As some of you may have noticed, Taylor Momsen is fast becoming one of my favorite brats to talk about. She’s filled the void while Lindsay Lohan (still a brat) takes an epically horrible downward spiral, and while Miley Cyrus seems to be doing some growing up. Taylor is the new brat who says dumb sh-t and get away with it. Sh-t like “I’m not so much thinking about Haiti” and “I might not gonna attend the Haiti fundraising events…” Add to her vapidity the fact that this 16-year-old girl loves her eyeliner, eye shadow, thigh-high stockings, garter belts, miniskirts, and being a “hardcore” poseur, Taylor is here to stay.
So Taylor has a new interview, in this past week’s London Times Style Magazine. Taylor snots out some classics like “I don’t f***ing care. I didn’t get into this to be a role model” and regarding her would-be casting as Hannah Montana, Taylor farts out “If I’d have ended up as Hannah Montana, I don’t know if the show would have gone as well. I probably would have told them all to go f*** themselves by the time I hit 11.” Oh, she’s so hardcore!!! Must. Buy. Eyeliner.
There is a look out there right now that young teenage girls are embracing in their hordes — and it’s got nothing to do with pretty. So stop thinking pink and start thinking punk. Because for teens in the Teenies, nothing carries quite so much cachet as the latest version of the cool-girl grunge look: luxe goth, if you like.
The poster girl for this is Taylor Momsen. She may not be able to legally drink, but the 16-year-old is already a lead in one of the most popular television series of the moment (as Jenny Humphrey, in Gossip Girl); has a modelling contract with IMG (here she is the latest face of the high-street chain New Look); and is lead singer and songwriter in the band the Pretty Reckless. All of which, together with her platinum locks, endless skinny legs, “whateva” attitude, and a look she describes as “grunge meets Chanel”, have made her the girl all teenagers want to be and their mothers dread.
“To be honest,” she says, “I don’t f***ing care. I didn’t get into this to be a role model. So I’m sorry if I’m influencing your kids in a way that you don’t like, but I can’t be responsible for their actions. I don’t care.”
It’s an attitude Momsen displays towards most things. Although she is the lead in a show watched in more than 40 countries and is mobbed on the street wherever she goes — “It’s insane. I literally can’t go out without being interrupted. It’s wild” — Momsen insists she has taught herself not to mind what people think. “Online, there’s a thousand people who are just so mean. There are so many negative comments about just the pettiest things that you can’t even read it.”
Mean they may be, but it’s Momsen who’s having the last laugh. Her career started at the age of three with a Shake’n Bake commercial — “I literally grew up doing this” — and she has been working ever since. But for all her apparent edginess today, it could have turned out very differently. At nine, she was in the final three for the lead in that other small-screen tweenie obsession, Hannah Montana. Pipped to the post by Miley Cyrus, Momsen narrowly missed out on a having a squeaky-clean sort of fame.
“Honestly, if I’d have ended up as Hannah Montana, I don’t know if the show would have gone as well,” she laughs. “I probably would have told them all to go f*** themselves by the time I hit 11. And I don’t know how that would have gone down. It’s great for Miley, but I really like where I am right now and I feel really fortunate to be able to really be myself.”
Born in Missouri and brought up in Maryland, Momsen now lives in New York. Having quit high school at the age of 14, she now works on Gossip Girl by day and her music by night (she’s got herself a record deal and is about to embark on a tour). She hangs out exclusively with people older than her — “I have, like, no friends my age” — gets to walk the red carpet in full fashionista garb and graces the covers of endless teen magazines. Totally emancipated teen with the coolest life ever, or what?
It’s her clothes, though, that generate the most interest. She has a healthy appreciation for designer goods (“I loooove Chanel. And YSL. And Balmain. And Alexander Wang”), but mixes it up with torn stockings, suspenders, parkas and a heavy dose of her signature racoon eye liner. It’s the obligatory look for many girls. Alice Dellal, Georgia May Jagger and Coco Sumner, with their undercut or birds’-nest hair, American Apparel dresses and bovver boots, are a (slightly less luxe) Brit take on the look.
The high street has not been slow to catch on. Topshop, New Look and Oasis are all doing the laddered lace-and-leather thing. It’s a look that excites teenage girls and exasperates their mothers in equal measure, as Momsen herself knows only too well. “My favourite blogs are where you get the mothers saying, ‘She’s the worst influence on my daughter, I would never let my daughter dress like that’, or, ‘This girl’s such a wh-re, she’s a sl-t’. And I’m, like, you’re a mother! And I’m 16.”
