Photo: Time
Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Pharrell are all first and foremost, musicians. But just as much as their music has seeped into our memories, we know them equally by their influential fashion statements. I mean, it says a lot about a person of interest when their Google image gallery can double as a lookbook for The Sartorialist, Vogue, or House of Dior.
Step aside Prince, and meet the music world’s rising fashion underdogs (just kidding Prince, never step aside ever, okay?)
Lianne La Havas
We call Lianne La Havas a Ones To Watch artist for her soulful, early morning jazz, but she’s equally a Ones To Watch for her glorious locks and London glam-meets urban goddess-meets Havana boho street chic style.
Photo: Ian West/ PA Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Hunger TV
Elizabeth Rose
Australian native Elizabeth Rose writes, sings, and produces her own music, an eclectic blend of R&B and electronica that’s as catchy as it is made for soundtracking runway shows. Rose herself is a canvas of everyday and high fashion — confidently rocking statement dresses like it’s no one’s business. (Ps. stream her new EP out today here)
Photo courtesy of artist’s Facebook
Solange
Of course, when your sister is Beyoncé, you must rise up to the rivalry challenge in all areas, especially the music and wardrobe department. Major props to miss Solange for knocking the game out of the park with her solo music work and her own unique sense of fashion - ethereal and goddess-like at times (as runs in the Knowles family) and also eye-cutting urban. It’s no wonder Madewell tapped her as the face of their Fall 2012 campaign.
Photo: @devhynes’ Instagram
Photo: Madewell
Photo: Adam Kissick for NPR
Grimes
Claire Boucher’s style is as much of a statement as her music is. Far-reaching, beyond quirky, and filled with bold colors, surprising edges, and a sense of devil-may-care humor. Think American Apparel gets abducted by aliens then spat back out into a cartoon.
Photo: Supmag
Photo: MTV
Photo: 4ad
Youth Lagoon
Idaho’s psychedelic-pop wonder Trevor Powers wears his music on his sleeve, literally. His choice of colorful florals, trippy patterns, and loose fitting tunics and cloaks drape his frame as fittingly as his dreamy music matches his ambient voice.
Photo: Bryan Parker
Photo: Eddi Front
Photo: Forcefield PR
HAIM
Of course we had to shout them out, the girls are a walking NastyGal ad.
Photo: VH1
Photo: The Ripe TV
Photo: Foam
Toro Y Moi
DJ and producer Chaz Bundick’s musical style coolly blends classic hip-hop grooves with over-easy R&B hooks and funky jazz. Much the same way, it’s the eye-popping, little details that take his style to the next level. His flair for simple, classic pieces and creative layering are rendered sophisticated chic with vibrant colors and playful patterns.
Tinie Tempah
This man just knows the intricate chemistry that goes into how to dress well. Maybe he’s born with it. Probably.
Photo: Kirsten Sinclair/Getty Images
Photo: WENN Spiller
Portugal. The Man
A lot of yes going on in their Google image search page. These wily nature boys from Alaska go from eclectic garage-band to J.Crew models in 5 seconds. They also seem to have fashion photographers trailing them everywhere, because their images are lovely.
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Records