London is a hotbed of musical talent and creativity. This year alone, seemingly dozens of artists have piqued our interest with their dulcet tones, sweet tunes, and sartorial know-how.
Particularly, Charli XCX, AlunaGeorge, Laura Muvula, and A*M*E all feature heavily on every single one of our spring playlists. Get to know 'em ahead — and cop their style while you're at it.
AlunaGeorge
AlunaGeorge is one of our favorite music discoveries of 2012. The band’s pop-electronica rhythms burrow into your brain, their debut single “Your Drums, Your Love” is still on permanent play here at R29 London, and we've marked April 15 in our diary for when their next single, "Attracting Flies" goes on sale. And singer Aluna Francis’s style is every bit as arresting as her music. Channel her urban-inspired elegance with a streamlined maxi dress, skinny leather jacket, and Nike trainers. Keep your jewelry sleek and minimal.
From left, clockwise: Bourjois Golden Shimmer Hair and Body Mist £5.99, available at Amazon, Rick Owens Blister Leather Biker Jacket, £1,496, available at Net-a-Porter, River Island Chelsea Girl Maxi Dress, £35, available at River Island, Jaeger necklace, £60, available at House of Fraser, AlunaGeorge Attracting Flies, available on iTunes from April 15, Nike Dunk Sky High Print Trainers, £85, available at Nike .
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Photo: Courtesy of AlunaGeorge
A*M*E
The 18-year-old South London-via-Sierre Leone native has exploded onto the scene with her vibrant pop tunes and street-smart style. Her Duke Dumont-produced track, “Need you (100%)” was the soundtrack to our London Fashion Week experience, so often was it heard backstage and on the runways. Plus, her connection to fashion is cemented with her cult fanzine, The A*M*E, and we love her mix of '90s tailoring with pops of bubble-gum colour. Try it for yourself and team a pair of leather skinnies with a block-colour blazer and graphic-print tee. A slick of acid bright lipstick and gladiator heels complete the picture.
The 18-year-old South London-via-Sierre Leone native has exploded onto the scene with her vibrant pop tunes and street-smart style. Her Duke Dumont-produced track, “Need you (100%)” was the soundtrack to our London Fashion Week experience, so often was it heard backstage and on the runways. Plus, her connection to fashion is cemented with her cult fanzine, The A*M*E, and we love her mix of '90s tailoring with pops of bubble-gum colour. Try it for yourself and team a pair of leather skinnies with a block-colour blazer and graphic-print tee. A slick of acid bright lipstick and gladiator heels complete the picture.
From left, clockwise: L.K. Bennett Capri Leather Gladiator Sandal, £275, available at L.K.Bennett, A*M*E Need You (100%), available on iTunes from March 25, Miss Selfridge Fine Spiral Hoops, £5.50, available at Miss Selfridge, Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Plum Orchid, £20, available from Space NK, Reiss Avanti Pip Flared Single Breasted Red Coat, £195, available at Reiss, Mary Katrantzou Starsailor Printed Jersey-Top, £260, available at Browns, Iris & Ink Leather Leggings, £349, available at The Outnet
Photo: Courtesy of A*M*E
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The next time you catch Avicii at the O2, go for some flash-patterned pants, tough-as-nails carryall, and eyeshadow with a hint of glimmer. It's the best look for when the beat drops.
Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply Mosaic Paisley Skinny Jean, $98, available at Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren Denim and Supply Studded Canvas Shoulder Bag, $145, available at Ralph Lauren. NYX Love in Rio Eyeshadow Trio, $6, available at Nordstrom.
Charli XCX
2013 is set to be Charli XCX’s year. The 20-year-old singer has already toured the world with Coldplay and Santigold and this April releases her debut album True Romance. But her '90s-inspired club-wear looks have caught the world’s attention just as much as her music. Dress up in skin-tight colour-block denim skinnies and dare to bare in a striped crop top. Tie up your hair in a messy top knot and don’t forget to give your eyes a slick of petrol-black kohl.
2013 is set to be Charli XCX’s year. The 20-year-old singer has already toured the world with Coldplay and Santigold and this April releases her debut album True Romance. But her '90s-inspired club-wear looks have caught the world’s attention just as much as her music. Dress up in skin-tight colour-block denim skinnies and dare to bare in a striped crop top. Tie up your hair in a messy top knot and don’t forget to give your eyes a slick of petrol-black kohl.
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From left, clockwise: Barry M Eyeshadow Pencil In Gun Metal, £4.59, available at Barry M, Charli XCX True Romance, available at iTunes from April 15, Dr Martens Pascal Boot, £100, available at Dr Martens, Miss Selfridge Stripe Turtle Neck Crop top, £16, available at Miss Selfridge, Paige Denim Edgemount Ultra Skinny Jeans, £265, available at My Wardrobe, Mawi Twin Gemstone and Claw Set Spike Necklace, £575, available at Mawi
Photo: Courtesy of Charli XCX
Laura Mvula
Laura Mvula’s sultry, laid-back music have earned her a 2013 BRIT Critic’s Choice and a BBC Sound of 2012 nomination. Not bad for a former supply teacher from Birmingham. And the singer’s paired-back style is the perfect complement to her relaxed sound. Try it for yourself with a crisp, white blouse; laser-print skirt; and sky-high heels.
Laura Mvula’s sultry, laid-back music have earned her a 2013 BRIT Critic’s Choice and a BBC Sound of 2012 nomination. Not bad for a former supply teacher from Birmingham. And the singer’s paired-back style is the perfect complement to her relaxed sound. Try it for yourself with a crisp, white blouse; laser-print skirt; and sky-high heels.
From left, clockwise: Antik Batik Pareo Scarf, 78 Euros, available at Antik Batik, Cos Kimono Sleeve Blouse, £55, available at Cos, Aldo Lucite Heels, £80, available at Aldo, Peter Pilotto Lace-Print Pencil Skirt, £592, available at Matches, Mizani Scalp Care Intense Moisturizing Conditioner, £13.85, available at Urban Retreat , Laura Mvula Sing To The Moon, £13.99, available at Amazon
Photo: Courtesy of Laura Mvula