No wonder I never heard of this band as a little girl growing up in Socialist utopia. The uncompromising punk/hard-core sound and equally edgy looks were too much for the mainstream media, and underground fanzines were not something you were red before bedtime by your parents. However, I am completely sure I would have gone nuts for their bleached, spiked hairdos and heavily kohled eyes.
Formed in Ljubljana in the eighties, they toured the underground clubs of the former Yugoslavia (their most legendary gig was the one in legendary Akademija club in Belgrade), venturing to the daylight only to shoot some of their scandalous videos, like the one that starts with their childhood pictures and ends with the three of them wearing neon wigs and halters, hitchhiking by the highway, observed by shocked and appalled fellow-citizens.
They sure did not care what anyone thought, but even today their reputation is live and strong among the small, but loyal group of international punk connoisseurs.
Watch some rare girl-pogo in this Tozibabe video- you might catch some moves and make-up tips:
They were popular even before they formed the band- hanging out with bands, dating musicians, wearing flamboyant ‘80s fashion. According to a popular legend, they first grabbed musical instruments when members of the band Fit they were dating at the time had to go to pay they dues to the country in the army. But in spite of starting playing instruments that belonged to their boyfriends, their sound and stage looks were always extremely feminine, so much so that they were considered to be a local version of then globally famous The Bangles. The pretty girls from Rijeka soon became skilled and perfectly rehearsed musicians, perfecting their live sound and diversifying their looks in a tested and tried recipe: two blonds (one with bangs), two brunettes and a red-haired.
Cacadou Look disbanded almost simultaneously with the former country, but not before making a huge popular success and a great impact. Never again a girl had to make a choice between a guitar and a mini-skirt, stilettos and perfect make up: she could have it all. (plus the big shoulderpads and even bigger '80s hair)
They started popping out in the eighties, doing something unheard of: instead of settling with a lead singer / most-photographed-band-member role, they grabbed drumsticks and guitars and started singing about previously uncovered topics, ranging from how regular, plane boys were boring, to masturbation, to lipsticks and girly trinkets. Equally varied were the styles of their clothes and their music. In the next couple of days I will present you the first three all-girls bands from this region.
BOYE – ROCK CHICKS
No fools, no frills girls band formed in Novi Sad in 1981, they had to wait for 7 years for the first album release because they refused to compromise their raw, energetic sound contrasted with polyphonic girl vocals reciting slogan-like lyrics. Non-surprisingly, they also had no intention to dress to impress anyone; their black-and-white photos from the beginning of their career as well as the color ones from its end all witness about the same sober and simple classic rock uniform of jeans, black T shirts and leather jackets. It was their music that was playful and colorful, so no wonder that, touched by the magic hand of Koja from Disciplina Kitschme as their producer, they gained incredible popularity for an alternative band.
Not only are they one of my favorite bands of all times, but they also have one of the best band names (“e” added at the end gives the noun “Boy” female gender in Serbian).
They released their last album in 1997, which makes them the longest living of all all-girls bands (or almost-girls bands, as they were later joined by male members) and they even had a recent resurrection through a documentary movie “The First Real Female Sound” (“Prvi pravi zenski zvuk”) by Brankica Draskovic in 2009.
This woman was a wonder ever since her first public appearances. With her features, she could have easily be just a classical beauty and would still leave people breathless, but path of the least resistance was never her thing, not in music and certainly not in fashion.
She has changed her image from punk to SF to gothic and back more times then anyone could follow. She was singing about Amsterdam, New York and Cairo when Socialist Yugoslavia fashionistas could not see further then Trieste. Lately, she wears a lot of JSP and if anyone could represent the talented Prokovic sisters‘ sexy- warrior woman, it surely is her.
If you are DJ-ing a party in Belgrade, surprise the crowd with playing any of her early songs to witness a ultimate dance floor frenzy
Her most iconic moments: sequined leotard and an afro in 1979 “Sexy lady” (“Sexy dama”) video. Aerobics chick in 1983 “Miki, Miki” that would put Jane Fonda to shame.
For some Sladjana Milosevic appeal, try:
That hairdo yours hairstylist always wanted to try on someone, but no one ever dared to let him.
Impeccable, full-on make-up: leave the natural look to plane mortals with a yawn.
Black lipstick? Red eye shadow? Metallic blush? When if not right now?!
Take inspiration from SF and gothic novels. Think back of the female characters from cartoons and comics you loved as a little girl.
Anticipate and then follow trends from the year 2070.
If you can learn only one thing: Secret of eternal youth might be laying in always being ahead of your time.
Quote: “Traditionalism in art is contra-productive because world art progresses only through underground, alternative and experiment”
Belgrade Flapper note: Ultimate chameleon. Before Madonna, there was Sladjana.
I had no doubts who would be the first male featured in Belgrade Icons section. At least for me, this was the only time I remember a man was a true style inspiration for both sexes.
That is, if we can call him a man. Zeleni zub is a fictional character, alter ego of Koja, member of the best Belgrade band of all time (f you disagree, Zeleni Zub will hunt you down) Sarlo akrobata from the early ‘80s and later on leader of Disciplina Kistchme. But the most interesting thing is that Zeleni Zub is the only completely home-grown, authentic Belgrade superhero.
Although he was first introduced in the title of an album by Disciplina Kitschme “Zelenu zub na planeti dosade” (“Green Tooth on the planet of boredom”), his most prominent and popular appearance was in the cult movie from 1989 “Kako je propao rokenrol” (“How Rock and Roll Failed”). At least, it was the first time we were able to learn about some of the more personal features of his character, like his favorite food (cabbage rolls and dumplings), favorite drink (pear juice) and his everyday business. Apparently, Zeleni Zub spends most of his days in his flamboyant room, chain- smoking , watching old movies and listening to records, venturing outside only to fight (and easily win) various enemies of fun, as a true warrior against boredom, protector of good spirits and the charms of the city.
His most iconic moment: Any.
Take tips from Zeleni Zub:
Wear bold rings over gloves: gold on emerald-green works best.
Dress in a casual rock chick, but pair it with golden boots.
Boost your ego with “the best” written on your black wool hat. It is already obvious, so why hide it?
Be just and fearless – and always protect the weak as every decent superhero does.
Be self-confident and cool- no one is cooler than you. No one. For example, if asked to express an opinion, say nothing more then “pffft” and leave others guessing.
Choose your friends carefully- his best friends are Batman, Mandrack and Phantom.
Good music taste makes you more glamorous and that is the fact.
If you can learn only one thing: Zeleni zub is everything people wish to be.
Quote: “…” (Green Tooth is private – he lets others to speak about him. He despises fame).
Belgrade Flapper note: Good spirit of Belgrade. With these ridiculous new regulations about working hours in Belgrade bars, I am sure the moment has come for him to intervene again. Mr Mayor – watch out!
