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Home / Lifestyle

Fashion Plate: Kimbra Johnson

By Zoe Walker
Associate editor, Viva·NZ Herald·
6 Oct, 2011 04:30 PM3 mins to read

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Kimbra Johnson. Photo / Supplied

Kimbra Johnson. Photo / Supplied

Viva talks to singer-songwriter Kimbra about her unique sense of style.

Stylish singer-songwriter Kimbra Johnson - known simply as Kimbra - will find out if she has won the Critics' Choice Prize at an awards ceremony in Auckland tomorrow night; a month after performing at Kathryn Wilson's show at NZ Fashion Week. The Hamilton-born singer, who moved to Melbourne at the age of 17 (she's now 21), released her début album Vows in August, and has developed a unique style that combines vintage, colour and an appreciation for quirk. She counts fellow one-name artist Prince as a her ultimate fashion plate, "for constantly pushing the boundaries of fashion, and always looking so slick". She tells us more about what fashion means to her.

How important is fashion, and what you wear, to your "image" as a performer?

It is all an extension of the music - having a strong visual element to our live shows is important because it creates a "world" for people to enter into.

How does your on stage wardrobe differ from what you wear off stage?

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It's just a little less out there but I still love to embrace colour and interesting outfits in the day to day. As long as it's comfortable and expressive in some way.

What do you love most about fashion?

The ability to express yourself in an individual way.

Who is your favourite designer?

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I currently love [emerging Perth-based designer] Jaime Lee. She designs incredible dresses with bright colours and sequins, her works are all one-offs and so unlike anything I've seen before. Very theatrical and almost harajuku.

How do you define your style?

It's playful and feminine but not too refined, I like outfits to feel free but a little bit rough around the edges too.

Currently on repeat on your iPod?

Discover more

Entertainment

Kimbra is breaking her Vows

18 Aug 02:00 AM
Entertainment

Album Review: Kimbra, Vows

07 Sep 06:30 PM
Lifestyle

Fashion Plate: Kelly Nash

22 Sep 05:30 PM
Lifestyle

Fashion Plate: Melissa Ly

29 Sep 04:30 PM

Scott Walker, Scott 4.

Your most recent purchase?

A vintage green velvet dress from The Salvation Army.

What's next on your wishlist?

Anything from Romance Was Born.

What products are in your makeup bag?

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A M.A.C lipstick is always floating about - love them for their funky colours!

Favourite fashion moment?

Mad Men. Love those 1950s dresses.

Where do you like to shop in real life?

Vintage, baby. I love the Melbourne op-shops and the challenge of finding a great outfit on the cheap. Nothing like a sweet bargain.

What about online?

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Jackets and shoes from Topshop.

What is the best outfit you have ever worn?

The Jaime Lee dress I've been wearing for Parklife tour. It looks like a galaxy.

My favourite item of clothing is ...

My big red scarf. I love scarves.

You wouldn't know, but I'm very good at ...

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Forgetting where I put my keys.

My signature fragrance ...

I currently like wearing Lola by Marc Jacobs on a special occasion.

I feel best wearing ...

Poofy skirts. They're just so much fun.

It's not "fashionable" but I like ...

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Flannel pyjamas.

The oldest, most treasured item in my wardrobe is ...

A big grey woollen jumper my mother knitted for me.

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