BEHIND THE SEAMS – CHURCH MY STYLE – DANIELLE LEPORTE

CF: What is your idea of fashion?

DP: I’m quite literal about it. Fashion is what you wear. Style, on the other hand, is a completely different matter.

CF: How do you define your personal style?

DP: Sacred. Dramatic. Quality. Zen.

CF: Do you think that your roots, whether through your heritage or from places you have lived or have been to, have helped to evolve your style?

DP: Well, I’m from Windsor Ontario – an industrial town where the hair is big and the cars are shiny. And I do love me some big hair. But my personal evolution of style has been one extended paring down. I’ve perpetually removed things from my style palette over the years. Pretty soon I’ll just be a nudist…or a monk.

CF: How do you think your current creative environment influences your style?

DP: Good question. My creative environment is both physical and psycho-spiritual. I write, all day, lots of days, and my workspace is spacious and simple and very…white. That kind of simplicity is reflected in my wardrobe. In terms of creative vibe – that comes from my colleagues, other artists and movers and shakers that inspire me, and what’s consistent there is a kind of elegant thinking, and a commitment to quality. It doesn’t literally influence the “style” of sweater I buy, or the shoes I wear, but the people I admire inspire me to choose the best, choose eco, and choose things that will last.

CF: As an artist, do you feel that your style reflects your art and is more or less an extension of yourself?

DP: Hell yes. Everything counts. It’s all intentional. All of it.

CF: Do you think ‘image’ is an important factor for musicians and artists alike? Why?

DP: Absolutely. Everyone has a persona. Ideally, your persona is a true reflection of your genuine self. You can fake it, of course—plenty of rock stars do. But when who you are on camera or on the canvass is really close to who you are at home, or in your soul, well, then you not only get some momentum going, you sleep better at night, and you’ll last a lot longer in the business.

CF: What do you enjoy most about the fashion world?

DP: It’s an art. I love the self-expression empowerment that fashion gives people.  But I think the industry as a whole has got a long ways to go in terms of social responsibility and really making the world a better place. It’s perpetuating a lot of ridiculous and unattainable notions about what’s beautiful. How many women feel thin, rich and powerful after they compare themselves to the airbrushed socialites in Vogue?

CF: If any, who is your inspiration when it comes to style?

DP: Donna Karan….in part because of her own lifestyle.

CF: What color or pattern tickles your fancy?

DP: Minimal colour and zero patterns for me. If you opened my closet door you’ll witness a sea of mocha, taupe, beige, ivory and chocolate brown. C’est ca.

CF: What trend would you particularly like to see flourish?

DP: Conscious spending. Buying quality. Women wearing the right size bra (changes everything, darling.) I also love clean-shaven men.

CF: Do you have a personal trend that you would love to ‘set’?

DP: Truth telling and generosity.

CF: We have all fallen victim to a fashion faux pas once or twice or many… What is a trend or fad you had that you regret now?

DP: Circa 1988. TWO sets of shoulder pads. Le sigh.

CF: What is your signature piece or look?

DP: Gold hoops. Kimono sleeves. Killer shoes. Big smile.

CF: What is a fashion staple in your wardrobe?

DP: Long-waisted, long-sleeved grey tees, layered. Works over jeans and leggings. With Flip flops or Frye Boots.

CF: What is the best fashion advice that you have been given and from whom?

DP: A lady in a Vintage store in Seattle told me, “Honey, the secret to a good wardrobe is patience.”  True, that.

See Danielle Leporte at Church myStyle April 19th, for tickets please visit church.zoobis.com

Photography by Anastasia Chomlack