Like most young girls, Florence Welch’s love of fashion blossomed while playing dress up with friends. Welch’s eclectic style and love of all things vintage is showcased through her celestial stage ensembles as the singer of Florence and the Machine. 

VENUS ZINE: Where do you look for inspiration? 

FLORENCE WELCH: I get a lot of inspiration from girls I see on the street, and I have some really fabulously dressed friends. Right now I’m really into stuff that’s ugly—for instance, boxy clothes and shoes that look like Frankenstein boots.

VZ: Do you have any specific reference points when you put together an outfit?

FW: I think a lot of my inspiration comes from film, like The Cockettes, which is about performance art drag queens, and Welcome to the Dollhouse—that girl’s style is unreal! And I love La Vie en Rose. Cartoons inspire me too, like Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Poison Ivy from Batman. 

VZ: I read you love to frequent vintage stores while on tour. Is this something you do only on the road?

FW: It’s something I do to break up the monotony of touring. I’m always drawn to classic pieces that you can’t necessarily place in time, but I really do find inspiration in whatever is in the junk shop. Once, I found this bright green chiffon curtain covered in sequins, and I used it as a cape. I used to spend so much time dressing up with my friends since we couldn’t afford to go out, and I think that translated into my stage style. 

VZ: How would you describe your style?

FW: For the stage, it’s Lady of Charlotte meets Ophelia…mixed with scary gothic bat lady. But in real life I’m kind of prim. I went through a little old lady phase, which I come back to every now and again. 

VZ: Is there one trend that you absolutely hate?

FW: I really hate neon. Neon camo print is the worst. Oh, and Crocs, cargo pants with toggles, and fleeces. 

VZ: Is there one piece of clothing you couldn’t live without?

FW: There are some things I’d definitely save if the house was burning down. My mother’s wedding dress, which I hope to wear some day. She also had this amazing debutante dress that she wore in the ’70s. Clothes that make you feel special are important. 

From left to right:

Channel Dawn Wiener (heroine of Florence-approved flick Welcome to the Dollhouse) with a retro ruffled dress. Rocket Science Dress by TCEC, from Modcloth

Admire Flo’s fiery locks? Pump up your hair’s red tones with this color-enhancing duo. Radiant Red Daily Shampoo and Conditioner by John Frieda

Click here a behind-the-scenes interview with Florence