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.