Whip it!

I recently watched this movie again. The main things I love about it is the rockabilly/punk/rock chick fashion, the absolutely brilliant Juliette Lewis (who stars as 36 yr old Iron Maven), and the music.



The great Soundtrack was put together by Drew Barrymore who directed and appears in the film, and includes The Breeders, Peaches, The Ramones, Har Mar Superstar and - Dolly Parton! The movie is a great feel good down & dirty, rock & roll chick flick also starring the fabulous Kiwi actress (& stuntwoman) Zoe Ball, singer Eve and Juno's Ellen Page.

Ellen Von Unwerth 'Hot Skates' editorial, Vs Magazine 2009

Juliette Lewis has long been a favourite actress/personality of mine, from blowing away audiences in Cape Fear, showing up at the Oscars with braided hair & Bard Pitt on her arm to her visceral, crazy-ass performances in Kalifornia and Natural Born Killers. She's just a cool chick, with cool style. She also fronted her own rock-band, The Licks, for about 3 years after she and her buddy from Courtney Love's band Hole attended a Blondie gig and though "We need more rock chicks!". Juliette appears to be the hybrid love child of Iggy Pop, Courtney Love, Peaches, PJ Harvey and Debbie Harry. Love it

In Praise of Ellen Von Unwerth

I love Ellen Von Unwerth's work. Ever since I found out she shot Hole's 'Live through this cover'. Editorials which I ripped from the Details, Interview & Sky mags as a teenager always had her name on them - they reeked of sex and rock & roll, a paean to female sexuality & sensuality in a stylish way. I devoured her fashion shoots, escaping from my small town life into her world of glamorous, Bachanalian rock-chick back-stage party mayhem.

The first Vogue editorial I remember feeling both obsessed and inspired by was Nadja Auermann in 'She is an Enigma'. The dark, shouldering, Newton-esque shots spoke to me in some way. I wanted to be her, in the man suit, cigarette in mouth, exuding confidence, style &, strength whilst and still looking attractive & womanly. Sexy women in suits, heralding the fabulous Tom Ford @ Gucci & Dolce & Gabbana man-style suits that were yet to arrive on the catwalk. I had the head shot above my head. Years later, I found out who shot it - one guess!

A few more faves - Note that there is a theme here - rock & roll, cigarettes, louche & languid poses, lips, long hair and smokey black eyes! Kind of shaped my aesthetic for years to come.