Last night, H&M turned Mercer Street, behind its SoHo location on in New York City, into a block party for its community, celebrating the brand’s connection to fashion and music. Hosted by Amelia Gray, the event featured DJ sets from KAYTRANADA, Channel Tres and KittyCa$h. Some familiar faces on the scene also came to vibe, like Emily Ratajkowski, Riley Keough, Lucky Blue Smith, Nara Smith, Evan Mock, Damson Idris and Mona Tougaard.
Earlier in the day, H&M started the day with "The Talks" – a conversation surrounding individuality, music and fashion moderated by Venus X and The Listening Room, an immersive music experience. Guests enjoyed DJ sets from Guillaume Berg, Dam Funk, Venus X and Heron Preston, whose "Preston’s H2" collection launches October 17th.
H&M& (note the extra ampersand) celebrations nod to the brand's spirit of collaboration, so each H&M& initiative includes partnerships with both special global and local locations and talents from various creative industries, embracing the specific DNA of each city. The first stop was New York City.
Before the block party heated up, PAPER caught up with Channel Tres about how fashion influences his life, how fashion influences music and the importance of creating community.
How did you get involved with H&M’s block party, and what does it mean to you about collaborating with them?
H&M reached out with the request, and it felt good because I always go to H&M to get a piece. I remember when I lost my luggage one time and they had an H&M [nearby], and I was able to go and get a suit to get ready for my show. I looked expensive.
How did you approach making your set?
I’ve been in NY for a couple of days, and I’ve been listening to the vibe of the city so my set is that: tailored to the sound of the city.
Does fashion influence your identity both as a person and as an artist?
Fashion is just a way to convey what you’re feeling internally. So like, if I’m feeling good, I can put something on that makes me feel good. If I feel like I want to be on some business-type stuff, I can put something on that makes me feel that way. In regards to performing, if I’m feeling provocative I’ll wear something provocative. If I feel like I want to convey a message that I feel like this, or I’m funky, then I’ll wear something funky. Fashion is just always an expression.
What do you think is the relationship between personal style and the music people create or listen to?
I think it depends. Lately, I’ve been painting my nails black. That makes me feel closer to Iggy Pop or some punk-type stuff. Sometimes, I’m really into Lenny Kravitz's style, so I’ll wear something to make me feel that way: some black or tight jeans with flares or heels. I’m also into Bootsy Collins, and I’ll do something to make me feel like funk music.
Even if I’m going to the studio, I’ll have a uniform because I know I’m working on something so I’ll put on my work clothes: some sweats and a cardigan with some running shoes. I won’t shave. I’m in the work mode.
What does community mean to you, and how do you foster that in your music?
Community is important. Community helps us lift each other up. When there’s a room full of people, it feels good. That’s why I try to build community in my shows by getting everybody involved in movement. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for community — the community I came from — so I think it’s very important to have really good-hearted and responsible individuals around. It helps keep you in check, you help keep them in check. If you have a common goal, it’s really good to get to that common goal within community.
What makes a good party?
Good music and good people.
Photography: Sansho Scott via BFA
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