Your Favorite Artists’ Favorite Artists: Drexel Musicians and Their Fashion Influences
Nov 15, 2024
13 min read
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Artists inherently express themselves through many mediums, especially professionals in the music industry. Fashion especially is a strong complement to a musician’s public persona, as the mediums work together to create a cohesive transition between their image and artistry. Many devoted fanbases take inspiration from a musician’s way of dress and adopt that style in their personal life. In the case of student musicians at Drexel University, they balance being fans while also artists themselves. This leads to style influences from their favorite mainstream artists coexisting with their individuality. To better understand how these influences impact Drexel artists' fashion, it's necessary to analyze the styles of some student musicians.
Pieces of Pluto
In January 2024, five Drexel students started a music career together under the name Pieces of Pluto. They categorize their music as “girl-kisser alt-rock with punk and shoegaze influence,” as stated by the vocalist, Nyah Khan (she/they). Pieces of Pluto performs with an overall 90s grunge vibe and fresh attitude. The members are studying across various colleges at Drexel, with two in Psychology, one in Film, one in FI&M, and one in Music Industry. Pieces of Pluto has a popular presence on Instagram under the handle @piecesofplutophl, which is used for music and show promotion.
Pieces of Pluto logo (left) and Pieces of Pluto (right)//Images from Linktree and Instagram
Pieces of Pluto members represent the dark black and white shades of outer space with the cool tones of violet, magenta, and cobalt blue. The planetary reference in the band's name plays into their alternative music, which is also represented in their clothing. Themes of grunge and punk styles with a mix of masculine and feminine silhouettes are prevalent. While they all share distinct styles, they converge in oversized pants contrasting small tops, alternative streetwear, and a 90s rocker look.
Lead singer Nyah Khan draws a lot of style inspiration from Beabadoobee, the Sex Pistols, and grunge artist Aislinn Ritchie from the shoegaze band Glixen. Beabadoobee embodies the 90s and early 2000s, with baggy, low-hung jeans, oversized t-shirts, and an overall androgynous vibe. Nyah channels her indie rock look and the structured silhouettes of, “Vivienne Westwood’s Sex Pistol era.” The designs were punk rock with elaborate corsets or pieces with wire boning throughout, button-ups, jackets, skirts, tartan, and tall platform shoes with intriguing colorful patterns. Other similar indie influences also inspire guitarist Alaina Martin. Alaina describes her style as “indie girl band looks,” and is commonly seen performing in the classic baggy jeans and a baby tee. She loves the girl rock aesthetic and also aligns herself with artist Beabadoobee in terms of style.
Beabadoobee(left) and Sex Pistols (right)/Image from WhyNow
Drummer Mia Nagy adopts a style that allows them to feel simultaneously masculine and feminine. They lean into androgynous silhouettes with looser fitting pants, paired with an equally as loosely fitting shirt, or a couple of layered shirts. Button-ups are common for live performances and darker colorways emulate the grunge 90s alternative style of Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth. Despite being feminine presenting, Kim Gordon never shies away from incorporating masculine items into her closet. She has been a major feminist influence in the riot grrl punk movement, and Pieces of Pluto is honoring this punk legacy through fashion.
Kim Gordon (left) and Olivia O (right)/Images from Getty Images
Although guitarist Gabi Ruiz claims she doesn’t have one specific style inspiration in the mainstream music industry, she does love alternative clothing like her bandmates. Her style includes layering, an immense amount of jewelry, and usually a flared skirt or pants. Gabi pairs these pieces with platform shoes that fit under the flare of their pants with ease. As long as an outfit is alternative, has a dark colorway, and includes a sheer long-sleeve shirt layered under a short-sleeve shirt, Gabi Ruiz wears it. Bassist Liv DaSilva is strongly inspired by the style of Olivia O from Lower Towns. When it comes to dressing up for a live show, Liv looks to Olivia’s grunge, maximalist eye makeup, funky hair colors, and layered jewelry for a more “put together” look. Off the stage, Liv prefers baggy jeans paired with a little tank top, jewelry - preferably a choker, and chunky sneakers. She loves overalls, fishnet tights, flannels, and a chic off-the-shoulder top. Stay tuned for their new single “Take it Off!” released on November 22nd.
Eliora
Solo artist and Drexel student, Eliora (she/they), releases music under the name Eliora Fairy. The 23-year-old describes her music as “fairy princess music,” in the indie/folk/pop genre. Eliora has been making music since she was seventeen, and recently released their EP, Butterflies Turn Into Stomach Bugs. This EP contains songs Dirty Dishes, Butterflies Turn Into Stomach Bugs, Love Me Not, Foggy Pines, Viewfinder, Bubble, Mars or Venus, and Dust Bunny. These songs are whimsical, indie, and the perfect representation of Eliora’s talent. Earlier this year, Eliora was photographed by Nyah Khan for a shoot called “Against the Odds.” The music scene at Drexel, and in Philadelphia in general, is male-dominated, but Eliora is radiant among the masculinity and remains the focus of the imagery. Listen to her new music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Bandcamp.
