Da General Fashion

Great Moments in Disco Fashion History: Danskin Bodywear

Bodywear in general became a disco fashion sensation in the 70’s, but no other name comes to mind more than Danskin!  Anyone who has ever dabbled in the world of dance knows this brand, but Danskin also broke new bounds in street fashion when they hired designer Bonnie August in 1975.

Being young herself, Ms. August knew that people got down and got serious on the dance floor and that the practicality of bodywear coupled with the writhing sexuality of dancing was a match made in DISCO HEAVEN!  She introduced exciting new colors, shimmering textures and utilized a new fabric called Milliskin so that the leotards could also be worn as swimwear. She just knew that going from the hottest pool party straight to the Disco is the lifestyle we all want to live and she singlehandedly made it happen. The “Freestyle” line for Danskin also included unitards, leggings and the classic wrap skirt so all you needed to add was some cheek contour and a sexy pair of heels!

Yes kids, long before American Apparel revived vintage dance looks-  there was Danskin.  While they no longer make exactly the same sexified styles Bonnie August created for the Boogie Down 70’s, you can still find some great styles to work into your outfits for the Disco and the best part- they are still amazingly affordable!

”I don’t follow fashion. I like to invent it. The styles I design are based on my needs and those of my active friends.”  Bonnie August 1947-2003

photo from “Disco Dressing” by Leonard McGIll

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

SPARKLE VIDEO DAY RETURNS!

Today’s Sparkle Video truly represents my mind frame at the moment; I’m finally back home in NYC where Halloween Fever is taking over, and at the same time, I’m holding on to my Berlin-ness as long as I can.  To further illustrate where my brain is at, the legendary Romy Haag is sparklingly spacey as a retro modern Bride of Frankenstein surrounded by the ONLY accessories one needs: hot men in banana hammocks! This video’s sultry disco music, flashing lights and half naked bodies has me ready to jump back on a plane, but alas, that will have to wait until AFTER winter!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNV1hNV4scs

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

I’m still on vacation so my clock is a bit off resulting in a very late post of today’s Sparkle Video. Once you see this you’ll understand how my week has been- nothing but fabulous!

This  DAZZLING video was made by the Berlin Sparkle Soldiers at Chlorophorm TV and it’s all about the Sparkle Army party last Saturday which was OFF THE CHAIN!  They did such an amazing job- I just HAD to feature it this week… ENJOY!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3M8QIZss-o

Da General SPARKLE ALERT!

Thank You Berlin!

Join the Sparkle Army last Saturday in Berlin was spectacular! With nothing more than art supplies, a staple gun and gallons of glitter- Monster Ronson’s was transformed into an intergalactic spaceship filled with the most beautiful Spaced Out Sparkle Soldiers the universe has ever seen! Also, mandatory effects like multi-colored laser beams, overloaded disco balls and gobs of smoke were dazzlingly successful in their mission! (sorry about the tickets from the fire department Ronson.. we’re still cool, right?).

I truly had an amazing time doing my favorite things: dancing chatting partying, and now I MUST thank all the people who made my dreams come true:

Monster Ronson- the man, the myth, the legend. Without him, this party could not happen… at all. You are a true friend for many reasons, but especially for putting up with the moods and demands of an aging diva!

Rebi- genius of lighting and sound, master of the staple gun and hundreds of other things- your contribution to this party is BEYOND just a thank you!

Soldiers Daniel & Mika – for awesome Sparkle deco and being the Special Sparkle Effects Master!

Denise Redder– event photographer and Laser Portrait Specialist!

Kate Ehrhardt – for super Spaced Out Projections!

Sadie-the makeup lady for Sparkling the Soldiers up proper!

the Zentai Experience- for a Super Spaced Out Performance and being gorgeous freaks of nature!

DJ’s Andre, Spacelex and Emil Doesn’t Drive for amazing sets and making a Sparkle Queen dance all night!

Lendless- for sharing their very first live performance of shimmering disco jazz with the Sparkle Army!

Den Haan- for coming all the way from Glasgow Earth and rocking Ronson’s into an unspeakable orbit!

and to all of Monster Ronsons staff that work so hard to keep the cocktails and everything else about the party going!

and to Sparkle Soldiers everywhere… THANK YOU- THANK YOU- THANK YOU!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zMTCxPoPWU

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

It’s SPARKLE VIDEO DAY from BERLIN!

With so much to do before Join The Sparkle Army at Monster Ronson’s tomorrow night, I almost forgot it’s Sparkle Video Day!  ALMOST. Don’ t worry though- Da General would never do that to you.

This Doris D & The Pins video is one of my favorites and is a classic in every way- the music, the outfits, the gobs of smoke. In fact, with all the disco balls strewn about, it looks like Ronson’s right now- except that we have more GLITTER, SPARKLES and LASER BEAMS!

Come see for yourself tomorrow night, September 11th… and wear your dancing shoes because this party goes on all night long and remember…. MORE IS MORE!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPSBUNAXvzA

Da General SPARKLE ALERT!

Berlin!

I arrived in Berlin yesterday morning and the excitement is overwhelming- everyone here is ready to SPARKLE UP and PARTY DOWN!  Glitter is SOLD OUT everywhere you go and talks of outfits are jamming the cell towers! This Saturday night promises to be LEGENDARY and with so many Sparkle Surprises and fabulous things to get ready, I’m unable to post as much as usual.  To make it up to you… here’s one of my favorites to get you in the mood.

Join the Sparkle Army this Saturday, September 11th at Monster Ronson’s and dance all night with me and DJ’s Emil Doesn’t Drive and SpaceLex!  Lendless and very special guests DEN HAAN are performing LIVE and don’t forget… a 50 Euro Bar Tab prize for Spaciest Sparkle Outfit!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ1CIf0sIBY

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

SPARKLE VIDEO DAY IS “UP”!

Today’s Sparkle Video is one that will get you right up off your feet!  The gorgeous ladies of Stargard are a force to be reckoned with- all them sexy, sassy and fabulously dressed. I love that each of them is wearing a totally different look and all at the height of disco fashion: Metallic shimmer catsuit with batwing sleeves and gold boots, red spandex catsuit with matching cocoon coat, blush pink satin jumpsuit with feather accents.  If only people dressed like that today, the world would be a much nicer place.

Oh wait… they do!  Join The Sparkle Army on September 11 at Monster Ronson’s where the best Spaced-Out-Sparkle Outfit wins a 50 Euro Bar Tab!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AflKZ009Ww

Da General APPROVED!

So Good Jewelry: APPROVED!

I’ve been having a lot of Sparkle Shopping Sprees lately and I would be remiss if I didn’t include one of my all-time favorite places for satisfying that powerful SPARKLE ITCH!

So Good at 448 Broadway in NYC is like walking full speed into a dream- walls and tables are covered with twinkling necklaces, bracelets, rings and hair doo-dads.  It has something for everyone, and you’ll see people of all ages and walks of life “Oohing” and “Ahhing” over some fabulous piece they just found.  I never come away with less than 5 items (gotta stock up!) and last Sunday was no exception.  In addition to my SPARKLE HAUL, I bought a necklace that is BEYOND FABULOUS– and guess what? Not one sparkle on it! That’s right… sometimes Da General wears regular ol’ jewelry, but if you tell anyone- i’ll have to kill you.

So Good Jewelry: It’s better than “Good” and it’s APPROVED!