Shirley Manson: 7 Classy Quotes From Her ‘V’ Magazine Interview (PHOTOS)

Erika Brooks Adickman | January 20, 2012 10:32 am

The latest issue of V magazine calls Shirley Manson “a classic”, and after reading the Garbage frontwoman’s interview you’ll agree that they couldn’t be more spot on. The Scottish siren, who took a break from teasing us from the studio and prepping for her band’s 2012 tour to pose for the mag, opens up about her unsure start on stage and the female inspirations that have kept her both motivated and grounded through the years. Jump below for sage advice from the still stunning 45-year-old rocker in our 7 Classy Quotes roundup.

7 CLASSY QUOTES FROM SHIRLEY MANSON’S V INTERVIEW

:: On her insecurities as a performer: “It wasn’t until we did our second world tour that I really accepted that I was actually the lead singer in a really successful band. I lived in this constant fear that I’d be found out—that people would realize that I didn’t know what I was doing.”

:: On getting back in the game with Garbage’s 2012 tour: “I’ve missed doing the one thing that I know I’m really good at. There’s something remarkable about that feeling, when you know you’re good at something and you’re able to go out and do it.”

:: Shirley on her personal style: “I was a middle child, you know?…I was always afraid of never being seen or heard—of having my identity swallowed up by something else—so I never wanted clothes that spoke for me.”

:: On her love affair with eye makeup: “I remember playing the wicked witch in The Wizard of Oz when I was in school—my hair was straightened and I had black eye makeup on—and I remember that it was the first time I ever looked in the mirror and felt beautiful. The black eye makeup has stayed with me ever since!”

:: Shirley on style, in general: “Style is what you have to say and what you think. Anyone can wear an amazing designer’s outfit, but it doesn’t make you stylish…Style is about who you are and how you live your life.”

:: On her sheroes: “The women that played that sort of role for me in my life still remain touchstones for how I want to live, especially at a time when the culture is still so tricky for women to navigate…I grew up madly in love with Chrissie Hynde and Patti Smith and Siouxsie Sioux. Those women spoke to me then and continue to speak to me now.”

:: “You know, it doesn’t matter how beautiful you are, if you don’t have anything interesting to say, then you’re still boring.”

(Can we get that last quote printed onto a coffee mug, please?)

For more words of wisdom from Ms. Manson, check out the full interview at V magazine.

Do you think Shirley is still a style icon after nearly two decades in the spotlight? Sound off in the comments below, or on Twitter and Facebook.