Not that Momsen is about to let the criticism change anything. Displaying signature teenage scorn, she announces: “I like wearing garters. Apparently people think that’s a big deal, but my tights won’t stay up. So whatever you want to do with that information…”
The combination of an ultra-glamorous, grown-up life with a brilliantly teenage attitude must seem pretty intoxicating to Momsen’s young fans. But while being a famous actress with a designer wardrobe might have its perks, there are downsides. “I can’t try on a jacket without people taking pictures and posting them online,” Momsen says. “I mean, I’m 16 and I can’t get away with anything. My mother finds out everything. Other teenagers — they have lots of freedom!”
Girls, you have been warned.
[From London Sunday Times Style Magazine]
Dude, the garters aren’t the problem. Okay, they’re part of the problem. The problem is the whole situation, where a 16-year-old girl roams the streets of New York in thigh-highs, garters, miniskirts, and a face full of makeup all while espousing this “I don’t f-cking care” attitude. It’s just so angst-y, dumb and dangerous. What the hell is her mother thinking? In the photo below, Taylor is seen with her mom – who looks younger than Taylor, honestly. I think we’ve got another Dina Lohan situation:
Taylor Momsen with her mom Collette on January 20, 2010. Also, Taylor in character on the ‘Gossip Girl’ set in New York on January 18, 2010 and December 11, 2009. Credit: Pacific Coast News.
Ooooh, hardcore!
I have to admit, over here in the UK I don’t really know Gossip Girl or what the hell Taylor Momsen is supposed to be, so I had to look the show up. Then I had to stop laughing.
Taylor, you’re a bimbo on a glorified teen soap opera. Get the hell over yourself.
Total Lohan situation. Momsen’s ultra glamorous mother clearly taught her everything she knows about dressing well and behaving like a lady.
A burn out by 20.
How badass. Yawn.
Good thing she doesn’t f–king care about being a role model, ’cause she’s a shitty one!
Why should Taylor or any other child actor turned teen actor have the responsibility of role model? How is Taylor dramatically different than many teens that have similar looks? Her JOB is an actress, model, singer, and she’s a teen. Her job is not role model. And maybe it is none of our business what she wears or who she socializes with. We can make a choice not to pay attention to her and pay attention to “positive” teens. They are out there.
She definitely expresses the downside of fame, I think anonymity and privacy are two of our most precious qualities most take for granted and most people are rather jealous of the rich and famous and want to be like them yet couldn’t handle the scrutiny and lack of privacy that comes with it. What she says is raw and her youth is part of how she expresses. But in a society that promotes sexual allure to sell everything and cut throat competition and conflict, a teen has to sort things out. This is her way and I agree with some of her I don’t care attitude.
Well I can tell just from looking at the pic that the mother is a HUGE part of the problem. You can tell that the mother considers herself a “friend” to her kid instead of a parent, and we all know how well that turns out. Hell, it’s playing out in front of us right now! If Taylor doesn’t end up strung out on heroin by age 22, I’ll be shocked. Sh*tty parenting leads to sh*tty kids, ya know.
Taylor Momsen has the same attitude as Kristen Stewart.
In 10 or 15 years they will look back at what they said and think: What a spoiled brat I was!
bella – my thoughts exactly! People need to stop using her youth as an excuse – when I was sixteen, I would have never dressed like that or said any of the things she says! She is rude, inconsiderate, and downright obnoxious for any age! And I’m only 25, it’s not like I am from a radically different generation than her.
Taylor’s mom’s name is Colette. She has a sister, Sloane, who is 13 and is also an actress. Taylor’s parents are married.
padiddle-
Yeah I wouldn’t have dared to dress like that at 16. I wouldn’t even do it now, and I’m 28! Maybe it’s because I hate getting leered at by skeevy men, but apparently Taylor must not mind. I guess some people just have to be noticed no matter what. I’ll never understand it though.
And I hope that’s not her mom’s real nose, I hope it’s the sunglasses smooshing it somehow, because if it is, then it’s one of the ugliest noses I’ve ever seen. Wow…just wow.
People who look to celebrities for role models need their head examined in the first place.
Kermit/ just as a side note, no one is actually employed to be a “role model”.
Ok here is the deal as I interpret it: Taylor Momsen who I had never heard of before accidentally says something very insensitive about Haiti…it works! Suddenly she is featured on gossip sites, getting attention (whoo hoo!) and generally is getting publicity out of this…now the “role model” thing..more attention, more gossip sites, more publicity..ok people where do we think this is going? Generally people go with what works…outrageous statements and being the “new brat on the block” is working..so we can look forward to even more bratty statements and behavior in the future..oh goody (not)
kermit, I think you missed the main point. I don’t think anyone would consider this snot-face a role model anyway, but it’s her arrogant up-yours attitude that’s the main issue.
