Alexz Johnson Style Interview

At the age of 18, British Columbia born Alexz Johnson landed the role of a lifetime playing music competition winner Jude Harrison in the award winning drama series Instant Star. For four seasons Alexz was able to combine her own musical talent with her passion for acting starring in the hit show that made her a star in Canada and throughout the U.S. The show ended in 2008 and during her hiatus from filming, Alexz has had the chance to re-invent herself and work with songwriters from around the world.

On March 30th, Alexz will release her debut album, entitled Voodoo, with Orange Lounge Recordings new imprint, inDiscover. The concept of the album is reminiscent of something out of old Hollywood. The tracks, which were all written by Alexz and her brother Brendan, are listed as scenes and the album’s art direction is based on old ‘50s style films. Christopher Turner, Sympatico’s Fashionist, had the chance to sit down with Alexz at a recent Toronto photo shoot and ask about her evolving style, her upcoming music video, her love of vintage and more…here’s what she had to say:

Christopher: Tell me a little bit about your personal style… how would you describe it?
Alexz: My sense of style, well I always try to go by the rule that you wear the clothes and that the clothes don’t wear you! I don’t feel like I’m super trendy, I just go with classic styles, but I also really love French New Wave. But, comfort is the most important thing on stage.

Christopher: Is there a difference in what you wear onstage as opposed to offstage?
Alexz: Definitely. I am very ‘less is more’. I try not to go overboard on stage because I want it to be more about the music.

Christopher: I know you have a show tomorrow night here in Toronto. Tell me about your on-stage style.
Alexz: It changes all the time! Usually it’s black pants, a black jacket, maybe a sheer tank top. Sometimes there’s a hat. Maybe a great jacket with shoulder pads, or a men’s suit that’s really fitted. I like structure but I don’t want the audience to focus on what I’m wearing… I want it to be about the music. I’m not trying to be a fashion designer, but I do like to have fun with fashion!

Christopher: What is your one must-have fashion item?
Alexz: It’s all about the jacket!

Christopher: Let’s talk about the cover of your upcoming album Voodoo! I heard you may have had a little to do with the styling and the concept…
Alexz: I did! What was so cool about this entire process was I got to be so hands on creatively. I just had this idea – old cinema covers. Each song on the record really represents a different theme from a movie, and I wanted to capture that on the cover.

Christopher: I also heard you shot the video for your first single in January. What kind of style can we expect to see you rockin’ in it?
Alexz: We shot Trip Around the World in New Orleans. It was a blast. There are lots of hats and lots of the 1960s!

Christopher: Do you work with a stylist yourself or do you try to stick to your own personal style?
Alexz: I’ve worked with some great stylist! But I also know what I like and I know what I don’t like.

Christopher: What’s the most stylin’ music video you’ve ever seen?
Alexz: The Kooks – Ooh La

Christopher: Who are a few of your favourite designers?
Alexz: It’s heartbreaking about Alexander McQueen. He was revolutionary. I also love Stella McCartney.

Christopher: You have one day out shopping and an unlimited budget – what would you buy?
Alexz: I find some of my best pieces in vintage stores so I would definitely go vintage shopping. But I would also want to hit Holt Renfrew and find some great jackets!

Christopher: If you weren’t singing…
Alexz: I’d probably have been a doctor, or focused on humanitarian work! I get really passionate about anything I do, and I like to connect with people.

Christopher: I hear you like to do your own makeup
Alexz: Yeah I’m kinda funny that way. I’ve been working in film with makeup artist since I was 12 and I really know what works for me, but I do like to have fun with make-up.

Christopher: What are some of your favourite products?
Alexz: I love Smashbox and Kiehl’s, Aveda hair products and Nars eye shadows. Laura Mercier has amazing concealers. Mac lipsticks…

Christopher: Favourite item in your makeup bag is?
Alexz: It’s a tinted lip and cheek stain called “benetint” from Benefit Cosmetics.

Christopher: I love your jewelry. Are you a big accessory girl?
Alexz: I’m not actually a big accessory person. But the jewelry I do wear, they were all gifts and are really special to me.

Christopher: You’ve just flown in from L.A. Any L.A. red carpet experiences you want to share?
Alexz: I was at this event on Friday and I got to wear this beautiful dress designed by Julia Clancey (www.juliaclancey.com) from London. She’s an amazing designer. There were all these dresses and I got to pick out this dress to wear to a pre-Oscar party. It was beautiful.

Christopher: Speaking of the Oscars. Who were your picks for “Best Dressed” on this year’s red carpet?
Alexz: Helen Mirren was incredible and Sandra Bullock looked beautiful. Jeff Bridges looked awesome!

Christopher: What about past red carpets? Does anything stick out in your mind?
Alexz: Sharon Stone when she wore that white dress shirt!

Voodoo is available on-line now and in stores on Tuesday March 30, 2010!

(via alexzworld.com)