Making it through February ain’t for the faint of heart. Inspired by No Valentines – Elton John’s anti-saccharine boy-bye track – here is our first Style-The-Beat batch of 2021: half-dozen alternatively romantic music videos that made me go wow-now on fashion styling. Who should I be checking next?! Tell me 🙂

Jon Batiste – I Need You

If you’re not yet obsessed with Jon Batiste, you’re doing it wrong. From fronting as American Late Night’s sexiest band leader to composing for Pixar’s jazz-savvy Soul, he is a genuine all-that. Special thanks to stylist Wintter Alex for that yellow short top…

Zohara – Sing A Song

The experimental costumes for this genre-bender comes from collaboration between textile artist Ravid Haken and wedding couturier Vivi Bellaish. Not sure what exactly is going on in this video, but the styling is mesmerizing. Sing a Song? Work a Look!

New Order – Be a Rebel

“British rock bands” haven’t been a thing for a while. This makes the comeback of this 1980’s anthems factory all the more welcome and worthwhile. Texturally styled by María Elena Soria with the Spanish indie-fashion darling Ana Locking. Bullseye!

Dina El Wedidi – Ya Badr feat. DJ Totti

We’ve seen how easy/hard it is to be a fashion provocateur in Egypt. This song and video finesse the line between traditionalism and visioneering with its mix of folk and electronic mahraganat music as well as superb styling by Ahmed Serour.

SGaWD – Feel Right feat. Mafeni

Stylist A’alia Boyo proves that fashion storytelling can do wonders on any budget! Loving the deceptively casual looks for this girl-meets-boy video. FYI, put SGaWD on your radars. A Nigerian with a law degree who pursues music is a force to reckon with!

Moriah Woods & Anita Lipnicka – Our Voice / Nasz głos

Fashion at the service of social justice is a Post-Paris theme! Stylist Paweł Talaga contributed his vision to this rallying cry in defense of women’s right to safe abortions in Poland. If you have not been following this important story, catch up in 4 minutes.

Meanwhile … Stay pro-actively engaged, stay tuned, stay styled!

Check out previous installments of my Style the Beat series here.