Mother's Day Gift Guide, Day 4: Punk
Debbie Harry, lead singer of '70s punk rock band Blondie, embodied her era. Eschewing the expected uniform of mohawk haircut, dog collar and chains, her now-iconic look featured a tousled platinum mane, red lipstick and a punk/pop energy that was tough but feminine. Debbie Harry, who is still active with Blondie today (the band has an album coming out this year) had a knack for getting the punk fashion mash-up just right: sexy, one shoulder dresses and kitten heeled pumps paired with fierce fashion accessories like studded cuffs, animal prints and leather. She often resembled a vintage film star dressed in modern clothes, and her influences ranged from with military to sportswear, mod, ethnic and, eventually, as the decade came to a close, disco. We think mom will appreciate a little punk spirit in her Mother's Day gifts, too.
1. Union Jack Pillow: The punk fashion movement began in England. Indulge mom's Anglomania with a union jack pillow—if the traditional colors are too much, try this black and gray version.
2. Zebra Ceramic Vase : A subtle Mother's Day gift idea that works in an animal print without committing to a large piece or floor covering.
3. Alexander McQueen Skulls Scarf: A classic—and affordable—punk fashion piece from the house of Alexander McQueen adds a pop of color.
4. Studded Wrap Bracelet: The mix of pyramid and flat-head studs keeps this bracelet from looking too menacing.
5. Striped T-Shirt: The cap sleeves and high neck of this Mother's Day gift idea will take mom’s nautical stripe fetish to an edgier place.
6. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses: Mom might be thinking these are casually Steve McQueen cool, but Wayfarers are a classic beatnik/punk staple too.
7. MAC Viva Glam Red Lipstick: Red lips are always in vogue.
8. Blondie “Eat to the Beat” CD: Debbie Harry kept her punk rock poppy, and irresistibly danceable.
9. Zebra Studded Clutch: Zebra print, studs and a chain—yet this bag somehow doesn’t feel like “too much.”
10. Red Pumps: Not too red, not too high, not too tough—these kitten heels are just the right gift for mom’s punk persuasions.
American singer Debbie Harry while in London with her band Blondie 1978. (Photo by Steve Emberton/Getty Images)
My mom is punk too.