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Live The Life

Live the Life: Basquiat

Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat was the life of the party until he died of a heroin overdose in 1988, at the age of 27. His style, like his work, was loud, aggressive, transgressive, and smart. His wardrobe drew both from the messy street fashion of his youth and the extravagantly priced haute couture afforded to him by meteoric art stardom.

1. Warm Commodity
There was rarely heat in the Soho lofts in which Basquiat worked, so a warm wool cardigan was as essential as a canvas. Oversize plaid wool cardigan by Opening Ceremony, $610

2. Paisley Palette
Paisley is the perfect pattern for absorbing errant paint flecks. Parrot green multi paisley print voile shirt by Marc by Marc Jacobs, $188

3. The Feet of the Master
Basquiat spent years as a graffiti artist, roaming the city far and wide. A sturdy pair of boots were a necessity. Dark brown Original Berto 4 Eye shoe by Dr. Martens, $140

4. Art Rock SquarePants
Channeling the fledgling East Village punk scene, Basquiat classed up the plaid pant. Plaid wool pants by Perry Ellis available at Macy's, $89.50

5. Lovely Bones
While recovering from a childhood accident, Basquiat read Gray's Anatomy, which became one of his primary influences. Gray's Anatomy by Henry Gray available at Barnes & Noble, $19.98

6. Take A Bow
In his heyday, Basquiat palled around with millionaires and princesses. A bow tie lent him a boyish but debonair look. Plaid wool bow tie by Alexander Olch, $120

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