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August 14, 2007 10:54 am
We love singer Marissa Nadler’s ethereal look almost as much as her dream-folk sound—a swoon-worthy blend of Mazzy Star and Joanna Newsom (pick up her album Songs III: Bird on the Water, out last week). So it was quite a surprise to find out that the Boston native didn’t always dress like a lady of the Canyon. Read on for more about that, and what inspires this new talent.
Do you have a signature piece of jewelry?
I tend to wear a lot of big necklaces. I’m really into an Egyptian look, with gemstones and crystals, beads and earthy elements like stones. My look is more hippie than blinged out.
What’s always in your bag?
I carry a Moleskine notebook, like Hemingway did, so I can write down song lyrics when I get inspired. I like to paint while I’m traveling, so I bring a mini watercolor set. And, always, red lipstick.
Who is your style icon?
Nico. She started out as a model, this beautiful thing, and as her career progressed she became less superficial and more about being an artist. Also, Bettie Page and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Any fictional characters whose style inspires you?
Snow White.
Funny, she’s sort of the Disney version of Bettie Page.
Yeah! The white skin, the black hair. That’s definitely my thing.
What do you typically wear onstage?
What I call fairytale dresses. Lots of lace. I don’t even own a pair of jeans—I always wear dresses. I used to make my own, too. I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was a kid, and I started out in design school at RISD. I also went through a hippie phase where I made dresses out of tapestry. Right now, I’m on the lookout for a Mexican peasant dress—something with lots of white eyelet.
When you were younger, did you ever go through any style phases?
I went through a goth phase for about 15 years! I wore black exclusively. Now I believe that wearing color gives you energy. I notice if I wear white or red more often, it attracts people. Black is draining. Still, I must have about 600 black dresses. It’s like Superwoman’s closet.
—Shelly Ridenour
Photo: marissanadler.com
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