Defying Gravity: Jordan's Story

Jordan, the woman behind the iconic image of Jordan with her white shards of beehive and Mondrian make-up, was a ballet-mad girl from Sussex who made her way to the eye of punks through the clandestine gay clubs of Brighton and London. She shared many hair-raising adventures with the Sex Pistols, Adam and his Ants, Derek Jarman, and Andy Warhol and then disappeared. This documentary reveals her outrageous life story with commentary from key players and close friends.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Omnibus Press

The image of Jordan, adorned with her distinctive white shards of beehive and Mondrian-inspired makeup, stands as one of the most iconic and influential in pop culture history. Hailing from the counter of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood's notorious shop on 240 Kings Road, she played a pivotal role in shaping a revolutionary era. However, behind the facade of this iconic figure lies a complex and intriguing life story.

Born in Sussex, Jordan's journey was marked by a passion for ballet that set her apart from her peers. Despite societal expectations, she pursued her artistic dreams, attending prestigious dance schools and performing in local productions. However, it was her encounter with the clandestine gay clubs of Brighton and London that would ultimately lead her to the forefront of the punk movement.

Through her connections with the likes of the Sex Pistols, Adam and his Ants, Derek Jarman, and Andy Warhol, Jordan became an integral part of the vibrant and unconventional art scene of the late 1970s. Her outrageous personality and fearless fashion choices made her a standout among the crowd, and her adventures with these iconic figures are recounted in captivating detail in the book.

With commentary from key players and close friends, including Vivienne Westwood, Paul Cook, Marco Pirroni, Holly Johnson, and her partner behind the SEX counter, Michael Collins, Jordan reveals her outrageous life story in a masterclass in true punk spirit. The book is filled with never-before-seen images that provide a glimpse into the world of this iconic punk queen.

Jordan's journey from a ballet-mad girl from Sussex to the center of the punk scene is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit. Her impact on fashion, art, and culture cannot be overstated, and her story continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913172862