A few months ago, myself and along with Holly Falconer (photographer) and Bella Cruikshank (Make up artist), worked together to create some images for a newish and upcoming band called The RGBs. I worked with Holly and the band to build a set and also get the right clothes and props that suited and reflected their style as fashionable young, cool and hip (i hate that word...hip!) musicians. I think we did a good job! After meeting with the band i decided to set up an interview with Robin the only guy of the band with Buckstyle. He had a great style and really interesting clothes.
Article and interview written for Buckstyle
Styling and words by Celia-Jane Ukwenya. Photography by Holly Falconer.
The RGB’s are constantly described as a ‘fem-pop quartet’; Becky, Claire, Harriet and Robin. But, Robin is not a ‘fem’. A dapper dandy with an adventurous style, Buckstyle delves deep into the wardrobe of the only man of the band and talks cyber hippies, Zion and stealing his girlfriends clothes.
So tell us a bit about the way you dress…
At the moment I like to think that I follow what I call the ‘Zion’ style (ha-ha! totally made up). I watched The Matrix again about a year ago and loved what they wear in the original city. The Cyber hippies are ecological, economical, and technologically advanced. I am also into the back to basics sort of thing … nice materials, nice colors, weird shapes, very earthy, very green.
Do you have a favourite item of clothing at the moment?
My girlfriend’s hat! We just got back from France where it was really sunny. I just nicked it one day and haven’t taken it off since. It’s great to feel that the summer is finally here! It’s like the first day of the year wearing shorts at school.
What is your most experimental item of clothing you have ever bought?
I got this handmade pair of trousers from a local shop on brick lane the other day (and I never buy expensive stuff usually); they have the longest crotch on them and skinny legs. I’ve been watching them for quite some time and hesitated to get them. No regrets, they’re very comfortable.
As well as Brick Lane, where do you buy most of your clothes?
I usually buy what I like (or can afford) no matter what the shop is really. I went to American Apparel quite a bit when it first opened on Curtain Road. I used to work across the road and the people working there use to give us massive discounts. It was really nice of them, but that time has gone unfortunately! I haven’t bought any clothes for quite some time actually. A few brands have been really kind to let us take some of their stuff away recently, such as Lee Jeans.
Would you say you had a favorite shop or designer?
I still haven’t found anywhere that makes Zion cloths! (If anyone knows?) Charity shops are great! And it’s a great way to recycle too. It will always make me feel good when I buy something in one of them; very cheap, helps someone, and is good for the environment! The charity shops in posh cities are the best.
Do you find you are more adventurous in your dressing being in a predominantly female band?
Ha-ha! No, not really. But I’ve worn Claire’s skinny jeans a couple of times. I use to have fun with black face paint for a while as well; I got the bottom half of my face painted for our Everlaster video about a year ago.
Do you find your music influences your sense of style?
Hmm.. We play music that isn’t really surfing any fashion styles at the moment so it’s hard to say. Becky always wears crazy leotards and the rest of us just go with the flow I guess, nothing too serious.
Do you have a style icon, or someone or somewhere that influences the way you dress?
Everyone around me really, especially being in London. There’s a shop window on everyone’s shoulders.
Do you have any fashion tips?
Go with your instinct and don’t try too hard to look like someone else.
You can hear more of the RGBs at www.MySpace.com/thergbs. Over the summer the RGBs are concentrating on writing and recording new music, and playing festivals (they have already done the Great Escape and Glastonbury this year). They play Lovebox at 12.45 this Sunday afternoon – all details here www.lovebox.net
Robin is also drum technician and replacement drummer for Florence and the Machine. He also plays drums in Delooze.
