Black Star Inspiration: Grace Jones

Bohten's lineage can be traced back to a long and storied history of black cultural innovators. Each month, we celebrate the style inspiration of icons who flawlessly express their flair through lenses.

We’ve chosen to start the year off by recognizing the legend and icon, whose impact on the fashion, music and movie industries since the 1970s & 80s are still felt to this day - Grace Jones.

Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Grace was raised with her 6 other siblings by her grandparents until her parents moved them up to the USA when she was 13 years old. NYC became her new home and is where her successful modeling career took off in New York and Paris. 

However, it seemed modeling wasn’t the only career and industry Grace Jones would infiltrate and leave her mark. In 1977, Grace signed her first record deal and released her first three albums that proved to be successful. Ever heard of the hits “I need a man” and “La Vie en En Rose”? Well, those were her.

Grace graced the film stage in the 80s as she featured in films such as "Conan the Destroyer" (1984) co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, "A View to a Kill" (1985) co-starring Roger Moore as James Bond and the vampire thriller "Vamp".

On top of her undeniable talents, Grace Jones is probably most known for her bold style and creativity that she intertwined in her creative endeavors. According to gracejones.com in the 1970s, “ Jones adapted a severe, androgynous look with square-cut hair and angular, padded clothes. The cover photographs of 'Nightclubbing' and 'Warm Leatherette' as well as her subsequent albums exemplified this new identity.”

Whether crossing the red carpet or during her performances, Jones would don eyewear and intertwine them in her eccentric outfits.

Jones’ influence is undeniable as BBC Culture quotes Dr Kirsty Fairclough from the School of Arts and Media at the University of Salford saying there are “echoes” of Jones’ work in Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, FKA twigs, Grimes, Róisín Murphy and Janelle Monáe.

If you’re unfamiliar with Jones' music, we encourage you to listen to one of her most popular hits, “Pull up to the Bumper” 

And of course, such bold style comes with a bold personality, so we also advise you check out this interview Grace Jones - and guess what, she's rocking some retro frames!

As we enter into the new year, we hope to inspire you to channel your inner Grace Jones - make bold, unapologetic moves and exercise your creativity to the fullest in whatever you do!