CLASHED
RUDE BOY

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  • Clancy Sigalet for Ponyboy Men's editorial, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Model Clancy Sigalet from Soul Artist Management, modeling Christian Benner for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Male model Clancy Sigalet from Soul Artist Management, wearing a custom Germs t-shirt, for Ponyboy Magazine men's editorial. Photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Soul Artist Management model Clancy Sigalet, photographed for Clashed men's editorial for Ponyboy Magazine, by Alexander Thompson.
  • Men's editorial Clashed for Ponyboy Magazine, with model Clancy Sigalet from Soul Artist Management, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Clashed men's editorial for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson, with model Clancy Sigalet from Soul Artist Management.
  • Soul Artist Management male model Clancy Sigalet, photographed for men's editorial Clashed, by Alexander Thompson.
  • Clancy Sigalet in a custom Christian Benner leather vest, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Clash custom leather jacket by Christian Benner for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson. Worn by Soul Artist Management model Clancy Sigalet.

CLASH STYLE

CHANNELING PAUL SIMONON

Ponyboy photographed male model Clancy Sigalet with the Soul Artist Agency in New York City. Clancy took on the role of rude boy Paul Simonon from UK band The Clash, wearing tough custom made leather pieces mixed with distressed punk tees from edgy New York City designer Christian Benner. Our hairstylist Tanya Pacht also packed on the Murray’s pomade for a greasy 50’s pompadour which was Simonon’s trademark coif in the latter years of The Clash.

ASHTON MICHAEL
A/W 2013

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  • Ashton Michael AW 2013, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Diandra Forrest and Shaun Ross in Ashton Michael AW 2013, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Diandra Forrest and Shaun Ross modeling for Ashton Michael AW 2013 collection, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Model Diandra Forrest photographed by Alexander Thompson in Ashton Michael AW 2013 collection for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Albino models Shaun Ross and Diandra Forrest in Ashton Michael AW 2013, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Beautiful Diandra Forrest photographed in monochromatic Ashton Michael AW 2013 collection for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Male model Shaun Ross photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson, wearing Ashton Michael AW 2013 collection.
  • Shaun Ross modeling for Ponyboy Magazine, wearing Ashton Michael AW 2013 clothing. Photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Unisex Ashton Michael AW 2013 clothing, worn by model Diandra Forrest, for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Credits for Ashton Michael AW 2013, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.

ASHTON MICHAEL 2013 COLLECTION

UNISEX  COUTURE

Ponyboy was thrilled to shoot Los Angeles based Ashton Michael clothing collection titled “Black Heart” for Autumn Winter 2013. Styled by Ashton Michael and art directed by make-up genius James Vincent, the very modern monochromatic unisex clothing was photographed on albino “models-of-the-moment” Diandra Forrest and Shaun Ross.

SHAKE-UP!
ROCKABILLY WEEKENDER

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  • Bloodshot Bill performs at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Lovely women's rockabilly vintage fashions at The New England Shake-up, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • The Garnet Hearts on stage at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-up, photograph by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Rockabilly band The Garnet Hearts perform at The New England Shake-up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Rockabilly DJ Lipstick spins at The New England Shake-up, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Vintage rockabilly women's and men's fashion, photographed at The New England Shake-up by Alexander Thompson.
  • Rockabilly performer Jittery Jack performs at The New England Shake-up, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Boston's Jittery Jack on-stage at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Legendary rockabilly performer Jittery Jack at The New England Shake-up, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Rockabilly vintage ladies fashion at The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Dollar Bill performs at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Rockabilly ladies attend the New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • The Rip 'Em Ups perform at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Los Angeles based rockabilly band The Rip 'Em Ups live at The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Rip 'Em Ups performing live on-stage at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-up, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Rockabilly band The Rip 'Em Ups perform at New England Shake-Up, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • The Rip 'Em Ups play at Beck Rustic's New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Dj's Dynamite and Jukebox Jodi spinning at The New England Shake-Up, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Glamorous rockabilly women's fashions at The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • The beautiful Laura Rebel Angel at The New England Shake-Up rockabilly weekender, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Lovely rockabilly ladies at New England Shake-Up weekender, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • The Racketeers performing at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • The Racketeers take the stage at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-Up, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Boston rockabilly band live at The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Jukebox Jodi and Bloodshot Bill having fun at the pool party at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Mike Mortician from The Memphis Morticians at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Rockabilly vintage ladies fashions at The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Rocky Velvet and Miss Amy perform at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-Up, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Canadian based rockabilly performer Bloodshot Bill at The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • The amazing Bloodshot Bill plays at rockabilly weekender The New England Shake-Up, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Rockabilly men's shoes at The New England Shake-Up, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.

