Music you can 'see'? Rhythm and beats are now visible through fashion

The Star

14-06-2025

Models with their faces painted like members of Kiss showcase Dsquared2 creations during Milan Fashion Week. Photo: AFP
On runways and in fashion collections, designers are transforming sonic influences into silhouettes – figuratively stitching sound into every seam.
Dsquared2 put on a music-themed show in February, which saw models stomping out in rockstar leathers, band tees and glam-metal accents.
The highlight was a trio in bold face paint, mimicking the iconic makeup of rock band Kiss.
Dsquared2 will be releasing an Autumn/Winter 2025 collection inspired by the rock band's Alive! Tour merchandise of 1975.
'Kiss has always been about pushing boundaries, both in music and style,' read the press statement from Dean and Dan Caten, twin brothers behind the Dsquared2 label.
'We wanted to create statement pieces that embody that same fearless attitude – something that makes you feel unstoppable the moment you put it on.'
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Balenciaga announced a Britney Spears range of ready-to-wear and accessories last week.
Britney Spears appears on pieces from a special fashion collection. Photo: Balenciaga It will be accompanied by an exclusive playlist curated by the pop star, plus two remixes of her most iconic works by musician BFRND.
'I hope my fans love it as much as I do! These are some of my favourite images from such an amazing time in my career and life, and I'm so excited to share it with everyone,' Spears said, about the archival visuals featured.
There is also the ongoing Diesel fashion line curated by music DJs from across the globe, including the likes of Venetta, Charisse C, Toccororo and Slim Soledad.
Each one of them chose a garment from the collection and inscribed a personal message on its back, turning the piece into a unique canvas of individual stories, emotions and memories.
Louis Vuitton menswear creative director Pharrell Williams – himself a celebrated musician – was also inspired by sound for a capsule collection.
Drawing on synaesthesia (a condition where senses overlap, such as perceiving sound as colour), he translated music into vivid shades and textures.
Williams is a synaesthete. He has spoken about this in past interviews.
'It's the only way that I can identify what something sounds like,' he told NPR in 2013.
'I know when something is in key because it either matches the same colour or it doesn't. Or it feels different and it doesn't feel right.'
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Another artiste who infused her passion into a fashion collection is Ariana Grande.
Earlier this year, she released a jewellery range with Swarovski. It included bracelets and earrings inspired by musical notes, as well as a whimsical tiara and a showpiece heart pendant.
'Our starting point was music, which naturally evolved into the themes of violin keys and hearts, enriched with timeless pearl detailing,' commented Giovanna Engelbert, Swarovski global creative director.
H&M's current collection brought together musicians Tyla, FKA Twigs, Caroline Polachek and more for a campaign.
It is described as rich in classic rock-n-roll staples, from voluminous sheer blouses through to lace-up shirting and tunics.
'A sense of escape felt very relevant: we wanted to play with a beautiful bohemia, rock icons and festival freedom,' said Eliana Masgalos, H&M's design director.
Two months ago, the fast fashion brand even threw a one-off music festival in Los Angeles, which blended live performances with fashion moments to celebrate the collection's launch.