by Often times, artists find their calling in multiple fields instead of one singular category of design, music, fashion and photography. Earlier this year, we brought you musicians that doubled as cover artists, and now along the same vein, we are bringing to you another five musicians that have tried their hand in both the music and fashion worlds, blending the two almost seamlessly.
Gwen Stefani – L.A.M.B & Harajuku Lovers
Known as the lead vocalist of ska-rock band No Doubt and her outrageous fashion sense, it did not surprise many once she announced that she was planning on launching a clothing brand in 2003. Dubbed, L.A.M.B. (an acronym for her solo debut album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby.) the line manufactures both apparel and accessories and is influenced by a variety of cultures, including Guatemalan, Japanese, Indian and Jamaican styles.
Music and fashion, it all comes from the same place of creativity.
In 2005, Stefani launched a second, more affordable brand, Harajuku Lovers, with the intent to draw in younger, more feminine shoppers. Styled after the unique fashions found in the Shibuya District in Tokyo, Japan, the brand revolves around the “Harajuku girls” of the area as well as Stefani’s back-up dancers and entourage.
“Music and fashion, it all comes from the same place of creativity,” Stefani told The Seattle Times at New York Fashion Week in 2005. And if her clothes can be marked as evidence, it’s true.
Pharrell – Billionaire Boys Club & Ice Cream
One half of rap-rock band The Neptunes, vocalist of N*E*R*D and producer of multiple hit singles of various other artists, Pharrell partnered with Japanese clothing icon and founder of A Bathing Ape (BAPE), Nigo in 2005. Together, they launched two premium streetwear brands, the Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream.
Fashion is more about feel than science.
While the latter of the two brands has seen a flourish of success and popularity from both of Pharrell and Nigo’s loyal followers, Billionaire Boys Club has encountered various setbacks since its conception. However, the tide may be turning for the line as it was announced in mid-2011 that it would be partnering with Jay-Z (a fan of the brand). “Fashion is more about feel than science,” said Pharrell when describing his stylish lines
Currently, Billionaire Boys Club has a flagship store in SoHo, New York City and Ice Cream in Tokyo, Japan.
Victoria Beckham – Victoria, Victoria Beckham
Formerly called Posh Spice, or one-fifth of super group, the Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham has become a main staple in the fashion industry. Even when wearing the skin-tight Gucci mini dress in the 1990s, Beckham was considered to be a fashion icon. As of late, she has graced the covers of numerous Vogue issues from around the globe, collaborated with denim brand Rock & Republic and trend-setting with hubby David Beckham.
With all of this under her sleek patent leather belt, it was only expected that her next step in fashion would be to launch and design her own brand. Named Victoria, Victoria Beckham, the line debuted at New York Fashion Week earlier this year, and showcases the former singer’s recognizable, distinct style for fans to replicate from across the world.
Beyoncé – House of Deréon
Here are a few titles that Beyoncé has garnered over the years during her rise to fame: lead singer of Destiny’s Child, one of the best voices that modern music world has to offer, wife of rapper Jay-Z, proud mother, and since 2004, fashion designer. Announced in 2004 by Beyoncé and her mother, Tina, House of Deréon’s tagline is “Couture.Kick.Soul” which represents the three generation of women that inspire the brand. Agnèz Deréon is the “soul,” Tina Knowles is the “couture,” and Beyoncé is the “kick.”
The line is influenced by hip-hop elements, with intricate and specialized utilization of denim, as well as more feminine aspects, like ruffles and embroidery. In an interview with Ebony magazine Beyoncé said, “I love the clothes from the ’70s, my mother’s clothes. I love clothes from the ’40s, my grandmother’s style, so elegant. We wanted to take elements from my grandmother’s legacy—the beaded lace, lush colors, fine fabrics—and mix them with in clothes from my mother’s generation and my generation.”
Liam Gallagher – Pretty Green
Notorious for his public feuds with his twin brother and former Oasis bandmate Noel, Liam Gallagher is currently the front man to musical group Beady Eye. However, few may know the controversial singer as the founder and designer for British label, Pretty Green.
There are two distinct collections stemming from the brand, with the first being the Green Label, which is a more casual segment of the line, and the latter being the Black Label, which Gallagher describes as “classic British tailoring.”
I’m not gonna be putting anything out unless I’d wear it.
Pretty Green produces a wide range of clothes and accessories, including those offered in both the Green and Black Labels as well as eyewear, denim, footwear and accessories.
When describing the reasons behind his fashionable ambitions, Gallagher posted a video to the Pretty Green’s webpage saying, “I’m just doing it [launching the clothing range] because there’s a lack of…the stuff I want. You can’t really get it,” he said. “I’m not gonna be putting anything out unless I’d wear it.”
