Peep Solange Knowles' Inspired Style
Above: Christian Louboutin suede stilettos, a birthday gift from her mom. Enlarge Image
What inspired the bold new 'do? You mentioned you can no longer hide with that hair, has it changed the way you see yourself?
"When I was recording, I was staying in a house with five guys and two showers. I knew there would be a shower wait everyday and with my natural cropped hair, it's mandatory that I wash it otherwise it gets stuck to my head like glue! I wanted to get something that I could literally roll out of bed without looking nuts. I watched so many Chaka Khan YouTube videos and became sort of obsessed with her during the process. I went to my stylist and said 'Give me the fro.' I walk differently now, sing differently; This hair has spirit and soul."
Above: Stella McCartney blazer; Levi's cut-off jean shorts; YSL stilettos. Enlarge Image
You've got such unique style, would you ever consider being involved in the family fashion business, House of Deréon?
"Why thank you very much! It's funny you ask because I initially was involved as the spokesperson, but the clothes just didn't reflect my personal style and I decided to hand that over. That's the great thing about my family. We work together so closely that if something's not working out, we can be honest about it and there won't be any grudges or issues. I wrote a couple of songs on my sister's last album and if there's a line she doesn't like, she changes it and we keep on moving. I will say though, they did just do a bedding line that I am extremely in love with and I was like, 'Can I model that... in my house?'"
Above: Betsey Johnson dress; Elizabeth & James shoes. Enlarge Image
Your nails are always a statement. Can you tell us about the wildest nail art you've tried?
"I went through a phase about two years ago where I had an extreme nail art addiction. I had British flag nails, ice cream cones, gold spikes...the whole nine yards. I still rock my nail art but with a little bit more simplicity now."
Above: Boxing Kitten Zou Zou top; Moschino Cheap & Chic pants. Enlarge Image
Do you have anything in your closet that you could never bear to throw away?
"Oh yes! A few things, but one in particular sticks out: A BCBG short, ruffled, floral, baby doll dress I've had since I was 16. I wore it at my wedding reception when I was 17. The waistline comes up to the middle of my boobs now, but I just can't let go of it. It's so perfect."
Above: Stella McCartney blazer; Aurel Schmidt for Opening Ceremony T-shirt; Levi's cut-off jean shorts; vintage belt. Enlarge Image
What's your best cheap score of late?
"A cream leather belt with a gold buckle I found at a vintage store in Santa Barbara for ten bucks. I wear it with everything now."
Above: Solange's colorful wardrobe on the bed at The Standard. Enlarge Image
You're friends with lots of Brooklyn bands—Grizzly Bear, Dirty Projectors—how do you see those bands inspiring R&B and Hip Hop?
"Well, to be honest, I think we inspire each other. Want to know who re-introduced me to "My Boo"? Edward Droste [of Grizzly Bear]. Who played TLC's "Creep" when I totally forgot what a jammer it was? Caroline Polachek [of Chairlift]. MGMT played Bone Thugs in Harmony's "Creepin On Ah Come Up" backstage after one of their shows and I had total junior high flashbacks. I think so many hip-hop artists are now jumping on this weird electro bandwagon thinking it will broaden their audience instead of doing what made them them in the first place. There's definitely a group of folks in hip-hop like Kanye, Q-Tip, and ?uestlove who know how to appreciate an album like Bitte Orca and see the beauty in it. As for R&B, I'm so bored with it. After being an R&B junkie for years, I actually turned to a lot of indie music because I was just so uninterested. I grew up loving Missy Elliott, Destiny's Child, SWV, Aaliyah, Carl Thomas, Melody... nowadays that substance and style are kind of dead with the exception of a few."
Above: Leaving the shoot with her son Jules. Enlarge Image
If your style were a song, what song would it be?
"For sure Q-Tip's 'Vivrant Thang'."
Shot at The Standard Hotel in NYC. See more of Kava Gorna's work at www.kavagorna.com and imgornagetyou.tumblr.com.
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