She wears what feels good and loves to dress up. Viva meets Ladi6.
It's good to be Ladi6 right now. The hip-hop and soul artist, real name Karoline Tamati, was earlier this year announced as the winner of the prestigious 2011 Taite Music Prize for her second album The Liberation Of - and she is currently nominated for three categories at the Pacific Music Awards (Best Pacific Female artist, Best Pacific Music Album and Best Pacific Urban), the winners of which will be announced in Auckland on Saturday night. The Christchurch-born artist recorded the album in her beloved Berlin, a city she considers to be the most stylish. "I love Berlin - the dirtiness and the grime that exists alongside the luxe and stringent. I love the hipsters and the haters, the post-punk bars and the retro second-hand stores and markets." She tells us more about her unique style.
* The Polynesian Blue Pacific Music Awards ceremony is this Saturday, May 28 at the Genesis Theatre, TelstraClear Pacific in Manukau City. Tickets from $20 from Ticket Direct, 0800 4 TICKET.
Who are your favourite designers?
I love Lela Jacobs. She's a very good friend of mine, so that helps while rummaging through her latest collection having a yarn. But I love her silk dresses; they feel beautiful to wear and I love the fact they are very sheer and pure silk. Right now I am in love with the black possum bowler that I bought from her recently. Her designs have an edge and attitude that I like to wear when gigging or feeling confident.
When I'm on stage, I like to wear ...
Anything that is light and coincides with how I want to feel on stage. It depends on the stage, depends on the show, depends on my attitude and mood - it depends on so many things.
When I'm off stage, I like to wear ...
Same as on stage - it depends on the day, my mood, how I want to feel, how much time I have, what I'm doing and where I'm going... so many things.
Dress to impress whom?
I would dress to impress anyone, just give me a reason. I love the process of getting ready for something, favourite part of my night sometimes.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A black Sable and Minx dress, and a red wool trench coat.
Your favourite accessory?
My sister's earrings that I have held on to for so long, and worn to many a show.
Your favourite shop?
Shopping's not really my thing - I like to look around at a load of different places, but my favourite shop if I had to pick one would probably be the DVD store - for obvious reasons I think.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Oh I don't know, Drew Barrymore's? Doubt if I'd fit any of her clothes though - stink. I like her eclectic taste from second-hand to designer, I think I'd find a heap of clothes I'd love.
Most cherished fashion item?
I am a total flake when it comes to material possessions, I always lose things, and hold very little value to things that I buy and own - I am trying to change this as I get older. My most cherished fashion item would have to be my Dr. Martens, because I spent so much money on them and I would be lost for shoes for dresses if I didn't have them - I have huge feet and also can't wear heels so my Docs are my go-to for any dress I ever wear. Note to self: must find and buy shoes for dresses.
How would you describe your style?
Still-evolving-and-deciding-on-itself kinda style ...
Currently on repeat on your iPod?
Radiohead's new album is up there at the moment, also Arthur Verocai. Pharoah Monchs' new record, Black Milk's Album of the Year, and secretly, Eric Roberson.
Your favourite stylish place?
Berlin in the summer, anywhere. I adore.
