I love collaborating; of course in music creation, but also for other supporting aspects of my career, such as creative direction for photographs, stage coaching and for creating my stage outfits. Since 2016 I’ve worked with Paris based Fashion Designer Frédérique Mamboundou to create concert outfits. Her style is bold, elegant, feminine and has a small African touch with the use of African fabrics. Working with her is fun because I’m able to express my creativity and personality in a different way, through fashion.
When Frédérique and I first met we spoke about my personal style and which parts of my body I like to show off. We also discussed colors that I like best and what is comfortable for me to wear on stage.
You will see some trends: I like wearing royal blue or yellow/ mustard on stage, and I usually like to show of my shoulders and collarbone or midriff. With this information in mind, the first step to creating la tenue is for Frédérique to draw sketches of different designs. Frédérique usually presents me with 3-4 designs and then I choose which one I like best.
Sometimes I’ll ask her for specific modifications to the design, like longer or shorter skirt, placement of the buttons or zipper, etc, but once we have agreed on a design she will proceed to make the entire outfit in canvas fabric as a tester to make sure the design fits me properly and looks good. At the fitting for the design made from canvas she usually brings the material we will use to make sure I approve. Also at this fitting, I will sometimes give her suggestions of how I want something to appear differently or what kinds of closures (buttons or zipper) I prefer.
This is my last opportunity to make changes before the design in made in the real fabric, so it’s speak now or forever hold my peace. Then she goes off and makes the design in the final fabrics so I can wear the outfit on stage. We have a final fitting to make sure everything is just right and voila – a new stage outfit is born!
Below you will see the process from approved sketch to final wear at the performance venue, plus two other outfits she designed and created for me. Once Frédérique sets up her online shop, I’ll add the link, but until then, if you are based in Paris and want a customized look, send me a message and I’ll put you in touch with her.
