Yahoo Finance Getting Ready With The Ibeyi Sisters For Their Intimate London Concert
Chanel Cruise 2016/17 went down as one of the most memorable shows in recent fashion history. Held in downtown Havana, Cuba, just a few months after the country restored diplomatic relations with the US, it marked the first international fashion show in the capital since 1959 Communist revolution – and the Maison went all out for the occasion.
The excitement was palpable as 700 friends of the brand arrived on the first American cruise ship allowed to dock in more than 40 years, and the collection itself was a celebration of Cuba's 'cultural richness' through the late Karl Lagerfeld's high-fashion eyes. But what made the most lasting impression, it seems, was the opening performance by Lisa-Kaindé Diaz and Naomi Diaz, the twins known as Ibeyi whose soulful sound and personal heritage made them the perfect choice for the occasion.
'Everyone still talks about the Chanel show in Cuba because it was so special and a really emotional experience,' says Lisa-Kaindé Diaz. 'But for us even more, because we're of French-Cuban descent.'
The daughters of Angá Diaz, Cuban percussionist and member of Buena Vista Social Club, Ibeyi opened the Chanel show by singing a Yoruba chant before walking the catwalk themselves – and their star has been on the rise ever since.
Now, some six years later, they have played countless concerts, amassed a huge following, worked with everyone from Beyoncé to Jorja Smith, and have just launched their latest album entitled Spell 31 – which they celebrated with a concert at London's Hoxton Hall over the weekend.
'I live in London now, so this concert is quite nerve-wracking for me,' said Lisa-Kaindé when we caught up with the Ibeyi twins as they prepared for the show. 'It's going to be intense, because we've purposefully chosen a really small venue. We wanted this show to be really intimate, with our biggest fans and people we love who have been there from the beginning.'
And naturally, for such an important occasion, they chose to work with the brand that has also been there for them from the beginning: Chanel. Kay Montano was on hand equipped with a Chanel Beauty kit, while the atelier prepared a rail of clothes for the twins to choose from. 'It's amazing. We feel so lucky,' says Naomi. 'We gave ourselves plenty of time to choose our looks because it's so much fun going to Chanel and trying absolutely everything – especially the things we wouldn't normally pick out ourselves.'
For though they have collaborated with the brand since their Cuban debut, Ibeyi are the first to admit that their often eclectic personal style isn't the most obviously natural fit for a brand as storied as Chanel.
'Ibeyi wearing Chanel is not like other people wearing Chanel. We're not classic – and I think that's why we work together so well,' says Naomi. 'There's something powerful about wearing classic clothes and giving them your own twist. It turns them into something different.'
Case in point: Lisa-Kaindé's look for the Hoxton Hall show, consisting of a black silky shirt with subtle glitter thread and ruffles – and topped with a mass of classic Chanel pearls. 'I wanted to do an homage to British rock culture, and this shirt really reminds me of something that David Bowie would wear. But the most fun part for me is accessorising because Chanel has so many amazing pieces of jewellery. I chose to layer the shirt with lots of pearl necklaces that are very Chanel, very "royal" and also very Karl.'
Naomi, on the other hand, opted for a purple, crystal-embellished jumpsuit with a few Chanel chokers: 'It doesn't need anything else – it's already stage ready. It reminds me of Prince. And I can't wait to see in sparkle under the stage lights.' Make-up artist Kay Montano kept Naomi's beauty look simple too, but for a bright purple streak of hair to subtly continue the Prince theme.
Their looks are distinctly modern, but the twins look to the past for their style inspiration: Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Sade and Fifties Cuban fashion are all references, and they often borrow from their 'very stylish' mother's wardrobe too. Though when it comes to dressing for a concert, their priorities are a little different: 'When we're performing, we're moving and sweating and giving it our all, so it's really important to be comfortable,' says Naomi.
'It's also about confidence though,' adds Lisa. 'I need to feel like my clothes are an armour, something I can put on and immediately feel more powerful. It's something that makes you shine and more confident, but it's also a protection.'
'I used to be scared to express myself with my body and show my body, even just be creative with my fashion choices. But the more I've grown and collaborated with brands, the more I've been able to feel what it really means to have fun with fashion – and the more I've fallen in love with it.'
And with that, Ibeyi headed off to change into their Chanel 'armour' – and if their incredible performance was anything to go by, it certainly gave them all the confidence and power they had hoped for.
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