NEW ENGLAND SHAKE-UP

ROCKABILLY WEEKENDER

Boston based New England Shake-up founder Beck Rustic has launched her first East Coast Rockabilly weekender. And it’s all about the music, including incredible performances by bands such as the Racketeers, the Rip’em Ups, Bloodshot Bill, Jittery Jack and the Screaming Rebel Angels. We caught up with the very busy Miss Rustic for questions about her weekender and the East Coast rockabilly scene.

PONYBOY:  Please tell us your inspiration for starting this weekender?

BECK RUSTIC:  Well, I’ve always loved music and have been booking shows around Boston for quite a while, just one–off regular shows. This seemed like a natural progression for me to do something that stretched out over a weekend, in a larger venue, to a larger group of people that are excited about the music that I love. And to be honest it’s nice going to a weekender that I can drive to instead of hopping on a plane!

PONYBOY:  Prior to yourself, who do you feel on the East Coast has been the most successful at doing something steady in this genre?

BECK RUSTIC:  DJ Easy Ed has been booking great shows in Boston for years, and has a radio show as well. Laura Rebel Angel in New York puts on great shows. And Rebel Night is a great monthly event in NYC.

PONYBOY:  Who are your past favorite rockabilly bands/musicians?

BECK RUSTIC:  Mac Curtis, Glen Glenn, Warren Smith, Al Ferrier, Billy Lee Riley, Carl Mann, Buddy Knox, Dale Hawkins. There are so many, I could go on and on really!

PONYBOY:  And present day rockabilly bands?

BECK RUSTIC:  I got really lucky the first year of the Shake-Up. I was able to book bands that I really love like the Bloodshots, Jittery Jack, Rocky Velvet, the Racketeers, and the Garnet Hearts. Everyone on the bill that played year one are bands that I listen to regularly. I also booked acts that aren’t really rockabilly, but are really high energy, like the Rip ‘Em Ups, Bloodshot Bill and Dollar Bill. There are a TON of great bands out there right now. Everytime I get asked this sort of question, I feel bad as I can’t list everyone. The list would be pages long!

PONYBOY:  Why do you think the 50’s rockabilly movement is so big on the West Coast, and not on the East Coast?

BECK RUSTIC:  I’ve thought about this a lot. I think quite a bit of it is because there seems to be a lot of younger kids experiencing the music scene on the West Coast. We have had less of that happening here the last few years. Those young kids that come out are really excited as they discover this type of new music. Unfortunately many of us take the scene for granted and we need these kids to help us from getting jaded. I think without that youth, things start to feel stale and people don’t go out as much. This hurts ticket sales for touring bands to justify hitting the East Coast cities. But recently I have been seeing some new faces out at shows and I think the East Coast is on the beginning of an upswing. So that’s good!

PONYBOY:   Can you give us a hint of any bands/dj’s you might have booked for next years Shake-up?.

BECK RUSTIC:  Nope! I’ll be announcing that in January. But I will say that I got really lucky again with the line-up for the second year. There are going to be fantastic musicians on the Shake-Up stage in 2014, as well as really good DJs for the late night record hops.

PONYBOY:  Do you go abroad for any of the big weekenders?

