I think fashion and music go hand in hand,
and they always should
Lady Gaga
BANDE/BAND: The old French word, “bande,” referred to a ribbon or strip of cloth that encircled or joined something together. Bande became anglized to “band” but kept its meaning of joining things or people together. It was a rather functional job so it’s no surprise that it was seduced into crossing the Atlantic to the New World where it lived a more exciting life joining up the musicians of with Big Bands, Jazz bands, Rock bands, Pop Bands and Country bands. In fact, “Beat the Band,” is an American expression from the 1890’s that sounds like a contemporary game show with contestants attempting to be louder, more intense and more energetic than The Band. The origin of this expression is indeed rooted in just that concept—to be so extravagant or outrageous the band is drowned out.
But “band” did not give up its first attachment to its old job of joining things together (it’s always good to have a fallback career) and so, in clothing, we have hatbands, waist bands, armbands, neckbands and sleeve bands (cuffs). So, you can dress to “Beat The Band” but without bands to hold it all together, your ensemble will simply fall apart!
BUM ROLL: No, it is not a term for ejecting an unruly patron out on his keester from a concert or club. In fact, it is a clothing term for a stiff, padded tube worn under a dress and around the waist to define the waist and add emphasis to the hips. Bum rolls served to hold the wide, skirts of the 16th and 17th centuries away from the hips, spreading out the volume of skirt fabric to the sides and back. While different from bustles, which developed much later during the Victorian era, they produced the same backside visual interest. With rare exceptions, the curves of women’s bodies have been exaggerated throughout fashion history. A rounded “bum” has been a classic focal point whether created with the aid of undergarments or displayed by naturally endowed women such as today’s admired backsides of Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Niki Minaj.
Similar in sound to bum rolls, the drum roll is the musical version of adding emphasis and interest. The drums may be in the back of the band, but drum rolls emphasize the music with volume and structure and keep the movement interesting. Whether it’s a bum roll or a drum roll, they both provide a focal point!
BUSKER: In times past a singer or musician performing on the street was called a “busker.” Today we simply refer to them as street performers but their goal is the same: to practice and hone skills while entertaining the public and hopefully collecting tips as a result. The term ‘busker” also refers to a distinctive street entertainment style of clothing combining bright colors, eclectic and layered styles, artistic embellishments and accessories such as—maybe especially—hats in which to collect tips.
Many well known celebrities began as buskers. Eric Clapton performed in London’s public spaces before joining the Yardbirds and Cream. Before forming Coldplay, Chris Martin practiced his skills around the streets of London. Ed Sheeran is another contemporary performer who started on the London streets as a busker. Rod Stewart’s unique voice quality was also honed in the public spaces of London. Bob Dylan’s distinctive musical style and voice was developed while performing on Greenwich Village streets. And, it was on the streets of Washington D. C. that Tracy Chapman caught the attention of record execs. So the next time you encounter a “busker,” toss a little something into the hat. You may be supporting the next musical superstar !
PIPING: The Pied Piper led unsuspecting lemmings and children off a cliff by playing an irresistible tune. A musical pipe or flute allows the ear to follow the the melody clearly with a raised pitch that gives texture to music.
Piping on clothing will not lead you to jump off cliffs or otherwise meet your maker but it does give a clear, dimensional outline to the seams of the garment. Piping on garments refers to cords (the musical homophone is, of course, chords) covered with fabric in contrasting color, pattern or texture and inserted into the seams. Piping gives a clearly defined sharpness to the silhouette in the same way that musical pipes sharpen and define sound. In clothing it’s seen, in music it’s heard.
* Fun Fact: Though not a musician, Pablo Picasso performed on the streets of Paris as a busker, before becoming a successful artist.
