The Hellp’s Beloved Uniform

Fashion

Jan 15

The indie-electroclash dyad is bringing their sleek, ‘West Coast rockstar’ style to the East with an exceptional flair.

Typically spotted at your local music venue donning skintight jeans, fitted leather jackets, and a head of tousled locks, The Hellp sets the tone for what it means to be fashionable in today’s music scene. The duo–consisting of Chandler Ransom Lucy and Noah Dillon–was formed in Los Angeles circa 2015, specializing in experimental electronic melodies with a palpable grit of Americana ethos within their vocals. Reminiscent in sound to alternative artists of the indie-sleaze subculture that spanned from 2005–2012, including Digitalism, Phoenix, and Owl City, the two have become a stylish trademark in the revival of this soundscape in the past few years that spans beyond their musical footprint.

The Hellp’s wardrobe notably takes on the influence of fashion in the beginning days of their musical subgenres. Garage rock and synth-pop groups alike of the early 2000s had a distinct way of dress– combining casual trends at the time with inspiration from 70s glam rock and punk elements. The fashion of some prominent artists such as Justice, The Libertines, and Bloc Party were identified by slim-cut vests, cardigans, blazers, or leather jackets paired with plain white v-necks and tattered jeans and sneakers. Trending accessories included aviator sunglasses, slender ties and scarves, preppy suspenders, and statement belts. The fine-tuning of these essentials lay in the details: colors were monochrome enhanced with sequins or studs, textures were simultaneously rugged and polished, and silhouettes were natural yet streamlined.

The Libertines at Truck Festival, England shot by Kain Behan via Flickr. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

The sleaze era was especially characterized by the authenticity of developing a personal style and making music in the very wake of digital media. There was no exact vessel to find inspiration, except for emerging oneself into the lifestyle in every capacity possible. The Hellp’s understated yet glamorous aesthetic embodies just that– never garish or branded, nor relying on anything but representing the spirit of their music.

Aside from the mandatory cigarette, The Hellp’s style encompasses key components of the initial sleaze movement in a tastefully modern iteration. The duo defines the sentiment of effortless rock-chic, wearing luxury labels such as Dior Homme, Saint Laurent Paris, and Celine. They seem to be particularly fond of attire designed by French couturier Hedi Slimane during his tenure at the respective fashion houses, in which each collection was famously inspired by indie-underground crowds of Greater London and Southern California. Slimane’s designs juxtaposed the sleek, classic silhouettes of European fashion with a youthful American rockabilly edge, and were frequently presented with androgynous undertones. The Hellp rocks this specific tailoring with delicate finesse– the subtle sex appeal of sophistication blended with grungy and boyish details suitably complement the tone of their production and personal flair. However, there’s something else to love about what they put on their backs.

The two often sport similar outfits during each of their performances and seldom stray from their monochrome ensembles, usually being a refined piece of Saint Laurent or Dior outerwear overtop a pair of off-brand skinny jeans and weathered Vans sneakers. Though it’s a common creed to have a recognized look as an artist, The Hellp’s way of not depending on newness and theatrics sets the foundation of an important element of being stylish. There’s something inherently fashionable about having a uniform– a signature of two to three statement fineries accoupled with well-loved pieces, tried and true to oneself. The two possess the charm of this sentiment, portraying the unmistakable rawness of their craft and lifestyle through their clothes. With transcending industry conventions and keeping a distinguished decorum, The Hellp certainly saves the fleeting world of contemporary fashion from itself.

Vivian Tang

Half-raised in Midwestern suburbia and the Empire City, Vivian is a girl of diverse tastes and trades. Embellished by the heart of South Brooklyn, she expresses her love of fashion, music, film, and lifestyle with sentimental yet cutting-edge prose. She studies business management and marketing communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology and revels in the nightlife of the gritty city.

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