BECK RUSTIC:  I haven’t as of late, what with airfare costs being so expensive. The Shake-Up eats up all of my time, as well as everything in my wallet!

PONYBOY:  Have you been to every Viva Las Vegas?

BECK RUSTIC:  I’ve been to the last ten Viva’s. I’m 32 years old, so I wasn’t old enough to attend the first few years!

PONYBOY:   Is Tom Ingram aware of you? Has he shown any support to your event?

BECK RUSTIC:  He and I have emailed back and forth.

PONYBOY:  Lastly, who would be your ultimate dream band for the Shakeup?

BECK RUSTIC:  I’m not saying, as I don’t want to jinx it!

BEACH BOY
SWIMWEAR

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  • Model Brendon Beck in Saint Laurent sunglasses for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Brendon Beck in vintage swimwear, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Brendon Beck in Bally of Switzerland and Ray-Bans, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Brendon Beck from the Fusion Agency in NYC, modeling vintage swim trunks for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Male model Brendon Beck in vintage men's swimwear, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Fusion model Brendon Beck in vintage 50's swimwear, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Brendon Beck modeling 2xist for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Male model Brendon Beck wearing Versace sunglasses for Ponyboy Magazine men's editorial spread, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • From the Fusion Agency in NYC, Brendon Beck wearing vintage 1950's swimwear for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Wearing vintage 1950's men's swimwear and Oliver People's sunglasses, model Brendon Beck photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Model Brendon Beck from Fusion NYC, photographed in Ray-Ban sunglasses for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Wearing men's vintage 1950's swimwear for Ponyboy Magazine, Brendon Beck photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Men's vintage 1960's Lilly Pulitzer swim trunks, modeled by Brendon Beck for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson.

BEACH BOY STYLE 

BRENDON BECK

Ponyboy headed to the beach, photographing male model Brendon Beck from the Fusion Modeling Agency in New York City. Ponyboy stylist Xina Giatas dressed Brendon in vintage 1950’s-60’s swimwear, including brands such as Catalina, McGregor and Jantzen. Preppy plaids, stripes, prints and colorful cover ups added a fun twist, as did some modern accessories, like an oversized pair of dark Saint Laurent sunglasses by designer Hedi Slimane. We threw in some brightly colored towels as well for an added splash of summer fun.

TYLER RIX
MODEL

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  • Tyler Rix wearing Tripp NYC, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson, wearing Tripp NYC.
  • Tyler Rix walks for House of Versace and Issey Miyake, featured in Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Collage of male model Tyler Rix for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Images of male model Tyler Rix, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • B&W images of UK model Tyler Rix, for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson.

TYLER RIX

MODEL/MUSICIAN/ATHLETE

Ponyboy caught up with Tyler Rix, model and musician on-the-go to chat about getting discovered, being an olympic torchbearer, walking for Donatella Versace and posing for the Mr. Turk look book, all at a very young age.

PONYBOY:  You’re a very accomplished young musician. Please tell us how you got into music.

TYLER RIX:  I started playing the saxophone at age 9 as something different to playing so much football. I was signed to Premiership Soccer Team, West Ham Academy aged 7. I passed my grade 8 by the age of 13. As a child I joined the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and recorded my number one selling classical saxophone album Ascent with Universal Records at age 15.

PONYBOY:  How were you chosen to be the final torchbearer for the Olympic Games 2012 in London?

TYLER RIX:  The Olympic 2012 theme was “Inspire a Generation”. Of the 8,000 Relay Torchbearers, I was considered to be the teenager who best represented this and was selected by Coca Cola.

PONYBOY:  That mush have been quite a high?

TYLER RIX:  Standing on stage in front of 80,000 people was INSANE. They were chanting “Tyler! Tyler!” I will never forget it. I think Jonathan Edwards was the most nervous after I took the microphone off him to do my speech. HAHA!

PONYBOY:  How did you get into modeling?

