Keith Richards Gets the Key to Rock ‘n' Roll Fashion...and Connecticut.

by Jayce Bartok

So today, in between the insane news stories coming from Washington, D.C., the worlds coolest guitar player, Keith Richards, was given a unique honor. Legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was honored with the inaugural Connecticut Governor’s Award for Excellence by Gov. Ned Lamont today at the Westport Library in Westport, CT for his contributions to the state's cultural and civic life. In addition to this prestigious recognition, the longtime Connecticut resident was presented with the “Key to the State." And he accepted the award in true Keith Richard’s fashion.

But let’s rewind and look at how influential Keith Richards has been on rock n’ roll style, not to mention his amazing songwriting and guitar playing (he’s a personal hero, if you didn’t pick up on that one already). No one can do disinterested, burned-out, cigarette smoking, sunglass-wearing, chopped mullet-cut hair, leopard scarf beanie wearing ennui better than the guru, Keith. “I wasn’t looking too good,’ he sang on ‘Before They Make Me Run’, ‘but I was feelin’ real well.’ If ever there’s ever been an understatement in the annals of rock and roll, it’s this. Even at his most wasted and decrepit, there wasn’t a single being around — man, woman, or otherwise — who didn’t want to look, act, and live like Keith Richards.” To quote author Joobin Bekhrad writing for British GQ.

Keith was born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. He attended Dartford Technical School and Sidcup Art College, love that name, and soon after befriended Mick Jagger, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Ian Stewart and Brian Jones and joined a little band called Rolling Stones. In the early 60’s, Keith was very much a style innocent.

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It wasn’t until the late 60’s that Keith came into his own, as did the world around him! We are talking snake-skin boots, velvet trousers, tinted sunglasses, wispy scarves, and that rooster haircut.

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Keith had gone through a lot by then, the band losing Brian Jones, and playing massive rock festivals like the Isle of Wight. But suddenly, the ring master from the Rock n Roll circus appears in top hat and eye patch?!

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The early 70’s feels like when it all came together in decadent strung-out dandy fabulousness: leopard blazers with shoulder pads, giant bowties, Sanskrit scarves…for a guy that played the most iconic blues rock riffs – stooped over macho man of the Fender telecaster – he sure dressed like a laddddddddy - white mohair over coats, flowing shirts open to the belly button, and a scarf for a belt. Oh, always that silver skull ring. Don’t forget the mirrored Aviators.

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The mid-to-late 70’s saw blazers man. Still the iconic scarves but he cleaned it up!

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The 1980’s saw a stripped-down Keith, lots of jeans and boots, worn-out tee-shirts, little vests, and polka-dotted shirts ala Bob Dylan.

Now the 90’s to present Keith went back to the 1970s for inspiration. Everything from Rastafari influenced head ware to snake-skin jackets to leopard topcoats. And the one essential accoutrement – a lit cigarette stuck in the headstock of his guitar.

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And back to the present, our favorite octogenarian guitarist takes the podium today to except Governor Ned Lamont’s Award for Excellence in the State of Connecticut wearing a crushed brown velvet jacket, maybe two silk scarves, and a killer black wool beanie.

Governor Ned Lamont & Keith Richards

Keith, you have the key to my fashion heart. My style goals for this week – more velvet, more leopard, more scarves, and more rock n’ roll.