CHLOE Magazine Summer 2013 Summer 2013 | Page 12

IntoThe Machine Like a painting in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence Welch is overwhelming. Her stunning, flowy gowns and vibrant red locks dazzle all as she dances barefoot onstage, au naturel. It’s no wonder stylist Aldene Johnson has dubbed the aesthetic of Florence and the Machine’s leading lady “Pre Raphaelite.” Every outfit Johnson assembles is curated like an art collection. From vintage tapestry jackets to bespoke-tailored designer gowns, Welch and Johnson are painter and palette on stage and off. PHOTOGRAPHER VALERIE PHILLIPS INTERVIEW BY OLA MAZZUCA The London-based stylist is also a fond friend of Welch, which explains why the duo is dynamic in making a grand impression on audiences around the world. As VICE Magazine UK’s first fashion editor and the recipient of an MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction in Florence and the Machine’s eponymous hit, “Dog Days Are Over,” Johnson is commended for her keen eye and fervent fashion pursuits. If you were thinking, “who chose that gorgeous frock?” while watching Florence perform ‘Over The Love,’ at the Chime For Change concert benefit in June, tip your hat to Johnson. You have stated that Florence’s outfits are an extension of her personality, but clothing can also be an extension of the voice. Which style is the best platform for a song by Florence and the Machine? Florence’s stage outfits are definitely an extension of her personality, her performance and, of course, her voice. To have to choose is really tricky, but I’m definitely still in love with the first Gucci collaboration we did for the last tour of the Lungs album in America. And of course, the bespoke pieces that costume designer Alex Noble made for the Ceremonials tour. As women love to shop and live to dress, what is the shopping experience with Florence like? Florence and I have been working together for over four years now and I love every shopping adventure we have together. From early on, we realized that we have a very similar aesthetic and have been in sync ever since. In May, Florence performed at Sandance festival in Dubai, where she wore an ethnically inspired Marina Qureshi gown. Why is it important to correlate costume with setting? I had worked with Marina Qureshi once before, when Florence wore one of her dresses for the Reading and Leeds festivals last year. Marina wanted to create a bespoke piece for Florence and this seemed the perfect time to work together again. Traveling with Florence, what has been a memorable locale with unsuspecting, yet fantastic, shopping finds? When we were in Japan, we came across the most amazing vintage shop. We were given the address but weren’t sure we were in the right place, as we found ourselves at a residential apartment building. Florence bought the most amazing vintage BIBA tapestry floor length waistcoat. You share a love of elegance and romanticism with Florence when it comes to clothing, but what do you share in the music realm? We share the love of Rock and Roll and of course, the classics like Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. You’re also fixated on kimonos. As a stylist, why are kaftans, painter’s jackets and the former becoming a staple outside of the home? I love the whole aesthetic, the prints, the fabric but most of all; I love the feeling of pottering around the house wearing one of these gorgeous robes. Through the prints and shapes, it’s a great way to accentuate personal style, be that either from quite a subtle print or something more eccentric. You have stated that the materials you choose allow Florence to execute “amazing theatrical performances.” When Florence is on stage, how is the crowd affected, simultaneously, by clothing design and the power of live music? Watching Florence perform is mesmerizing. A Florence gig, be it the full band, strings or acoustic, it’s about the whole experience combined. Her amazing voice, the music, the way she expresses herself through movement and how the outfit she wears works to express and accentuate her performance. It’s hard not to be moved by the whole experience. As a stylist, what is your main motive to merge sight and sound? Florence has toured her two albums: Lungs and Ceremonials. The direction for the tour wardrobes for these albums comes from the aesthetic and feel of each. For both albums, the tour outfits incorporated loads of fabric for movement, be it through the dresses or the capes. The Lungs album aesthetic was more of a romantic, Pre Raphaelite feel, however, for Ceremonials, the aesthetic was inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood - Florence was a “Deco priestess.” What current style projects or endeavours are you working on? I consult on Georgia Hardinge’s main line collections and I’ve been working with Aluna from the British electronic music duo, AlunaGeorge, as well as the Los Angeles-based band, HAIM. Give me three words to describe the evolution of Florence’s personal style. There is no way to say this in three words, so I’ll keep it brief. Thrift store chic to a combo of vintage and contemporary designer chic.