TYLER RIX:  I was on a bus in London and this guy was looking me up and down. After I got off the bus, he chased me down the road to tell me he was a model scout and it all went from there!

PONYBOY:  Do you find it a struggle balancing both music and modeling?

TYLER RIX:  Yes. Modeling is SO last minute and it kills me! You always have to be ready to run out of the house for a shoot, so it distracts me from my song writing. In fact I should be composing right now!

PONYBOY:   Which do you prefer?

TYLER RIX:  I love traveling the world and meeting new people through the modeling industry. It inspires me. Performing at concerts and having people sing your own songs back to you is a crazy feeling, so I wouldn’t be doing both if i didn’t love them both.

PONYBOY:  You recently walked for the House of Versace. How was that?

TYLER RIX:  Donatella was checking the final line up, and walked over to me and said “Thank you so much for being part of my show Tyler, I really appreciate it.” DONATELLA VERSACE said that to me! Madness! As I was exclusive, I spent the whole week in the Versace House doing lots of fittings, rehearsals, and eating so much amazing food. It was very special and one show that I will never forget. I hope I get to do it all again next season.

PONYBOY:  What’s been your best modeling job so far?

TYLER RIX:  I shot the Mr. Turk look book out in Palm Springs which was by far my favorite shoot. After being picked up from the  airport, I was taken to a diner (burger, fries and a strawberry shake, of course), and then back to the hotel for a swim, jacuzzi and lovely dinner with the other 23 members of the team. Then at 5;30AM, we were driven up the side of this rocky mountain overlooking the whole of Palm Springs, where we watched the sunrise and then jumped into the pool with the sun shining. 104 degrees. Having Mr. Turk on my shoulders for a water fight topped off an incredible day of shooting. Wish they were all like this!

PONYBOY:  What was your worst modeling job?

TYLER RIX:  Well as all models know, you always shoot Spring/Summer collections in Autumn/Winter and vice versa. So swimwear in a frosty park in central London in late November is always a killer. But that’s fashion baby…haha.

PONYBOY:  What plans do you have for your music career in the near future?

TYLER RIX:  I started writing and singing pop music last year, and have major plans to take it to Top of the Pops. I want to be the first person to have a number one hit in both the classical AND pop charts!!!

PONYBOY:  And 10 years from now? What dream/goal do you see for yourself?

TYLER RIX: I want to be touring the world as a singer, songwriter and saxophonist while flying around the world, shooting campaigns and adverts along the way. And one day starting my very own Tyler Rix brand.

STELLA ROSE SAINT CLAIR!
DOWNTOWN DARLING

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Stella Rose Saint Clair! – Downtown Darling for Ponyboy.

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SHIEN LEE
DANCES OF VICE

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New York City Underground Nightclub legend Shien Lee.

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KATY K
COUNTRY COUTURE

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1980s New York CIty icon/Nashville western-wear designer Katy K.

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RYAN MATTHEW COHN
BONE COLLECTOR

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Bone collector Ryan Matthew Cohn, star of Science Channel’s Oddities.

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JEREMY SCOTT
S/S 2014

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  • Teenagers from Mars SS2014 Jeremy Scott collection, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Men's futuristic pompadours backstage at Jeremy Scott SS 2014 collection Teenagers From Mars, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Flip wigs backstage at Teenagers From Mars Jeremy Scott SS 2014 collection, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Bouffant hairdos at Jeremy Scott's Teenagers From Mars SS 2014 Collection, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Technicolor prints for Jeremy Scott Spring Summer 2014 collection, Teenagers from Mars, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Futuristic Kenny Scharf prints for SS 2014 collection Teenagers From Mars by Jeremy Scott, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Models in graphic prints walk for Jeremy Scott Teenagers From Mars SS 2014 Collection, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Futuristic vinyl designs by Jeremy Scott collection Teenagers From Mars SS 2014, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Male models walk for Jeremy Scott SS 2014 collection Teenagers from Mars, photographed for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Futuristic cut-out gowns by Jeremy Scott SS 2014 collection Teenagers from Mars, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Male and female models walk the runway for Jeremy Scott's SS 2014 collection, Teenagers from Mars. Photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Model backstage at Jeremy Scott SS 2014 Teenagers from Mars show, in hair and makeup, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Futuristic men's pompadour backstage at The Jeremy Scott SS 2014 collection Teenagers from Mars, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Technicolor cat-eye sunglasses at Jeremy Scott SS 2014 collection Teenagers from Mars, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.

