the army for all things fabulous
I know I never make two posts in one day, but I just couldn’t wait one moment to share this with all of you! What you see in this photo is Fantasy FX , the most fabulous invention since glitterized sliced bread. Given to me this evening by NYC nightlife legend, Adorable Tim, this can allows for on-the-spot Disco Smoke anytime.. anywhere!
We prayed, the Disco Gods answered.. now all I need are those lazertits!
One of the best things about October is SKULL SHOPPING! With the abundance of holiday items made for Halloween, some cool stuff actually slips through and you can find yourself buying for all year round like these Sparkle Skulls– J’Adore! What’s not to love about these colorful, glittering monsters who embody the secret that behind every fabulous Disco Queen is a slightly evil Punk Rock Girl? I picked some up in various fun colors as well as silver and black at Lee’s Art Shop on 57th Street. You better get there soon because they are HOT and they are APPROVED!
I expected to see a lot of interesting and creative things last weekend at the Maker Faire in Queens NY, but never in my wildest imagination did I expect this! The Sparkle Army spirit is alive and well and living on a high-bike owned by a guy named Justin. I originally saw him ride by in the the daylight and was excited to a see a completely mirror-tiled bicycle, but it wasn’t until the sun went down that I got the whole dazzling story. Luckily, I was armed with a video camera because words just cannot describe!
Justin’s Disco Bike features:
This is a man who truly knows what he likes and has created a SHOW-STOPPING PARTY ON WHEELS and all I can say is: RESPECT! What’s even more fabulous is that he’s not finished, as you can hear through my unofficial voiceover interview with Justin. He explains his next step is a projector that will shoot images downward onto the ground as he rides- pretty cool! Of course, I had to ask about a smoke machine, which it does not have… yet. I hope that’s next on the list- whaddya say Justin?
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVmcOCN-aRs
Today’s Sparkle Video was chosen for several reasons, but mostly to remind everyone that the Sparkle Army likes BOTH kinds of music: Rock n’ Roll and Disco. Another reason is that today is October 1st, starting the countdown to Halloween- the holiday where everyone in NYC goes completely crazy, dresses up and parties!
In this video, The Cramps make a live television appearance in pure Sparkle Style style to answer the question everyone has on their minds, “What’s Inside a Girl?”. Like many of their songs, this one takes humorous lyrics, old fashioned rockabilly sounds and adds a heaping tablespoon of psychotic frenzy! I can’t watch this video without thinking of all The Cramps shows I’ve seen, the magic of Lux Interior and how much I miss him. His passing was a devastating blow to the music world and fans everywhere so today, let’s go forth and make Lux proud! Grab your finest, sleaziest Cramps memories and put on some gold spandex, high heels and sunglasses (yes, i’m talking to the boys) and run in the streets screaming.. “Today Is Sparkle Video Day F*ckers!”
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jHbsI-tLfk
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
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
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
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
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
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
Join the Sparkle Army 