WAIT, WHAT?!

File this one under disco dreams come true.

On Monday night, French fashion line Etam presented their Studio 54-inspired Spring/Summer 2012 lingerie collection at the Beaux-Arts de Paris for Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

In order to truly capture the essence of the glittering days of disco, the fashion house took it a step further by enlisting Grace Jones, Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Sister Sledge and The Pointer Sisters to come and belt out their classic tunes amidst multi-colored poodles, snakes, and models donning pink afros.

For the show’s grand finale, all of the singers took to the stage to perform Sister Sledge’s 1979 classic, “We Are Family.” Yes, all of them together.

This isn’t the only time Etam’s thrown a major bash either: Last year, the label featured Mark Ronson and The Gossip onstage during their Fall/Winter 2011 lingerie collection.

Frankly, this looks like the greatest party in the world. Where was my invite?!

PS: Grace, you look absolutely stunning as always!

Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Grace Jones.

At long last, the iconic model, actress and singer releases her tenth studio album stateside this week: Hurricane – Dub, a 2-disc collection that includes the original album released in November 2008 and a brand new ‘dub’ disc, featuring slick new dub versions of each track on the original tracklisting.

From the damning bite of “Corporate Cannibal,” to the classic swaggering Island rhythms of “Well, Well, Well,” to introspective numbers including “I’m Crying (Mother’s Tears)” and “Williams Blood,” Hurricane is a masterclass return to form for the larger-than-life chanteuse and an incredible new addition to the expansive Jones oeuvre.

MuuMuse is proud to be giving away a copy of Hurricane – Dub, which includes the new Dub disc.

To enter to win, send me a tweet at @MuuMuse with the following phrase:

I want to get caught in Grace Jones’ HURRICANE with @MuuMuse!

The winner will be randomly selected and notified on September 14. GOOD LUCK!

If I could have my way, there would never be an end to this beginning…

SUPER EXCITING NEWS!

Grace Jones‘ 10th studio album, Hurricane, will (finally!) see US release this September from [PIAS] America Records. Originally released in 2008 in Europe, the album will include a brand new dub version of the whole album.

From the press release:

Acclaimed singer, songwriter and actress, Grace Jones is preparing to release Hurricane, a new album of original material, in the U.S. on September 6 via [PIAS] America. Produced by Jones and Ivor Guest, Hurricane has received widespread praise in the U.K. and Europe where it was released in 2009. The band that plays on the album includes luminaries Brian Eno, Sly & Robbie, and Tricky. The tracks “Williams’ Blood” and “Corporate Cannibal” have emerged as hits overseas as has the video for “Corporate Cannibal” directed by Nick Hooker. The release will also include a brand new bonus disc dub version of the entire album.

Obsessed with the new album cover!

And now, courtesy of the label, please enjoy a free download of one of the Hurricane album tracks, “Sunset Sunrise.”

DL: Grace Jones – Sunset Sunrise

YES! Ladies and gentlemen…Miss Grace Jones!

All wigs have been officially snatched.

RuPaul just tweeted the album art for her upcoming studio album Glamazon, which looks like the missing cover art between Grace Jones‘ late ’70′s disco records: Portfolio, Fame and Muse. Absolutely STUNNING!

One of the best album covers of the year thus far…if not the best. Hands down!

Glamazon will be released on April 25. (iTunes)

And now, I present a random Rihanna stan moment. Why? BECAUSE I SAID SO, HO.

Among the many goodies I received from Santa this year, including Rachel Stevens‘ Come & Get It, a pair of Beats by Dr. Dre Solo headphones and Girls Aloud‘s scintillating tell-all Dreams That Glitter, I was ever-so-graciously gifted with Rihanna–RiRi’s newly released photo book chronicling the artistic evolution of the Rated R campaign as co-concocted with creative director, Simon Henwood (who I interviewed a few months ago about the project). Genius!

