Jody Watley. Summer Style Color-Blocking Trend.

I don't usually like tight fitting clothes or too much color. with this outfit however - I went for it! the color blocking trend has taken me taken me out of my all black comfort zone. When it comes to style, as long as it suits you, go for it.

Just over 50, mother of two young adults and fab - yes that's me!

Jody Watley Featured on Afrobella.

Jody Watley on Life, Music, Billy B and Being An Icon. Click to read here: http://www.afrobella.com/2012/05/18/jody-watley-on-life-music-beauty-billy-b-and-being-an-icon/


Photo: Mike Ruiz

Love. Influence and Magic. Donna Summer.

It was sad news to read Donna Summer has passed away. She is one of my music inspirations. As a dancer on Soul Train as a teen - I was there when she made her debut and subsequent return. All of the dancers were excited to see this new mysterious singer the sexy persona and music that made us really work the dance-floor even harder. When her songs played on set or in the clubs you could feel the extra enthusiasm and passion. 



(That's me dancing to Donna's music on Soul Train in silver lame shorts!)

(Dancing to 'The Queen' in white skinny jeans!)

I understand the "Queen of Disco" label however I feel it marginalizes her place in music history. Not simply "Disco" Donna Summer also ruled "Pop" Music radio and charts for a time. She also brought elements into the mainstream fusing Rock (Hot Stuff) with dance, not to mention pushing the sexual envelope at the time though she quickly determined she didn't want to get stuck in that box. Summer really worked all genres and was such an inspiration. Being paired with Barbara Streisand for "Enough Is Enough" had to also be one of the first mega-watt pairings of two music superstars. Donna Summer continued to intrigue with a host of iconic images to match the music.

Donna Summer's double albums were and are unparalleled concept albums, few did them better male or female in any genre - her releases for me were events.  I couldn't wait to see the cover art, read the liner notes and listen to the music. "Four Seasons Of Love" is one of my favorite albums. With the freestyle dance "Waacking", a lot of us were hitting those Giorgio Moroder Donna Summer beats. This continues for the new young global set of kids learning and doing the dance - Donna Summer's music is a must. From my point of view she was an underrated singer and songwriter in the midst of her legendary career.

When I signed my solo deal with MCA, Jheryl Busby the executive who signed me, had worked with Donna Summer in promotions during her Casablanca years. When I started telling him my ideas and concepts, Jheryl totally understood and supported my vision. Why? In part because of his history with Donna and Casablanca. When he revealed his work with her, it made me feel at ease with him. In essence, she was indirectly a part of my decision to sign with MCA. We were connected through him.


Donna Summer's music is a part of the soundtrack of my life along with millions of other's around the world.  As a fellow veteran artist in this business and continued fan of her work I know that she continued to create quality music up through her last full length 'Crayons' and single 'To Paris With Love' a couple of years ago. 

The current dominance of dance music that young artists have jumped on is rooted in disco. Electro / techno roots is simply another extension of the form and so I hope they know she's another artist whose shoulders they stand on. As Brian Eno told David Bowie upon hearing "I Feel Love" in Berlin- "I have heard the sound of the future.."

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I will continue to celebrate the amazing magic, connection and joy from her music legacy and life.


Thank you Donna Summer. Rest in Peace.

New York Times: "The Queen of Disco Who Transcended and Era":

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/18/arts/music/donna-summer-queen-of-disco-dies-at-63.html


Rolling Stone, "Dim All The Lights For Donna Summer" (includes Brian Eno quote)
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/blogs/pop-life/dim-all-the-lights-for-donna-summer-20120517


Black and White Photo: Via http://vintageblackglamour.tumblr.com/post/23289502261/i-was-so-sorry-to-hear-about-the-loss-of-donna

Thank You Vidal.

Vidal Sassoon was a true visionary, not just as a master of several iconic hairstyles and cutting techniques but for from what I recall the first hair guru to become celebrity stylist bringing a new glamour to Hollywood not to mention the fashion world. Vidal Sassoon also brought product branding to the mainstream. I was an early fan of his shampoo's and conditioners - loved the smell and what his products did to my hair.
During my days living in London, I went to one of his Academy's after reading an article in British VOGUE to get a bob. Being at The Vidal Sassoon Academy was my first experience in a truly high end salon. I was fascinated by the coloring and cuts being done and felt very pampered. My stylist Aitch Peters went on to become Senior Creative Director for Vidal Sassoon.

