how to throw your own bowie bash

Calling all David Bowie fans: Bowie Ball 2014 is happening this weekend, and judging from last year’s party pics, it’s bound to be insane. The annual celebration of the world’s favorite cult glam rocker is complete with a lineup of presenters and performers including Broadway’s Lena Hill (of Hedwig & The Angry Inch), underground nightlife king Frankie Sharp, The Dance Cartel, party monster Deryck Todd, and so many more. Known for bringing out stars like Debbie Harry and Chloe Sevigny, this is the “downtown underground” can’t-miss party of the year. So if you’re lucky enough to be around New York City this Sunday, you should probably snag tickets to Le Poisson Rouge ASAP. But if you can’t make it, don’t worry because we’ve got your guide to throwing your own Bowie-themed bash instead. Here’s how to have your very own Bowie Ball:

Most important, obviously, is the fashion. You can take a hint from our “All That Glitters” spread in this year’s September issue, which pays homage to the rock god through sparkling Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent numbers. But when it comes down to dressing up for your own bash, we’d consider checking out our own NYLON Shop Ziggy skater skirt or “You Remind Me of the Babe” nail decals—anything goes. We’ve also rounded up a few essential Bowie-inspired duds from all over, like an oversized striped blazer, platform boots, a floppy brimmed fedora, and of course, glitter, glitter glitter, so check the gallery to see all our picks.

But we can’t forget the makeup—ahem, or rather, the face paint. First, be sure to snag some multi-colored pigments plus extra shades of pure glitter. We’d also go for a high power fuchsia blush for the rest of the face and a red shadow for the eyes. Finish it off with light swipe of orangey-red lipstick and you’re good to go.

So when you’re all glammed out, we suggest putting on a few famous Bowie cult films, like “Labyrinth,” “The Man Who Fell To Earth,” “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,” or “Basquiat” (in which Bowie plays Andy Warhol). And while you’re watching the flicks, you’ll be grateful that Flavorwire invented six rad cocktails inspired by the star, so you can sip on a vodka Ziggy Stardust or a Space Oddity—genius, right? And to set the mood for your Martian party, we’ve also picked this rad Studio Mucci party lantern to light up the room with shimmery fringe plus moon balloons galore.

And of course, no party is complete without a playlist, so you’re welcome, ‘cause we made one just for the occasion. Happy glam rocking!

ziggy skater skirt, kayci wheatley, $88 (available here)

you remind me of the babe nail decals, jane's tiny things, $9 (available here)

black stripe oversize blazer, choies, $38.99 (available here)

sequin bandeau jumpsuit, topshop, $160 (available here)

chronic platforms in burnt orange, jeffrey campbell, $250 (available here)

floppy brim fedora, rag & bone, $195 (available here)

jessica wright kyra one shoulder dress in glitter fabric, asos, $34.28 (available here)

sheer metallic pants, h&m, $39.99 (available here)

electric pressed pigment palette, urban decay, $49 (available here)

heavy metal loose glitter, urban decay, $12 (available here)

studio blush palette, e.l.f., $6 (available here)

artist shadow in poppy (metallic), sephora, $21 (available here)

still stay all day liquid lipstick in tesoro, sephora, $28 (available here)

studio mucci sphere party lantern, urban outfitters, $65 (available here)

holographic moon balloon set, urban outfitters, $18 (available here)