While gingerly flipping through the book’s flawless pages tonight, I noticed something that had me OMG-ing all over the place:

LOOK! It’s Rihanna, thumbing through Jean Paul-Goude‘s So Far, So Goude looking for inspiration and clearly staring at Grace Jones‘ iconic cage photograph from their 1982 collaboration, Jungle Fever!

This photo find greatly excited me–so much so that I felt everyone needed to know about it.

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT.

Natalia Kills has been quite the busy lady lately. Where to begin?

First of all, the singer just premiered the video for her delicious, slow-burning buzz single from earlier this year, “Activate My Heart.” The grainy, slightly seizure-inducing footage finds Ms. Kills bathing in dark blue and orange light, playing like an early ’80′s sci-fi flick (and with just the slightest touch of Grace Jones‘ clip for “Love Is The Drug.” Mmm.) I love it!

Speaking of videos, Natalia’s also just wrapped up the second set of videos for the singer’s self-scribed, self-directed web series, Love, Kills XX. Need a refresher on the storyline? you check out the entire first series right over hurr.

Next, the Cherytree vixen is officially hitting the road again! Natalia Kills will be headed ’round North America in Spring of 2011, opening for Robyn once again. For a full listing of dates, check below the cut!

And finally, a track I haven’t posted yet: The Penguin Prison remix of “Zombie,” which is actually one of my favorite Kills remixes I’ve ever heard.

The electro-pop prince’s smooth, disco-tinged synthesizers and grooving guitars provide the perfect compliment to Kills’ chilly vocals. How nice to hear two of my most anticipated acts of 2011 come together on one song!

DL: Natalia Kills – Zombie (Penguin Prison Remix)

There we go. Hopefully all this will keep you going ’til 2011!

The Perfectionist will be released in Spring of 2011. (iTunes)

TOUR DATES WITH ROBYN
1/26 – The Sound Academy – Toronto
1/27 – Metropolis – Montreal
1/28 – Imperial Theatre – Quebec
1/29 – State Theater – Portland, OR
1/31 – Higher Ground – South Burlington, VT
2/01 – Ram’s Head Live – Baltimore,
2/03 – Electric Factory – Philadelphia, PA
2/04 – House of Blues – Boston, MA
2/05 – Radio City Music Hall – NewYork, NY
2/07 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
2/08 – The LC Pavilion – Columbus, OH
2/09 – Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI
2/11 – Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
2/12 – Rave Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI
2/13 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
2/15 – Canopy Club, Urbana
2/17 – ACL Live at the Moody Theater – Austin, TX
2/18 – South Side Music Hall – Dallas, TX
2/19 – Warehouse Live – Houston, TX

Today is October 30, which means it’s time for the ghoulish Halloween X Factor spook-tacular! And oh, how terrifying it was: Damning choir chants from Hell, epilepsy-inducing flashes of lights, Louis Walsh’s general existence—wait, how’s this any different from any other week of the X Factor? Oh right, heavier eyeliner.

To kick off the night, the Beloved Jewel of Ireland, Tesco Mary Byrnes came out in a pair of modest devil horns for a gloriously dramatic, disco-y rendition of the already dramatic, disco-y “Could It Be Magic?” by Barry Manilow. And all of a sudden, Tesco Mary became even better in my mind: Imagine. Not only is she a Shirley Bassey-like belter, but a true disco diva in the making! The judges all ate it up (although Cheryl said she was expecting something more like “I Put A Spell On You”,”which is exactly what I thought she was going to sing! GET OUT OF MY MIND, CHEZZA) Simon called her a “horny little devil.” Naughty. (VIDEO)

Looking a bit Adam Lambert with the eyeliner, broody Aidan Grimshaw delivered a really spooky, really intense version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” amongst a graveyard of dancers and mannequins. It worked really well—at least in the beginning, although it got pretty awkward and quivery in spots toward the end. Cheryl begged him to smile (which he did a few times, though nothing can seem to make that sad boy smile) and Dannii bitched about him not getting enough credit—I agree. I never really realized how hot he was until this week. (VIDEO)

