Glad Rags: Cariss Auburn is Dressing like a Popstar
Get your glad rags on gang! Glad Rags is a column where we chat to some of our favourite musician's about their best garms. This week we're joined by Wolverhampton native Cariss Auburn!
How important is clothing to you for a stage presence?
I like to think that what I’m wearing helps me channel popstar energy when I’m on stage so it’s super important. l actually always get so nervous before a show and putting my outfit on is the final step in preparation, kind of like a superhero suit. It’s just great to feel good in my look.
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Do you have a different style on stage compared to off stage?
It’s not completely different but off stage is mostly comfort based and there’s less lashes involved. I wear trainers and streetwear elements on stage too it’s just times to the power of a 1000.
Do you think image is important for musicians wanting to be successful?
I think there’s definitely a sense of pressure to have a strong image as an artist, especially as a women in the industry. I think the main importance for success comes down to whether your image is blocking how you want to express yourself. I consider my style and image to be important because personally it helps me better deliver the message of my music. I think, however simple or complex your image is, it just needs to suit you as a person and that’s what people will connect with.
Who are some of your style inspirations as an artist?
Recently I’m into late 90s, oversized clothes are my friend. I’m inspired by artists like Janet Jackson, Missy Elliot, TLC. Makeup wise I appreciate @aebeku_ on instagram, also love @wuzg00d and @_magda__ for their style. Nail inspo, even though I play guitar so I can never have nails - Tomoya Nakagawa and brand wise I wish I owned pieces by Elza White, Marky Marc, Windowsen, Ottolenghi, Fancì, Mega Mikaela. The list is endless so I’ll stop here.
What is your favourite piece of clothing to wear on stage and why?
It’s not exactly on stage but I made this chainmail star dress recently to wear in the music video for my single ‘Fantasy’. It’s the most fun thing, definitely one of my top outfits. I love clothes that standout in that way because it feels special to be able to look at them and remember the feeling of performing in it.
What is your favourite piece of clothing to wear offstage and why?
Truly my favourite thing is to be warm, I’m literally always cold. So I have this coat I call my duvet coat that goes down to the floor and its massive and I’m never letting it go.
Do you think people look down on musicians who like fashion too and if so, why?
It’s very mad to me that kind of judgement because fashion and music have had an intrinsic relationship since literally the dawn of time and it works. It’s like how Rihanna is revered for her music and her successes but there have been points where people are on the back of her neck about the next album. I think there can be assumptions made of “style over substance,” that music should be your one true passion as an artist and an interest elsewhere such as fashion is some sort of diversion from your artistic authenticity or focus. But if fashion’s your thing, why can’t it be just as personal as a song? I’m lucky that in my personal and musical circles people have been nothing but supportive of me and the DIY creations or my excitement about wearing a designer in a video or just appreciating fashion pieces in general, so I’m excited to see where I can go with it.
How has your style evolved alongside your journey as an artist?
I definitely have a lot more fun experimenting with my style these days and if something doesn’t exist I’ve learnt how resourceful I can be to figure out a way to make it myself. I’m realising there is more accessibility than I thought to fashion and designers and that began last year when I was able to work with Anastasia Bull, Natsuki Hanyu and Alice Hampton for my ‘Daydream’ music video. There’s a lot I want to do and show this year so it’s a cool time.
What advice would you give someone struggling to find their image as an artist?
I think start with something you really love. It could be your hair or a makeup look or your favourite t shirt and use it as an anchor for everything else. This year I decided I wanted to be blonde then I went from there with my personal style and how I could push it forward. I’m really into moodboarding because it’s always good to cement your ideas with reference points. Ultimately nothing’s permanent and it’s all about being comfortable so take the chance to do what makes you the happiest, why not.
