A Thread about what DJs wear
Festival season is here, so I asked a few DJs about what they wear to play.
Music and fashion have always been bedfellows, so I decided to celebrate the start of the European festival season by asking some of my favourite DJs about their style. Without further ado, I bring you this weekend’s Threads of Conversation line up.
CC:DISCO!
The Aussie DJ is a disco superstar with the best fits around.
I chose a two piece co-ord that I designed and had made in 2017 whilst on a trip to Vietnam. I was sick of not being catered for as I'm a plus size curvy gal - so I just decided to make my own clothes. Sadly this outfit was stolen with a bunch of other clothes from a hotel room. It still breaks my heart because I felt so comfy and unique in it.
What makes a good outfit to perform in and why?
I love a two-piece or jumpsuit anything. I have really broad style - I just love clothes so much. I love the fact I can dress up and go to work. The ritual of dressing up before a show is my favourite part. But yeah, as long as it fits. Though I've split my pants, busted some shirts, had a boob fall out… but whatever, no regrets.
What festival or gig are you most looking forward to this summer?
Kala festival in Albania. Five days of sun and soulful music on the beach. I'm taking the whole weekend off so I can dance to all my friends playing and enjoy life.
Follow CC:Disco! here and see where she’s playing next here.
Peach
Y2K dreamgirl and queen of the rave.
I’ve been repeating a version of this outfit for months in and out of clubs. The Kiko Kostadinov Asics are my perfect shoe and have basically been my personality since getting them in October. These Peachy Den pants are low, a bit baggy around the legs and fit me so well. This vintage Armani denim jacket with a two way zipper has made me wonder why every coat doesn’t have a two way zipper. Then a vintage zebra striped D&G camisole that I got in exchange for a Glastonbury ticket last year, and a vintage grey cardigan - both are essentials every weekend.
What makes a good outfit to perform in and why?
For me, comfort so I can move and dance, but layers so I can adjust to a freezing warehouse rave or a sweaty lil’ club. Sometimes I like wearing a little heel so I can be certain I can see over the booth (life as a short girly).
What festival or gig are you most looking forward to this summer?
Glastonbury.
Follow Peach here and see where she’s playing next here.
Tai Lokun
One of London’s best up-and-coming DJs and a fellow tall woman. Shoutout to the over 6-footers!
I think my asymmetric denim jacket/shirt is definitely up there with my favourite things to wear for gigs. It’s simple yet memorable and shows personality. It’s also a great statement piece, one that I get a lot of compliments on. I think the first time I wore it for a gig was my first show with HAAi, so it’s also pretty sentimental in ways.
What festival or gig are you most looking forward to this summer?
Glastonbury and Draaimolen. At Glastonbury, I’ll be playing on Silver Hayes’ new stage, The Levels, B2B with Mella Dee. It’s really a special opportunity to play on such a big platform, but even more special to play with a friend who I deeply respect and admire. Draaimolen is the first “pure” international festival that I’ve been booked for. Although I’ve played abroad, this is the first festival where the bookers aren’t British or connected to the UK scene, so it feels like I’m really going international with this one. I’ll be playing on Job Jobse’s Strange Love stage.
Follow Tai here and see where she’s playing next here.
Mella Dee
The Doncaster-born DJ is the ultimate floor filler - not to mention one of the nicest guys around!
Very classic look for me, simple and comfortable in general, nice cuts with a bit of something to make it all pop off. Prada trainers literally the most comfortable trainers going, keep me stepping for hours.
What makes a good outfit to perform in and why?
I need comfort, freedom to move and obviously you want something that looks great when you’re stood in front of a crowd of people. I like things that have zips, good pockets, very utility based as well. When you’re always travelling you want to minimise the risk of losing important items - phones, wallets, passports etc.
What festival or gig are you most looking forward to this summer?
Glastonbury is always a highlight for me. I’m always excited to be back on the farm.
Follow Mella Dee here and see where he’s playing next here.
Manami
The Bristol-based DJ is upholding the city’s reputation as the birthplace for world-class dance music.
This jacket is from my good friends Magic Castles. They design rave/sound system-inspired clothing from specific scenes, eras and artists. This one is from the Slack collection. I love the prints on the back and sides, which are taken from rave posters from the Slack parties era.
What makes a good outfit to perform in and why?
For me it’s a balance between comfort and what makes me feel good and confident. Loose fits so I can move and dance around, and some form of a statement piece - a top, a jacket or jewellery. It doesn’t have to be super elaborate, but recently dressing up has fed into the way I play.
What festival or gig are you most looking forward to this summer?
Love International in Croatia. I’m hosting a boat party on the first day and playing the Garden Stage later in the week. The holiday/festival vibes are perfect.
Follow Manami here and see where she’s playing next here.
Shanti Celeste
Always looking cute, and never a hair out of place (literally - she once gave me hair oil in Berghain).
Here’s a pic of me wearing my favourite Loulou Studio trousers. I’m also obsessed with this Samudāy Studios top which I also bought in white because it's comfy and sick.
What makes a good outfit to perform in and why?
I love the top, although in this colour it’s not great for sweat patches lol. That’s why I have it in white too! Comfort is the main thing really. When I wear a garment that’s too tight or falls off me I immediately regret it because it takes the focus away from what I’m doing. These grey trousers are light, comfy and they make my bum look great, so I wear them a lot.
What festival or gig are you most looking forward to this summer?
Glastonbury, Love International, Dekmantel to name a few!
Follow Shanti here and see where she’s playing next here.
HAAi
One of my very first guests on the podcast!
And last but not least, a throwback to one of the first Threads of Conversation episodes with the brilliant HAAi. Here she is playing Glastonbury in 2019 wearing the piece that reminds her of her career. Listen back here to hear more about her style.
Threads of the week
Went to Marie Lueder’s sample sale and picked up this upcycled orange tee. If you look closely you can see it has my name hidden on it. Best accessorised with a dehumidifier and a carton of almond milk.
Loose Threads
Been listening to i-D’s podcast “i-Dentity” which unpacks the history of different subcultures.
I sent some postcards and got a disposable camera developed this week, my two favourite dopamine hits.
I always enjoy a new Jia Tolentino missive. Here she asks “Who is Matty Healy?” and I came away with a pretty strong vibe (even though I still don’t really know who he is?)
Start your own Thread
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