Glad Rags: Moonchild Sanelly on the Importance of Musician's Style

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 South African musician, Moonchild Sanelly.

How important is clothing to you for a stage presence?

Clothing is very important to me. It's so important that I literally studied fashion. People should turn around and ask "what the fuck, who the fuck is that" before they know what you do. That's how I look at it. A statement before the statements.

___STEADY_PAYWALL___

Do you have a different style on stage compared to off stage?

I do. On stage I've got the freedom to be in thongs. Like if I'm going to an event, I don't mind being in panties and a thong. But I guess I feel more comfortable on stage because I know no one is going to grab me and no one's going to fuck me up because they feel entitled to my body. So it actually amplifies my message of body ownership and positivity when it's off. But I'm all about curves, curves, ass, ass and all that jazz.

Do you think image is important for musicians wanting to be successful?

Image is very important for artists wanting to be successful. It's not going to necessarily stop you from being successful but it adds a lot to your stardom. Expression! I feel like when you're able to express yourself in fashion, creating that curiosity, taking yourself seriously because if you think about it there's also collaborations that can come into that outside of you just making music. So fashion is also just a part of the business- it is a business. People should take that shit more seriously. That's why people (artists) have bigger teams with bigger budget and brand endorsements and collaborations. It's a very serious thing especially when you're looking at your business as a brand and as a whole, not just as a musician.

Who are some of your style inspirations as an artist?

It might sound like the most ridiculous thing but myself. Even when I do shoots, I do the my own style storyboards. I love creating my own stuff and styling myself and I've got the license to design because I have studied fashion. I love bondage. I love animation. I put those two together and I guess I'm a sweet, cute (growls) fuckable, blue haired bombshell. (Giggles)

What is your favourite piece of clothing to wear on stage and why?

I really really love thongs because I get to twerk all I want. I don't have malfunctions because I make them myself so I love thongs because my booty is free to just gyrate and just give it all. And also I need some air. Have you seen me hop around on that stage? So I need things to be air conditioned per say. Cause if I did a proper costume I would probably collapse because I use so much energy. I need ventilation!

What is your favourite piece of clothing to wear offstage and why?

My favourite thing to wear offstage and why? A sweater because I'm not sweating. (Laughs) And my Puma slippers. I'm always in my Puma sneakers and a sweater.

Do you think people look down on musicians who like fashion too and if so, why?

I don't think people look down on those that are serious about their fashion, in fact they are inspired if an artist happens to be edgier. They looked down on people when it was new. But if you look at the industry now, there's more girlies that are more confident and rocking shit that I was wearing that I was rejected for a few years ago. When you pioneer shit, you're definitely going to go through the struggle until they copy it. So hence I own my hairstyle!

How has your style evolved alongside your journey as an artist?

I got more money so I can now buy better quality fabric. I have more access to stylists and clothes which just amplifies what I am. I always try elevate what I do by not looking like everyone that exists because I see myself as a leader. I also have access to things that people don't have access to in my country like latex. Real latex, I get that shit in London. And that amplifies my style to being like Punky and yet animated at the same time. The money changed it for sure.

What advice would you give someone struggling to find their image as an artist?

Play, play, play around. Just play around. Just have fun with it- no pressure. Just. Have. Fun. There's always your way of standing out. If you like dark clothes, you can stand out in them. Investing in fashion is a part of investing in your brand!