Style Spotter Spots: Grace Jones Fever

There's been a revival of 80's trends for quite some now, but one element is quietly going mainstream with a fierce comeback: Grace Jones fever. Last week, trendsetter Rihanna stepped out in a Topshop tee emblazoned with a screenprint of the style icon. Her stylist Mariel Haenn told the fashion press recently that Grace Jones is indeed whom Rih-Rih gets her style cues from as of late. Now we understand the S&M get-up at least year's MTV Awards, loads of fetish-inspired black, leather, cut-outs, caps, eye patch and sex kitten stances. And we thought she was in a masochism phase.

Peep one of the photos from Ciara's 'Fantasy Ride' album packaging featuring Super C donning a catwoman-esque lace mask. Former Spice Girl Mel B. appeared at an event in a hooded getup that the press compared to one of Jones' iconic '80s looks. Even Lady Gaga confessed too drawing inspiration from Jones. In a recent interview, she said their first encounter was so humbling it was like meeting Jesus.

We first noticed Grace Jones fever in Erykah Badu's 'Honey' video in 2007. The neo-soul singer donned a look mocking Jones' 'Nightclubbing' album cover. Last summer's much-hyped Vogue Itali all-black issue had supermodels Chanel Iman and Sessilee Lopez highly stylized with obvious nods to the androgynous dance queen.

Ciara for 'Supernatural' single ad

Grace Jones at H&M party

Mel B channels Jones in a hooded dress

Chanel Iman for VOGUE Italia July 2008 issue

Then Jones herself re-appeared (after dropping out of the spotlight over 10 years ago ) on the cover of Dazed & Confused to promote her latest album release 'Hurricane', the first in almost two decades, and on the cover of the slick, oversized rag V. If you didn't get a copy, read the interview here and you will see that Jones' fearlessness has not toned down a bit over the years. I had the pleasure of witnessing the now 60 year-old singer/actress ('Conan The Destroyer', 'A View To Kill', 'Boomerang') walk the runway at the THIS DAY/ARISE fashion show for Xuly Bet during New York Fashion Week and perform at the Matthew Williamson for H&M launch party. Both events were quite memorable and left many with goosebumps and in complete awe of the diva that is Grace Jones.

Grace Jones covers V Magazine

Jones at H&M party for Matthew Williamson

Jones' look is pretty extreme, and her look from back in the day is copy-worthy if you're an entertainer. But if you're not quite ready to get a hi-top fade haircut or wear skimpy black outfits you too can show your love for the Studio 54 regular by copping a Grace Jones button at the Patricia Field boutique. It's only $3. The bold, bright yellow is super summer-friendly.