4 Australian-based DJs and musicians show us their favourite on-stage outfit

IMAGE VIA @VVPETE/INSTAGRAM

WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT

Turn it up.

Music events – festivals, gigs, day parties and the like – give us the chance as attendees to appreciate our favourite artists IRL while surrounded by high-energy, like-minded people. They’re also an opportunity to exercise the creative limits of our wardrobes, combining colours, textures and prints in new and inventive ways.

For the DJs and musicians on stage, the outfit-choosing process is slightly more high-stakes, but just as fun. As a performer, you have to consider the practicality of your ensemble (can you dance across the stage in it?) and how it ties into your identity as an artist.

***For more style suggestions, head to our* Fashion *vertical.***

This New Year’s Day, Melbourne music event Sun Cycle is returning home to the Coburg Velodrome for a fresh new rotation. With a slew of talented local (Ben Fester, Miss Kannina, Mildlife) and international (Erika de Casier, Jayda G, Objeckt) artists on deck, it’s set to be another electric day celebrating the new year. Below, 4 local DJs and musicians show us what they’re wearing on stage at Sun Cycle.

Strange Interactions

What’s your go-to outfit when performing, and why?

Photography by Jessica House

Margarita: Definitely depends on the season. In summer, I often opt for my Heights x Miki Kim collab dress with a pair of chunky platform sandals and some glasses. It’s colourful [and] vibrant but also super comfortable and breathable. In winter, I’m a sucker for wearing my Karlaidlaw Spider Pants with her skirt over the top, and a Toilé Studios cropped top. Plus probably some platform Dr Martens, ankle and arm warmers.

Yang: My go-to is definitely my Karlaidlaw skirt, which I tend to wear for most of my big gigs. I just love the cut of it and how it makes me feel when I wear it (clearly we’re both big fans of Karlaidlaw!) I was also recently gifted a pair of Miista boots for my birthday which I am in love with, so any excuse to wear those I’ll take.

What labels and styles are you drawn to, and how do they tie into your identity as a performer?

M: Definitely what I’ve said above. Miki Kim, who’s mostly a tattoo artist based in Seoul, really inspires me as I love how bold, expressive and bright her work is. Perhaps this doesn’t tie into my current identity as a performer, but more so what I aspire to be – fearless and unashamed.

I’m also a big fan of Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp. I love her hoodies and trackies [and] how they’re for all bodies, [plus] comfy and stylish. I’m also a big fan of Toilé Studios… they lean more into the softer subtleties of how I dress and act.

Y: As a DJ, I love to be comfortable while performing, so I definitely prefer comfort over style. In saying that, I still love to dress up for performances so I love brands like Karlaidlaw, Needles, anything by Asics x Kiko Kostadinov, Eckhaus Latta, P.A.M, etc.

Currently, my favourite outfit to wear at gigs is my Karlaidlaw Ruched Mini with an Issey Miyake Pleats Please tank top and my Miista boots. I feel boss but also super comfortable to jump around and have fun.

@strangeinteractions

Baby G

What’s your go-to outfit when performing, and why?

Usually, a tight top and baggy pants combo – [I] love to be equal parts comfy and slay. You’ll probably find me in trackies and a crop top with silver jewellery and sneakers. My colour palette is kept to a minimum, but I do love a tiny handbag and sunglasses moment.

What labels and styles are you drawn to, and how do they tie into your identity as a performer?

There are so many great local labels who are in it for the right reasons, which is something I want to be representing in all aspects of my creative practice. I have been rinsing my Soliela tees recently – Soliela is a local fashion label aimed to unite the Arab diaspora. Also a huge fan of Violet Town and the designs they are producing – really cute, good-quality clothes.

@bby__g__

Poli-Pearl

What labels and styles are you drawn to, and how do they tie into your identity as a performer?

I am drawn to local designers who don’t just make clothes, but they make sustainable and wearable art. I am passionate about slow and sustainable fashion and as an artist, I like to wear unique stuff. I also like to wear mob-only outfits and support Blak-owned businesses. This is close to my heart as I am a proud Whadjuk/Wadandi Noongar woman.

The two local Naarm-based designers I have chosen to wear at Sun Cycle are Remuse and Boujani. They both have a passion for sustainable and up-cycled clothing and make incredible unique and artistic works. I will also be repping War-Ring Designs, which also uses sustainable fabrics and dyes much like Remuse. I have also included accessories from Haus of Dizzy and Priscilla’s Adornments.

@poli.pearl.00