Like peanut butter and jelly…
Fashion, Turn To The Left. Notice how rock and fashion have always gone hand in hand? There has always been a kinship between the two – and I don’t mean rock stars dating models. Like peanut butter and jelly, or salt and pepper, music and fashion together just make things more…interesting! Let’s visit all the ways music and fashion are currently intersecting.
Where Style Meets Sound
Fred Perry was founded by triple Wimbledon champion Fred Perry in 1952 and has developed into a cool streetwear brand. Each month, they feature a new band that hasn’t quite crossed over to the mainstream yet. Recent interviews include Talk Show, Master Peace, Honeyglaze and more. Ultimately, it’s worth bookmarking if you want to see who is up and coming – perhaps pitch YOUR band for a feature!
The Italian fashion brand Diesel went out of their way to connect with young, creative talent in the early aughts. In 2001, Diesel:U:Music Radio was founded to support unsigned bands. Artists that came out of the program included Diplo, Mylo, The Cool Kids and DJ Yoda. While U:Music stopped vetting talent after 10 years, Diesel now has a radio show called TRACKS, which highlights progressive musical talent.
Juicy Couture is making a comeback, but who could forget their ubiquitous track suits seen everywhere and ON everyone from Madonna to Jennifer Lopez to Britney Spears with JUICY splashed across their butt? Back in 2013, to debut a new line, Juicy released a film called “Bad Reputation,” which was inspired by women who had rebellious side including musicians Joan Jett, Marianne Faithfull and punk band Pussy Riot.
While iconic designer Vivienne Westwood died in 2022, she is still making an impact with musicians. Her anti-establishment punk styles and controversial, androgynous designs appeal to music makers who found her to be a kindred spirit. Artists who wear Westwood with pride include Harry Styles, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Pharrell, FKA Twigs, Dua Lipa and Charlie XCX.
From beats to brands
There are several musicians who have made a successful splash in fashion, including Rhianna with her LVMH backed Fenty brand. Not to mention South Korean DJ Peggy Gou’s Kirin collection, Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club, Tyler, The Creator’s Golf Wang and Justin Bieber’s DREW brand (which he has recently disavowed). Some artists haven’t been as successful (see Justin Timberlake’s William Rast line or Beyonce’s House of Deréon) proving that while the name opens the door, the goods still have to deliver.
And the songs inspired by fashion: David Bowie’s “Fashion,” “Suit & Tie” from Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z, “My Adidas” by Run-D.M.C., A$AP Rocky’s “Fashion Killa” and “Fancy” by Drake just to name a few.
I’ve made the case: music and fashion go hand in hand—now here’s some good news for you musicians. You’re reading this because you want to promote your music, right? A recent article in Forbes highlighted how some smaller fashion houses have upped the ante – and a DJ spinning cool tunes isn’t enough. More and more independent fashion houses are starting to hire lesser-known live musicians to spice up their shows. Taiwanese fashion designer Malan Breton told Forbes, “Fashion is a symphony of movement and emotion, and live music is its heartbeat. It transforms a runway into a living, breathing performance.”
It gets better! When you use Caster to promote your music you can reach curators in retail, restaurants and more. These recipients can then access and discover artists – like you – in Player. Curators are in charge of building playlists for all manner of brands, which yes, can include fashion! ! Make sure you’re signed up to promote your songs – for radio airplay and potential amazing opportunities like this.