I’m so intrigued by today’s Sparkle Video because it has all the elements of fabulosity- a tall gorgeous creature dressed in a red hot sequin bodysuit and heels with amazing hair and makeup surrounded by billowing smoke. If all of that wasn’t enough, Bibi Andersen takes it a step further by singing “Call Me Lady Champagne” while sipping on a delightful glass of bubbly. I think we have a new hero Soldiers!
Holy Disco Balls!
I’m really not sure how something of this sparkling magnitude escaped my knowledge for two whole years, but thanks to Sparkle Soldier R. Wayne, I am now aware and in total awe of artist Michel de Broin’s amazing creation of the world’s largest disco ball. Made from 1000 mirrors and a dazzling 7.5 meters in diameter, this glorious work of art was created and hung for only one night in the Jardin de Luxembourg for an event called Nuit Blanche. Oh Parisians, why just one night? It should have stayed up for eternity, but have no fear- when I have my own planet, I’m going to use it to replace the moon.
GIVE ME SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Today’s Sparkle Video celebrates the absolute King of Disco, Marc Cerrone, who’s first hit was back in 1976. Can you believe that “Love in C Minor” was actually turned down by the record labels (such fools)? Thankfully, the people on the dance floor (the only ones that matter) knew right away that this was pure magic. In fact, if there is any one person that owns disco, it’s Cerrone and his prolific onslaught of timeless tracks including “Je Suis Music”, “Supernature”, “Midnight Lady” and “You are the One” which features vocals from the legendary Jocelyn Brown. Today, after more than 30 years, his music is still furiously played by DJ’s everywhere and he continues to compose, produce and play the largest drum kit known to man as well as collaborate with many different artists, which brings me all the way back to today’s Sparkle Video. Now, normally I detest most modern remixes of the classics because they always seem to destroy the spirit of the of original, but not this one- excellent work Bob Sinclair! Not only does this 2001 version of “Give Me Love” pay fabulous tribute to the master, but it’s turned up the sex a few notches by adding a bunch of naked women smeared in metallic makeup and shimmering gold flecks writhing in ecstasy and I’m sure that Cerrone is nothing but proud.
Sare Havlicek Radio
His album “Toscana Nights” released in July of last year is still in heavy rotation at mine because it’s a dazzlingly solid journey through the galaxy set to our much beloved disco beat and perfect for dancing under laser beams and smoke machines. Tonight, Sare Havlicek is taking his newest trip through space on pure.fm with the first of his new monthly radio shows called “Disco Recreation”. There is no other kind of recreation as far as I’m concerned so I’ve cleared my schedule and so should you. By the way, speaking of clearing schedules… stay tuned for more fabulous news coming soon regarding all of the above and gobs of SPARKLES.. but in the meantime, enjoy one of my favorite tracks!
ENJOY SPARKLE VIDEO DAY WITH ME!
Today’s Sparkle Video shows The Jacksons performing on Musikladen dressed adorably in bedazzled powder blue from top to bottom with the fabulous touch of spaced-out shoulder pads. I personally find it much more effective when the entire group has matching outfits don’t you? It certainly makes much more of a statement and I love the one they’re making! The infectious repetition of “Enjoy Yourself” coupled with Michael’s pleading to stop worrying about things you can’t control, just live the life you got and get up on the dance floor and have some fun makes this one of their catchiest songs ever. Well, you don’t have to twist my arm Jacksons…I’m already dancing!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpZP-Lvwico
Japanese Manicures: KABLAM!
Once again, the Japanese have taken fashion and beauty to a whole ‘nother level. While here in America, women are “oohing and ahhing” over nail polish strips with decorative patterns on them, this is what Gyaru models Sakurina and Cocona are featuring.
KABLAM-BITY-BLAM-BLAM!
These ladies are my kind of girls because they take “More is More” and add lots More on top. This glittering fabulosity has taken my life long fascination with Press-On-Nails and turned it into a whole new jewel encrusted obsession. I simply must have my talons dripping with diamonds, swarovskis, dangling chains and a few bedazzled skulls here and there. Of course, I won’t be able to do much aside from hang out and sparkle- but really, what else is there?
