NEW LOVE, BABY - JODY WATLEY

Jody poured into a Patrick Kelly mermaid gown...

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...rocking marabou, over-the-knee boots and a major 'do.
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and channeling classic Hollywood glamour
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There are very few women who I consider true style icons. The style of today's stars is generally very manufactured and forced. Women like Diana Ross, Sophia Loren, Nan Kempner and Jackie Kennedy are few and far between when it comes to a demonstrative display of individuality and consistent creativity. What appeals to me most is a person with innate, natural sense of style and creativity - not a 'style personality' created by a hired stylist. A true beauty and true style icon that has inspired me greatly with her fearlessness, edginess, beauty and ability to incorporate high fashion into music is the amazing JODY WATLEY. Yes, she of the almond eyes, lush lips and the ONLY cheekbones.

Jody with Shalamar working a cheetah mini-boot
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As a kid, every Saturday morning consisted of a big bowl of cereal, cartoons, American Bandstand and the brilliant SOUL TRAIN. In addition to the new dances and music and being able to see my favorite singers, I would lay in wait to see two of my favorite TV performers - Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniels. They started out as mere teen dancers on the show, but because of their exotic good looks, untouchable dance moves and the creativity that they incorporated in every performance, they hit the big time when they were hired as singers in SHALAMAR, one of the best R&B groups of the late 70's/early 80's. Shalamar went on to great success with some of the funkiest music, brilliant choreography and fierce hair and wardrobes. Jody became the breakout star eventually winning a BEST NEW ARTIST GRAMMY.

Jody's biggest impact on me was her image - she seamlessly intertwined southern California club style, NY edginess and high fashion straight off the runways. She was a staunch advocate for beautiful photography, consistently working with the world's best including Steven Meisel and Patrick Demarchelier. Jody was a true style maven, consistently donning Patrick Kelly, Gaultier and Azzedine Alaia. And she had a hair wardrobe to match - moving from long curly weaves to knee length pony tails to short pixies and overblown afros. Her style mix ways a treat for the eyes.

One of the best of the 80's - BRILLIANT!!!

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Funny enough, Solange Knowles is making her stamp on the music world now, and it is NOT big sis Beyonce that I see shades of in her work - I am seeing a bit of Ms. Watley in her work - the look, the wardrobe and the off-beat sensibility. Work Solange - I am loving it!!!