Since rock bands are one of Canada’s hottest exports these days and since music and fashion go hand-in-hand, the Toronto chapter of Fashion Group International held an event tonight to celebrate both. It was called Rockin’ the Look: Music, Fashion and the Making of the Rock ‘n Roll Image.

Taking a cue from rock muses such as Anita Pallenberg, Marianne Faithfull, Pamela Des Barres, and Bebe Buell, I jumped into a swingy satin tent dress from Fashion Crimes and ran out to rock out with my fashion colleagues. Glad I wore that dress because some blogger gave me Dove chocolates, which tasted delicious, but were sure to give me two additional pounds (Hello, Diesel Fitness!). 

We were wowed by glam rocker Robin Black, who moderated a panel discussion with Lynda Latner (Founder of Vintage Couture), Roz Griffith Hall (Stylist who works on Canadian Idol), Graeme Maclean (Mastermind behind lifestyle brand UKULA), and Laura from Maple Music. I’ve never been to a rock and roll discussion, but it was so fun!

Blue-haired and leather-pantsed rocker Robin started the night by calling fashion and rock “a fickle landscape” and then allowed Lynda to guide us through the history the rock and fashion love affair. The girl beside me swooned when she saw a Pierre Trudeau paper dress and she wasn’t the only shocked one in the audience. I thought I knew everything about fashion history, but I learned something new: A Dutch design collective called The Fool styled The Beatles. And I thought they were authentic fashion followers without any help!

The entire discussion was as electrifying as the music itself, but it had me wondering about the difference between previous rock rebels and those in the public eye now. Artists used to be celebrated for bad fashion. Now they’re criticized and scared to take fashion risks. The difference is that there is not “establishment” for them to rebel against. Or – gasp! – could I as a fashion journalist be the new establishment for them to rebel against? Are we so critical that people are scared to be fashionably exciting? Well, at least it makes for some smarter fashion. I always thought Cher looked better after ditching those sheepskin vests.

I love the marriage of fashion and rock and can’t wait to see the next musical fashion innovator.