On July 27, 1983 — 35 years ago today — Madonna’s self-titled debut album was released, and I became an instant fan. I have a big video about Madonna that I’ll post next month, but to celebrate the album anniversary, here’s a little teaser in which I talk about choosing a Madonna concert over my…
80s style
Byron Lars and My Met Gala Dream Look
My designing friend Stacy Lomman teaches at the famous Fashion Institute of Technology, her own alma mater. Every year, during the final semester for graduating students, the school brings in designers to mentor the students as they work on their final projects in the categories of intimate apparel, special occasion, knitwear, children’s wear, and sportswear….
A Fashion Playlist for My First YouTube-a-Versary
I’ve had my Wendy Brandes Jewelry YouTube channel up and running for one year, as of last Thursday! To celebrate, I’m putting together some playlists for you for the next couple of weeks. First up is the best of my fashion-related videos. In these, I explain “slow fashion” and “homegrown vintage”; talk about my earliest…
Back to the ’80s With Jessie’s Girl
I surprised my family by asking to celebrate my big birthday on Saturday with a glamorous 5 p.m. dinner at Bareburger. What can I say? There were two little kids attending, and I enjoy The Standard burger, medium well. In reality, I was just getting warmed up for a midnight show by ’80s cover band…
What Wendy Wore: Musical Patrick Kelly
Remember how Eryn and I went to a jewelry-industry breakfast in July and got caught giving the stink-eye to a totally innocent designer? We took an outfit photo on our way out. What Wendy Wore Jacket: Vintage Patrick Kelly (purchased on eBay in 2010) T-shirt: MaxMara (pre-2005) Jeans: Madewell (2016) Shoes: Onex (2015) Purse: Louis…
Flashback Friday: More Vintage Sprouse
I have two vintage Stephen Sprouse skirts, as I mentioned in Wednesday’s rap-tastic YouTube video. I shared pictures of my frequently worn pink Sprouse skirt yesterday. Here’s my “Rock Sticker” skirt, as I styled it recently. What Wendy Wore Top: Top: L’Agence (2013) Skirt: Vintage Stephen Sprouse (purchased from Decades, years ago) Shoes: Manolo Blahnik…
Throwback Thursday: Stephen Sprouse Skirt
I can’t remember exactly where or when I got my pink Stephen Sprouse skirt, which is from his Hardcore 1988 collection. I think it was in 2006. The first photo I can find of it is from 2007. This is how I wore it in 2011, while out on the town with my friend Julie….
Woman Crush Wednesday Video: Debbie Harry
Like one of Stefon’s club recommendations, my YouTube video for this week has everything. I talked about my longtime crush on Blondie lead singer, Debbie Harry; one of her and my favorite designers, Stephen Sprouse; and the history of rap. If you stay for the demonstration of my own straight-fire rapping skills, you get two…
Wednesday’s Video: Betsey Johnson and More Edie
Catch me talking about my “homegrown vintage” Betsey Johnson leopard jacket in my new YouTube video! This video builds on last week’s, which referenced style icon Edie Sedgwick, because Edie was Betsey’s fit model in the 1960s. This jacket is especially dear to me because the late New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham photographed me…
Wednesday’s Video: ’80s Earrings and Edie Sedgwick
After I finished last week’s YouTube video about my 1980s dress and motorcycle jacket, I realized I never mentioned the original ’80s earrings I was wearing during the accompanying dress/jacket photo shoot. I’m a jewelry designer who forgot to mention the jewelry! The shame! Especially after we took so many photos showing the earrings. It’s…