Then came the poor man’s The Saturdays, perhaps better known as Belle Amie. Simon announced that his lady group would be performing “a well known girl group song,” which is apparently an entirely different concept compared to last week’s performance of Girls Aloud’s cover of “I’ll Stand By You.” The group came ambling out of their coffins as train-wreck Brides of Frankensteins to sing Bananarama’s “Venus,” sloppily non-harmonizing with each other and remaining generally un-extraordinary. Dannii called them out for being somewhat shit singers and the crowd booed, and then Simon bitched about them not getting enough credit—I agree. I never really realized how dull they were until this week. (VIDEO)

Rebecca Ferguson came next, looking every bit of gothic glamour perfection to perform Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game,” an amazing selection. Everything about the performance was just PERFECT—chilling vocals, a full set of string players in the background, nice and dark moodiness abound. Delicious. It was probably my favorite performance from her thus far! Louis shot his load all over the performance “You’re perfect! You’re such a nice person!” Simon called her a classy broad and said she reminded him of Leona Lewis (gasp!) and then Cheryl called her the “perfect ambassador for Britain.” Apparently X Factor duties include forays into global politics as well. (VIDEO)

Treyc Cohen, who became the unexpected other half of the bottom two of the results show last week, revealed that she had a massive panic attack during the results show. Dan Hartman/Take That’s “Relight My Fire,” looking a bit Grace Jones/Lady Gaga with a lovely hooded mini-dress and about a million back-up dancers. The reaction was alright from the judges until Simon turned on the sass and accused Chezza of not paying enough attention to Treyc in order to develop her as a recording artist. “Yer out of awduh! Yer out uh awduh!” Cheryl cried out amidst both boos and cheers, her newly crimson hair glistening under the lamps. It’s no wonder she’s caused most of the beauty shops in the UK to sell out of red hair dye. Wait, what’s going on again? (VIDEO)

Matt Cardle performed Leona Lewis‘ “Bleeding Love,” and it was kind of too fast-paced at first and his mouth was too close to the microphone for most of it—until the second half of the song, in which he unleashed the power in the most awe-inspiring of ways and became objectively amazing. (VIDEO)

Wagner came out to sing Meatloaf’s “Bat Out Of Hell” next, and then I took a bathroom break. (VIDEO)

Paije Richardson performed “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse. He was once again really, really good (technically speaking), but I got bored and started singing my own version of the song over him after a few seconds, so that was fun for me. Unfortunately, I still don’t care for Paije. Sorry, (VIDEO)

Katie Weasel came to the stage next to perform a twinkle-toed rendition of “Bewitched.” “OH GOD” I shouted upon seeing her wannabe-Gaga makeup-slathered face swivel around in the egg chair. With each week, my dislike grows stronger. Does she seem really disingenuous to anyone else? I feel like she’s got a diva’s attitude without a diva’s voice (but rather the voice of a dozen other pop stars that do it better), and the result is something really fake and cloying. (VIDEO)

One Direction sang Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of The Heart,” complete with subtle traces of fake blood all over their faces that kept making me LOL. It was good, but…you know. They’re little boys. (VIDEO)

And then from the ruins of great suckage before her, the great Lloyd did appear unto the X Factor stage as the final act of the night.

Oh…my God. Just watch. (VIDEO)

Without a doubt, Lady Lloyd’s rendition of Shakespears Sister’s “Stay” reigns as the indisputable performance of the night. Dropping the ghetto mamacita shtick for a hot second and whipping her hair up into a nice Elvira poof, Lloyd simply sang the damn thing—and the results were staggeringly amazing. So, so emotional and so, so right. I know how good Lloyd is when she goes hard with her swag, but I absolutely l-o-v-e when she actually sings. The judges all do too, and Simon called it the performance of the season. I agree.

