Style Idol: Marina Diamond Issue #39

London’s latest thrift-loving, sequin-wearing, wry-witted songstress takes on the industry

By Kirsten Kilponen
Published: March 1st, 2009 | 3:18pm

Don’t be fooled by the band name Marina and the Diamonds. As the solo artist explains on her Myspace page: “I am Marina. You are the Diamonds.” Commanding keyboard skills are quickly propelling her name through the blogosphere, and Diamond’s fearless sense of style — we’re talking black tennis skirts and cat sweaters here, people — is matched only by her sharp tongue and swift humor. Venus Zine chats with the woman who isn’t afraid to tackle the music biz, the fashion industry, and even the occasional audience member.

VZ: How would you describe your personal style?
“Flamboyant, dazzling, gem-encrusted vintage, and a load of kitschy tacky stuff.”

VZ: Where are your favorite places to hunt for clothes?
“In London, Portobello Saturday Market, Brick Lane Sunday Indoor Market, Beyond Retro vintage store, This Shop Rocks vintage store, charity shops in rich areas, TRAID, and eBay.”

VZ: What has been your most exciting clothing or accessory find?
“A pair of Gucci heels for £7 in a Muswell Hill charity store, an American vintage ice skater’s dress for £15, and a 1950s burlesque ballet tutu.”

VZ: Is there any item of clothing that you would just die without?
“Yeah, American Apparel leggings. And red sequin hot-pants, obviously.”

VZ: Who are your biggest influences when it comes to fashion?
“People who are fearless. Fashion is not the same as style. It isn’t always about looking good. It’s about taking risks, having fun, and being very creative.”

VZ: Do you find style an important aspect of being a musician?
“Absolutely, if it feels natural to you. It’s a total extension of your personality. Plus, if your looks are a substantial part of your public persona, it’s part and parcel that you should treat it as a fairly important thing.”

VZ: Is there anything you find dissatisfying when it comes
to fashion today?
“Yeah, that every top designer label rarely uses normal examples of female bodies in their ads. I’m not criticizing girls who are slim naturally — we all have different body shapes, but all these marketing tactics imply that you must be super thin to be able to rock a good outfit. What a total lie.”

VZ: You recently tried to sock a guy who attempted to knock down your keyboard. Have you thought about altering your wardrobe to be more efficient for fighting back when audience members attack?
“GUNS and WONDERBRAS. To hold me down, you know?”

VZ: What fashion advice would you give to our readers?
“Never skimp on price if you can help it. It’s better to have 8 pieces of clothing that are of brilliant quality and look beautiful on [you] than to have a wardrobe full of 800 pieces of gross Primark T-shirts.”

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bsowray (2 months)
See an exclusive film of Marina making the video for new single Oh No!; http://www.vogue.co.uk/video/voguetv/player.aspx/exclusives/video,9634/