TEENAGERS FROM MARS!

JEREMY SCOTT SPRING/SUMMER 2014

Space Age fashion. 50’s bouffant hairdo’s. Teddy Boy quiffs. Youthful rebellion. All memorable signs from Jeremy Scott’s brilliant S/S 2014 collection shown at New York City’s Milk Studios. The show geniusly started with models walking down the runway in retro TV test card prints. And there was tight vinyl. Bold and attention grabbing prints. Also an amazing collaboration with pop artist Kenny Scharf. And oversized cat-eye sunglasses, a fishnet mini-dress, pencil skirts, cropped tops, revealing swimsuits and sexy cut-out gowns. “Teenagers from Mars” indeed! Photography Alexander Thompson.

THE TEDS
CHRIS STEELE-PERKINS

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The Teds by British photographer Chris Steele-Perkins.

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REBEL
ARIK OWEN

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Model Arik Owens for Ponyboy.

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BETTINA MAY
BURLESQUE QUEEN

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Bettina May. Red head. Pin-up model. Burlesque Queen. Always in demand. Always on the go. With bombshell movie star looks, Ponyboy caught up with this beauty recently before she jumped on a plane for a quick chat. All photos courtesy of Bettina May.

THE BEAUTIFUL NYC REDHEAD

40’s-50’s PIN-UP MODEL

  • Bettina May photographed in NYC 2013 at R Bar. Photo by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Photo collage of Burlesque Beauty Bettina May for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • The beautiful Bettina May, collage for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Photo collage of pin-up model Bettina May for Ponyboy Magazine.

PONYBOY:  You hail from Canada originally?

BETTINA MAY:  Yes, I was born in a little town in British Columbia near Vancouver and moved to Victoria to go to university. And from there I moved to New York.

PONYBOY:  How did you get into burlesque performing?

BETTINA MAY:  I got into it through vintage culture, hairstyles and outfits. I did pin-up modeling first  and through that was introduced to the burlesque world. I basically saw it as a way to explore my love of all things vintage.

PONYBOY:  It really is a true talent, not just something that anyone can do. Who are your burlesque idols?

BETTINA MAY:  I have to give a huge shout out to Dita Von Teese for bringing the modern burlesque resurgence to a more mainstream audience without diluting the art form.  I also love the work of Tempest Storm, Tiffany Carter and Bambi Jones – true legends of burlesque.

PONYBOY:  Have you always been into the  vintage aesthetic? 40-50’s?

BETTINA MAY:  Yes, it has appealed to me for as long as I can remember.  I grew up watching “I Love Lucy” and “Leave It To Beaver” and couldn’t wait to dress like all the stylish ladies I admired onscreen.  I dabbled with 60’s and 70’s styles in grade school and spent a lot of time working on perfecting hairstyles, makeup and collecting clothes from the 30’s-50’s.

PONYBOY:  All that glamour you have…you must get stopped in the street a lot. Do people recognize you?

BETTINA MAY:  People are definitely not used to seeing red lips and precisely coiffed hair out in public, even in New York City. So I do get a lot of attention. Once in a while people recognize me, but mostly they just think I must be someone legitimately famous. People still associate that high level of glamour that Hollywood starlets in the golden age of cinema flaunted with celebrity, so I get asked if I’m “somebody” quite a bit.  Short answer: No! Hahaha!

PONYBOY:   Are you a natural redhead?

