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Posted Feb. 12, 2009, 3:59 p.m. ET
A Night in the Life Of: One-Half Nelson
By Joseph Alexiou
We here at PAPERMAG are thrilled to introduce to you a new blog series, A Night in the Life of, wherein writer Joseph Alexiou will be regularly chit-chatting with some of the biggest players in the New York nightlife jungle. Here's his first installment.
Nightlife personality One-Half Nelson is obsessed with his looks. From his signature handcrafted headpieces ("hats" are an understatement, darling) to his love of vintage frames and will-make-you-gag genderfuck ensembles, this designer, couturier, and virtuoso of the visual arts showcases on his own personal runway every weekend at Mr. Black. Which is why with Fashion Week commencing, we thought he'd be a great Night in the Life of subject to begin with.
Who do you think is the most visionary person in fashion right now?
Hmm this is a tough one, I feel like there's so many people that are visionary in different ways, in their different markets. Right now, one of the people I'm really into is Gareth Pugh. Also last season the McQueen prints were absolutely amazing. They were based on car wrecks -- really intricate layers and layers of prints. It was like a kaleidoscope. For me, it's always been about British designers -- they constantly push the envelope.
How does it feel to step into public with looks that most people can't fully comprehend?
That's kind of the point of the look -- that's the reason you do it -- a garment of clothing isn't really a look until it makes people question it. Without that, it's not really a look to me. My philosophy is about speaking to people visually. It's all about first impressions and communications -- one thing everyone in the world has in common is wearing clothing. Clothing communicates ideas.
Who do you look up to in the nightlife/NYC world for guidance and inspiration?
There's always Mother Flawless Sabrina, who is like the great grandmother of all of us. She is a fucking powerhouse of one and has always been a voice of guidance. But then also today it's the DJs. They determine the mood -- where the night is going, the party and nightlife is going. Nightlife is based on the music.
What is the biggest faux pas for someone to ask or tell you while you're on the floor?
For me its "move out of my way" -- that's it. Something that Ladyfag pointed out that gets to me now is when someone calls me "cute." It's like they're trying to make themselves feel better by being so patronizing. It's always these young girls that see you in drag and scream "Oh my god!" at you. It's not that remedial, actually take a moment to get into my look.
Fashion Week begins today. What's the biggest problem in fashion right now? Who's doing it wrong, and why?
That's a very tough question. I've always had issues with the American fashion industry as a whole. I feel like it focuses more on the manufacturing and selling, and not on the design. It's almost like you're viewing the ego of the designer than the design yourself. You're not designing for an idea or a philosophy; you lose sight of the art.
Photo by Dex Star G
Comments
I'll have to agree with him that clothing communicates ideas. I actually admire people who can create a "look" that attracts attention. People like this are fun and unique. And since all of us have some uniqueness in us. Why not celebrate it?
Angela from Aberdeen
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Posted at 9:14 p.m. ET on Feb 12, 2009 by Angela
One Half Muthafuckin' Nelson, is an encyclopedic fashion genius. A true source of inspiration. I remember seeing him for the first time, I was awestruck, and the second time: stunned - and the 3rd: the same. He approaches every look with an intelligent reference and he never dissapoints. I love going to Mr Black's, for my weekly dose of Nelson. As a celebrity makeup artist, he inspires me and truly affects my work. That I've had the added pleasure meeting him is crazy!
Great photo!
Posted at 4:17 p.m. ET on Feb 13, 2009 by Ayinde Castro
For me its "move out of my way" -- that's it. Something that Ladyfag pointed out that gets to me now is when someone calls me "cute." It's like they're trying to make themselves feel better by being so patronizing. It's always these young girls that see you in drag and scream "Oh my god!" at you. It's not that remedial, actually take a moment to get into my look.
Thats a great one. Enjoyed reading it thanks.
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Posted at 1:30 p.m. ET on Mar 06, 2009 by Daniel
Who do you look up to in the nightlife/NYC world for guidance and inspiration?
There's always Mother Flawless Sabrina, who is like the great grandmother of all of us. She is a fucking powerhouse of one and has always been a voice of guidance. But then also today it's the DJs. They determine the mood -- where the night is going, the party and nightlife is going. Nightlife is based on the music.
Nice read!
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Posted at 3:35 p.m. ET on Mar 09, 2009 by joeymimi
True, it is really amazing to see people who really have the guts to put those kind of attire and don't care if people find them different. For me , the are really nice to watch and funny. Cheers, Jacob, baby shower games
Posted at 12:35 a.m. ET on May 19, 2009 by baby shower games
I actually admire people who can create a "look" that attracts attention. I like the photo!
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Posted at 4:31 a.m. ET on Jun 05, 2009 by Omega-3
I agree, American fashion is awful. I go to the mall and walk out empty handed because I can't find anything to wear that appeals to me.
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Posted at 4:42 p.m. ET on Jun 08, 2009 by Linda
I admire the people who have guts to carry a different look in front of so many people, it needs lots of self confidence man!
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Posted at 2:40 a.m. ET on Jun 15, 2009 by David
People wear clothing for functional as well as social reasons. The dress of an individual is that circumstance from which you first form your opinion of him. Fashion redefines a person in sense of uniqueness.
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Posted at 12:32 p.m. ET on Jun 16, 2009 by Baby Shower Ideas
As a celebrity makeup artist i can say that Nelson is great !
Posted at 9:35 p.m. ET on Jun 19, 2009 by Fuze Meeting
I think that it takes a tremendous amount of courage to say, "This is me in all my splendor! I look different than you and I don't care!"
Individuality is something that is sorely lacking in modern society. You go boy!
Just my 2 cents
Andrew Brinkworth
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Posted at 11:55 p.m. ET on Jun 30, 2009 by Andrew Brinkworth
I would say that only few people dress the way he dress, and I think like he pointed out that look reflects the way a person is
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Posted at 3:48 p.m. ET on Aug 22, 2009 by Jeffrey
Wow, its in fact amazing to see people who actually have the guts to put such kind of attire and don't care if individuals find them odd. For me , the are in fact good to watch and funny.I admire the people who have guts to do a different look in front of so number of people, it needs lots of self confidence man!Natural colon cleanse
Posted at 9:43 a.m. ET on Sep 19, 2009 by jaaysean
I love all things vintage, so I can appreciate One-Half Nelson's vintage frames and outrageous outfits. He's got plenty of courage and charisma, and that's admirable. 40s hairstyles
Posted at 3:47 a.m. ET on Sep 22, 2009 by 1940's Hairstyles
wow very cool, if someone create such strange look
Posted at 9:36 a.m. ET on Oct 21, 2009 by Florian Lerch
I think it is great to see someone with some personal expression. Too often, people dress mainstream, no individuality whatsoever!
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Posted at 12:09 p.m. ET on Jan 03, 2010 by Michael
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