SUITED, NOT MUTED
Annabel Liddell lets her rebellious spirit shine through Victorian-inspired fashion with an 80s perspective
Annabel Liddell is one of the most exciting emerging female vocalists in New Zealand.
Her musical influences include Patti Smith, Kim Gordon, Gillian Welch and Townes Van Zandt. While she’s not working on music, the talented musician is also studying for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBCHB) and is due to qualify as a doctor in November.
She started playing music at primary school, aged 8, and now, as lead singer of four-piece band Miss June, the 24-year-old has a sound and style uniquely her own.
“Heartbreaking Bravery [an independent entertainment blog] once described our band as ‘some unholy union between Sonic Youth and Le Tigre’. I think that sums it up nicely,” Liddell says.
Since bursting on to the music scene in 2015, the band’s sonic influences have combined elements of punk, new wave and rock. Liddell also cites a diverse range of powerful female artists as major inspiration from Erykah Badu to Bjork.
“I recently saw Bjork play in London, with two of my best friends. There was an electrical lightning storm on our left side and a full blood moon on the right. Bjork had seven flute players on stage with her and the most incredible visuals you could ever imagine. It was the perfect setting, she saluted the moon and we all cried.”
Taking on Victorian separates with an 80s bent for our spring fashion special– think Princess Diana’s Sloane years – Liddell adds an inspiring irreverence to prim and proper looks.
“I feel like myself in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. It’s what I often perform in. My Levi’s collection is mad,” she says. “I hope with the future of fashion we see women continue to transition from a passive role to an empowered one. I think a lot of designers are pushing for this — some always have been. But it’s up to photographers and magazines and media more than ever now too.”
Liddell’s approach to style leaves us with plenty of inspiration for the new season ahead. “The only message I tend to give with fashion is ‘f*** it. Wear what you want and own it.’”
Hear, hear.