“Grammy Award winning pioneer in music, video, fashion and style Jody Watley graces the cover of Faith Heart Magazine, September issue looking more beautiful than ever. The stunning and always fabulous trendsetter opened up to the magazine about creating new special moments with her enthusiasm and passion for living, life, and music. She also shared about practicing a healthy lifestyle from what you eat to what you consume on social media and using her voice to inspire others.”
This tribute post is everything. To rarely be acknowledged for my influence is something I’ve gotten used to and never expect it at this point so this is very special to me.
1990 Rolling Stone Magazine Fall Fashion Issue (outtake Polaroid) – Versace Jacket paired with personal denim Levi 501’s and white #tees and earrings by Erickson Beamon – photography by William Laxton, styled by Patti O’Brien and Jody Watley, Hair by Sam McKnight, Make up by Brigitte Reiss Anderson.
“I think it’s more embraced by the public, fans, media when artists change their style from hair to wardrobe in today’s era. I received a lot of backlash when I went short initially for the first GAP celebrity ad campaign as well as People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful Issue.. nearly booed offstage at Soul Train Awards it’s a lasting memory will never forgetting the gasps, evil looks and chilly reception later met with rumblings of questioning my sexuality because I’d cut my hair short…then came Toni Braxton and Halle Berry making short cuts on black women all the rage and ‘acceptable’ ..for me it was ‘we like her with lots of hair’.. when for me I was making a statement I’m more than my hairstyles –never be afraid to go against the landscape or sacrifice what’s in your heart for popular opinion.” -Jody Watley
1991 “Affairs Of The Heart” album – Music & Fashion Editorial in Harper’s Bazaar – before it was common to see artists in high fashion magazines. This was my third such feature – the first came with my solo debut.
Style Signatures. Just as much as I still love a good edgy moto/biker jacket .. I still love a good tailored suit /jacket like the one I’m wearing here back in 91.
Reposting:
Instagram/jodywatleystyle page:
1991 Jody Watley in Us Weekly photographed by Jon Ragel, hair by Jody Watley, make up by Collier Strong, styling by Jody Watley and Jeannine Braden
Always find your own personal style-it’s a way of saying a bit about who you are without having to speak.
As most of you know, my music is always linked with fashion and style. It’s still it’s a blessing to continue to inspire other new talent.
As a note, my entrance into fashion magazines and subsequent layouts born from the style impact of my music video’s and album covers. My debut appearance in Harper’s Bazaar, solo debut 87. Jody Watley 30. My “Real Love” video..I just wanted to be on the runway – thank you David Fincher for making the vision come to life! This video remains one of MTV’s Most Nominated.
Working the runway – 2006 LA Fashion Week with designer Kevan Hall
LA Fashion Week 2006
in 2014 French shoe designer Jerome Rousseau featured a Jody Watley tribute shoe (bootie) in his collection.
Jerome C. Rousseau Billboard Magazine Feature. August 13, 2014 Issue
I’ve had a top named after me on HSN, Christos Garkinos collection.
Jody Watley in “Jody” top Eureka by Christos Garkinos – Photography: John Tyler Curtis
Designer Malan Breton, who is not only talented but a total sweetheart, and I consider him a friend. We’ve been exchanging messages through the years via social media. Inspirational messages of encouragement – we can never have enough. Malan is now known for his international elegant couture designs once cited me as an influence and made a custom design for me during his Project Runway era – I’m so proud of his continued evolution . Read the archived Project Runway Blog : Here
His A/W 2017 collection was exquisite opening night of LA Fashion week. I’m happy to finally be able to catch one of his shows always to rave reviews in NYC and Paris.
Malan Breton and I in 2006.
Arriving to see Malan Breton A/W Collections 2017.
Last night I sat in awe as new designer Richard Hallmarq (we met many years ago as he reminded me a chance encounter where we talked and as well with some youth he was with at the time). Richard showed his collection at LA Fashion week with a collection inspired by Jody Watley with a remix soundtrack featuring a few of my runway ready classics. It was awesome to be in town to see this.
New Designer Richard Hallmarq and Jody Watley. Pacific Design Center LA Fashion Week 2017.
Backstage, LA Fashion Week 2017 Pacific Design Center with Richard Hallmarq and some of this glam team and models.
It’s in The Music! Living life full of gratitude; my inspiration continues to come from living, life, young people or anyone pursuing their dreams, making things happen in life in their own way – no matter the obstacles. To those I’ve touched, they continue to inspire me in return.
You never who know who you can inspire, we all possess the power to do that in one capacity or another. Never forget that.
I’m so grateful and humbled to have a shoe named after me – as a longtime shoe-a-holic it’s really the best! Jerome is so talented as a designer – kind and gracious most of all. When he said I inspired a shoe as well as his Autumn/Winter Collection 2014 my heart was full, my smile as wide an ocean.
Visit Jerome C Rousseau online and find out what stores carry his line: Here
Edgy and Elegant – The Jody “Watley” arrived, fresh out of the box. A million thank you’s to Jerome.
Jerome C. Rousseau Interview With Billboard Magazine:
Jerome C. Rousseau Billboard Magazine Feature. August 13, 2014 Issue
Photo: Jody Watley from Soul Train: The Music, The Dance, The Style of a Generation by Questlove, Soul Train Holdings LLC
I’d changed clothes after performing my first solo #1 single “Looking For A New Love” to perform “Still a Thrill.” I loved that funky top hat which I’d purchased in Japan – my style always represents what I’m feeling. I still rock denim and ankle boots but wear them differently..the bra tops, not so much!