Eliora EP cover (left) and Eliora Fairy (right)/Images from Apple Music and Instagram
Eliora has a whimsical and, like her name, fairy-like style. For performances, her style is rich in vibrant colors, flowery patterns, and magical silhouettes. She is bold and authentic to herself, causing them to stand out in the Drexel music scene. Eliora alternates between mostly colorful feminine clothing and oversized, 90s-inspired, grunge clothing for casual streetwear. Their music represents an underrated and small group of women solo artists at Drexel University.
This whimsical and flowy style is inspired by many mainstream artists in the music industry. Some mentioned by Eliora include Peach PRC, Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, Madison Beer, Dodie, and Taylor Swift. She specifies the debut/fearless era of Taylor Swift, “minus the cowboy boots,” as the most inspiring to their style.
Chappell Roan (left) and Peach PRC (right)/Images from Twitter and Peach PRC
Chappell Roan is a major influence with her glitter, sparkle, and playful energy. This artist has been in the industry for a long time, but only recently blew up, gaining her immense attention and lots of fashion style attention. Roan plays with feminine and masculine silhouettes, from dressing as the Statue of Liberty, to an 80s prom queen, and wearing a prosthetic pig nose. Drag and the queer community heavily inspire this theatrical style.
Her Midwest Princess tour outfits are fun with sparkly cowboy boots, western styles, and everything fringe. These outfits are evident in Eliora’s eclectic fashion and wearing of vintage pieces. Eloira states that “the glitz and sparkle” of Chappell Roan's style “are so fun.” This style and Peach PRC’s fashion with “long pink hair, glitter, fluffy dresses, [and] fairy wings” are a large inspiration. The two themes of the two artists connect and converge fluently in Eliora’s picturesque fashion, with vibrant accessories and colors. Make sure to follow them on Instagram @eliorafairy to stay up-to-date on new releases!
Miau
Despite being a fairly new band, Miau is certainly making a mark on the Drexel music scene. Miau is a post-punk band based in Philadelphia, and all of the members are based in Philadelphia and students at Drexel University. The members include Sophomores, Paul Awdisho (he/they), Nix Aronowitz (they/them), Julia or “Jules” McKeown (she/her), and Will Zaharias (he/him). Paul, Nix, and Julia manage guitar, bass, and vocals with ease, while Will is the backbone of the drums. Miau has a punk rock sound with obvious influences from alternative, grunge, and house music. Some of the events and venues they’ve played at include Philly Style Pizza, Van Rensselaer Ballroom, Goo Lagoon, Rush Garden for wkdu, The Underworld, Skid Row Garage, The Baltimore Monthly Zine Fest, etc. Check out @band.miau on Instagram to admire their alternative group vibe, and to hear of upcoming shows.
Miau Logo and Group Image/Images from @band.miau Instagram
Miau is dynamic in music and fashion style. The members don’t restrict themselves to one cohesive style, and this allows the member’s individuality to shine through. They may sometimes plan to wear complementary outfits but have never gone as far as to match. Despite these variances, members Paul Awdisho, Nix Aronowitz, Jules McKeown, and Will Zaharias, all love to buy their clothing secondhand at thrift stores. Clothing, and all sharing a cool appearance with unique style was one of the reasons Miau became the band it is today.
Kurt Cobain/Image from Getty Images
Drawing inspiration from some iconic names, members of Miau portray a unique, nostalgic style. For Paul, Kurt Cobain and Lou Reed are major style influences, even though he states that he is, “probably the least stylish/style-conscious member of the band so I’m definitely in no position telling anyone how to dress.” From these artists, and local artists that he watches live, Paul’s style includes muted green, brown, and grey colors with looser fitting straight-leg pants and either an “ill-fitting sweater” or small top. He mixes grunge and alternative streetwear in his fashion. Rather than being inspired by a specific artist, Will is inspired by the decades of the 60s and 70s. The drummer leans away from 90s rock and into the flowy clothing and free spirit of 60s and 70s fashion. He strays from the conventions of society and focuses on highlighting his self-expression. This style incorporates muted colors, feminine tops, flowy pants, and the occasional newspaper boy hat.
