Gangsta Nancy Sinatra

Lana Del Rey has been dubbed the "Gangsta Nancy Sinatra" because of her music style, which coincides with her fashion sense. I am quite jealous of the many styles she is able to pull off effortlessly. Whether she is wearing a ball gown, or a garbage bag, Del Rey seems to look fabulous and unique. Her fashion sense is one many girls envy, and try to pull off. In music videos Lana wears awesome outfits, accompanied by eccentric accessories, whether it be a crown of flowers or a tiger. But these music video looks also reflect her personal style. On the street she can be seen wearing studded cutoff jean shorts and a rocker tee, and her music mirrors that. However, if her song is a soft rock melody, she will dress up the video by wearing outfits inspired by "Old Hollywood." In her "National Anthem" music video Lana is seen in white dress pants with a lilac blouse, which reflects the 60s. Not only is this outfit classic, it is trendy. This music video also features several other 60s inspired outfits, and I want almost all of them! Lana's blurring of street and career fashion is changing the fads seen today. Her hard rock persona mixed with her soft rock style has dubbed her the "Gangsta Nancy Sinatra."

Tattoos

Lana Del Rey has many tattoos on her, but not everyone is sure what they say. Well, she has 5 in total, but will sometimes get temporary ones as well. The permanent ones read: "M," "Paradise," "trust no one," "die young," and "Nabokov Whitman." Each tattoo is very unique and the meanings have been discussed, but still remain unknown.

As for the non-permanent tattoos, Del Rey has had the infinity symbol, and "life is beautiful." Each tattoo she has gotten has been on her hands, except for "Nabokov Whitman," which is placed on her arm.

Video Games

     "Video Games" is the title of Lana Del Rey's claim to fame. The single was released in 2010 off of her album "Born to Die." Del Rey wrote the song, accompanied by Justin Parker, but released it via internet on June 29, 2011. The song revolves around a girl, whose boyfriend does not acknowledge her, but she still loves him. Del Rey's voice caught the attention of critics who approved of her pop ballad style. The song spread world wide, making it to number one on the charts in Germany. If you youtube the music video, you will find it and not quite understand it. That is because Del Rey directed and edited the video herself. Among being nominated for many awards, "Video Games" won the "Best Contemporary Song" in 2012. "Video Games" is Del Rey's only song to reach the chart in America, ranking at 91, and later to 11.

Before Fame

          Originally Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, Lana Del Rey was born on June 21,1986 in New York City. She grew up in Lake Placid, NY, and attended the Kent School in Connecticut in order to overcome alcoholism at age 14. Del Rey claims that her inspiration comes from her first love-alcohol, and that her early teenage years were the worst of her life. She began to sing at bars in her town, and did not fully believe in herself, but at 19 was signed by an indie label. Unfortunately, the label went out of business, but her father later helped her reach out to the market in 2010.

             Del Rey's first performance was in a bar, wearing a yellow t-shirt and jeans. She had her guitar and played an original song that required a mere 3 chords. When she began to sing the entire bar became silent and focused on Del Rey. She finished the song, received no applause, and ran out of the bar leaving her jacket on stage. Someone ran after her and screamed that she should come by his bar to perform sometime. Del Rey's old music approach and unique voice was so fresh that everyone was in awe.

Who is Lana Del Rey?

            Lana Del Rey, formerly Elizabeth Woolridge Grant of New York City, began her career at the age of 20, and was first recognized from her hit single “Video Games.” The single scored her a joint record contract with Interscope Records and Polydor, which led to the recording of “Born to Die.” Since the “Born to Die” release, Del Rey has performed around the world, released new singles, and released her new album "Paradise" in November 2012.

           While recording the "Paradise"album, Del Rey caught the attention of the clothing company H&M, and she represented the fall campaign. This campaign includes a cover of her new song “Blue Velvet,” which reflects Del Rey as an artist and H&M’s new look. The image that Del Rey portrays for H&M is classic, yet simple, with hints of “dark charm.”

            With her debut album “Born to Die,” released in January 2012, and her recent contract as H&M’s new spokeswoman, Lana Del Rey is continuing to make her mark in the media. The 26-year-old models her music after the 1950s and 1960s, and emulates that of “Hollywood sad core,” with hints of underlying American patriotism. Del Rey represents the bad-girl-meets-Hollywood image, and reaches out to her listener's in very interesting ways. This unique music style influenced H&M’s fall and winter clothing lines, which led to the hiring of Del Rey as the endorser.

            Del Rey toured during 2012, but is currently performing live shows across the United States. No upcoming tour dates have been released, but I will keep you updated!