HOLD ON, IT’S SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Here she is once again, the fabulous Miss Precious Wilson, rocking one of the most daring outfits ever seen in a Sparkle Video and also one which is surely the result of many glasses of champagne. How else do you explain this alluring Sequin Snake Charmer idea? It’s quite brilliant, not just for it’s amazing sparkle factor, but also because it accentuates her sexy slithering moves just like a reptilian princess from outer space and is topped off with the only choice- a glimmering turban crown. Ssssplendid!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExxyJqephkY
Sparkle Ashtray Key Chains: APPROVED!
It never ceases to amaze me how adding glitter to an object I could care less about turns it into something I can’t live without. Just look at these adorable portable Sparkle Ashtrays I picked up in Iowa (of all places!) which also happen to be Key Chains. Fascinating isn’t it? Especially because I don’t smoke, however the idea of having this number handy for my friends that do smoke seems so fabulous. Picture this- you’re at a party and someone is searching madly for an ashtray before they make a mess on the light-up dance floor and then KABLAM! I whip out this baby, to the delight of my audience, and am at your service! Yes Soldiers, good manners are very important and I think that adding this dazzling item to my repertoire of charm is priceless because it not only catches those unsightly ashes, but it sparkles, it carries keys and it’s APPROVED!
NIGHT IN SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Today’s Sparkle Video is about the importance of a really snazzy number and Cherry Laine, rocking a very flirty “hippie-style sparkle- fringe” outfit, is backed by some the sassiest dancers in town as well as an equally hypnotic disco classic. Can someone please make me a loop of the “Night in Chicago” chorus so I can hear it endlessly while I dazzle on the dance floor making dramatic arm moves every time that fierce and intense string section chimes in? I’m sure you can envision that, because I can. Then again, maybe I’m feeling a bit sentimental after a recent visit with good friends in the Windy City which was wonderful for so many reasons, but what really sticks out in my mind is their spiral staircase spanning three floors. Yes Soldiers… many fabulous entrances were had!
Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame Museum
As a devoted music lover, it’s always been my dream to go to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame Museum and, thanks to Hurricane Irene and an unexpected stop through Cleveland, I finally got my wish. There is so much to see that you really do need at least one whole day to experience all the fabulousness. Some points of interest include learning about the early musicians who influenced and shaped what was to become Rock n’ Roll, the history of sound and audio and, of course my favorite and clearly the most dazzling part, the exhibit of artifacts and OUTFITS! As you can imagine, there was no shortage of sequins and rhinestones in the building as people from all genres seem to know that sparkling on stage is a must for any good performance. I was able to snap a few photos which is technically forbidden, but why on earth would I pick this moment in time to start following rules, especially when it’s my duty to share my glittering experiences? Sadly, I was only able to sneak a few shots before my battery wore out (and also due to museum staff lurking about), but here are some of what I was able to capture.
What you don’t see here are gobs of garb from other heavy hitters like Stevie Nicks, Michael Jackson (including “The Glove”!), Jimi Hendrix, Elvis and so many more. Timing was also on my side as a special exhibit titled “Women Who Rock” was showing and this was even more sparkle-tastic and included some of my favorite ladies in music including Cher, Heart, The Runaways, Debbie Harry and The Supremes.
The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Museum is also the place to go if you want to see many of the top designers to the Superstars under one roof and some of the most legendary are there including Nudie Cohn, Ossie Clark, Bob Mackie, Stephen Sprouse, Micheal Schmidt and Kansai Yamamoto. Now, let me ask you Soldiers- do you happen to notice anyone’s name in particular missing from this list? The answer is Larry LeGaspi, who is not only my idol, but one of the most prolific costume designers in music history. I was perplexed that I didn’t see his name anywhere and then… it hit me. While looking at some George Clinton pieces from the Atomic Dog era, I looked up at the sign and was blindsided because the outfit was credited to “designer Larry Lagatsby“! I was truly in a state of shock and wasn’t sure how to react because after all, I was overjoyed that he actually was included in the exhibit, but such a grave mistake was not tolerable on my part. Should I alert an employee nearby? Do I whip out a Sharpie and fix it myself? Perhaps I go with a classic move, “the meltdown”, then create a scene and wait for an apology? I couldn’t even bring myself to photograph the sign as evidence because it was truly heart wrenching. In the end, I decided not to let this one moment ruin my amazing experience at the museum and that the best thing to do was to go home and write a letter to the curator and explain their mistake, in my most courteous Sparkle Speak of course, and kindly ask them to correct it. While I’m at it, I’m also going to suggest that they change the name to the Rock n’ Roll AND DIsco Hall of Fame, because after all, we like both kinds of music!
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