Style Record: Gin Wigmore
All photographs courtesy of Gin WigmoreWith a voice seasoned in black pepper and kohl rimmed eyes, singer-songwriter Gin Wigmore is a touch rock ‘n’ roll with a pop inflected driving rhythm beneath her soulful crooner vocals. In 2013, her sophomore album Gravel & Wine was released by Mercury Records, and showcased Wigmore’s signature grit—especially in the music video for her catchy single “Man Like That” where, true to form, Wigmore adopts a 1920s saloon meets flapper styling. Needless to say, the New Zealand born musician has a fashion sense equally eclectic as her sound.
With unfussy platinum blonde locks, a beautifully detailed tattoo sleeve and rings for every finger, Wigmore is the embodiment of casual tough girl style. Her concentrated, piercing gaze illuminates her face and showcases the performer’s palpable drive and focus. A classic jean, boot and hoodie kind of gal, Wigmore also dresses up on occasion and always evokes an old-timey elegance punctuated by a cheeky smile and modern edge.
Though about to kickoff her stateside tour on September 8 in Boston, with dates in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia already sold out, we were able to get ahold of Wigmore via email to talk all things style related, including her various wardrobe inspirations and what staying true to herself means for both an on and offstage persona. With her latest release Blood to Bone set to drop tomorrow, August 28, we cannot wait to hear, and see, what Gin Wigmore comes up with next.

Paste: Tell us a little bit about your style and how it influences you and your performance on stage.
Gin Wigmore: I believe a person’s style is how they wish to be perceived by the world. With that said, my style changes a lot just as my music and what I feel or don’t feel strongly about changes. It is a reflection of how I feel about myself on the inside yet portrayed on the outside. I also think you can read a lot about a person based on the decisions they make with the clothes they choose to wear and I think that is one of the coolest things about style. It’s another language of sorts, a way of grouping people, connecting people and feeling a sense of belonging with others.
Paste: In your opinion, what makes the best stage outfit? Or better yet, what makes the worst stage outfit?
Wigmore: The best stage outfit for me is something I feel confident, sexy, strong and comfortable in. You can’t go wrong with a good jean, black boots and a rad top with a TON of jewelry. Worst outfit? Feathers.
Paste: Have you ever dealt with any wardrobe malfunctions onstage?
Wigmore: No rogue boobs out in my time. And to be honest, so far, I can’t think of anything malfunctioning as of yet. I definitely do have a cringeworthy catalogue of outfits from some past shows though…I’m talking 19 year old me thinking sailor theme outfits were cool. Definitely not cool.
Paste: How would you say your onstage style differs from your offstage style?