Hayley Williams (left) and Mars Argo (right)/Images from IMDB and Twitter
Hayley Williams is a large inspiration for Nix when they are picking out an outfit. They reach for big baggy pants and small tops that lay nicely together. Ironic graphics are a major part of Nix’s closet, paired with bright colors and complementary silhouettes. Nix is more focused on wearing clothes that fit well, rather than adhering to a specific style. Looking tall is important for them, so high-waisted pants and crop tops, with a higher or platform shoe are a staple. Color is a focus in Jule's style as well, in her big pants and baggy clothing in general. This style is inspired by Mars Argo and the members of “Julie,” especially the dark eye makeup that Jules incorporates. Similarly to Paul, Jules gravitates toward sweaters but prefers vibrant colors instead of more muted tones. She pairs funky sunglasses with any outfit to add a statement accessory piece. Sometimes, a trapper hat with flaps on the top will make its way into her outfits and add an additional statement piece that speaks to her personality, grunge aesthetic, and gothic silhouettes.
Laurel and Yanny
Besides bands and solo musicians, the Drexel scene has some talented DJs that differentiate themselves from the typical house or EDM music. Duo Pearl Yocum (she/her) and Laila Keaton (she/her), began their DJ hustle as Laurel and Yanny in February 2024 when they performed their first show at the Drexel Flux Lightning Round event on February 22nd and were a complete hit. The artists incorporate a perfect mix of humorous fun in their sets, encouraging the listeners to dance freely and unapologetically. Despite being new in the Drexel music scene, they’ve already performed at well-known and popular events held by Cred 6, Coach Room, Pleasure to Have (p2h), etc. Laurel and Yanny were recently featured at the Abandominium Fundraiser, an event organized to raise money for the Abandominium film production. There’s no doubt that this DJ duo will continue to create enjoyable environments for attendees of their shows.
Laurel and Yanny/Image from Instagram
Laurel and Yanny (aka Laila and Pearl) like to keep their fashion fun and comfortable. For DJ shows, they coordinate or match some aspect of their outfits. They lean into indie, skater aesthetics that include mostly thrifted or secondhand pieces. Laila states that one of her many inspirations for her style is Solange. Her “effortless balance of elegance and fun” is a look that she strives for in her outfits. Since Pearl studies fashion, Laila admits that Pearl’s vision is a large part of how they decide what to wear for shows, and a lot of things that Laila wears come from her imagination.
Solange (left) and Coco and Clair Clair (right)/Images from Medium and Getty Images
Although the duo never dresses the same, they are always complementary- just like musicians Coco and Clair Clair. Laila states, “We always joke that we’re the Walmart version of Coco and Clair Clair,” with their matching colors or specific textures. Besides musicians, Pinterest has a plethora of content with fashion inspiration, which peaks ideas. Versatility is really important for DJs Laurel and Yanny, to take their outfits from class to on-stage. Coco and Clair Clair manage this transition with ease. They move from elaborate, elegant outfits for on-stage performances to show up at the next show with large and oversized sweaters and silhouettes. Laurel and Yanny have done shows in funny t-shirts with ironic graphics, and also mini skirts with funky colored tights. They emulate the versatility of Coco and Clair Clair and the effortless elegance of Solange. Fashion is the best opportunity for them to reveal their free-spirited music and, “just wear whatever [they] want and it’s awesome to not feel tied down to any kind of specific image.” Keep an eye on @laurel_and_yanny to hear about upcoming events.
Jess Urwiler
Jess Urwiler (she/her) is a singer, songwriter, and artist at Drexel University, a junior majoring in Music Industry. She is a solo artist with many live shows in Philadelphia under her belt, since her first one in March 2023. Last Halloween, she was featured in the Halloween Drexel Flux show, dressed as musician Phoebe Bridgers, while performing songs by the artist. Back in April of 2024, Urwiler released a single titled “Teen,” an indie folk-style song highlighting the process of self-discovery and growing up. Her music and vibe align with this genre, as her songs are intimate and deeply personal, creating a sense of connection with the listener.
Jess Urwiler/Image from Instagram
Jess embodies everything in the 60s/70s fashion, ranging from flowing silhouettes to funky pants with a staple wide leg. This is deeply inspired by Florence & The Machine, Steve Nicks, and “a little bit of Clairo mixed in there too.” These artists are also a part of a similar music genre to Jess, opening the door for influences on music as well as fashion style.
Florence’s impact on Jess’s outfits is evident in her boho-esque aesthetic with little shirts, big baggy pants, and a wide variety of earth-tone garments. Stevie Nicks and Florence opt for beautiful flowy dresses and pieces that match the soul-inspired indie rock music they produce. The Fleetwood Mac vocalist is a massive reason behind the resurfacing of the boho 70s aesthetic, with her pairings of skirts, shirts, accessories, shawls, and headbands. She is often seen wearing chiffon frocks with drapey silk shawls resting on her shoulders. Jess finds herself looking to Stevie Nicks for outfit inspiration before a concert or future event when she wants to dress up.