Beaver Cyrus said not too long ago that she didn’t want to be anyone’s role model either, and actually followed up to say that’s the parents’ job and that she was still a teenager herself, making mistakes. I hate giving her credit for anything, but she managed to convey the same thing this Momsen thing said, only without the profanity and ugly attitude.
Avril Lavigne had the same attitude and was relevant for.. what, a year or two? I still remember her leaning out of her car window to spit on the paps taking pics of her. Ladylike.
The problem with these kinds of statements is that a large part of being an entertainer: actress, musician, whatever, is that part of the gig is that you ARE a role model, and everyone knows it. Acting like you shouldn’t be is just ditching responsibility that is an obvious part of accepting that you will be watched by millions of people. The fact that they say that they aren’t is a moot point, and only underlines the fact that they know they are supposed to be one. Part of the lure of getting into hollywood is that you will be envied and looked at by millions of people who will want to emulate you. It’s no secret.
The good news is that she’s famous, so her craptastic attitude has been recorded. In 4 years, when she’s Mischa Barton after the OC, she’ll be so sorry that people remember this snarky spoiled brat act.
Snowball, excellent. So, in essence, Taylor is saying what Beaver Cyrus said but with a snotty, nasty attitude. I’ll agree with that. She does make some relevant points, if not pleasantly.
I’m not judging who she may ultimately be as an adult based on what she says at 16 years old. She doesn’t interview in a way to conform to anyone’s image or to seem to be pleasant, perhaps by design. However, some of the most well adjusted and wise people I know in their late 20s and up weren’t very pleasant or makey nice statements teenagers. So, I reject any projections on what she’ll become or parallels to other personalities in Hollywood.
The people to whom privacy is most important do not choose to call attention to themselves by walking the path the “pantless brat” has chosen to walk. I don’t subscribe to the point of view that “celebrities” don’t deserve their privacy; but nor do I think people like this deserve to whine about their lack of privacy. If you don’t want to be judged, don’t make a scene, don’t dress like a whore, and learn how (and when) to keep your mouth shut. If you want others to respect your privacy, learn to keep things private. Duh.
She is just another angsty teenage girl going through her rebel phase, angry at the world because everybody else except for her is fake. Anyways her look isn’t that original. She is a younger look alike version of Courtney Love.
Ten years from now she’ll probably end up like Tara Reid.
Thanks, Kermit. You said it better than I could. The comments re: Haiti are unfortunate, but she’s young, she is feeling rebellious, and I admire that she’s not afraid to do what I’m sure a minimum of 18 handlers tell her to not to do. I withhold judgment until she turns at least 25.
who cares how she acts or what she says? she is right about not being a role model and those parents who let their kids watch her or whatever the hell she’s on it’s their banana. people in the spotlight have always had problems with drugs, alcohol, attitude, etc so why is this any different? look at elvis, frank sinatra, billy idol, adam ant, david cassidy,joan jett,jim morrison,marilyn monroe, the list goes on… i mean they will always be this way. we have to be responsible for our actions and what our kids watch and do…
“a bimbo on a glorified teen soap opera. Get the hell over yourself.” I have to agree. This happens every time a show like this gets popular, someone with minimal talent suddenly believes they’re going to be the next big thing.
Quit school at 14? Good luck kid, because I’m seeing a Mischa/Lindsay/Tara Reid-esque future. Not having an education won’t help that.
The young kids who make it and turn it into long careers are the ones who have a good support system, stay grounded, go to school, etc. She just seems like a big mess waiting to happen. For her sake I hope it doesn’t.
I predict we will see her on the cover of Playboy magazine in about…2 years. Then she will fade away.
I am wondering if she is just not performing another role offered by the producers of Gossip Girls in order to attract larger demographics to the show by convey interest in the cast. I migth be wrong though and I feel like taking a break…
For exemple, you could relate to the caracters personalities and already be a viewer of the show. Blair, the blue blood machiavel, Serena the bohemian with means or Jenny, from rags to riches. But, some kids would not watch it because it is too WASPy.
Bring out the cool hipster who knows how to party and has a few squeleton in her closet full of designer clothes (Leighton Meester). You start paying attention to her because she is with the cool bands and if you are a guy, well there are sexy pictures of her everywhere, even rumors of a sex tape. Who is she? You may start tuning in to Gossip Girl in order to see her work.
Not your cup of tea? We also have Blake/Serena. Who admits that she dosen’t know which clothes belong to whom. That her caracter is very similar to her. Gosh, she even dates ”Dan” in real life. I guess she represent the authentic girl, the loving princess always attending premieres/events looking fab with the looks of a model. Plays in MOVIES!!! Not much to say about her really but she brings visibility.
