Danielle McTaggart of Dear Rouge talks Juno Awards fashion
Q What is it like having the opportunity to dress for the Juno Awards? A Your style and wanting to express yourself through fashion is really artistic. So, I feel like this whole experience is really an artistic expression of who you are and how you want to be perceived. Q Is it freeing, too, when you don’t have to think in terms of your own budget? A Yes. I love these (designers) and this whole experience, but I also make stuff for myself. I go thrifting. I don’t think it has to be so specific. I can have a dress that is $10 that I love and then a dress that is $1,000 that I love just as much. Q When you’re thinking in terms of red carpet, what is it that you want to project — and how do you want to feel? A I want to be as glam as I can because I want to stand out, because that’s my personality. I feel like my initial thought is, how can I stand out? And I really like sparkly — anything — and I’m really drawn to antiquelooking things. Q SO, when you say antique, what kind of silhouettes are you talking about? A Things with movement, things that have unique details. That look like works of art almost. Q Are you going for a bodyskimming look, kind of with a 1930s influence? A I think I’m pulling from that, and print and texture. And something that is bodycon with a piece over top that’s a bit looser. Q What is your personal style like usually? A I really respect artists like St. Vincent — and she has a lot of different pieces that stand out on the shoulder or have lots of different material or look just weird and cool but are also form-fitting. I really like rock star-looking pieces too like leather and sequins. I also like Florence ( Welch) and The Machine and how she dresses herself. Q Are there any specific fashion designers you identify with? A I love Stella McCartney’s new shoes, the ones with the stars and platforms. I like those. But I don’t really think about (brands) very often, to be honest. Q So you like a look that is maybe not so traditional, but when you dress up, you’re looking for a more traditional glam? A Yes, traditional glam but mixed with a very current, edgy side to it. I do really like going to a thrift store and finding a piece that has sequins all over it and mixing it with a leather jacket and a platform boot. I like to mix current with old fashions. Dear Rouge is nominated at the 2016 Juno Awards for Breakthrough Group of the Year. Watch the Junos this Sunday at 4 p.m.