Meg Wachter
Style Idol: Yelle
Issue #38
France’s rising pop star wouldn’t be caught dead in a prom dress
By Niema Jordan
Published: December 1st, 2008 | 12:00am
The lights are bright, the clothes are brighter, and the concertgoers are donning custom masks because each show has been tagged as a dance masquerade. So what does it all mean? That French electro-pop star Yelle is hitting the states in a major way. In the midst of her American tour, C’est L’Amerique, the always fashionable singer took time to talk Venus Zine about impulse buys, European designers, and her love for sneakers.
VZ: How would you describe your style?
“I like to mix vintage clothes with pieces from designers. I like to think that your clothes are a reflection of your mood, bad or good. I like to wear colorful stuff. I’m a happy girl.”
VZ: Where do you like to shop?
“I like to shop at H&M and American Apparel, or at vintage shops. But, I’m a big fan of Andrea Crews, Jeremy Scott, Jean-Paul Lespagnard, JC de Castelbajac, and Brian Lichtenberg.”
VZ: How do you know when you have found the right item?
“If I hesitate it’s not good. When I’ve found something, it’s a compulsive feeling — I buy it.”
VZ: What is one thing in your closet that you cannot live without?
“Bags. I really like to have different ones and they have to be big ‘cause I always travel with lots of things. Oh, and shoes, too.”
VZ: What is the connection between fashion and music?
“For me it’s really important to play with the image of the band and with my outfits and the boys’ outfits. Music stays the most important thing but it’s funny to see how bands today take care of their image.”
VZ: Why did you decide to team up with Jeremy Scott for your fall tour?
“I really like his work. But I also try to work with lots of different designers. For example Jean-Paul Lespagnard, a Belgium designer, did a dress for me, and tees for the boys on the tour.”
VZ: How is your onstage wardrobe different from your everyday wardrobe?
“Yelle is not a character, but a part of me. I try, on stage, to push my style. I can be more exuberant and wear glitter things, with crazy materials. In everyday life, I can just wear a tee with jeans and be very comfortable.”
VZ: Are you more of a gym shoes or pumps kind of girl?
“I’m a big fan of Reebok Freestyle. I have been since I was a teenager but it was a problem for my mom to spend money on a pair of shoes like that. But when we decided to do a photo shoot for the cover of the album, I asked for pairs of Freestyles. Now, I try to get all the colors.”
VZ: Are there any current artists whose style you admire?
“I like Peaches’ style ‘cause she always pushes the limits, and M.I.A.’s style, too.”
VZ: If you could go shopping with one designer, who would it be and why?
“I’m a big fan of Maroussia, who designs for Andrea Crews. She is cool and crazy. She knows lots of cool places in Paris to find crazy things.”
VZ: What are the best and worst things about American fashion?
“I’m a big fan of glitter American pieces, but I’ll never wear a prom dress.”
VZ: What fashion advice would you give our readers?
“Just be you, have fun with your clothes!”
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