Welcome to Girl on the Rise; where up-and-coming talent meets the season's bubbling trends, simultaneously providing you with a double hit of stylish information. Don't. Go. Anywhere.
More than a handful of S/S 17's headlining trends are adventurous, and—hold onto your hats—for once that includes a genuinely bold array of floral prints. While cute little ditsy blooms do exist in their thousands at this time, there are far louder counterparts vying for the main stage. They can be a little daunting: neon hibiscus-splattered trousers don't sound like the first thing you'd reach for of a morning, but such a statement can be impactful, mood-enhancing, and therefore, at least worth considering.
It's why we've called upon DJ Henri to showcase the ways you can wear this season's power blooms. She's the London-based music-maker who is in the thick of Cannes as we type, has just got back from performing at Coachella and is already on speed dial for Chanel parties and Versus catwalk shows. And it's no wonder when you look at her: like a candy-haired Debbie Harry ("Awesome! Definitely say that. I love her," was Henri's response when I suggested it), this is a girl who favours vintage space-age Courrèges over basics and breaks pretty much all of the rules we've ever held onto (she actually likes wearing jumpsuits at festivals and dyes her hair every other day with bleach from Topshop). If anyone can provide a master class in these out-there prints, it's her.
Keep scrolling to read our interview with DJ Henri, and to learn and shop the coolest ways to wear this season's floral trend.
1. Layer a Decorative Kimono Over Jeans
On DJ Henri: Attico Beatriz Dress (£1215); Sandro Straight-Cut Jeans (£185); Ray-Ban sunglasses; Zara Mules (£26).
Fast becoming appreciated on social media for her eclectic tastes, it's hard to believe Henri's vibrant personal style is one that has developed only recently. Having worked in multiple other jobs before landing on music eight years ago, becoming a DJ has helped honed her current look—she admits that during her time in the publishing sector that she had "no sense of fashion."
2. Try Clashing With Gingham
On DJ Henri: Zara shirtdress worn as jacket and Handbag With Ring Detail (£30); Bimba y Lola Green Vichy Top (£120); Re/Done High-Rise Cropped Jeans (£360); Topshop Jemma Heels (£59).
Some DJs choose to just wear a white T-shirt and black trousers, and make a statement by not dressing up, whereas I love dressing up anyway! I think being a DJ just gives me an excuse to be able to be that much more extreme.
"When you're a DJ, you're always in the spotlight, so I kind of had to make an effort with what I wore," she said on our shoot day. "Some DJs choose to just wear a white T-shirt and black trousers, and make a statement by not dressing up, whereas I love dressing up anyway. I think being a DJ just gives me an excuse to be able to be that much more extreme."
3. Go Totally, All-Out Tropical
On DJ Henri: J.Crew On Island Time T-Shirt (£40); Rosie Assoulin B Boy Pants (£1130); Blaiz Bruna Bag (£195); Schuh San Fran Heels (£40); Vanda Jacintho bangles.
My mum definitely dressed me like a doll when I was growing up, and then I went through a rebellious stage not wearing any dresses, or anything sparkly. But that's come around again—I love the new Gucci collection.
4. Just Tap Into Floral Accessories
On DJ Henri: Molly Goddard Funky Tulle Mini Dress (£725); Realisation Par Christy Dress (£123); Ken Samudio earrings.
Henri's mother was a model, so it's no great surprise that her interest in fashion surfaced at some point, but what has she gleaned from this connection? I asked about her potentially very fashionable childhood: "[My mum] definitely dressed me like a doll when I was growing up, and then I went through a rebellious stage not wearing any dresses, or anything sparkly. But that's come around again. I love, as you know, the new Gucci collection—I made that really clear [on set]!" Henri's mother also imparted some beauty wisdom, advising her daughter to always opt for cat-eye makeup to flatter her features; it's a trick she still uses today.
5. Anything Yellow Goes for Floral-Print 2.0
On DJ Henri: Gucci One Sleeve Floral Georgette Dress (£3230).
With festival season all in full swing for Henri and her latest single, "Sunshine of Your Love," out on Spotify and Soundcloud, she's got a pretty major date in the diary: playing the Rabbit Hole at Glastonbury. But not one to be phased by the potential pitfalls of this muddy quagmire, all she needs is her Eve Lom lip balm and a jumpsuit: "I love wearing jumpsuits; I live in, like, dungarees and all-in-ones… You don't have to think about what you're wearing. It just looks good, and you feel comfortable."
Next up, perfect summer outfit ideas.
Credits: Photographer: Phill Taylor. Stylist: Lily Russo; Photographer's assistants: Pete Navey and Natalie Taylor. Makeup artist: Christelle Gbeudjeli using Smashbox Cosmetics. Hairstylist: Mary Mumford using Bumble and Bumble.
Shot at Smashbox Studios, London.
