Pop artist and new ambassador for Zalando, Rina Sawayama shares some of her favourite new season pieces …
Rina Sawayama is a Japanese-born London-based pop artist. She has recently been announced as Zalando’s new ambassador for ‘Designer’ – a reimagined hub on the e-tailer’s website for high-end luxury products – as part of a year-long partnership. Rina’s edit is a collection of the latest pieces that capture her diverse personality – from her on-stage persona to her more introverted side. “Fashion to me is so different depending on where I am and who I’m being – for example my on-stage persona uses fashion to play a character and take the audience on a really clear journey of what I’m feeling and expressing in the music,” says Rina. “In my personal life fashion to me needs to be comfortable, simple whilst being a reflection of who I am.”
Below, Rina shares some insights into the collaboration, her relationship with fashion and some top picks from her favourite designers …
You have an infused cultural background, being born and raised in Japan and then moving to the UK when you were young. How has this inspired your art in music and style?
It’s definitely inspired so much of my writing – both albums have songs that discuss the relationship between two cultures. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to really embrace it all. I’ve recently spent a lot of time in Japan too and in terms of style it’s so amazing how people dress and express themselves – there are so many incredible new designers too, it’s very inspiring.
How do you express yourself through fashion?
Fashion to me is so different depending on where I am and who I’m being – for example my on-stage persona uses fashion to play a character and take the audience on a really clear journey of what I’m feeling and expressing in the music. In my personal life fashion to me needs to be comfortable, simple whilst being a reflection of who I am.
Are there any specific fashion items or accessories that hold sentimental value for you?
I think often my jewellery holds the most sentimental value to me. I’ve been lucky to travel all over the world on tour and have collected special pieces on the road. There are also incredible looks in my archive that I’ve worn at significant moments in my career to date that I really cherish.
What are some of your favourite designer brands and why do they stand out to you?
When I was putting together my edit for Zalando, I wanted to offer a real capsule wardrobe, where the pieces were easily mixed and matchable. I love the standout pieces from Vivienne Westwood, A.W.A.K.E, Cult Gaia and David Koma and the more versatile pieces from Materiel that have an amazing utilitarian feel. It really feels like a genuine reflection of my wardrobe.
Shop Rina’s edit below …
