Meet Alabama Blonde: Costume Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alabama Blonde and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alabama, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Only one?… In all honesty, I have a few… However I hear many artist’s, and often young artist’s, being told they can pursue their art – but to always have a back-up plan. I was lucky – as I was never encouraged by my parents to have a back-up plan, but rather to fully commit to my artistry, which I think is far greater advice. How can you truly succeed in you field of choice when you already have one foot out the door from the jump?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started working with leather when I was living + working in New York City as a session musician. Long hours in the studio caused me to start working with leather… and my curiosity in the craft only continued to grow. Working with musicians, and being one myself, I understood the need to perform + move freely in garments. From there I began designing leather garments interlaced with elastic threading. The combination of patent leather, alongside the open laced up seams revealing uniquely curved panels of skin, not only fit into my eternal punk aesthetic, but allowed each artist freedom to move during a performance. Soft patent leather molds to the natural curves of the body, so most artists find the construction of these garments to be particularly flattering to their own unique body shapes. It’s definitely not an easy profession – but the pure joy I get out of creating for a living far out-ways the negative. There have been a lot of sacrifices along the way, and there will continue to be… but there is honestly nothing else I would rather be making personal sacrifices for. I have learnt that the ones who support you through those sacrifices, are keepers. The ones who make you feel guilty for working crazy hours + not always being available for social engagements etc… are not. I can’t create from a place of guilt, so boundaries are important.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Moving to Los Angeles right before Covid… and really only having the city open up now… I’d say we would be exploring + discovering this ‘best time ever’, together! But I have been hiking over in Topanga – and that was beautiful. I have never been to the Getty – so would love to experience that. Otherwise, I would absolutely take them to my friends spot in Joshua Tree, because I find the desert to be truly magical. AND we would have to take in the Madonna Inn – because thinking of the friends that would be visiting, it seems incredibly necessary. And locally the Rainbow Bar & Grill because I have a large portrait of Lemmy as Jesus tattooed on my thigh (shoutout to my incredible friend + artist for that – Ed Taemets)… and I don’t know one friend from Melbourne who isn’t a Motorhead fan. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
James Pereira. A director who booked me in my first music video when I moved to Los Angeles. James has backed me, inspired me + challenged me from the beginning. I am eternally grateful.

Instagram: @alabamablonde

Image Credits
1. Sam Wong 2. Kate Moross / 3. Natasha Ribeiro-Austrich / 4. Furmaan Ahmed / 5. The Furies / 6. Mynxii White / 7. Renee Leah / 8. Mynxii White / 9. Lloyd Galbraith