BETTINA MAY:  While red hair runs in my family  and I prayed for years that it would come in, my dreams did not in fact come true. I took matters in my own hands.

PONYBOY:  In your burlesque career, what has been your favorite performance?

BETTINA MAY:  Oh goodness, that’s a tough one!  Every time I get on stage is my next favorite because I enjoy being up there and sharing my love of dance with every person in the audience and feeling their enjoyment reflected back on me.  I think the one I’ll always remember was during my first European tour in 2007. I performed in a beautiful little club in Lisbon, Portugal to a gorgeous, perfectly dressed audience of vintage culture enthusiasts. Unforgettable!

PONYBOY:  Who was your favorite celebrity to perform for?

BETTINA MAY:  Performing for Brooke Shields was my favorite experience. We got to meet her after the show. She was so lovely, genuine and sweet – everything I’d hoped she’d be.

PONYBOY:  What brought about your Bettina May Pin-up classes?

BETTINA MAY:  When I started performing I had so many ladies come up to me after shows asking me for hairstyling and make-up tips. After a while of trying to explain the finer points of a proper roller set in a loud night club to drunk fans, I decided a proper class was in order.  The first class in 2006 was a great success. And since then I’ve brought my class around the world and tour the US with it at least once per year.  It’s been amazing to see how life-changing it can be for my students. It’s truly heart-warming.

PONYBOY:  Congratulations on your green card. Any big plans for the future?

BETTINA MAY:  Thank you so much!  It seemed an impossible task, but now that the US Government has declared me an Alien of Extraordinary Ability in burlesque and pin-up modeling, I’m inspired to set much larger and loftier goals.  I’m currently booking another European tour for Spring 2014, and lots of other exciting projects are in the planning stages that I need to keep under wraps for now.

FREDERICK’S OF HOLLYWOOD
1947-1973

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FREDERICK’S OF HOLLYWOOD: 26 Years of Mail Order Seduction.

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JONATHAN TOUBIN
DJ

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Superstar New York City DJ Jonathan Toubin, from New York Night Train.

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ASHTON HIROTA
ASHTON MICHAEL

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Ashton Hirota, the Los Angeles based designer for Ashton Michael Couture, featured in Ponyboy Magazine.

ASHTON HIROTA

THE MONOCHROMATIC DESIGNER

Ashton Hirota is the designer/stylist for the Ashton Michael label. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ashton first sprung onto the fashion scene at the young age of nineteen, with his first LA fashion week show. That quickly led to boutiques picking up his line including Patricia Field and Fred Segal. The rest is fashion history. Ashton has gone on to making one-of-a-kind fashion forward creations for performers including Will.i.am, Nicki Minaj, and Usher. We spoke to Ashton in-between client fittings, the opening of a new shop, and prepping for his Ashton Michael Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

PONYBOY:  You’re making quite a mark not only in the LA fashion scene, but universally as well. Tell us how you got into designing clothing.

ASHTON HIROTA:  When I was thirteen years old I was a child model/actor. I grew up with a passion for clothing. Being able to play “dress up”, I realized at a young age the power that apparel can have on someone’s state of mind. As I got older I just fell into it. By the age of nineteen I started my first company and never looked back.

PONYBOY:  Your collections seem very dark and futuristic. Is that how you would describe the aesthetic for your clothing designs?

ASHTON HIROTA:  I’ve been called a few things. “Urban Goth”. “Future Punk”. “Weird”. Hahaha.  The terms have been across the board. I just call it ASHTON MICHAEL!

PONYBOY:  What inspires you to design clothing?

ASHTON HIROTA:  TEXTURE. I love working with monochromatic texture. Creating a 3D shape out of flat objects triggers me. I typically work in black, nudes, grays, etc. There is something about these colors that will last forever in a closet and become a staple.

PONYBOY:  You have a big celebrity clientele. Who is  your favorite to work with?

