Marni x Erykah Badu: A Family Affair
Badu and Curry turned heads as they arrived fashionably late — after the event was supposed to end. They did a walkthrough of the collection as photographers bombarded them with lenses. As the evening turned into night, DJ Gonnie Garko kept the party going with throwback R&B tunes before Badu took to Marni's DIY "stage" for a speech, thanking Risso and describing the collection. In a surprising turn of events, Curry surprisingly burst into song, followed by an x-rated freestyle rap from Badu.
As the night winded down, I made my way to Badu's dressing room, where she was already twenty minutes into an Instagram live session (which I didn't know at the time). I sat on the luxurious store's floor as Badu welcomed me with open arms. I chatted with Badu about her recent collaboration, her Met Gala prep and her upcoming tour with Yasiin Bey. Read on for our exclusive interview below.
What are you wearing tonight?
These are some of the pieces from my Marni line. I’m wearing my round-toe shoe, I’m wearing a striper knit. We have lots of knit in the collection. I’m wearing my favorite hat; everything is faux, so no teddy bears were harmed in the process. This blazer was inspired by futuristic nineties. Most of the stuff is the color way I wore in the nineties…patchwork, knits and things like that. He (Risso) was able to capture it and bring it to the future.
How collaborative was the process? Did Risso create the collection based on who you are, or did you have a lot of say in the construction?
Both. He used a lot of his research and know-how. Our process was really interesting. We started out with sending storyboards back and forth of color ways. He actually chose to go in the direction of the Badu nineties. The details are what I’m really good at: finding details in jewelry and for example, all of the shoes have a certain toe. All of the jewelry have bells.
And bells are your signature?
That’s my signature: bells… buttons… ancestors.
What was it like doing the campaign alongside Puma?
It was a dream come true. I couldn’t have written a better story for me and my daughter. She’s an improvement of my design in every way. I honor it, I learn from her. I’m teaching her a little along the way, but also learning from her because she knows what she wants. She’s definitely not a little Erykah, she’s her own person. She’s bad! She speaks many languages, she’s very fluent in fashion, she’s very creative and such a sweet baby. She’s a sweet girl. I really like her. I like hanging out with her and talking to her. Us, side by side, working on this, means so much to me. She just really supported me a lot. She didn’t have to support me like this, but she does.
It’s easy to love a parent or a child, but it’s not always easy to like them all the time.
We haven’t had any issues. We haven’t had any of the back and forth issues that me and my mother had. My daughter and I haven’t had any of that. So far, so good.
You wore Marni to the Met Gala last year. Are you following the Karl Lagerfeld theme this year?
All of the designers are going with the Karl Lagerfeld theme. Francesco was able to capture that in his own way. Lagerfeld was a very detailed artist and sculptor. I would say Francesco definitely worked on sculptures. Puma is working with me as well. He's dressing both of us (me and Puma).
What's your routine to prepare for the Met Gala?
I don't have to do a lot because I always work with a very talented creative director. Francesco is one of the best, so I don't have to do much. We look at the garments and then I decide on hair and makeup.
You’re going on tour with Yasiin Bey. What can we expect from you at the shows?
You can expect whatever you want.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
I’m looking forward to getting this work out of me. I think my best work is still in me. Puma inspires me to reach down for it.
All types of work, and not just music?
All types. I have a better clarity now, a confidence and an understanding for what I can do and reaching out into different areas. Fashion, for example, is something I’ve always wanted to do and Francesco made it possible. That’s a big thing; sharing your platform with someone, because he (Risso) doesn’t have to do that…no one does.
