The Sassiest Girls in America (with Jessica Matlin)
Jul 22, 2021
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Abby is joined by Jessica Matlin, Harper's Bazaar Beauty Director and podcast host, as they discuss their time at Jane and YM, the evolution of teen mags, Courtney Love's feud with Olivia Rodrigo, Jessica's beauty podcast, Fat Mascara, and more.
Sassy Magazine provided a safe space for young girls, validating their emotions and interests.
Encounters with celebrities like Courtney Love offered unique and memorable experiences in Jane Pratt's world.
The Courtney Love-Olivia Rodrigo controversy sparked discussions about artistic influence and attribution in the music industry.
Deep dives
The Influence of Sassy Magazine in Youth Culture
Sassy Magazine, a teen magazine from the 90s, created a safe space for young girls and validated their emotions, crushes, and interests. It spoke to them seriously and didn't talk down to them. The magazine's coverage of music introduced readers to new artists and provided a voice for their thoughts and observations on the world. The impact of Sassy Magazine is still felt today, and young people continue to find spaces for self-expression and connection, such as on platforms like TikTok.
Meeting Courtney Love at Jane Pratt's Party
The anecdote recalls a time when the guest had an encounter with Courtney Love at a party. They found themselves alone in an old, rickety elevator, feeling both excited and slightly afraid. The guest was struck by the possibility of being trapped in the elevator with Courtney Love and the unpredictable outcome of such a scenario. The memory highlights the unique experiences and interactions that being a part of Jane Pratt's world brought.
The Recent Courtney Love Controversy
The recent controversy involving Courtney Love and Olivia Rodrigo's promo photo ensued when Courtney pointed out the similarities between Olivia's image and her own iconic looks. Initially, it appeared as a playful comparison, but then Courtney expressed her frustration at what she saw as a rip-off without acknowledgement. Although Olivia reached out with admiration, Courtney's comments turned acrimonious, leading to a heated disagreement. The incident sparked discussions about artistic influence, imitation, and attribution in the music industry.
Power of Expressing Individuality through Hair
The podcast discusses the empowering act of expressing individuality through hair, specifically focusing on women over 60 who opt for unconventional hair colors like lilac. The story features women who choose vibrant hair colors as a way to reclaim their identity and defy societal expectations of aging. It highlights the emotional impact and confidence boost that comes from embracing their younger selves and feeling visible again.
Challenges of Age Inclusivity in Beauty Industry
The podcast also explores the challenges of age inclusivity in the beauty industry. It addresses the issue of feeling invisible as one gets older and society's tendency to dismiss older women. It emphasizes the importance of celebrating and embracing all ages and showcases a beauty story that focuses on women over 60 with colorful hair, challenging stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive beauty narrative.
Abby is joined this week by her friend/former intern/Harper's Bazaar Beauty Director/podcast host, Jessica Matlin. They talk about their time together at Jane and YM, how they both ended up in magazines because of Sassy, the evolution of teen mags, Courtney Love and her recent online dust-up with Olivia Rodrigo, Jessica's amazing beauty podcast Fat Mascara, and much more.
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