What are local DJs wearing right now?
image via @katayanagitwins/instagram
words by lara daly
Inspiration from behind the decks.
In the middle of winter, the club offers escapism. A night spent dancing and getting sweaty with your friends is one of the few occasions where getting dressed still feels exciting. It’s a chance to experiment, take risks and wear something you’d never reach for in daylight.
As someone who doesn’t go out nearly as much as I’d like, I’ve realised my own dancefloor wardrobe is seriously lacking. So, who better to look to for inspiration than the people behind the decks?
Discover more artists and music we love at FJ’s Music section.
DJs don’t just shape the mood through music, they’re often among the most compelling dressers in the room. Their outfits have to survive hours of dancing, hot lights and packed dancefloors, while still feeling true to their personal style.
Here, six Antipodean DJs share the pieces they keep coming back to, and how they balance comfort with serving a look.
Zalina
I’m wearing a bodysuit by Raga Malak, capri pants by La Maskarade and my ride-or-die Tony Bianco kitten heels. These capris became a signature Zalina staple last summer – they’re fun, comfortable and perfect for shaking ass behind the decks!
When I’m performing, I like to wear hot but practical pieces, because it gets sweaty. I usually keep the base minimal and wear a lot of black, then add an unexpected colour or hectic accessories. I have quite a masculine energy, so I love balancing that with sexy cuts, open backs and halter necks.
I’m all about supporting local designers, international concept brands and finding special pieces through thrifting. Some favourites include Karlaidlaw, 1XBlue, Spitsubishi, Sscheiffer, Camila Maldonado, Dgianna Vintage, Pigsuit, Gata Delgado and Justine Clenquet.
Arcadia
This pic is from a recent night playing at Miscellania rooftop, wearing my studded jeans and Alix Higgins long-sleeve. I love the colours and poetry on this top, and it’s very movement-friendly.
When I’m performing, I like to wear something I can dance and feel good in. I have to admit I’m pretty relaxed most days, so when I go out I love to dress up. I’m drawn to things with interesting colours or texture, like sequins, studs, fringing, anything that leans a little more theatrical or glam gets me in a party mood.
The right venues create a safe space that makes me feel like I can wear anything I want and I love seeing everyone going all out in their own style too. I also always wear my Sets clipped on as an outfit accessory, so I know I’ll always have them on me when it’s loud!
Mon Franco
Here I’m wearing my Earth, Music and Ecology shirt and chino barrel pants from GU, both thrifted. Quad boots from Dr Martens, a Vie Orne jacket and a leather bomber jacket.
When I’m performing, the only staple is my shoes, Dr Martens. Everything else comes together on the day. I’m a tomboy that loves to mix baggy and clean-cut silhouettes, paying attention to form and colour. Since it’s winter, I layer up, having fun with building different shapes. But I end up taking all the layers off, because my sets get pretty heated!
DJ Daddy
I’m in my staple-yet-sexy adjustable capri pants from Hydra Opia, a vintage crop top, vintage jewellery from the op shop, and Prada sunglasses I bought in Italy.
When I’m DJ’ing, I like to wear something comfortable! Usually I’m in a graphic tee and jeans. Simple. It’s a bit of a balancing act trying to look cute yet practical when lugging records around town, or hiking up stairs to the club. The most important thing is shoes I can stand in for a long time without getting tired, and accessories that won’t get stuck in my hair or my headphones.
I’m quite boring and utilitarian when it comes to DJ fashion but I’m currently in a full-blown Vinted addiction, so hopefully that will change soon. If I’m playing a festival or something larger, I try and wear a local designer as much as possible, or inevitably steal from my stylist friend Abi’s wardrobe. And don’t forget the sunglasses – an invaluable accessory if you’re feeling nervous, or left the party too late.
Katayanagi Twins
Rain (left) wears Adidas by Avavav Baby Track Top in red, Uniqlo baggy jeans, spiked metal cuffs and an army hat. China wears Adidas by Avavav Baby Track Top in black, low-rise jeans and oversized black glasses.
It’s always something Katayanagi-coded, which is all greyscale with everything oversized – big glasses, baggy pants, big jackets. We always accidentally match each other, too. We’ll come out of our rooms and somehow be wearing the same top without even talking about it.
In summer it’s only right to wear a bikini top because it gets sweaty, and in winter it’s a cute top with low-rise or baggy jeans. We practically live in Stolen Girlfriends Club and Ksubi. DJ player tip: wear a white (or coloured) top because it stands out the most when you’re performing.
For more on DJ style, try this.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
