Micha Thomas is a contributing writer who founded the MiA Project in 2012. The project focuses on products made in America, by American-based fashion designers. Her new bi-weekly column explores the connection between fashion and music. Take a look at the latest music-related fashion news below!
The MiA (Made in America) Project is an epicenter for a new wave of American design, production and American fashion. We’re the most robust and attentively-selected made-in-America marketplace on the web, and a sophisticated platform surrounding made-in-America themes – with storytelling, a badge of honor for manufacturers and supporters, and now brick and mortar locations. Since I’ve a long history working in the music industry, it seemed fitting to partner and deliver bi-weekly news at the intersection of fashion and music. Face it, that “music” awards show that’s already come and gone this week had little to do with the tunes, and everything to do with the clothes (and maybe the presidential bids).
Up First, Made In America Fest:
Fittingly, a name-appropriate event kicks off our music and fashion news for this American holiday weekend. This Saturday and Sunday, Budweiser’s Made in America Fest takes place at Philly’s Ben Franklin Parkway. With Beyoncé, Modest Mouse, and The Weeknd among the headliners, this weekend is undoubtedly about an eclectic mix of music. It’s also about the sponsors (Puma, New Era) and the moguls behind it – who are equal parts couture and culture. Tidal will apparently be live streaming the affair, so you can zoom in on the fashions and maybe even replay the musical highlights from home. (To quell any curiosity you may have about our affiliations with this fest, we actually launched the same year yet have no affiliations, just friendly relations.)
Star-Studded Campaigns:
One of our absolute favorite American designers, Alexander Wang, now the former Creative Director of Balenciaga, has returned to his street style roots (and his namesake fashion line), celebrating 10 years of iconic looks. The sartorial soiree is in partnership with another of our favorite philanthropic and activist organizations, DoSomething.org, who support social change by igniting youth involvement. Together, they’ve created four Alexander Wang x Do Something T-shirts and sweatshirts. Even better, 50 percent of the proceeds go directly to the youth-centric organization. Wang, who manufactures much of his in-demand pieces in New York City, brought in 38 of his close celebrity pals to launch this partnership and fete his longevity, including Alison Mosshart of The Kills and The Dead Weather, HAIM, Grimes, The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Alice Glass, Pusha T, Lykke Li, Rod Stewart, Beth Ditto and more. See the full campaign here.
Watch Out For This One:
A new documentary about gone-too-soon music and fashion icon Janis Joplin first takes the stage at this week’s Venice Film Festival. Janis: Little Girl Blue is directed by Amy Berg and features on-stage moments, private off-stage glimpses and personal letters read by Chan Marshall (Cat Power). A throaty, enigmatic singer, Joplin was also an accidental style symbol for her era. To celebrate the debut of the film, Vogue selected five Joplin-inspired looks, exacted by some of the world’s best designers.
Leave a Comment