Clairo (left) and Stevie Nicks (right)/Image from Getty Images and SoundCloud
Singer Clairo has become more of a stylistic inspiration to Jess because of her recent vibe. Her shag hair was the direct reference used for Jess’s haircut as it mixes modern trends with a vintage 70s look. This vintage look continues into Clairo’s classic outfits, which are subtle with an included vintage flare statement piece. Jess admires how Clairo can style outfits to look sophisticated but cute at the same time, a goal of hers for everyday outfits. The artist introduced Dr. Marten Mary-Jane shoes into her wardrobe, to start emulating a similar sophistication and cuteness. Check out @jessurwiler on Instagram to hear about upcoming shows.
Cheap 52
And…the reward for the longest-running music career mentioned in this piece goes to… Cheap 52! What originally started as a high school band of lead singer and guitarist Buster Malino (he/him) is now a popular Philadelphia local band with additional members Sophie Price (she/her) and Steve Valentino (he/him). Sophie Price is the group's eclectic bassist, backup vocalist, and grunge solo artist. Steve Valentino is the band's drummer who values a life without meaningless details. This group creates a harmonious emo punk/rock sound, reminiscent of 90s indie rock, and full of passionate energy. Cheap 52 performs a show of authenticity, free spirits, and a desire for fun, without acknowledgment of egos or second-guessing. They strive to do what they love - make music - and hope everyone else loves what they do. On October 20th, Cheap 52 released a new single called “Impatient” as a teaser for their album “Vermont,” just released on November 7th. This drop left fans impatiently awaiting their next show at Kung Fu Necktie, Coach Room, The Rusty Nail, The Lounge, and beyond.
Cheap 52 (left) and Logo (right)/Image by Lauren Corcoran “Clown 52” (D&M Magazine) and Twitter
Cheap 52 is a time capsule of 60s, 70s, and 90s fashion. The members have varying styles but pull influence from each other and other local musicians. They play with dark or muted colors in some moments, and clown makeup in others. Last year, Lauren Corcoran @doublecheeseburgergirl photographed Cheap 52 for the D&M magazine, for an editorial called titled “Clown 52.” This shoot merged fashion, art, and music, with colorful clown makeup, dynamic posing, and a unified color story. Buster Malino wore black and white, Steve Valentine wore black and white also, with a red baret, and Sophie Price wore a pink, blue, and white clown outfit with a complementary pink and blue clown hat. “Clown 52” gained recognition for Cheap 52’s talent and fashionable style.
David Bowie (left) and Lady Gaga (right)//Image from AFP.com and Getty Images
The members have distinct fashion influences in the mainstream music industry, and this can be seen in their styles. Buster states that “David Bowie and David Byrne have gotta be [his] ultimate rock style icons.” From these icons, he gained a preference for 70s attire, and silhouettes, despite his strong dislike for bell-bottom jeans. In the local music scene, Buster is highly inspired by his friends and how they carry themselves on stage. When the guitarist is shredding, “ripping a solo in a pair of baggy jeans,” Buster regrets ever wearing “Uniqlo slim-fit pants for 10 years.”
Also inspired by 60s and 70s fashion, is bassist and backup vocalist, Sophie Price. Her style nods to eccentric Lady Gaga, Indigo de Souza, and Dora Jar. It is everchanging, with eclectic tastes being present in ultra-feminine outfits, baggy layers, gothic silhouettes, and vibrant colorways. At any given time, Sophie can be seen wearing one of these drastically varying aesthetics. This is such a normal occurrence, that bandmates Buster and Steve never bat an eye.
Contrary to the guitarist and bassist, the drummer leans more into a 90s style, with prevalent skater silhouettes and indie aesthetics. Steve Valentino loves a classic pair of comfortable sweatpants with an oversized hoodie. He worries less about about being fashionable and more about wearing what feels good. Steve described this: “Feeling good about what I’m wearing definitely helps me on stage, and fashion is really half about the way you hold yourself.” Why stress color schemes or meaningless aesthetics, when utility is always in style? Cheap 52’s newest album “Vermont” was recently released. Go check it out on @cheap52official on Instagram and stream the new songs!
So What?
It’s clear that despite being musicians themselves, these artists are absorbing the mainstream media all around them the same way that most listeners are. Whether it’s through concerts, social media, streaming, or other mediums, we can’t escape these influences, just like solo artists, bands, and DJs. Even members within the same groups, still share so many distinct differences in style and influence in the industry. When these creatives come together, they create new styles of fashion as a byproduct of their influences. Their fans draw inspiration from them, and the cycle of fashion and music inspiring each other continues. Keep an eye on these artists to see how their platforms expand, and the many ways their fashionable style might evolve. Who is your style inspiration in the mainstream music industry?
Stream Now!
Pieces of Pluto on Apple Music
Great article, Simone! So proud!