Seattle-by-way-of-the-Bay stylist/designer and all-around-diva, artStar Andrew Jay, is one of the most glamorous human beings you will ever lay eyes on. His knack for over the top, show stopping construction is mind blowing, and his creations are always the envy of every party. Seattle Peach finds a great deal of inspiration for disco magic party fashion from artStar’s impeccable make up and ultimate flair for accessories. Not just anyone can pull off looks like these, it takes a real boss, and if there’s anything artStar is, it’s in charge.
Recently artStar joined forces with the House of Charlatan and the resulting creativity has been a marriage made in heaven. Fashion shows, fundraising galas, and fabulous performances are constantly in the works, the next one being The Church of Charlatan, a vogue and fashion extravaganza, coming up on June 11 at ReBar. Mark it in your calendar with giant flashing gold star. This is not an event to skimp on style. artStar is also teaming with photographer Deborah Spencer in June for a First Thursday art show at the 619 Building in Pioneer Square (June 2). Seattle Peach has been witness to artStar’s stunning collaborations with photographers since Blush Photo was snapping shots of him back in the McLeod Residence days, and I am sure that the shots on display at First Thursday will be breathtaking.
With summer just around the corner, artStar was sweet enough to answer a few questions for Seattle Peach on what he’s listening to and what music keeps him so glamorous.
1.) What 5 artists are you listening to the most right now?
The five artists (records) I am spinning the most right now would be: first, of course, my girl Lil’ Kim and her Black Friday Mixtape. Second, is local band, featuring one of my muses, Miss Adra Boo, Fly Moon Royalty. Next, in preparation for a big performance coming up, we got the H.B.I.C., Grace Jones. Then, for all the trannies (and thier chasers) out there, RuPaul got a new record out, Glamazon. And because I don’t gotta lie to kick it lemme tell you that Britney Spears‘ Femme Fatale has the CUTS!
2.) What music do you put on first thing in the morning?
The music that I put on first thing in the morning is generally something that gets me uplifited and in some spirit. I generally stay in the soul and R&B worlds with that: Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Kelly Price, etc.
3.) What do you jam out to while prefunking for a night out?
The music I most jam out to while pre-funking just varies on the mood and what I am giving that particular night. If I’m serving you disco glamour please believe there will be some Diana Ross Diana playing, If I’m throwing SHADE then bet you will hear some Kim, or some Trina, or some Missy going on. In the Haus of artStar you cannot go wrong with Beyonce, particularly “Get me Bodied“. If that song doesn’t have you booty clappin’ then you need to get out the way. And when local DJ Skiddle does a mixtape it ALWAYS has the jams on it, especially artStar VS Skiddle: Just Another Wasted Mixtape, which you can get from me.
4.) If you could pick any band/artist to perform for your runway show, who would it be and why?
If any artist could perform for an artStar Runway I would GAG for Lil’ Kim. I use her music so much in my runway mixes, so it would be the ultimate to have the real thing, live.
5.) What band/artist best represents your style?
The artist that best represents my design style, is…again…SURPRISE…Lil’ Kim. She is the ultimate blend of everything that makes artStar: glamorous, full of swagger, flashy, a little bit tranny, still got that ghetto edge and just all around OVAH!
6.) What musician/band would you most like to style or design for?
The artist I would DIE to design for is…do I really have to say it again? Kimberly Denise Jones. I would have her looking BEAT!!! I’ve already got the sketches!!!
7.) What musician/band are you most excited to see play that is coming to town in the next few months?
The artist I’m most excited to see in the coming months would be Lauryn Hill at Showbox SoDo, Sade in August at Key Arena, Britney at the Tacoma Dome in June, and because no one comes through Seattle I gotta go to San Francisco to see Kylie. There are a couple smaller shows I’m looking forward to: Yelle at Nuemo’s and Janelle Monae at WaMu Theater.
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Does anyone know how to contact Andrew? He is an old friend of mine, I knew him growing up in Sacramento.. and we are trying to invite him to a reunion, cant seem to find a facebook or anything for him
Hey Les!
I’ve been looking for him forever, never had any luck