01.06.14
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When cult disco outfit Hercules and Love Affair burst onto the scene in 2004, it stood out for its bold, vibrant personality. The brainchild of NYC disco powerhouse Andy Butler, the project has held a variety of line-ups over the course of four albums, yet one of its most distinctive members remains Kim Ann Foxman, who since providing vocals for the project has gone on to become a renowned DJ/ producer in her own right.

Raised in Hawaii by hippy parents, Foxman grew up besotted with hip-hop and RnB, dreaming of being Pump Up The Jam singer Ya Kid K. Later finding herself entwined in the San Francisco rave scene at the age of 18, she went on to run notorious New York party The Hole, an event that was – as she confirmed during our interview – an extremely decadent affair.

Since fine tuning her skills on both sides of the recording booth, Foxman’s own productions such as Return It and Creature showcase her unique take on club-constructed house, and her celebrated DJ sets make kids dance on dancefloors all over the world.

Foxman’s style has attracted considerable attention over the years. Rebelling against an ill-fated childhood taste of beauty pageants, she went on to become a potent symbol for stark lines and effortless androgyny. Our shoot with Foxman, styled by Charlotte James and clinically captured by Benjamin Mallek, highlights her razor sharp look in back-to-basics black and white and, like much of her work, showcases the art of contrast.

How did your experience of beauty pageant culture affect you when you were young?

Well it was only once, and it really traumatised me at the time, but now I can laugh about it. It was my mom’s doing. I didn’t want to be any part of it, and to my luck – I accidentally won. I was always a tomboy growing up, so being forced to wear make-up and a dress wasn’t easy for me.

Who are some of your biggest fashion inspirations?

Just my friends really, people around me like Shayne Oliver (creator of cult streetwear brand Hood By Air), Nasir Mazhar, people in New York, on the dancefloor, on the street.

Do you relate to the larger-than-life Club Kid style of the 90s New York underground?

I was definitely inspired by the creativity that people put into their outfits at that time. I love it. I think it was an iconic era for so many – including me.

Describe a typical night at your infamous NY party The Hole.

It was pure debauchery, in a very filthy bar with good music and strange videos, playing like Latoya Jackson workout clips and pregnant mom aerobics with sunglasses. It was a place where no one took themselves seriously, it was silly and fun and out of control. It was one of the last places you could get away with smoking, amongst many other things. You could write on the walls, you could get naked on the bar, anything went. There were simply no rules.

Do you find your style becomes influenced by the act of DJing, or vice-versa?

I think fashion and music go together nicely, in general. They can both inspire each other.

Where did your love for menswear begin, and how does adopting the style make you feel?

Since I was a kid I always just felt more comfortable in boys clothes. For me it’s all about being comfortable.

What are designers like KTZ and Nasir Mazhar doing that’s exciting you at the minute?

I really love brands that are not afraid to have a strong aesthetic of their own, and do it really well. It’s innovative and refreshing, you can see a Nasir Mazhar hat and pick it out of a zillion hats, because it’s special. I love that.

Photographer: Benjamin Mallek

Art Direction and Styling: Charlotte James

Assistant Styling: Maria Grozova

Hair and Make up: Luke Watabe using Bumble and bumble and Mac