Hey, I Like Your Style! Exploring the wardrobe of Melbourne R&B singer, Pania
IMAGE VIA @PANIAXO/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Extra, bold, rockstar, sexy.”
We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years), so we’ve introduced a new series Hey, I Like Your Style!, diving into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.
While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
These are the stories behind the wardrobes, exploring how we develop our own personal style. There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story.
This week, we’re delving into the personal style of Melbourne R&B singer, Pania. Looking back on her teenage years, Pania says her all-neon ’fits and chunky skater shoes were “a little awks” in hindsight. Now, with her music star well and truly on the rise, Pania has found her voice – and style – as an artist. On stage, it’s all about bold colour, playful details and representing fellow Melbourne creatives. Coming off the back of her latest release, P Pack, Pania speaks on her journey with fashion so far.
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
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I used to wear full neon fits, that was a bit awks in hindsight. And skate shoes – I used to rock Etnies and DC shoes when I was young, but definitely did not touch a skateboard.
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
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[The] most expensive item would probably be this Alexander McQueen umbrella that I used once – it’s fire and I bought it for the NGV Gala, but probably won’t use it again. Does anyone wanna buy it from me? I have so many pieces that are thrifted or from Depop, so my wardrobe honestly isn’t that expensive. I’m smart with it.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
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My own designs for sure. I created and released some crop tees that mean the world to me… it’s my first step into properly releasing clothing, which is another avenue I’d like to go into.
How would you describe your on-stage style persona? What do you like to wear when you’re performing?
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Extra, bold, rockstar, sexy. I like to wear pops of colour and EXTRA pieces. I like to go with a theme – for example, [for] the Melbourne Kehlani show I had a biker theme with the big motorcycle jacket and the leather shorts. I also like to balance the fluidity of the outfit – so if I’m wearing a feminine top, I’ll balance it out with more masculine and boxy bottoms.
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
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Rick Owens [Drkshdw sneakers], I want the leather pair with the jumbo laces but they’re sold out. And a pair of Bapes.
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
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My own merch tees, my NiiHai baggy jeans and my Yeezy foam runners – everyday fit.
Who are your favourite local designers?
Kid Condo – she’s from Westside Melbourne too and made my belt bikini for my Melbourne Kehlani show. She’s incredible and got a super bright future. She makes the perfect pieces for onstage and her mind is crazy, she’s my favourite for sure.
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And Ken Bap makes pieces that are so unique and out of the ordinary. That’s why I love his work, it’s perfect for onstage and pushing boundaries. He made the shorts I wore for the Kehlani tour.
For more of Pania and to listen to ‘P Pack’, head here.
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