With about five performances under her belt, Cher Lloyd is literally already a better pop star than half of the dire trash-bags stuffing up the radio these days. I cannot believe what I’ve just witnessed—‘tis only the stuff of a pure legend-in-the-making. Nearly cried!

Performance of the Night: Cher

My Picks:
Girls: Cher
Over 28′s: Mary
Boys: Matt
Groups: Belle Amie

It was a very personal album. Very different from previous records. The whole thing was a dark dream; a chance for her to express all these things without being specific/literal.

From the jagged, metallic logo to the last seconds of the Last Girl on Earth Tour, Simon Henwood has been the crucial creative force behind one of the most dramatic artistic reinventions in recent pop history: Rihanna‘s Rated R campaign.

Back in the fall of 2009, a gritty, static viral video for “Wait Your Turn” teased its way onto the singer’s official website. The clip showcased the formerly sunny Barbadian pop princess now looking murderously serious in all black; her long hair slicked back beneath a hood and over-sized sunglasses.

With the release of the devastating lead ballad “Russian Roulette” days later, it became clear: Gone was the sun soaked, island-infused energy of Music Of The Sun and A Girl Like Me. Instead, Rated R ushered in a chilly new era of sound, colored (or rather, darkened) by the ominous imagery of sharp metal, broken glass, dismembered mannequins and guns.

To execute this new image, Rihanna worked with Simon Henwood, the creative director responsible for such productions as Kanye West‘s Glow In The Dark Tour and the gorgeous video for the rapper’s “Love Lockdown,” Imogen Heap‘s video for “Headlock,” and the bulk of Róisín Murphy‘s visual output over the past decade. (Fitting, especially given that the two recently welcomed a child together.)

Henwood and Rihanna worked together closely throughout the entire Rated R era, evolving and finessing the entertainer’s dramatic change of style into a sophisticated neo-rock ‘n’ roll noir.

Now, that transformation is about to be put on public display with the release of Rihanna, the long delayed photo-book that promises to guide fans through the entire Rated R creative journey from start to finish.

A few days ago, Henwood was kind enough to answer a few lingering questions that remained from Rihanna’s last campaign. The creative director provided a few small glimpses into the process throughout, as well as a better idea of his vision as an artist (plus a brilliantly subtle swipe at Madame Gaga).

For skeptics, casual fans and fellow Rihanna Navy members alike, this one’s a must read.

Click “Read More” to see the interview!

Hi Simon–thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to answer these questions for me. I’ve been a massive supporter and fan of the Rated R campaign from the very beginning, and the fact that I’m finally speaking to the person largely in charge of the visual campaign is something that excites me to no end. Just to get a little background: When did you first speak to her?

I first met Rihanna when she was supporting Kanye West on his Glow In The Dark Tour, which I directed. I think about a year after I met up with her in London when she was recording the album we started talking and throwing ideas around.

Did you meet with her often to discuss visuals/creative?

We spent a lot of time developing ideas, yes. We went to Paris for Fashion Week, met with designers, sat and made drawings/designs together for the photo shoot/costume pieces, etc.

How much input did she have into the visual campaign for the album? She surely seemed to embrace the new image!

She is great to work with because she has a clear and instant instinct for things. I’d show her some options–say on the logo design–and she would know about what she wanted…she has a good eye.

What exactly is this new book (Rihanna) all about? Does it feature visuals from the campaign, or is it more of a behind-the-scenes look?

The idea of the book was to show the journey of the campaign. Not a diary as such, but a picture book of everything that happens when you’re building a project like this, so things people had not seen of her. I spent I guess…months with her…in cars, fashion shows, on set, hotel rooms, etc. It’s a journey from the initial design of the logo and concept of the album right up to her first headline world tour. The book ends with pictures I took of the first concerts.