My second visit was for a version of an early mohawk. Over the years I've worn different incarnations of haircuts created by Sassoon including the Bob and the Pixie cut (worn in my GAP ad) made famous by Mia Farrow. His style is still visible in various variations today and no doubt will be for all time.

My first Sassoon cut in 1984.

1989.

Sassoon influence, 90's Bob.

Jody Watley, Sassoon Bob in 2008.

The Classic 5 point Nancy Kwan Bob cut.

Signature style for Mia Farrow.

Fashion Icon, Twiggy with Sassoon cut.

Rest Peacefully Mr. Sassoon, a true great.


Related Links and Vidal Sassoon Hair Galleries:
http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/going-out/news/vidal-sassoon-hair-history-103?src=rss

http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2012/05/vidal-sassoon-dead-at-84.html

Twiggy Photo: Via Adrina Sassoon

Jody Watley. Classic Style. Vintage In Norma Kamali.

Vintage, 1989.

In Norma Kamali with Shalamar Vintage 1982.

I have so many favorite Norma Kamali style moments. The Kamali Boutique in New York 56th, just off 5th Avenue was one of my many 'must do' first shopping stops, even if just to look around. To experience the Glamour of the store before fashion and style became commercial and perhaps jaded remains pivotal. Kamali is another trailblazer who has always gone her own way. I've recently learned more about her and thanks to modern technology exchanged Twitter messages. I was able to let her know not assuming she knew how long I'd worn her clothes that I was a longtime fan and appreciator of her work.
I've worn her clothes since the 70's. Old or classic Hollywood is a longtime influence on me, since I was a little girl; there's a timelessness to it all.

Kamali's ruched 40's inspired swimdress is still sold as a part of her collection and is flattering to any woman's figure as summer approaches.

Timeless in 2012.

To Learn More: http://www.normakamali.com

Lux In Lanvin.

J'adore, I could totally rock this!

Health, Wellness and Beauty.

I'm currently in love with brussel sprouts. When I was a little girl, I'd call them baby cabbages. They're one of those vegetables that you either loved or tried to run from the table when you knew they'd be on the dinner plate. I always liked them. Getting vitamins and natural nutrients is a part of my daily lifestyle and I encourage it to others - take care of yourself from the inside out. Lately I haven't been able to get enough of them. Low cholesterol, low in calories, protects against cancer due to the high amount of glucosinolates, greater than broccoli.
I get fresh brussel sprouts or pick up packages of them at Trader Joe's, they are so easy to prepare and also filling because of the fiber content.  Steam, drizzle with a bit of fresh squeezed lemon juice, olive oil then top with a touch of sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. Additionally, adding indian spices like a sprinkle of curry powder or Garam Masala as well as garlic are also great compliments to your servings. Yum!

knowing that you're taking care of yourself and eating healthy as must as possible should bring a smile to your face everyday.

Read about the nutritional benefits of brussel sprouts here:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=10





Photo: From the dining table of Jody Watley

Art and Fashion. Carmen Marc Valvo

Jody Watley. Pop's Fashionista Godmother with Miles Marshall Lewis for Ebony

Click to read article:

http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/interview-jody-watley

What I Wore.. Anthology San Diego

The show at Anthology was incredible full of beautiful loving people who helped set the mood for the energy of the night. My concert as promised was a music journey from Soul Train, Shalamar (I’ve included ‘A Night To Remember’ and ‘The Second Time Around’ in a funky medley)  also including CHIC’s classic ‘I Want Your Love’ which was my 13th #1 single back in 2007 from my The Makeover. The medley also includes ‘Your Love Keeps Working on Me’ and ‘I Want Your Love’ from ‘Affairs of The Heart’.There were plenty of hits and rarities and the new music preview from ‘Chameleon’; people are loving the new songs. ‘The Dawn’ which was already written as an homage to Soul Train and my years there is accompanied by a video montage of a teen-aged me and other highlights and ends in tribute and thanks to Don Cornelius. That night with the news of the passing of another television pioneer and icon Dick Clark – the song was also dedicated to him. Produced by Mark De Clive-Lowe it’s a funky tribute that already has fans dancing in the aisles.
The place I’m told has never grooved and rocked as it did April 18th. My band and I were full of gratitude.
After the show, I did a lengthy meet and greet talking to fans, taking photo’s and signing merchandise and a lot of classic vinyl.
For the meet and greet I wore a print jersey dress – and anyone who knows me knows this is rare because style wise I generally don’t like them..but style is also evolving and finding what works and owning that. I love this dress!