Maria Jose Govea/Red Bull
Pop stars are mostly just ridiculous. So thank god we've got FKA twigs—a proper auteur who never bows to society's bullshit standards for what a female pop star should look like, act like, or sing about. I mean, this is a woman who pulled a scarf out of her vagina to give metaphorical birth to a house of vogue dancers. She simply doesn't give a fuck, and over a string of mind-blowing releases and videos, has developed an aesthetic that's distinctly hers: darkly dystopian, intensely erotic, yet full of grace and athleticism.On Sunday, FKA twigs' vision was fully manifested in 'Congregata,' which kicked off the first of a three-night series on Sunday, as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Festival in New York City. The crowd channeled her aesthetic in ensembles straight out of the post-apocalyptic handbook, while Twigs' own costumes included a custom S&M corset, sparkling vest that refracted red laser beams (!), and frayed black tutu-skirt—pieces designed by her mother Bonita Barnett, stylist Karen Clarkson, Alexander McQueen, and the independent designer Creepyyeha.Here are the looks that absolutely nailed Twigs' darkly dystopian vibe:"I am an independent accessory designer. There is this misconception in fashion, in order to be successful you need to have a tough, non-approachable, perfect persona. FKA twigs has created her own universe without having to succumb to mainstream guidelines. She showed me that it is OK to be myself—to share my love and vulnerability without sacrificing my integrity.""I love the freeness of her—how open she is to her life, her creativity, and her authenticity.""I love that FKA twigs is a combination of earth and cyborg—a thinking goddess. Also, she's just such a badass.""The way FKA twigs dances is so inspiring—she's strong and in touch with her femininity. She invites the male gaze but then subverts it.""Watching her show is like watching my own work come alive. I get goosebumps.""She's daring in the way she plays with sexuality. It's not how you usually picture it—she's somehow vulgar and innocent at the same time."
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Creepyyeha, 23, Designer of FKA Twigs' Custom Leather Bra
Alicia Golden, 29, Stylist
Allison Karman, 30, Guidance Counselor
Marinet Matthee, 26 and Karina Trizotti, 24, Models
Isabel Allen, 22, Dance Student at The New School
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