This previous fashion month’s theatrical performances were on par with the dramatic collections. Artists embraced the chance to blend fashion and performance this season, as shown in Sia’s unexpected set at Christian Siriano and The Strokes’ energetic performance at J. Crew. However, only a few were as good as FKA Twigs. The singer performed live during Valentino’s Spring 2024 presentation and Vogue World: London. She even creatively directed the latter’s entire ethereal production.

Regarding her hectic recent weeks, Twigs tells Vogue, “It’s been hectic.” Engaging my intellect differently was very impressive. I envision myself evolving beyond being merely a musician and presenting my views in many contexts through my work.

Of course, Twigs is no stranger to the role of creative director. She has recently led live events, short films, and other projects for companies, including WeTransfer, Calvin Klein, Google Glass, and the International Woolmark Prize. So, the artist was eager to incorporate her concept into the ensembles this fashion month. According to Twigs, “fashion correlates with where we’re at as a society, so it’s always really nice to see what’s happening in culture.” “Even though designers communicate with one another, there’s a collective consciousness—regardless of how maximalist and lavish the collections are or how sober and serious they are.”

Twigs made her stage debut in September at Vogue World: London, a unique event hosted at the Theater Royal Drury Lane. The esteemed Rambert Dance Company dancers joined her as she performed an Opus III performance of “It’s a Fine Day.” Twigs explains, “I was in a big studio for two weeks with the Ballet Rembert, just singing, dancing, and sweating.” “I truly wanted to create something that gave off a joyful, community-like vibe—something that felt like a celebration.” 

Her black LaQuan Smith cut-out bodysuit was the ideal ensemble for the show. She remarks, “I liked how striking and basic it was.” We were all dressed in black and had powerful forms, so I sensed a connection with the dancers. I’m sick and tired of seeing everyone take the lead. I was pushing myself to simplify everything so that the dancer’s body and mine were the main subjects of attention.

FKA Twigs Talks About Combining Performance and Style for Fashion Week Image courtesy of Getty Images

Meanwhile, Twigs completed her second creative project with Valentino earlier this week in Paris. The artist oversaw a unique musical performance for Pierpaolo Piccioli’s spring 2024 collection, using only female dancers from Rambert Dance Company. “We want to push art, fashion, and dance further, and we’ve been discussing doing something together for a while,” she explains. The two did this by taking cues from Piccioli’s recent designs, which included a grounded sensibility. Twigs aimed to convey this feeling through the dancers’ movements, the stage design, and the show’s choreography. According to Twigs, Pierpaolo’s collection was inspired by a “woman who was very natural and raw, but extremely powerful.” “In my mind, all I could see were these amazing dancers making music out of rocks, sand, and the earth.”

A photo courtesy of Valentino features FKA Twigs fusing style and performance during Fashion Month.

A photo courtesy of Valentino features FKA Twigs fusing style and performance during Fashion Month.

Twigs and the dancers opened the event by stomping into the middle of the audience while wearing just their bare feet. They moved through a multi-tiered set that used noisy, organic materials. Twigs explains, “I wanted to create a calamity of rocks, earth, gravel, and sand.” “After many [years] of making music, it was so exciting to dive into a whole new world of sonic exploration.” 

Another delight for the artist was choreographing the dancers’ movements with her. Twigs states, “I’ve always been obsessed with the Ballet Rambert.” “I always wanted to be a dancer when I grew up. Despite having classical training, I never would have imagined that someone with my appearance and socioeconomic background could go into Rambert. I’m dancing with Rambert dancers that resemble me now that I’m an adult. It had the atmosphere of a family.

Since the concert focused on the connection between sound and movement, Twigs intended to highlight her beige, second-skin, two-piece bespoke performance outfit rather than overshadow the action. Twigs explains, “I was like, ‘I don’t want to wear anything.'” “I wanted the craft to speak for itself; I didn’t want any fancy or adornment.” That indicates her current attitude toward fashion in general: less is more. She says, “I feel like I’m going through a transformation.” “Right now, I’m feeling less. I don’t like patterns or many colors right now. I adore well-cut items I can pass down to my children that will last me for twenty years. I recently transferred a large amount of my clothing to my archive and removed many of them.

Unbeknownst to them, viewers of the Valentino show got to hear a preview of the singer’s next album. Twigs played an exclusive song from her upcoming album towards the conclusion of her energetic performance. Twigs remarks, “It was incredible to expose myself in that way, mid-process.” “A lot of the movements in the [Valentino] piece, and the things I was trying to portray, will be the physical language that I bring onto the album,” the artist said. “I’m actively working on it in the studio right now.” She advises waiting for the unexpected and anticipating its release sometime in the upcoming year. “I’m ready to push myself because I’ve grown a lot as an artist, and I see things differently now,” she declares. 

Conclusion

• FKA Twigs recently showcased her talent in combining fashion and performance during Fashion Week, creatively directing Vogue World: London and performing at Valentino’s Spring 2024 presentation.
• The artist, known for her role as a creative director, expressed her desire to evolve beyond being just a musician and to convey her views through various artistic contexts.
• Twigs collaborated with Valentino for a unique musical performance, using female dancers from the Rambert Dance Company to convey the grounded sensibility of Pierpaolo Piccioli’s spring 2024 collection.
• Embracing a “less is more” approach to fashion, Twigs simplified her performance outfits to highlight the connection between sound and movement, expressing her current transformation and growth as an artist.