Dream pop with a nod to 70s new wave and 80s disco is how you could summarise the sound of Laiika, a rising pop act from Auckland.
Heidi Simpson and Grace Moller have a passion for crafting clever pop tunes and it’s no surprise both come from musical backgrounds. Grace’s dad, Buzz Moller, was part of the 90s indie pop band Voom and Heidi’s dad Steve was part of the rock outfit Pash and local legends The Exponents.
Heidi’s mother Shirley, a celebrated hair and makeup artist, was a drummer for Freak Power, and the late Darcy Clay, one of the country’s best male vocalists and musicians.
Fresh from the release of two singles, Crush and Any Way You Want It, the duo have also completed a three-date double headline tour with singer Georgia Lines and are set to release an EP later in 2021 with a string of live performances to come.
As they develop their sound, Laiika's style is also worth noting. It's clearly evident in the music video for Any Way You Want It, which the pair descibe as "heavily inspired by past eras of music. With this video we wanted to play dress-up. Each decade is contrasted against another to show an evolution of style and it nods to the fact that fashion, like popular music, cycles back to influence the modern-day. The looks are inspired by powerful and iconic women from each decade who were revolutionaries in fashion and music at the time."
Fresh from their live performances with Georgia Lines, the pair provide their unique take on fashion with a mix of local brands and vintage treasures.
Dream StateGrace wears Karen Walker blouse $190. Sylvester jumper $399. 18ct pearl and diamond earrings, $2810, from Walker & Hall. Heidi wears World shirt $299.
Power CoupleGrace wears Twenty-seven Names jacket $720 and skirt $370. Own bracelets. Heidi wears Jojo Ross top $139 and trousers $169. Heidi’s own necklaces, including Zoe & Morgan 22ct gold plate pendant $450. Vintage 9ct yellow gold and agate pendant, $395, from Walker & Hall.
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Top Of The PopsGrace wears Jakke faux-fur jacket, $569, from Superette. Karen Walker blouse $190. Heidi wears Gestuz shirt, $429, from Superette.
Thank You For The MusicHeidi wears made-to-order Loclaire waistcoat $329 and trousers $289, and her own necklaces, including Zoe & Morgan 22ct gold plate pendant $450; Vintage 9ct yellow gold and agate pendant, $395, and matching ring $950, from Walker & Hall. Grace wears Loclaire top $269. Salasai skirt $380. Aje earrings $110. Own bangles.
STOCKISTS: Karenwalker.com; Katesylvester.co.nz; Loclaire.com; Salasai.com; Superette.co.nz; Twentysevenames.co.nz; Walkerandhall.co.nz; Worldbrand.co.nz; Zoeandmorgan.com.
Photographer / Nicole Brannen. Fashion director / Dan Ahwa. Makeup / Kiekie Stanners using M.A.C Cosmetics. Hair / Shirley Simpson. Lighting / Matt Hurley.
