FASHION ROCKS

There seems to be a trend happening right here on our September covers. Carine Roitfeld, our Global Fashion Director, has twice placed prominent music performers on the cover in two consecutive years. Last year, we had Kim Kardashian West and her husband, Kanye West, shooting her posing seductively in bed with his iPhone.This year, we have The Weeknd flanked by two of fashion’s most prominent supermodels,Adriana Lima and Irina Shayk. But that’s really where all similarities end. Abel a.k.a.The Weeknd, talks about how glad he is that the world just wants to know his music. He’s publicity-shy, and would rather keeps things focused on his music than talk about himself.Which is fine by us, with an issue dedicated to all things musically-inclined. From our style pages, which focus on musical fashion genres to music from the runways and the distinct influence of ’80s sportswear-meets-techno music (which Demna Gvsalia inflicted on all of us with his Vetements label and Balenciaga), the power of sound and the tribes who produce it, deliver it, dance to it and swear by it are what’s influencing popular culture today. Read how music videos are more than ever informing our tastes and ingrained in our psyche with Annabelle Fernandez’s thoughtprovoking piece on page 151. Gracia Phang styles up some of the sexiest rock star looks in The List (page 100), which is guaranteed to get you backstage at any concert, while Windy Aulia presents a sensitive portrayal of disenchanted youth from the ’80s—lounging and hanging out in all their oversized streetwear, boombox optional (page 238). On the home front, we speak to Singapore idols Dick Lee, Corrinne May,Tabitha Nauser and Myrne about their musical influences and how they are shaping Singapore to be the music centre of Southeast Asia (page 116). But for me, it has to be rocker extraordinaire Debbie Harry who continues to inspire legions of fans with her distinct style and voice, with her incredible ability to move with the times yet stay true to herself and her music. “Actually, I think my being considered a fashion icon is a bit of a mistake. It’s all in the timing,” she says on page 131. Never has such wisdom been better expressed for the new millennium. Here’s to your 15 minutes of fame.