Melbourne-based Kiwi singer/songwriter Kimbra Johnson is the next big thing, just you watch. With enough spark to light up an amphitheater, flexible vocals that both reach deep and soar bright, and a soulful sensibility belying her 21 years, Kimbra will charm all lucky enough to watch and hear her live, if not through Youtube.
Her first album, “Vows” was just released just over a month ago and is a concoction of pop, soul, and R&B, inspired by the likes of Nina Simone, Burt Bacharach, and The Bird and The Bee, zinged up through the wonder of digital sampling. Her adorable look is just as much a great mix of the ages, with an undercurrent of vintage classiness throughout.
In an interview with Style Statement, Kimbra described her personal style as “Playful, feminine, chic, but a little rough round the edges.”
It stems from a love of vintage styles and 50′s dresses, as well as her affinity towards artists like Bjork & Prince who “embrace theatrics in not only their music but the way they present themselves visually”.
“I like fashion that pushes boundaries and is challenging to look at, not necessarily in a raunchy way, but in way that’s provoking and unique.”
Usually this means 80′s full skirted prom dresses teeming with ruffles, lace and velvet, or that one spangled galaxy dress lined in gold and crinoline from Perth designer Jaime Lee, paired with chunky stacked heels for shows.
Her music videos feature even more dresses, such as the bright pink frock in the pop anthem Cameo Lover, and three versions of a sultry, strapless tiered gown in an early Mad Men-esque video for Good Intent.
On more casual days, Kimbra still rocks vintage, but sticks to sweet ditsy prints, sheer shirts, and sharp blazers, jumpers and shorts. Rolled bangs, a swipe of lipstick and a couple of coats of mascara is all it takes to complete her retro chic look, which you can shop right below!
- Vintage Kitties Dress, RM43, Cat in the Bowl
- Velvet Knicker Shorts, approx. RM145.55, Asos
- Pointy Bow Heels, RM110, Mezzanine Time
- Revlon Matte Lipstick in Really Red, RM32.90, all Revlon counters
- Peterpan Collar Macchiato Dress, RM62, Cat in the Bowl
- 8000 Nerves Memorable Moments Dress, approx. RM446.99, Modcloth
- Sister Jane Lace Top with Contrast Collar, approx. RM250.96, Asos
