Debbie Harry on Punk Hairdressing, Andy Warhol, and Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll | Fashion Neurosis
Fashion Neurosis – 7th January 2025
Debbie Harry is an American rockstar, exploding onto the music scene as the platinum haired lead vocalist of Blondie. After gaining an Arts Degree from Centenary College in New Jersey, Debbie Harry moved to New York and worked as a Playboy Bunny and a dancer before forming Blondie in 1974 with Chris Stein, who was her romantic partner for 14 years until 1987. The band released its eponymous debut studio album in 1976 and split in the early 1980s, reuniting in 1997 – they have released a total of 11 studio albums. Harry also released five solo studio albums between 1981 and 2007.
Debbie Harry had also had a successful acting career, appearing in lead roles in David Cronenberg’s body horror Videodrome in 1983, and John Waters’ cult classic Hairspray. Her inimitable style has been the inspiration for many fashion designers and her luminous beauty and punk irreverence continues to make her an icon to multiple generations of music and fashion lovers.
In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Debbie Harry discuss dying your hair on a tour bus, Andy Warhol, and Sex, Drugs, & Rock & Roll.
Painting by Malù dalla Piccola.
Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:00:22 What are you wearing today?
00:05:29 Sexiness
00:06:55 Compliments
00:08:49 Marilyn Monroe
00:11:23 Courage
00:12:11 Vivienne Westwood
00:13:57 Debbie’s style and inspirations
00:16:44 Self-containment
00:17:13 Sexual assault and drug use
00:22:45 Escaping Ted Bundy and survival
00:27:43 William Burroughs
00:31:32 Andy Warhol
00:37:00 Hair
00:41:25 Stephen Sprouse
00:45:44 Acting and David Cronenberg
00:48:45 Comedy
00:52:54 Monogamy
00:54:40 If you fancy someone…
00:55:50 Nan Goldin and Gucci
00:59:00 Outro
Explore Debbie Harry’s unique style and life through candid conversation. The interview covers everything from punk fashion and Andy Warhol to personal experiences and artistic influences. Discover surprising anecdotes and reflections on a legendary career.