I’d love to learn about the creative process you went through in order to come up with the final look of the campaign. Did you draw from your conversations with Rihanna and then brainstorm? Did you let the music inspire you, or did you flip back to movies/art/pop culture to find inspiration first?

The idea came from a book and a film. The Omega Man (film) and The Lathe of Heaven (book). We wanted to create her a world that was personal and, if you like, separate from everything else around her. It was a very personal album. Very different from previous records. The whole thing was a dark dream; a chance for her to express all these things without being specific/literal.

In the past, I have lovingly referred to Rihanna as “Rihannoir” during the Rated R period because of the dark, moody noir-like feel of the campaign. What specific images or visuals did you and Rihanna draw on as influence in creating this campaign’s aesthetic?

My references are always dark (LOL.) I always look at someone’s work and try to find the twisted truth. I think because what she had been through recently before she was open to playing with this. I got to do some pretty dark stuff with tour visuals, which for an artist of her status is rare.

I also couldn’t help but draw parallels to Grace Jones after seeing some of Rihanna’s performances. Do either you or Rihanna draw upon any musical artists for influence in her style and performance?

Well, Grace is fantastic of course. A completely different kind of artist, but a role model for her sense of style. Rihanna has a very natural performance style. She’s not so orchestrated in her approach. She is more relaxed. More about keeping her real self in the mix–not creating a character, I guess.

I truly believe that Rihanna is one of the best dressed artists of the moment (aside from Róisín, obviously!). The spikes, the sharp cuts, the incredible heels…everything she wears is beyond cutting-edge, and she always pulls it off as effortlessly as if she were wearing a t-shirt and jeans! What did you look for in selecting costumes for both the videos and the stage?

She has to have all the credit. I have introduced her to several designers, such as Alexandre Vauthier (Paris designer who dressed her for the album, videos, and TV performances) but she is all over her fashion. I was told recently that she is the second biggest customer of Barney’s in NYC. She’s a shopper and has a pin point eye.

Were there any fashion designers that proved particularly well-suited to delivering clothing that fit the Rated R aesthetic?

Yes, Alexandre Vauthier (as mentioned.) He worked on the opening LED dress for the tour with me. He is a fantastic designer and a wonderful person. He only works with with people that fit into his world. When it comes down to it, a designer wants the person that is wearing their work to bring it to life, not to use it like a “costume”…[which is] why he didn’t dress Gaga.

Does Rihanna have much of a say in her styling process for the videos/stage costumes?

She has total say, of course. We talked through the concept. It’s all very simple in a way once you have a plan. You just refine things as the project develops.

Now that the Last Girl on Earth Tour is over, we can talk about some of the components from the concert without worrying about spoiler alerts. What was some of favorite segments from the tour?

I love the opening of the show–the reveal with the LED dress (“Russian Roulette”). And “Disturbia.” All the dark stuff (LOL). I think I made almost a feature film’s worth of visuals for the concert in 6 weeks. I had amazing animators working on it (people I have worked with for many years). There are so many people involved in this kind of project, and the biggest challenge is to keep everyone excited and focused to do their best work.

Is there anything you would have changed in the execution of some of your ideas? Did everything translate on stage as you’d hoped?

Of course. So many things, but you have so many other things to consider. I can have a great idea on paper, but it might not work in terms of touring. Does the stage piece fit on a truck? How long will it take to built each night? You can dream, but it’s a touring show, so it has to work in that world.

Will the tour’s visuals be released in some capacity? On a DVD or perhaps on your website?

Don’t know.

Rihanna’s look also seems to have evolved as the tour went on, now transitioning into the “Only Girl”/LOUD era of her career. Were you involved in this transition in style? I know that the theme seems to fit in line with the “Last Girl on Earth” theme of the tour, which was based on elements from The Omega Man.

The new campaign is much more straightforward. It’s a less concept driven album…more back to basics, I guess.

What projects lie ahead for you?

