WHO was the most stylish rock star of all time? You might not think biker shorts and scarves are haute couture, but Monni McCleary (inset right), a Manhattan lingerie designer, makes a compelling argument that Axl Rose is a style icon. As winner of last month’s essay contest, she wins two tickets to the Fashion Rocks concert, which brings Maroon 5, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and others to Radio City Music Hall on Thursday night (and will air Friday at 9 p.m. on CBS). McCleary will be driven to the show in the latest Chevrolet, and will receive a free style makeover from Fashion Rocks presenter Condé Nast Media Group and BCBG, Revlon and Nexxus. Pick up Friday’s Post to see McCleary’s new look and other celebrities on the red carpet. Meanwhile, here’s McCleary’s top entry and some honorable mentions:
AXL ROSE
It was May 15, 2006, sometime past midnight, and I was at the Hammerstein Ballroom. The lights just went out, and we were all screaming with excitement and anticipation. The teaser guitar riff begins, and I hang on to it as if it was a life force. Then a bright light shines, and he screams on the top of his lungs, “YOU KNOW WHERE THE F— YOU ARE?!?!?!?” Yes, I’m talking about Axl Rose, the biggest Rock God and style icon on this planet!
The true originator of ’80s rock ‘n’ roll, bad-boy style of the headband, aviators, ripped-up jeans, leggings, kilts, biker shorts, leather jackets, and don’t forget his biggest fashion accessory … his badass attitude! As I was doing the Axl snake dance and singing along to every song, I noticed how his look has evolved, but stayed true to his original music and style. He’s definitely not a sellout. Axl also reminded me how hard true rock ‘n’ roll style still rocks!
– Monni McCleary, Manhattan
RUNNERS UP
STEVEN TYLER
When I think of stylish rockers, only one name comes to mind. From his layered, highlighted hair down to his skinny jeans, Steven Tyler completely owns his entire ensemble. Whether he is wearing a top hat with gold embroidery or a pair of skin-tight black leather pants with an olive jacket baring his chest, his clothes exude confidence and scream style – a trendsetting style that we can all agree is simply and truly his own!
– Jazmyn C. Richardson, Maryland
MADONNA
The most stylish rocker ever is Madonna because people always copy her style. Madonna mixes different styles to make it unique … Outlandish, cutting-edge, cool, exciting, sexy, naughty and titillating fashion. Just when you think she is too old to care about fashion, BAM! She shocks and wakes you up.
– Valeria Clark, Atlanta
ELTON JOHN
Sir Elton John – fashion’s rocker to music’s Rocket Man. He transforms a stage with costumes, elegance, sophistication and flair. The fabric of rock with a free-spirit personal style, Sir Elton models the timeless classic.
– Marion Amato, Holtsville, N.Y.
DAVID BOWIE
Most stylish rocker? David Bowie. He’s been at the forefront of nearly every musical era, stealing the spotlight with not only his music, but also his daring and eccentric looks. From Ziggy Stardust to today, Bowie has remained a relevant figure in both the fashion and music industries.
– Katharine Fintak, Florida
GWEN STEFANI
Gwen Stefani embodies empowerment and oozes self-confidence. Her fashion sense shocks, astounds, satisfies and begs to be envied. She isn’t afraid of thinking beyond the little black dress, but retains the fun and flirty side of femininity for which women strive. With her L.A.M.B. line, she writes her own rules.
– Amber Plante, Chester, N.H.
JON BON JOVI
When I think of a style icon for rock ‘n’ roll, only one man comes to mind. Jon Bon Jovi. From his ripped shirts and wild hair to his painted-on jeans look. The girls (and guys, let’s be honest) go wild for anyone who does not expose themselves too much. With his signature open shirt that makes people start sweating for all the good reasons, he never is shirtless or naked onstage, and that keeps the fans wanting more. You can say a lot about Jon Bon Jovi, but you cannot say he gives fashion a bad name.
– Devin DeSouza, Manhattan
PRINCE
I would truly have to say that Prince, or The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, would have to be the most stylish rocker of all time. His style almost brings a bit of androgynous flavor to the music world. Along with his eclectic music, he has the style and wardrobe to match! A lot of musicians have fashion don’ts; Prince has fashion first!
– John Walters, Rochester, N.Y.
JIM MORRISON
He embodied a style that was right for his moment, that looked great on him – a style that broke through from the other side of the stage to street life and beyond.
– Jonathan Brown, Brooklyn
ELVIS PRESLEY
More than 30 years after his death, his influence on American culture can be seen and heard everywhere. He created a certain style that the world had never seen before.
– Jennifer Allen, Toms River, N.J.