MTV VJ Style: From Martha to Alexa, 9 Ladies Who Rocked the Mic
It seems everyone's fascination with MTV goes into a natural decline as we grow out of our teens, but it seemed like the influx of filler programs like "My Super Sweet 16" and "Next" was the last nail in the coffin--that is, until the network made the smart move to take on fast-talking fashion darling Alexa Chung as their newest host. In the midst of our constant fawning over Alexa's witty quips, covetable closet, and too-cool-it-hurts persona, we thought it was high time to reminisce about all those other inspiring lady VJs who paved the way. Whether it's the inimitable Downtown Julie Brown or the too-quirky Kennedy, here are those other mic-wielding women who've personified the coolest girls of their eras from the tip of the sharp tongues to the bottoms of their vintage boots.
1981: Martha Quinn, The Girl Next Door
Crowned the "Best-Ever MTV VJ" by music bible Rolling Stone, Martha held court with the greatest '80s rockers, David Lee Roth included. Her two-toned hair and sweet-sexy floral frocks seem to make her the style-predecessor or a certain Ms. Chung.
Image from MTV; Image from Chris Carroll.
1981: Nina Blackwood, The Wild Child
With her trademark tresses and rock roots, Nina captured the spirit of the '80s as one of the original five MTV VJs.
Image from 7Together; Image from NYDaily News.
1988: Julie Brown, The Downtown Diva
The original British transplant to MTV, Julie Brown's exuberance shone through in her ballsy interviews and over-the-top fashion. The girl could rock anything the '80s spit out (we're talking BIG hats!), and for that, she deserves the highest of sartorial snaps.
Image from MTV; Image from Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.
1989: Cindy Crawford, The SuperHost
Never without that trademark mole and leather jacket, Cindy Crawford may have had some rocky onscreen moments, but she managed to work it out and navigate MTV's historic House of Style throughout its first--and possibly finest--six years.
Image from That Fire & Ice; Image from WWD.
For the rest of the story, visit Refinery29.
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Martha Quinn!!! She was IT man... Now she's GONE man... But I loved her, the way only a creepy stalker can...
I love how they had to call her "Downtown Julie Brown" because -- sadly -- she was LESS famous than that other Julie Brown.
Who is now fat by the way.
Downtown Julie Brown forever. She's still hot years later, last I saw. Kennedy was also very attractive. And there was no such thing as reality TV! Music videos! New ones! Weekly! And they weren't all so avante garde that you had no idea wha the heck it had to do wih the song!
Goodness: who *are* these people?! (The only name I recognized was Cindy Crawford--and I thought she was a model, not a musician . . . )
Most of us then agree. That was when MTV was MTV.
http://gooooglenews.blogspot.com/
I seriously hope MTV shuts down in the near future. It's absolutely pointless to keep it around these days
Agreed.
WHAT the HELL?
I'm gonna cry. This makes me remember the REAL MTV. Because of Martha (I wore anklets) Nina (I had her hair cut) & Julie (bolero jackets and hats) God fashion was so much fun in the eighties! Yeah, yeah,
the shoulder pads were scary -- but it was still fun.
I agree!!! Reminds me of the *real* MTV as well. When they used to play music videos more often than the terrible original programming they have these days. Ugh.
http://twitter.com/GreatLabelsSM
Kennedywas a Anne Coltier wannabe or was it the other way around? Doesn't she work for Fox News or is she out astroturfing somewhere?
When mTV was actually MTV.
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