I have three big painting shows ahead of me, a project with Diesel for the launch of their new flagship store in Tokyo (November), and I also just launched a publishing company, so I’m putting out some interesting books.

Well, thank you so much for this, Simon! I really love being able to delve into the creative process of an artist’s campaign. Please send my love and warm wishes to Róisín and Clodagh!

Rihanna’s Rated R was released in November of 2009. Her new album, LOUD, will be released on November 16. (iTunes) Rihanna will be released on October 26. (Amazon).

For more on Simon Henwood, check out his official website.

There were five things that immediately drew me to HerStory:

1.) Their name, which is ridiculous.
2.) The following line from the press release: “From the Supremes to Destiny’s Child, the R&B girl group has solidified its place in music. It’s time to welcome the future.”
3.) The fact that one of them (Miriah) is wearing a Grace Jones tee in their promo pictures.
4.) Their brief-but-amazing cover of Alicia Keys‘ “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready).”
5.) A promising first single.

And now, a proper introduction. CUE THE PRESS RELEASE:

Meet the girls of HerStory: Marissa, Miriah and Asia – three young women from Los Angeles with a story to tell, and the voices to carry out their tale.

In 2008 their paths merged when Marissa, 19, Miriah, 18, and Asia, 19, met during a private audition in Los Angeles. Though coming from diverse backgrounds, including musical theatre and professional dance, the girls developed a close bond through the audition process, resulting in a stunning musical partnership

Alright, enough of that.

“Mack’n” is the debut single off of the group’s upcoming debut EP, Every Girl Has A Story. The song, which samples a line from Notorious B.I.G.‘s classic “Big Poppa,” is a delicious slow-sliding slice of modern R&B. I’m utterly obsessed with the chorus, and cannot wait to butcher the soaring “I just wanna let you know / You can try all you want” bit while belting this one out alone in my car.

Ciara, Brandy, DC3 and Danity Kane and everything else in between? Yep–I’m hearing all sorts of comparable sounds.

They’ve all got beautiful voices individually (check their YouTube account to see each member sing solo songs), but it’s the group’s harmonization–a skill that’s taken a backseat for most modern girl bands–that truly sets them apart as a quality act in my eyes/ears.

Aside from the silly name, I’m loving this group so far. Ready for more, please!

Grace Jones, showing us all how to walk the walk at the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party in London on July 8. Honestly, this bitch could make a hairnet look fierce. Oh, wait…she already did that.

Janet Jackson, performing at the Essence Music Festival on July 2. Did you check out her performance of “Discipline” from the night? It makes her previous performances of “Rope Burn” look tame. Got DAMN.

Nicki Minaj, posing on the set of her new video for current smash single, “Your Love,” which is due out soon. Have you heard her verse on the latest track she’s lent her lip service to (Trey Songz‘ “Bottoms Up”)? Vicious and delicious.

Madonna, posing for the Fall/Winter 2010 collection for Dolce & Gabbana (and looking like a million euros). Not sure who the bitch standing up in the photo is, but she’s completely stealing the shot. Must be an outtake.

Kylie Minogue, being fierce and mighty while performing for G-A-Y at Heaven Nightclub in London on July 11. The epitome of elegance, non?

Christina Aguilera, posing with her husband Jordan at the opening reception for Jonathan Yeo’s Gallery in Beverly Hills on July 8. Gorgeous–and the video for “You Lost Me” is shaping up quite nicely. Loving the new hair!

Lady Gaga, staying in for the night with a nice cup of tea on July 13. In case you didn’t hear, she tore the house down in her hometown last week at Madison Square Garden.

Britney Spears, being the fucking iconic LEGEND that she is while posing for the August issue of Cosmopolitan (which just hit newsstands). Snag it immediately.

Now wasn’t it nice to celebrate all of our pop divas at once? No feuds. No criticism. A little bit of positivity in pop goes a long way!

I hope this post made someone smile.