Kim Gordon bubbling with greatness

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Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth is a musician, vocalist, artist, record producer, video director and actress. I have a soft spot for female bassists, however, strangely enough I don't think too many people really know about her. Sonic Youth was just one of those bands for me growing up. I knew the name because, of course, they were a vital part of the music industry in the '90s (and '80s) but I never really knew much about them. I couldn't name a song, or even tell you what type of genre they were. I assumed alternative rock, but, then again, what did I know? Fairly recently, I started listening to them a lot and did some reading on the band's members who I was less familiar with, mainly everyone but Thurston Moore, a more household name in the music industry. Call me sexist, but I just love female musicians — decent ones, of course. Maybe it's just an affinity due to a feeling of understanding and awareness; the raw power and indifferent confidence I see in these various "role models" of mine, such as Gordon. Her whole persona to me is just so admirable.

She's a visual artist, which took up most of her time before she joined Sonic Youth. Her work is very interesting; simplicity, shock value and deeper meanings are some words to describe it. Aside from directing music videos with Spike Jonze, appearing on Gossip Girl, producing Hole records and playing benefit concerts with Cat Power for her daughter's school in Massachussets, Gordon has dabbled in the world of fashion. However, she does not see herself as a fashion designer. "I'm really interested in how fashion works for people in different ways. It is mostly marketing and branding, kind of how you can put on a dress and something can make you feel good, but it doesn't add anything to you, unless it's building an image."

Her clothing company X-Girl was founded in '89. Grunge, alternative and types of anti-fashion were featured. The now-infamous '90s cult brand has been gone for years, aside from a rare piece popping up on Ebay, but more recently she launched a limited edition line called Mirror/Dash (September '08). Originally inspired by fashion icon Françoise Hardy, it is Gordon's solution to the apparent need for "clothes for cool moms." The first piece was the Hardy Jacket and it was all she had released up until February 16, 2009, when her collaboration with Urban Outfitters was released. The jacket was originally sold in retail for $415, and was a limited edition item — only 50 were made. Mirror/Dash also disappeared into the abyss, but there was still more to come from Gordon.

Third times' the charm, I suppose; this year marked the release of her three-piece collaboration for Italian luxury label Sportmax. For the second chapter of their Carte Blanche ("white paper") series, Gordon produced three limited edition pieces to be sold, inspired by watercolours, as well as her signature abstract mark; reflecting her painting style. "It's kind of influenced by the tree and wood grain (found) where I live in Northampton (Mass.). There are these beautiful long tree branches and then there's the Mill River that empties out in Paradise Pond," Gordon said of her inspiration for the collection.

Despite her respect for Sportmax's fashion reputation and appreciation for their interest in art collaborations, Gordon was not overly thrilled about the turnout, and has even stated she felt disconnected to the whole project. Admitting to not being a patron to the brand, Gordon even stated that she herself can't really afford the pieces, or at least doesn't agree with the price range for most interested consumers. The three-pieces include a dress that sells for $275, a tunic for $225 and a t-shirt for $135.

Fashion critics aren't exactly sure what to make of her third fashion venture, and it leaves us wondering if we will ever get that truly successful and groundbreaking inspiration that is so desired from Gordon. I personally don't think she feels completely comfortable in the fashion world thus far, and won't really surprise us until she is ready to, if ever. She is currently working on getting back to music, recording again and possibly releasing something next year, as well as art. Rumours of sculpture rather than her usual canvas work have been floating around, and although she hasn't tempted me to use the word ground-breaking yet, I still have faith and anticipate her upcoming ventures.