One of the main reasons we headed to London was to check out our friend Lynval Golding in action…he just so happens to be one of the founding members in the style iconic band The Specials.
I first heard the group when I was a kid visiting my “cool” cousins in Canada. Right after I was alerted to the groove that was the B52s, the tape (yes tape) came out and it was The Specials…oh, I loved them. And, they looked so cool.
As a fashion girl, I can’t but still be in awe in this group of boys who knew that style is self-expression and with that added confidence, a look can be achieved. Never mind that “rude boys” everywhere followed suit quickly…it was look and a style in and of it self and we haven’t turned back.
I didn’t really get all the lyrics then, I just liked to dance and as I grew up and started to hang with the “scooter” crowd, I “skanked”…
Once I met Lynval and started hearing the stories behind the songs, I was blown away. Human rights, racial equality and the utopian vision of how things could and should be…brilliant.
The Specials have reunited after 30 years and their style has maintained. For this tour, the boys are sporting suits from Ace Face Clothing and pieces from famed British designer Ozwald Boateng.
There is even a Specials exclusive with Fred Perry with pieces that are hot, hot, hot in black and white inspired from the Specials “two-tone” groove. Amazing how something so simple can be so cool. Their shows all over UK were sold out this past spring. They are headed to Asia this summer and then back to Europe. We love you guys. Have fun. RL
Photo Credits:
Top: The Specials – Lynval by Rebecca Luke
Middle: The Specials
Bottom: Ozwald Boateng by Fergus Greer
You Tube Video: The Specials at Brixton Academy May 09 by Rebecca Luke