THE NEW LOOSE

photos by Dan King

What makes stage style, where is it born? How much does music influence how you dress? I talked to Juliette Lewis about her unique stage style and musical influences…

How would you describe your stage style?

JL: For my new record, I really wanted to up the ante, visually. It’s all about duality, socially and physically. It represents heaven and earth. The record’s got this earthy drum sound with mercurial, sinister guitar tones, so, I went with sparkles; Prince, Mad-Max, flash kind of thing. I use a lot of feathers, glitter, sparkle… But I’m also very physical, so I need something I could move in. My stylist gave me this beautiful feathered shrug which I wear over an asymmetrical black Top Shop dress from the Kate Moss line. I’m really into Costume National leggings. I try to do the whole pixie-warrior thing.

How is it different from your street style?

JL: On stage, it all about drama. Of course, I’m really attracted to drama and theater, it’s my backbone. Streetwear is all about comfort, since I basically live on a bus. It’s just the bare bones of existence; J Brands, Diesels. I started really getting into collecting vintage, I’m not really attracted to any specific designers. On stage I’m in canary yellow jumpsuits and Viking Helmets. I don’t’ really mind making an ass out of myself.

Favorite Movie Role Style?

JL: “Sympathy for Delicious.” I play the bass player in this rock n roll band and I get to wear this beautiful tall blue hat with feathers, it reminds me of something Bianca jagger would wear. I wear these high waisted shorts and ankle boots. The stylist was amazing! I also liked “Natural Born Killers,” it was like really Americana, urban psychadelica stuff; hip- hugging pants, mini dresses, etc.

What about style icons of stage wear?

JL: Tina Turner in the ‘60s, Marianne Faithfull, Bianca Jagger, mid ‘70s Rod Stewart, Freddy Mercury, David Bowie…Oh, and Mick Jagger! Because who the fuck rocks a leotard with sweatpants!

What did you dress like in high school?

JL: I went through phases. I was a punk rock chic. I wore patchwork pants. I was a super feminist. I wore one of those Dickies gas station worker suits and I would braid my hair into cornrows. At that time, I was dating a breakdancer. I was always off-kilter. Music was a big part of it. I was really into urban rap, RUN DMC and Lisa Lisa at one point. Then , my dad introduced me to Janis Joplin and Steely Dan. But, I’ve never been a genre loyalist. Later on, a boyfriend introduced me to The Pixies and Tears for Fears and that stuff and I just took it from there!