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Interview with Siobhan Bell
The "Ghetto Fabulous" tells us about her music, style and her unexpected DJ career
Fashion
May 21st, 2018
May 21st, 2018
Young, beautiful, fashionable and a DJ.
Siobhan Bell has 90s R&B flowing through her veins and a unique look that mixes the pure essence of streetwear and a feminine charm that only a young woman determined and ready to capture the world can transmit. The street is her catwalk and day after day she crosses it with decisive steps without ever looking back because in the end, this is the secret of success: always be yourself and don't be afraid to speak your mind.
An unexpected career and an incredible love for Italy and its people: we present to you Siobhan Bell.
#1 Siobhan Bell, you recently came to our country, Italy. Here you are particularly known for your talent as a DJ, for your charisma, and for your style. What is your relationship with our country and what's special about your Italian fan base?
I did! I only recently started coming to Milan during the fashion weeks. At first, I wasn't really known yet, but then I met some great people who spend a lot of time in Milan like Sita Abellin (I used to be obsessed with how she really killed her looks living in Milan and I wanted to know more!). I also tagged along on one of Joey Badass’ trips and I met so many amazing people like Francesco Ragazzi (Director of Palm Angels), the Super Sunglasses team, etc. Everyone was so warm and welcoming and I also learnt how much fashion was actually born out of Italy. On the music side I did notice that the Techno music scene is very popular. I tend to play more rnb/hip hop music and I didnt think I would fit in, but actually, Italy was so open and welcoming and I had the best set with Virgil Abloh at The Volt Nightclub. I think that went on till 6am in the morning. I clocked out at 4am and I think Virgil was there till the lights came on! Lol!
#2 You have a unique style, contemporary but above all you mix garments, from real "tomboy" items to a super sexy crop top. Hot but never predictable. How would you define your style and which piece would you never give up?
I was a late developer, so in my younger days, I would often dress in baggy T-shirts and tracksuits to hide everything. As I got older, I identified my body as petite and discovered styles to fit my shape, such as a high-waisted baggy leg fit or a polo neck that extends your neck. I looked to other 'tomboy' girls like Aaliyah, Left Eye, Mary J Blige and noticed a lot of the 90s style was about mixing streetwear brands with luxury (e.g. Baby Phat with a Dior purse or Tommy Lee baggy dungarees with Prada heels). P.Diddy once said something along the lines of not every girl is going to wear sequin dresses, the girls he likes wear Reeboks! Music culture inspires a lot of my fashion. A piece I would never give up would be a baggy trouser.
#3 In the shots taken in Milan you managed to blend perfectly in with the surrounding street reality. You have made parking lots your stage and graffiti your perfect mood. Do you think that the city, nowadays, is the new catwalk?
I treat every place and street as a catwalk.
#4 You managed to transform your passion into a job: how did it all start? Where does this love for music come from?
Honestly, DJing was never in my career choices but I also have a crazy indecisive creative mind! I just went with the flow from DJing with my friends, to making my own club night, to turning DJing into a full-time business for myself.
#5 How much of your style is influenced by the music you listen to and play? Which artists, past and present, have influenced you?
Music and my style are a perfect match! I don't have a specific person I look up to for style, but it's more the era of time for me as most people go through phases just like myself. For example, 2000s J.Lo is different than 2018 Jennifer Lopez, but she had an iconic look wearing an all-white rhinestone bandana at the MTV VMA awards. Take Mel C from the Spice Girls who made Kappa tracksuit bottoms her stamp. I have many elements and references that I use to put my looks together. I love the reality of 2Pac attending a Versace runway show or Lil’ Kim inventing 'Ghetto Fabulous', dripping designer in all her music videos. I like to be Ghetto Fabulous!
