Tuning in to Haim’s indie look
They share vintage fashion finds, finish one another’s sentences and collectively compose pop-rock songs. Kesha and Katy Perry are fans, and their dream is to perform with Prince. But for now they’ll have to settle for appearing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Friday and April 18, part of a U.S. tour that begins next week.
“They” are Haim, the San Fernando Valley-raised sister trio (Este, Danielle and Alana), known for their catchy 2013 debut album, “Days Are Gone” — and their style.
Although each sister has a distinctive look, they share an unassuming just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-slipped-on-last-night’s-clothes attitude and long, straight, center-parted ‘70s-style hair, courtesy of local stylist Candice Birns. Danielle (25, lead vocals and guitar) dons the mantle of tomboy chic in dark jeans, understated tops and leather jackets; one of her favorite designers is Isabel Marant. Este (28, bassist and harmony) is in sync with retro femininity: She sports blond hair, cherry-red lips and retro dresses. Alana (22, guitar, keyboards and harmony) favors a sporty-flirty vibe with vintage tees, varsity jackets and tiny Daisy Dukes by Calvin Klein that she dubs her “lucky shorts,” noting that she has worn them at “95% of Haim shows.”
One of their favorite pastimes is shopping for vintage fashion at local thrift shops. Top destinations are American Rag Cie, Out of the Closet stores, Hidden Treasures in Topanga, the American Way Thrift Store in Burbank and Jet Rag’s Sunday dollar sale in Hollywood.
But the Haim sisters have also been known to embrace designer labels. The band played at the Los Angeles showing of Chloé’s spring 2014 collection, attended the opening party for the new Acne Studios store in downtown L.A., wore head-to-toe Saint Laurent to the 2014 Brit Awards in London and sat in the front row at the Chloé and Acne Studios fall 2014 fashion presentations in Paris last month.
“When it comes to fashion week, we feel a little out of place,” says Danielle. “But we were such huge fans of Acne and Chloé growing up. When I was in high school, I made my own prom dress in eyelet, and I modeled it after a Chloé dress. It was girly but not too feminine.”
Clare Waight Keller, creative director of Chloé, contacted the band when she wanted to feature one of their songs in a runway show.
“I love the fact that they look so individual [and] have a strong image that is based in a real fresh attitude,” Keller says.
Alana notes that she is obsessed with Givenchy and confesses to stalking Riccardo Tisci, the brand’s creative director, on Instagram. The sisters have also recently discovered Agent Provocateur lingerie. All frequently wear leather jackets and booties by Acne Studios.
“I feel like finding the perfect leather jacket is every girl’s quest in life; I think it was ours for years,” says Alana.
The fresh-faced sisters have a minimalist approach to makeup. Recent finds include Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage concealer and Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation. Essentials include Mario Badescu Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 17, Oribe hair spray and hair products by Italian brand Davines. They also share Los Angeles-made Miss Marisa Original perfume oil by Ebba with notes of plum blossom, cassis, Moroccan mint and waterlily.
Their local hangouts include Stella Cafe in Silver Lake or Little Dom’s in Los Feliz for brunch, Tacos Villa Corona in Atwater Village and the Oyster House Saloon bar in Studio City. But what they love more than anything is a good house party.
And style. Here’s a run-down on what the sisters were wearing at a recent photo shoot, some of their inspirations, and a little advice on what to wear in the desert:
Este
What she was wearing: A vintage black-and-white floral mini-dress, Los Angeles-based jeweler Vanessa Mooney’s “Queen of the Night” antler charm necklace and Palladium dagger ring, black Acne booties, and black Karen Walker sunglasses.
Style icons/inspiration: Selena and ‘90s Guess ads featuring Claudia Schiffer and Anna Nicole Smith.
Recent acquisitions: Dresses from Australian labels Shakuhachi and Lover.
Coachella advice: “Hydrate and sneak backstage to hang out with fun people.”
Alana
What she was wearing: A jersey-style vintage tee, Calvin Klein denim cutoff shorts, her mother’s tan leather Naf Naf belt, black leather Acne Studios booties, Pared Eyewear oversized tortoise cat-eye Puss & Boots sunglasses.
Style icons/inspiration: 1970s photographs of her mother and aunts.
Recent acquisitions: A Givenchy Pepe handbag, a black Saint Laurent Mini Sac De Jour handbag and a vintage Lakers starter jacket, and Keith Richards’ memoir “Life.”
Coachella advice: “Don’t wear heels or crazy, constricted things. Roll with a tight crew and find someone who wants to see the same acts you want to see, because there is no cellphone reception.”
Danielle
What she was wearing: A black Cos crew-neck sweater, ripped and faded vintage Levi’s jeans, a vintage western-style belt, Isabel Marant black booties and Prada sunglasses.
Style icons/inspiration: Amelia Earhart, Katharine Hepburn, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin.
Recent acquisition: A Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola handbag and shirts by Celine.
Coachella advice: “Bring a sweat shirt; it gets cold at night. The name of the game is not to go with a plan; it’s a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants situation.”
