A Celebration Of Herb Ritts. Jody Watley For GAP Classic Campaign

Portraits. Individuals Of Style By Herb Ritts 1989.
Poster caption: Gap long sleeved pocket-t as customized by JODY WATLEY singer-songwriter Photographed by Herb Ritts.
Jody Watley Photographed by Herb Ritts, 1989.
Style Icon Jody Watley Photography Herb Ritts For GAP 1989 Celebrity Campaign
GAP. Individuals Of Style Celebrity Ad Campaign 1989.

With so many efforts to erase, rewrite or revise history in all aspects of society from books to what we see and hear across social media depending on the source, it’s important to have source information to refer to. Jody Watley was a part of the first celebrity ad campaign for GAP in 1989. The inclusion in this particular campaign and theme “Portraits: Individuals Of Style” photography by the legendary Herb Ritts is important for a variety of reasons. The campaign included ‘Larger Than Life’ images in-store, bus stops and billboards across the country. Jody Watley was one of the few black crossover stars of that time to be featured in this what is now called ‘rebranding’ or ‘artist branding’. Jody received notice not just from her breakout solo hits, she became a stand-out in her personal self-styling in music videos, album and single art, appearances and promotional photography.

“When asked to be apart of this, I was so excited at the opportunity. The team said I could wear the T-shirt however I chose. In addition, it gave me an opportunity to change up the big hair to a sleek short pixie-cut. My fans at the time hated it but I loved it, felt fresh and modern. Today’s artists are the luxury to change it up frequently, fans almost expect it now, unlike the 80’s and 90’s.”

Jody Watley was recognized as a style icon going back to her teen years on the iconic show Soul Train. Excerpt from Nelson George “The Hippest Trip In America – Soul Train and the evolution of culture and style “….with Jody emerging as a late 70’s style icon. She could rock silver shorts and red glitter converse sneakers, vintage 1940’s inspired dresses with pumps or her prom dress. Her hair was an ongoing adventure, sometimes filled with tons of ribbons, sometimes long ponytails, or a 1940’s hairdo..” ~ Book published by William Morrow Imprint of Harper Collins Books.

“Working with Herb Ritts in this campaign was just incredible. California born and raised Herb was relaxed, charming and so kind, easy to work with.” Watley has said. “He also threw incredible birthday parties that were a virtual who’s who and I was thrilled to be invited to a few!”

Talking Fashion. VOGUE 1996. Herb Ritts Birthday Celebration with such notables as Diana Ross, Madonna, Tom Ford and Jody Watley to name a few!

In addition to the GAP campaign, Jody Watley’s Herb Ritts portrait of disco mirrored eyes was featured in 2008’s historic Black Issue of Vogue Italia. The “Outstanding Ladies” in the issue included Jody Watley and actress Angela Bassett.

Jody Watley by Herb Ritts. August 2008 VOGUE Italia The Black Issue.
Legendary Photographer Herb Ritts August 13, 1952 – December 26, 2002.

The work of Herb Ritts as a photographer and video director is iconic and renowned – never forgotten.

Jody Watley Classic Image Of The Day. VOGUE Italia.

2008 : Jody Watley VOGUE ITALIA The Historic Black Issue

Photography: Herb Ritts

Makeup: JoAnn Gair

Hair: Peter Savic

This issue featured 4 covers (Naomi Campbell, Liya Kebede, Jourdan Dunn Sessilee Lopez) only black models, all the feature topics are related to black women in arts and entertainment. It sold out in 72 hours, with 60,000 more copies ordered for reprint. Currently selling for $2,500 on eBay. Did you grab a copy?!

An honor to be in the issue, led by the visionary editor Franca Sozzani.

Jody Watley Classic Image of The Day. Vintage Glam and Two Key Elements of Style.

Jody Watley pictured in vintage dress and clutch attending legendary photographer Herb Ritts birthday party in 1991. “You don’t have to spend a grip and wear designer clothes to look like a million bucks. Style is finding what works for you. Today vintage and repurposed clothing are more commonplace so seek out these options – you’d be surprised as well what you’d find at Goodwill – many items barely or gently worn. In addition you can often find cool deals at consignment stores as well, though more on the pricey end. Pair vintage with contemporary but most of all know what works for you not what trends are. With the prevalence of designers fashion and Instagram photo opps with pricey outfits – don’t get caught up in that game.

Wattage!

Jody Watley Classic Photo of The Day. People Magazine 50 Most Beautiful People Issue.

Jody Watley_PeopleMagazine_50MostBeautiful(1)

It was an cool to be a part of the “People Magazine 50 Most Beautiful Summer 1990” issue needless to say (actress Michelle Pfeiffer was on the cover). I believe true beauty radiates from the inside out and honestly having smarts is higher on my list though being in the entertainment industry there is a level of superficial so I get it. In my interviews it’s always been key to get that across, not just being a ‘pretty face.’ The feature makes mention of my godfather music legend Jackie Wilson who will finally be honored with a Star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood September 4, 2019.

