A look back at Judy Blame’s private archive – in his own words

Judy Blame’s endless talents include accessories design, styling and art direction. Here, the self-proclaimed “old age pensioner of style” gives Dazed an exclusive glimpse into his private archive

Judy’s resumé bears witness to collaborations with a list of names that are a creative force to be reckoned with. In fashion, co-conspirators have included John Galliano, Christopher Nemeth, Philip Treacy, Comme des Garçons and Gareth Pugh. Most recently, he has worked on Louis Vuitton’s Cruise collection. In music, Blame’s career has gone someway to shaping pop history with the likes of Boy George (pre-street sweeper days), Neneh Cherry, Björk and Massive Attack.

Blame began making jewellery in his days as a London club kid to ensure that his weekly “going out” outfit was fit for popular haunts such as Blitz, Taboo and Kinky Gerlinky, where outlandish homemade costumes and clothes were de rigueur. Known for his punk aesthetic and magpie tendencies, Judy festooned outfits with anything he could lay his hands on; chains, pins, strings, feathers and of course, his trademark buttons.

Friends with Boy George, Judy worked on tours for Culture Club before customising clothes and hats for George’s solo career. A friendship with “Buffalo” founder Ray Petri led to an introduction to Neneh Cherry and another fruitful relationship was born. Reaching cult status by working with a whole host of style magazines in the 1990s, Blame has shot with photography greats such as Mark Lebon, Glen Luchford and Jean-Baptiste Mondino to name a few. Once more, Judy is returning to his origins with jewellery. Check out his wares at Dover Street Market.

Taken from the January 2007 issue of Dazed, archive images selected by Tom C.