- Lifestyle & Sports
- 06 Mar 07
Boho indie queen Jenny Lindfors likes to keep it casual, except for when she’s actually up on stage
Despite being blessed with the kind of figure I’ve been going to the gym every day for the last six years to try and obtain (and failed), Lindfors is far too classy to show it off by dressing like a Barbie doll.
“I don’t wear dresses because I just feel too frilly and girly in them,” she explains. “Miniskirts are out because I hate my knees, so I wouldn’t wear anything above them. And I also don’t wear heels – I feel like a giant in them. Plus they make an annoying clicking noise and they’re never very comfortable.”
Indeed, comfort is a large part of Ms Lindfors' wardrobe philosophy. She wanders around the house in linen yoga pants, a vest top and an oversized shirt bought from Urban Outfitters, and wears “some variation of jeans and a top” when she’s out.
Playing a gig is a slightly different story: “I like to make a bit more of an effort when I’m performing, but still the most important part is being comfortable. There’s a way of doing it, though. It’s definitely possible to be comfortable while looking fashionable.”
Does she believe a musician’s image should tie in with the type of music they play?
“I actually had this conversation with a friend the other day. I think that across the board, it has to be a genuine representation of you, regardless of whether it all ties in. There’s no point in trying to contrive your image or music – people can see through that.”
It’s a happy coincidence, then, that her style hints at someone who’s into all things creative and alternative, and isn’t afraid to gain inspiration from yesteryear.
“My friends say that I have a real ’70s streak in my wardrobe,” she muses. “But I’d add that don’t run around in bellbottoms. Like, I wear skinny jeans. So I suppose I look at the ’70s but add a contemporary twist.”
Her love of the retro look is encouraged by her aunt, who owns the vintage shop A Store Is Born in Dublin.
“She’s my godmother so we’re very close and my studio’s right near the shop, so I’m always in there,” she explains. “But it’s hard to find things that fit me from that era because I’ve got quite a small frame and they’re normally quite busty and curvy. I mainly find great scarves and accessories in there.”
Her love of vintage chic doesn’t exclude her from liking designer wear. Indeed, she’s a Vogue reader. On the other hand, some of her fave outfits and accessories aren't necessarily very practical.
“I can’t even wear this pair of yellow, sequin shoes I bought. I could spend all day looking at them, but I’ve only ever had the balls to wear them once. It was in a shopping centre in Portugal. Everyone kept on staring at my feet.”
Are you sure you weren’t being paranoid?
“Even if I was, it made me conscious of my feet. I’d rather not be aware of my feet,” she laughs.
As unique as her music, that’s for sure.
Jenny Lindfors plays The Winding Stair, Dublin (22 February); Eist, Portlaoise (9 March); Tower Records, Dublin (30); Roisin Dubh, Galway (1 April); Cyprus Avenue, Cork (2).