In 2020, after an unfortunate hiatus, Style the Beat returns to Post-Paris! Here’s a half-dozen music videos that made me go wow-now on fashion styling. Think: Best of 2019. Who should I be checking out next? Tell me. Thanks 🙂
Director Phillip R Lopez took two rising (gay) pop stars on a psychedelic road trip. That required just the right rainbow to ripped seams ratio. Stylist Star Burleigh aced the task flawlessly. Star is an alumna of Academy of Art University where I have the privilege to teach fashion media. What a small beautiful world! I’m feeling all kinds of PRIDE right now, and oh yeah I mean it.
Hiba Elgizouli “Bidaya”
Three Sisters. Not since Chekhov (deepcut) has the world witnessed a creative synergy like this. Their single Rival won music video awards and ensured successful crowdfunding for a sequel. Styled by Sally Elgizouli, directed by Mai Elgizouli, this visual story is monumental in its resourcefulness. “Which holy book are we using?” asks the song. If it’s a holy book written by these extraordinary women, I’m in!
SOFI TUKKER “Purple Hat”
Within five years this German-NYC dance duo established a club presence cult-enough to play on FIFA & Ocean’s 8 soundtracks, get a Grammy nomination and still be considered underground. Part of the appeal is all their neon animal print. A signature Purple Hat is a must-have for fans translating into healthy merch revenue and now a must-dance track.
Sofiane Pamart “Le Caire”
French media describes him as “un pianiste néoclassique virtuose avec une attitude de rappeur.” It roughly translates to “classical music badass” and Sofiane revels in it. How do you style a video for an instrumental piece with a concept as ambitious as Cairo?! Longtime collaborator Guillaume Héritier (the impeccably bearded hottie crying in the desert) called for Versace, bling, horseback, Fellini meets English Patient. YES, PLEASE!
Lenny Kravitz “Here To Love”
The 55-year old thirst trap style icon has released this ballad as a charity single with a UN gig Stand Up For Human Rights. The rock legend directed the video himself “to show our beautiful differences, while also celebrating our oneness. We, as a people are strong. We must come together and love.” Folks self-styled for a genuinely moving visual experience. Life ain’t a casting call. It is it. #FightRacism #Here4Lenny
TOMM¥ €A$H “SDUBID”
Estonian hip-hop bad boy surfed the post-Soviet kitsch wave onto the global culture scene. (Think: Gosha Rubchinskiy, minus the underage outrage). The gloriously peculiar video is styled by Kristin Sigus who updates silent film staples without extra mockery. Meanwhile, Tommy is out there living his best life in bed with Rick Owens and Michèle Lamy, getting Vogue hot ‘n bothered. That’s how you Style the Beat.
Check out previous installments of the Style the Beat series here.
Post-Paris Fashion 