Photo: Annie Forrest, Sweater – Model’s own, Hat – Archive Vivienne Westwood, Pants – Trip NYC, Shoes – John Fluevog

In April, experimental arts and fashion collective Vaquera hosted “Vaqueraoke” at the MoMA PS1 in New York. Rising R&B star Zsela Thompson took the stage in a tartan dress with cut aways that revealed an homage to Madonna’s iconic cone bra. The moment she set her dark, brooding vocals loose over an acapella cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” a new darling of the NYC fashion scene was born.

In September, she followed up her first single, “Noise,” with “Earlier Days,” a heart wrenching, time-stopping ballad steeped in nostalgia and lost love. This fall, Thompson will join Cat Power and Angel Olsen on tour.

And on the eve of releasing a five-song EP, Thompson is devoted to allowing her art to live and breath in multiple disciplines while planting her feet firmly in music and fashion. 

Photo: Annie Forrest, Coat – Luar, Tights – Stylist’s own, Necklace – Models own

“I’m inspired by the space, or venue of the moment and how I’m physically feeling,” she explains.

Equally as comfortable in a Comme des Garçons leather jacket and John Fluevog shoes or a pair of jeans with a baggy hoodie and a bandana, Thompson describes her style as temporal and fleeting. “I’m super scrappy when it comes to pulling together looks too. An archive or vintage piece can be the inspiration that a whole look surrounds.”

Zsela performs with Cat Power on Monday, Oct. 28 at the Commodore Ballroom (Vancouver).

CREDITS:

Photographer: Annie Forrest
Art Director: Jacob Park
Makeup Artist: Cristy Burton
Photo Assistant: Bruna Moreira

Photo: Annie Forrest, Zebra print top- stylists own, Shoes- Maryam Nassir Zadeh