Azealia Banks has become somewhat of a style chameleon over her three years in the spotlight. From the sophisticated suits in “Van Vogue” to the seapunk style in “Atlantis” to the matching two-pieces in “ATM Jam,” her clothes have gotten a little more outrageous with each new video.
In her latest, “Heavy Metal And Reflective,” Banks turned to her friend Brad Callahan, the designer behind BCALLA, who has been outfitting Banks on tour for the past few years. The live performance ‘fits, often brighter, shorter and more costume-y than what she rocks in videos, makes Banks a little more showy and a whole lot more fun to watch.
Callahan first started working with Banks when introduced through stylist Contessa Stuto. And though Banks still works with Stuto on looks, Callahan says that a lot of the rapper’s most memorable outfits are often conceptualized by Banks herself.
“[Azealia Banks] is amazing to work with,” says Callahan. “She gives me loose concepts and lots of freedom.” And those ideas can strike at any hour. “One time,” Callahan recalls, “I was at the club at 4:30 am, and I got a text that read something like, ‘I have a show in a week—make me a rose cowgirl.’ Or my personal favorite was when she told me, ‘Turn me into a mouse in a tea cup.’”
For “Heavy Metal and Reflective,” directors Rob Soucy and Nick Ace called ...