY FEVER!
Apr 6th
Today’s Sparkle Video is proof positive that at one time, fabulous taste was everywhere. “Fiebre” (Fever) was a Mexican TV show in the 70’s that was a glorious 2 hour dance contest which also featured disco fashion extreme, thumping music galore and the only decor ever needed, at all, period. There are so many glittering sequins and yards of shimmering fabric that it’s absolutely blinding and though it’s difficult to pick a favorite outfit, mine is the green sequin catsuit that’s owning the light-up dancefloor. Soldiers, when I rule the world this is how everything will look all the time- a dazzling feast for the eyes and ears to behold. Coincidentally, that’s also the idea behind the Sparkle Army parties and watching this makes me want to have one right now!
http://youtu.be/middsX-svmo
I CAN’T STOP SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Dec 9th
I know, I know. I have not been keeping up on my duties to write about all things sparkly since I got back from Berlin, but in my defense, I’ve returned to NYC at the height of holiday party season. Too many parties keeping Da General busy at night and my days are being spent shopping for sparkly things to wear. So not that much has changed really, I just need to work on my time management so that it includes champagne hangovers. However, the one thing you can always count on Soldiers, no matter what, is Sparkle Video Day.
That’s right! I have not missed a Sparkle Video Day since I started this campaign of fabulosity and I am committed to making sure your Fridays are filled with glittering inspiration. That said- I must confess I am growing increasingly annoyed with the corporatization of youtube. When it’s not shoving some company paid promotion or commercial down your throat, it’s taking down amazing and rare vintage disco clips. So today, I am pulling from vimeo and what a glorious gem I have found for you!
Today’s Sparkle Video features two of my all time favorite things, Sylvester and Roller Disco. Sylvester is one of my heroes for many reasons, but mostly because we share the exact same view of fashion and also because he was truly blessed with the ability to turn anything into “an outfit”. Here, he’s wearing a clearly customized purple bedazzled top paired with some sort of uniform pants, but it works.. it works Soldiers, because he oozes fabulosity! I’m also totally feeling Martha Wash’s asymmetrical blue satin caftan that encompasses one leg in a clever harem explosion. Sprinkle in some hotties on skates and gobs of flashing lights accentuated by glorious star filters and there you have it- PERFECTION.
http://vimeo.com/2974142
I WAS MADE FOR SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Aug 12th
When you love both kinds of music, rock n’ roll and disco, there was no greater time to be alive than the late 70’s when the most glorious thing happened- “the crossover”. Many rock artists including Blondie, The Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Ian Dury & The Blockheads and KISS all released tracks with a disco beat and made it their own, which brings me to today’s Sparkle Video. In the 1999 movie “Detroit Rock City” set in 1978, the main character in the film is a devoted member of the KISS Army and proudly declares his hatred of disco and also states that “one thing we know for sure is that KISS will never make a disco record”, which of course is hilarious because boy did they ever! “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” went Platinum in 1979 and also gave fabulous opportunity for Paul, Ace, Peter and Gene to show off their bedazzled space monster gear.
http://youtu.be/YdwvLhu1Jj4
SPARKLE VIDEO DAY GOES BUTCH!
Jul 22nd
Today’s Sparkle Video is for all of the Soldiers out there who are rough n’ tough during the day, but love some glitter at night. This version of “Eye Of The Tiger” is from an Italian television show called Fantastico and is a dazzling display of manhood and sequins. For those of you that don’t speak Italian, I will translate: Scantily clad men dressed in satin boxing outfits sparring, punching and jumping rope until… KABLAM! Sexy Heather Parisi coyly saunters on the stage in a skintight sparkling catsuit and completely takes over the gym with her feminine wiles. Soon after, an array of powerful leaps, fearless pirouettes, valiant high kicks and macho posing compete for the leading lady’s attention until finally- a “TKO” followed by a triumphantly sassy yet butch duet. Now THAT’S Italian!
http://youtu.be/FWyY3Ob8haA
Great Moments in Disco Fashion History: Bareback Action
Apr 25th
Quite a slogan Bakers shoe company used in the late 70’s for their backless heels! Who knew years ago that this term, spurred on by the growth of dangerous and lethal STD’s, would evolve into something XXX rated? As funny as that is, what’s NOT funny is that these shoes were were all the rage: seen everywhere, worn by everyone. Often when spotted at the disco (or even at local high schools across the country), they were paired with designer jeans like Sasson, Jordache or Gloria Vanderbilt and a halter or tube top. Other choices to accompany these heels were DVF wrap dresses and various types of delightfully swingy skirts, especially those that covered bathing suits at fashionable pool parties. They were sexy, comfortable and a legendary part of disco fashion.
btw…. I want a pair right now!
Welcome to the Disco
Jan 27th
Another snow day in NYC. I don’t know about you, but I need a soundtrack to help me get motivated to trudge through this white wonderland and Air Power’s 1979 classic,”Welcome to the Disco”, is just the song to do it. Dance tracks that start with sassy girl talk always make me smile and this one leads up to such a glorious moment at 1:43 when the high drama strings kick in- and that’s exactly when I will head out to glide and swish with reckless abandon in my magenta booties because not even snow can stop the Disco Machine.
I’M IN THE MOOD for SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Nov 19th
What a treasure today’s Sparkle Video is! The Nolans are five lovely ladies at the height of disco fashion singing about our favorite past time: DANCING! All dressed alike in sparkle tops, spandex and variations of fabulous feathered hair- they’re like a DANCE FLOOR GANG coming for your soul. Sure they seem wholesome at first, but then they sneak up on you with sultry dance moves and colorful flashing lights and the next thing you know, you’re grabbing your blowdryer, hairspray and glitter and making yourself up like a sexy 70’s Disco-Tart. Or is that just me?
“OK” SPARKLE VIDEO DAY
Aug 27th
Don’t let the title of this post deceive you, there is nothing “OK” about today’s Sparkle Video- it’s PURE FUNK MADNESS! From the very beginning, American Gipsy starts forcing their mantra “I’m OK, You’re OK, We’re OK!” onto your soul. There’s no intro, no build up- just FULL ENERGY ATTACK and that’s the way I like it. They’ve also covered everything when it comes to outfits: sparkle vests, space capes, metallic boots, white lady in cornrows and classic disco jumpsuit- this video has it all!
So…it’s Friday … let’s GET IT ON!
