Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

FREDDIE MERCURY SPARKLES ON!

With the recent anniversary of Freddie Mercury’s passing on November 24, it seems only fitting that today’s Sparkle Video be devoted to him.  Initially, I was leaning towards the sadly sweet tributes of his life, but then I checked myself and realized that Freddie would want no such thing.  Our Patron Saint, who lived life so fabulously, would surely insist on laughter, champagne and SPARKLES!

“Living on My Own” is a testament to Freddie’s life of fabulosity because it’s real footage from the Black and White party Freddie had for his 39th birthday and real party with real friends means real fun! Also, check out the accompanying video, which tells more of this story and how additional footage of Freddie singing was shot another day and edited in.  My favorite tidbit- that Freddie was at the edit session to make sure all of his friends got into the video!  Just one more reason to love him.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbqMD29qi58

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fn5xP-3PZ0

Da General SPARKLE ALERT!

Christian Siriano Joins the Sparkle Army!

Fashion designer Christian Siriano declared his membership in the Sparkle Army loud and proud in yesterday’s AM newspaper.  Okay so, he didn’t actually say those words, but we know what it means when the first thing that comes to one’s mind on Thanksgiving is “sequins and glitter”! Siriano, who was the lovable winner of Project Runway Season 4, won hearts with his quirky hair style, creative designs, unending self confidence, and for singlehandedly bringing back the word “Fierce”.

Happy Thanksgiving to Christian and to Sparkle Soldiers everywhere!

Da General Fashion

Great Moments in Disco Fashion History: Groupie Chic

70’s Groupie Chic is one of my favorite looks of all time.  Outfits of metallic and satin fabrics, super-high platforms and the hottest of hot shorts topped off with sunglasses, a fur jacket and lots of attitude is nothing less than sensational!  Back in the heyday, there was even a magazine,  “Star”, which had helpful articles and fashion tips for all aspiring groupies so that one day, they too could be like their superstars.

Lori Maddox, Sable Starr, Bebe Buell and Cyrinda Foxe were some of the most famous groupies who were super young and out to have fun!  Instead of dance clubs like Studio 54, these lovely ladies were regulars at Rock n’ Roll dens like Max’s Kanses City, CBGB’s and Rodney Bingenheimer’s English Disco. Looking fabulous got them everything and anything- Rock Star boyfriends, dazzling world tours and parties non-stop, which ended up making them famous in their own right. Their legendary tales of love and lust on the road have made for some great books, films and hundreds of devoted fan sites. What I love most about them is that they’ve been quoted as saying they have no regrets, that it was an amazing time and they’d do it all over again.

There are still groupies out there today, but seriously, without the cool outfits… what’s the point?

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

I’M IN THE MOOD for SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

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?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrCuZd9hed0

Da General APPROVED!

Glitter Microphones: APPROVED!

I bought these Glitter Microphones in early October when they were displayed with the Halloween items but to me, they screamed “Fall Fashion Accessory!”.  Always one to trust my instincts, these glorious numbers have been making the scene with me everywhere.  I’ve found them appropriate for all occasions including, but not limited to: parties, happy hour, Skype dates and any time you feel like conducting cameraless interviews with total strangers.  Because of the “More is More” code of ethics we hold dear, I made sure to buy a few.  After all, you never know when you and your friends will break out in song and, although a beer bottle works just fine, how much more fabulous is it to whip out one of these? I can assure you- it’s pretty dam fabulous and after testing them for a whole month, Glitter Microphones are now declared a necessary part of any Sparkle Soldier’s wardrobe because they are APPROVED!

Warning: Carrying Glitter Microhphones as a fashion accessory may result in extra attention and bewildered looks from others which may eventually lead to extreme jealously and possible theft from those who didn’t think to buy their own.

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

SPARKLE VIDEO vs. RETRO ROCK RAPTURE!

Today’s Sparkle Video, “I Like It Both Ways” is RETRO ROCK RAPTURE! What better way to randomly mention again that the Sparkle Army likes both kinds of music- Rock N’ Roll and Disco, than by watching this colorful delight.  It’s so over the top stylistically that I’m having trouble believing it’s actually from 1976.  Doesn’t it look like something made by the cleverest of groovy hipsters?  The Glam Rock jumpsuits, fabulous shag haircuts, multiple rainbow splits and “vintage car spaceships” make me want to jump in a time machine and head straight to the nearest Supernaut party!  Who’s with me?

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzDUcPfZoJ4

Da General Heroes

Bob Mackie

Bob Mackie, one of the most famous American designers of all time, seems to see life as one big sparkling universe where high glamour should prevail above all.  His overtime-working-bedazzler has contributed to the superstardom of the most famous women in showbiz including Sparkle Army faves Raquel Welch, Cher, Diana Ross and Charo.  In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a movie or tv show that he didn’t have a hand in during the 70’s and 80’s, when sequins and starfilters were an everyday part of life. That’s right- if it sparkled, you could bet your life it was a “Mackie”!  Still in demand for his dazzling costumes, he’s most recently been glitzing up pop stars like Pink and Katy Perry- and let’s not forget the world famous, Barbie, who’s been wearing custom “Mackie’s” for years now. Did I mention costuming for stage, film, TV and the spectacular Las Vegas showgirls or designing a ready-to-wear fashion line?  There is nothing his magical hands have not touched!

Ever since I was a little girl, Bob Mackie represented the world as I hoped and dreamed it would be when I grew up. A world filled with glitter, sequins and rhinestones and a world where everyone is more beautiful because they sparkle.  Thank you, Mr. Mackie.

Bob Mackie: Legendary Dazzle Master and Sparkle Army Hero!

photos from the book  “Unmistakably Mackie” by Frank DeCaro

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2vLnzcX4dY

Da General Friday Sparkle Videos

CAZWELL ROCKS SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!

I’ve been holding off a really long time making this the Friday Sparkle Video because I’m so obsessed with it, I’m no longer objective. Then I remembered, this blog all about me and what I like.. so there!

Today’s Sparkle Video, “Watch My Mouth”, has everything right visually so let me start by stating the obvious: Cazwell is HOT! Moving on, I’m just crazy for the art direction which features bright colors, exciting graphics and oversized “gay-riffic” hip hop jewelry.  What’s more, along with appearances by the usual suspects like Amanda Lepore and a couple of hot “Papis”, this video also works in a surprise cameo from makeup artist extraordinaire, Danilo.  Finally, to top it all off, it’s such a catchy tune that I have to hear it at least once a day- and when when I say “once a day”-  I really mean seven.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycQr2zDgPUM

Da General SPARKLE ALERT!

VOTE!

Some geezer must have kicked it because there’s a whole slew of vintage Playboy magazines for sale at Junk in Brooklyn.  Now, why would Da General be interested in Playboy? For the articles? No- that’s what my Dad would say!  It’s because these treasured time capsules are tops for the period hair and makeup looks I adore.  I chose to buy this July 1985 issue because it has the legendary black and white pictorial of Grace Jones and Dolph Lundgren shot by Helmut Newton. SCORE! I passed up a Donna Mills and a Suzanne Somers for this baby.

Which brings me to why this cover is featured today- VOTE people.  If the politicians themselves can’t get you motivated, then perhaps some half-naked hottie from the 80’s can do it!