Fashion Quarterly first met Olivia Cashmore three days before the launch of her eponymous label—an amalgamation of nostalgic leisurewear and elevated statement pieces. When asked about her work’s inspirations, Cashmore was quick to answer: hip hop, jazz, and R&B music.
“I’ve always just loved it. Weirdly, it just feels like me. That kind of music, the beat, and the clothes, it’s a huge part of who I am,” said the designer.
One month later, we catch up again with Cashmore, who shares her top five tunes that she’s grooving to this lockdown.
1. So Sick by Ne-yo
“This is a go-to for me, even now! I remember showing this song to a school friend during class—I already knew the lyrics before everyone else had even come across it. [It] Made me feel cool. I can relate to this idea of still loving someone but feeling sick of it!”
2. At Last by Etta James
“Every time I listen to this song I get goosebumps. Her voice, her band, and the strings at the end. So simple and so beautiful. The line “my heart was wrapped up in clover” is my favourite line. Very relatable when you meet someone so incredible, you feel so lucky.”
3. Just Friends by Musiq Soulchild
“It’s the beat boxing and the casualness of him trying to get the girl.”
4. Brown Eyes by Destiny's Child
“If only falling in love was this easy and simple! Everyone mocks me for my girl crush on Beyonce. But if I could sing, I’d want to sing like her.”
5. Believe What I Say by Kanye West
“I am a big Kanye fan. He might say some questionable things but no one can argue that he is a creative genius! This is off his new album Donda. Every time I listen I find a new favourite.”
To read more about Olivia Cashmore and her eponymous label, pick up a copy of Fashion Quarterly Spring 2021: The Empowerment Issue, on sale now. And if you’re after more music inspiration, check out the FQ team’s favourite feel-good tunes here.
