Karen Dalton-Beninato: What The Elle? New Orleans Jazz Fest Is Style-Worthy
Posted in: Today's Chili“I have never attended a music festival,” writes Joe Zee, Elle Creative Director in a May fashion spread. The white Prada onesie on his model styled for Lollapalooza suggests as much, because in a battle between a festival port-a-let and a model in a white onesie, the port-a-let would have bragging rights for years. Models were also styled for six other festivals, from giant madcap bows to insouciant overalls, but not one for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
With 44 years of festival style to its credit, that seems like a significant oversight. Jazz Fest ramped up yesterday, and it was an eye-buster from the stage to each audience. I’m not saying all the styles were “the love child of Sienna Miller and the Farmer in the Dell,” as Zee writes of Glastonbury. But I did potentially spot the love child of Jerry Garcia and a box of feathers. Because at Jazz Fest, the uniform style is any embellishment that pops into your head as you’re heading out the door. A dozen more buttons on your hat? Why not! Add an oversized banner that makes sense only to you? Done.
I have never attended Fashion Week, but maybe a little more Jazz Fest individualism is exactly what it needs. Mask-maker John Fleming, who displays the magnificent model below in the arts and craft section, said he’s often thought a photo booth to capture the looks on the fairgrounds would be a hit. Age-appeal, like the fest’s styles, is far ranging. French pop sensation Phoenix plays one day, and 101 year old jazz icon Lionel Ferbos another. Somehow it all fits, forerunners flexing their chops and newcomers finding the spotlight.
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