Yesterday was a very sad and shocking day indeed.   Two pop culture icons passed away within hours of each other.  Farrah Fawcett lost her battle with cancer and Michael Jackson died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest.

Farrah was everybody’s favorite “Charlie’s Angel”.   Not only was she the pinup model whose famous red swimsuit poster remains the best selling of all time, but she was also an emmy award winning actress.

And, of course,  there was the hair.  I remember back in the 70s begging my aunt, who was a hairdresser, to please cut my hair like Farrah’s.  It  was the perfect look to go with my disco dresses! I had never coveted a hairstyle before, but there was something about those feathered layers and fullness and those swept back wings that just struck me as incredibly sexy and glamorous.   Of course,  so did a gazillion other girls.  If there is a history book of hair, then that style should be in it.

Farrah was an irresistable combination of sensuous siren meets all American girl next door.   As you can see from the photos below,  on her, the sporty casual look took on a whole new glamorous dimension.

Memories of Farrah Fawcett

Then there is Michael, the “King of Pop”. A true original, an amazing dancer, entertainer and musical genius, whose myriad style transformations influence the fashion industry till this day.  For instance, the military inspired jacket below is  from Balmain’s 2009 spring/summer collection.

Michael Jackson inspired jacket from Balmain spring/summer 2009

It started with wide bellbottoms, fringed vests, combinations of wild prints and platform shoes in the 1970s.  In the 80s and 90s there were parachute pants,   pegged pants and fedoras, sequined blazers, leather jackets with lots of zippers and military details.  Let’s not forget the famous rhinestone encrusted glove and the fact that Michael actually made it cool to wear black loafers with white socks.

Memories of Michael Jackson

Though both of these individuals had lives fraught with controversy,  and were not always portrayed by the press in the most favorable light, no one can deny their lives touched all of us in so many good ways.  They leave behind a trail of  fond memories  for those of us who appreciate their talent,  individualism and unique sense of style.  My hope for Farrah, after all her suffering, is that she has become a real angel and that Michael is moonwalking his way through heaven.