It’s about time I let you in on a little secret. Whenever I see the words “German TV” as part of a video’s title, I know that there’s an outstanding chance that it’s going to be chock full of fabulous outfits and today’s Sparkle Video is no exception. While Abba has always been known for their splendidly over the top costumes, the ensembles worn for this performance of “Waterloo” have got to be their most showstopping ever. Spandex, satin, sequins, metallics, mirror tiles, glittering instruments, space cuffs, platform shoes and even a magical CAPE. I’m so out of breath already and then some freakazoid dressed like Napoleon shows up. Soldiers, what we have here is called a KABLAM!
WE’VE GOT THE SPARKLE FEVER!
Today’s Sparkle Video is another glorious clip from the legendary TV show, Midnight Special, featuring The Sylvers who topped the charts in 1976 with this classic called “Boogie Fever”. One of the things I love about sibling groups from this era is the dazzling concept of matching sparkle outfits, especially with a family of this size where the it’s the most effective. The visual of several tall, slender men all wearing satin pants and bedazzled tops covered by jackets with shimmering metallic lapels and topped off with extra large afros is almost too much of a good thing. But it’s never too much, is it? So, add in the sisters in disco-tastic dresses of buttery yellow trimmed with silver sequins and little brother Foster (who became a superstar in his solo career) in a stand-out pair of metallic pants, and it all just screams perfection! And Soldiers, I think all of us can relate to eating our pizza (and many other things!) while dancing to the beat, because if there’s one thing we have in common, aside from being fabulous, it’s the boogie fever.
GIMME SOME MORE SPARKLES!
Today’s Sparkle Video is a fabulous fashion time capsule of grand proportion. The D.D. Sound is completely surrounded by the “athletic disco” look that was all the rage in 1977, complete with headbands, satin shorts and those old school striped gym socks that everyone loves. I must admit this clip of “1,2,3,4 Gimme Some More” looks like it could be a commercial for American Apparel, the clothing line that makes a fortune dressing people like a 70’s porn. I wonder if the owner, Dov Charney, has ever seen this video because it would be genius to recreate. And can you imagine the casting sessions? SIZZLE !
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Disco Commercials: Just Pants
This “Just Pants” store commercial from the 70’s features young partygoers with fabulous hair giving quite a sassy fashion show while they get ready for disco. Or perhaps they’re just getting ready for school- who knows? All that really matters is that they look hot because “Every day is Saturday night when you’re lookin’ right!”
VIEWER IMPRESSION: I’d shop there!
CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF of SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
For your pleasure on Sparkle Video Day, I have chosen to feature two videos of the same song by the same group because I honestly couldn’t decide which was more splendid.
Video A shows the Boys Town Gang performing their hit “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” in a standard “lip-sync-to-track” moment but looking marvelous nonetheless. The male backup “dancers” (something makes me think they’re not really dancers) are rocking their best matching leather daddy looks and Jackson Moore’s dress screams early 80’s disco fashion in the most fabulous way. Batwing sleeves, down-turned metallic belt and draping made to move with her body as she slinks around on stage is purely top drawer!
Video B features an appearance on Top of the Pops where they’re singing live and feeling it! In this version, the backup “dancers” are also backup singers and while they’re covered a bit more they still make sure to have guns fully exposed in matching electric red low-slung tanks. As for the lovely Ms. Moore, all I can say is “eat your heart out American Apparel!”. She is working full length black satin explosion like the Johnny Cash of Disco and I’m loving it!
CALLING SPARKLE VIDEO DAY!
Today’s Sparkle Video is a result of my being home with a cold and feeling in need of some attention from the Doctor. “Dr. Love” that is, along with First Choice who are all the medicine I need because there’s nothing like hearing that glorious beat and watching three lovely ladies in shimmering batwing tops and luminous harem pants to get one out of bed and dancing in the living room. Plus, the added dosage of a dance floor filled with disco boys in unbuttoned shirts has me thinking I’m cured because right now- I’m wishing they made house calls.
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?
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