Now if you are still not feeling it comes the latest. Her FTW attitude makes you feel ok. Her angst is the same as yours and she is sooo like you and your friends who are stuck in the middle of nowhere. Man, she even writes her songs, just like you in your bedroom! She reads obscure books from before you were born that nobody ever heard from (aka The Breakfeast Club…)so she must be so edgy and artsy. And if Taylor thinks Gossip Girl is cool enough to have a role in it then it must be ok to watch it.
This so-called punk has lived and breathed in the biz since she was 3. It is like trying to teach an old monkey how to do grimaces. Please, the real danger is that SHE thinks she is real. Does she also want an oscar before she is 30?
poor man’s Christina Aguilera
Wow… because, ya’know, dressing like a whore in high end, expensive labels and more expensive ripped up shit, is, like, OMG SO PUNK!!!!111 I don’t think she understands that it’s possible to be just as much of a stereotypical clone being “alternative” as it is while being preppy.
God, she makes me sick. I used to like her, but now… she’s become such a poseur brat. I mean, I understand that she’s all about being independent, herself, whatever, but… jesus, would it kill her to pretend to care about the Haitians?! Such a spoiled girl. I agree with everyone else; I definitely see her becoming the next Lindsey Lohan.
PS: Just a side-note, so nobody thinks I’m just hating on teenagers… I’m 16. Yup, same age as this little brat. -sigh-
yes she’s a snotty bitch, but so are many 16 year olds she’s not unique. I’m willing to wager many woman commenting on this with an air of superiority were angsty, immature teens too once.
The only problem I’d say is seeing how she lives in her own privileged world there isn’t necessarily going to be the pressure to grow out of it one day.
It’s unfortunate that she feels this way. However, things change. It is obvious that her peers are either going to agree or disagree, due to their existing natures. I doubt her words are echoing into the minds of our “youth” and making RADICAL changes. Like really people, have more faith in your children.
Hey, come on ppl, what do you expect? Nothing but hardcore badass punks come outta places like Maryland.
What a stupid little b*tch! I’m sorry, who is she and what does she even do? Nobody cares if you’re a role model, but don’t go making shitty remarks about Haiti, that’s disgusting.
There’s way to much shit being thrown around about teenagers, I’m 16 and have a similar style to Taylor but i’m nothing like this brat. You seem to be saying we’re all as niave as her, we’re definatley not! I think it’s good for teenagers to see behaviour like this, it’s sick how she behaves and its made me more aware of my attitude and how I should treat others. I don’t think anyones stupid enough to choose her as a role model she’s pathetic.
ya need to cut the crap out and leave taylor momsen alone because you don’t shit about her. and don’t u have anything better to do with your self rather than sitting on the internet and talking shit about a 16 year old girl and the way she dresses, it’s who she is and you cannot judge her because of who she is, let her be herself and live her life, you obviously must be so miserable to be making fun of her to make yourself feel better, and you must be really jelous of her success.
Oh please, who cares about Taylor Momsen? She is a complete nobody and isn’t even talented. I find it so funny that little miss “wannabe” is ripping down Miley Cyrus for starting her career on the Disney Channel. Uh, may I remind her that she also auditioned for the role of Hannah Montana and didn’t get it because she sucked so badly. Before Taylor rips apart any other stars’ careers, she should also look back and see who she tried to be at one point. Sorry sweetheart, you aren’t any rolemodel worth looking up to :-).
nice very good thank you
tuning girls
lol shes almost 18 but whatever right.. i dont like her attitude but, shes right! who cares about being a role model? everyone has their own lifes.. get over it
Honestly, at first glimpse, you might dislike her for her outrageous behaviour. But, I came to learn the real her when I noticed many famous brands approach her for their respective lines. Example, Samantha Thavasa. First of all, Taylor is 17 years old and in reality, during our teenage years, there are bound to be rebellious plots under the sleeves. So it reflects reality. I was utterly shocked with Samantha to have her as their new role model but guys, no luxury brands simply just choose their models at random. Every models represents the brand’s identity. And Samantha’s main target audience is teenagers. Yea, Taylor is rude and inconsiderate, but if you read her profile, you can’t blame her much. She started working at the age of two and had no chance to actually mingle around with her own age and constantly exposed to the real working world which was harsh and rude as well. And also, if you follow her closely, she had this statement that she doesn’t care much what people think of her. I think that is a positive attitude in terms of us dealing with cyber-bullying which is very serious at present. Well, she is not all perfect or a role model as said by herself as well, so there is no point saying her coz we are not perfect human beings ourselves as well.