In this opportunity it’s noted that I was ok with my crooked bottom teeth..they are still crooked though I could easily have them straightened. Perhaps I will before all is said and done but they don’t bother me and are a part of being distinctly me. Imperfections are a part of who we are, it’s also what I replied recently to someone trolling me on Facebook who mocked me for my bottom teeth ‘you have enough money – why don’t you get your teeth fixed, people are talking about you behind your back..” Sure, we are all works in progress and if definitely fix or work on what needs improvement if it makes you feel better about yourself – go for it but don’t let society or certain standards make you feel less than or inferior in any way. You decide – I decide.

Going with short hair was also a statement in itself and somewhat rebellious in it’s own way..it’s not about my hair but my artistry and quest to always be what and who I want to be at any given time – not who and what other’s want to define or box me into. The short hair was not received well at the time with fans, or my record label. As an artist and a human being most of all, it’s often challenging to hold on and fight to be who you are and want to be while others may only see you one way and try to keep you marginalized to their vision.

This was also around the time I was photographed by legendary Herb Ritts for the GAP groundbreaking ‘celebrity’ ad campaign ‘Individuals Of Style’ – loved this session. Herb Ritts was so kind and easy going. Any intimidation I may have felt going into the session melted away as soon as I met him. We shot in natural light on the rooftop of his Hollywood studio, I wore my own denim jeans and Doc Martens, customizing the white GAP t-shirt to suit me, just a simple snipping off of the sleeves.  Peter Savic, another legend in the fashion and celebrity hairstylist..actually he’s a master of hair, an artist not just a stylist worked with Herb Ritts often but it was a first for us. Wanting to do something fresh, modern and bold but not sure what – Peter suggested short and so we agreed on the pixie cut and he knocked it out of the park! An image from this session was also used for my “Precious Love” single…as well it was around this time I was nearly booed off the stage and received heavy backlash after by my only performance on the Soul Train Awards…that’s another post entirely. I do touch upon being black and forward thinking as an artist back then, the politics of the music business .. in my work in progress memoir.

 

Jody Watley GAP ad by Herb Ritts

Be bold if you feel like it  – be you – live your life!! Wattage!

 

Jody Watley Classic Image of The Day from Vogue Italia.

Flashback to 2008 the history making “The Black Issue” of VOGUE Italia.

Jody Watley.

Photography: Herb Ritts

Makeup : Joanne Gair

Hair : Peter Savic

An honor to be in the issue, led by the visionary editor Franca Sozzani there were 4 Covers by Steven Meisel – all sold out.

Vogue Italia The Historic Black Issue – The Undefeated

Jezebel

Jody Watley Classic Image and Thought of The Day.

Mirrors.

Don’t ever dim your shine to make others feel better. Shine on from the inside -out. Like my Dad always said as well be a person of substance and always value yourself. ✨

Here’s a #TBT 2008 VOGUE Italia the historic “The Black Issue”

Being included in this issue is another benchmark in my ongoing solo career that I’m very proud of because of the music artistry – a childhood dream that became a reality.

Work hard – keep shining.

Photography by Herb Rita

Makeup JoAnne Gair

Hair by Peter Savic

Upcoming Concerts:

October 21 Famously Hot South Carolina Pride, Columbia

SC Showtime 6 PM

Oct 28 Genesee Theater with Debbie Gibson and Lisa Lisa

Nov 11 -18 80s in The Sand Punta Cana Dominican Republic

Dec 3 – Westbury NY — NYCB Theater

Dec 5 – New Brunswick, NJ – – State Theater New Jersey

Dec 6 – Broward, FL — Broward Center Au Rene Theater

Dec 7 – Chandler, AZ — Wild Pass Hotel and Casino

Dec 8 – Palm Desert, CA — McCallum Theater

Dec 9 – Cerritos, CA — Cerritos Center for Performing Arts

Dec 14 – Milwaukee, WI — Potawatomi Hotel and Casino

Dec 15 – Joliet, IL — Rialto Square Theater

Dec 16 – St. Charles, MO — Scheidegger Center

Dec 17 – Dallas, TX — Majestic Theater

January 27 – Napa, CA — Blue Note Napa “Timeless”

Birthday Celebration Concerts

More dates TBA

NEW — What’s The Tee With Rupaul and Michelle Visage

Listen Now: RuPaul What’s The Tee Interview

Jody Watley. Fashion ReWind. VOGUE Italia.

Jody Watley. The Historic Black Issue, VOGUE Italia July, 2008

Jody Watley. The Historic Black Issue, VOGUE Italia July, 2008