ASHTON HIROTA:  My two favorites to work with are Will.i.am and Rico Love. Will has been a long time client, and has become a man that I admire and respect so much. He’s incredibly talented, smart, and one of the kindest people I know. He really is about building an artist community and is a huge advocate in team playing. I am blessed to have him in my life and work with him on the regular. Rico Love is another whom I admire a lot. Most people know his music re-writes, and he produces.  Yet not as many know the man behind these chart toppers. I can relate a lot to him in that respect. Being the man behind what people admire, but not knowing the source is incredible. Both of these men are willing to take risks in fashion and still keep masculinity paired with it.

PONYBOY:  You just opened a new space in Hollywood?

ASHTON HIROTA:  Correct. I had worked out of the same shop in the heart of Hollywood for the past 9 years and just four months ago I moved four doors down and opened up the first official ASHTON MICHAEL ATELIER. It’s a creative workspace and showroom/store front (with a full bar of course).

PONYBOY:   Who would be your ultimate dream client to design for? That you have never worked with.

ASHTON HIROTA:  I used to say Cher, just because she is so iconic and really can do no wrong. She is such a powerful woman who doesn’t give two shits about what people think about her. That mentality is what I want people to feel like when they wear my clothing. But now that I’ve worked with her this year a few times, I’d have to say my next on the bucket list is Deborah Harry. Hands down, for more reasons that I can type.

PONYBOY:  Minus celebrities/entertainers, describe the customer that buys your ready-to-wear.

ASHTON HIROTA:  I think my target market is the man or woman who wants to make a statement without screaming it. He/she is an individual who can catch the attention of others with minimal amount of effort, someone with a strong sense of self and identity.

PONYBOY:  What designers do you look up to?

ASHTON HIROTA:  Rick Owens. Most people don’t know but I worked out of his old atelier for the past 8 years in Los Angeles. I see a lot of similarities between our aesthetic and would love to follow in his foot steps. He started out LA based and is now internationally loved and appreciated.

PONYBOY:   If you could design for any big name house, who would it be?

ASHTON HIROTA:  It would definitely be for Balmain or Givenchy. The craftsmanship of  their garments are beyond fabric and thread. They are works of timeless art.

PONYBOY:  Lastly, what do you see for yourself in the future?

ASHTON HIROTA:  WORLD DOMINATION

LILLY
PULITZER

/in , , /by
  • Model Greta Hanza in vintage Lilly Pulitzer, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Greta Hanza in a vintage LIlly Pulitzer shift, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • VIntage Lilly Pulitzer dress, worn by Model Greta Hanza from Muse Models NYC, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • The beautiful Greta Hanza, from Muse Models in NYC, modeling Lilly Pulitzer for Ponyboy Magazine. Photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Muse Model Greta Hanza in a vintage Lilly Pulitzer dress, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Muse Model Greta Hanza in a Lilly Pulitzer caftan, photographed by Alexander Thompson for Ponyboy Magazine.
  • Greta Hanza from the Muse Agency in NYC, photographed in a one-shoulder Lilly Pulitzer gown for Ponyboy Magazine by Alexander Thompson.
  • Beauty Greta Hanza from the Muse agency in NYC, modeling Lilly Pulitzer for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson.
  • Beauty shot of model Hanza Great from Muse, wearing vintage Lilly Pulitzer for Ponyboy Magazine, photographed by Alexander Thompson.

LILLY PULITZER LIVES

A COLORFUL LIFE

Lovely Lilly Pulitzer. With the passing of Palm Beach society designer Lilly Pulitzer last year, Ponyboy payed homage to the whimsical dressmaker with a very colorful editorial. Our stylist Xina Giatas mixed both new and vintage day/evening Lilly looks on classic beauty Greta Hamza from the Muse Agency in New York City. The iconic prints were bold and screamed Palm Beach. She also added oversized classic jewelry from 60’s iconic costume jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane, which was a must-have with well-bred socialites back in the day. Long Live Lilly!