Portland-based radical feminist record label M’Lady’s recently announced that they will be selling the LAST REMAINING Le Tigre merchandise! Not only does this include records and CDs to play on your stereo, discman, or car, but also classic t-shirts in a variety of sizes and designs, as well as Le Tigre baby gear. That got us thinking. It’s one thing to look like a Le Tigre fan, but why not kick it up a notch and try to emulate the band themselves? If it will begin you on a journey to political and sociological enlightenment, may we suggest trying these four looks as popularized by the incredible trio of Kathleen Hanna, JD Samson, and Johanna Fateman.
The key to pulling off this look is all about the eyes. Your eyes need to show that you mean business. Le Tigre were masters of the dead set stare, especially while surrounded by ridiculously bright backgrounds. Once your eyes transform into empty windows into your soul, it’s time to accessorize! Here, Le Tigre offset their unwavering glares with a bright color block look, but they mix things up with a contrasting diagonal stripe that *could be* a new-wave girl scout sash. Ingenious! Also, look closely: each member of Le Tigre is wearing a slightly different shirt. Samson rocks a collared button-up, Hanna a one-piece, and Fateman displays a statement zipper. Maintaining your individuality is key.
Le Tigre had an outfit for every occasion, even while relaxing. Enter the bathrobe! Bathrobes are truly an under-rated look that say both, “Look how clean and relaxed I am” and, “It’s 4 o’clock in the afternoon and this is the first human interaction I’ve had all day.” Le Tigre made the traditional shower style their own—Hanna’s boring white terrycloth robe is livened up by a bold red accent, Samson rocks a pair of Nike socks, and Fateman, ever risque, shows off some leg. There’s no limit to what you can do with this look! We hope to see an influx of bathrobes on the streets of Bushwick very soon.
In case you haven’t figured out the pattern by now (pun intended), Hanna and Fatemen typically wear feminine outfits onstage while Samson wears prints of the same cloth in a more masculine style. Le Tigre prove many styles can be cut from the same cloth. Be sure to note Hanna’s favored single-shoulder dress style.
If you’re going to pick one Le Tigre style moment to emulate, this should be it. Behind all the electro-pop pizazz, Le Tigre is a political band. Remember “Oh fuck / Giuliani / He’s such / A fucking jerk“? So what better way to display your political allegiances than wearing them literally on your sleeve? Since Le Tigre’s “Stop Bush” war cry may not seem relevant in this day and age, pick a current active and destructive politician to protest! Here are some suggestions: Pulverize Putin! Badluck Jonathan! WTF Kim Il-sung? The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
And always remember: no animals should be harmed in your imitation of the coolest trio of all time.
