Space gaze music meets contemporary young British style. Trust frontman Robert Alfons dresses entirely in J.W.Anderson for this week’s Versus profile.
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If J.W.Anderson’s clothes could speak they would bellow deep, penetrating vocals over an electronic tidal wave of synth. Enter ambient producer with the model looks, Robert Alfons of Trust. First discovering Trust’s music on a trip to Montreal some time ago, award-winning menswear turned womenswear and accessories designer Jonathan Anderson found himself enamoured by Robert Alfon’s warped, progressive soundscapes. Moved by the disjointed sense of escapism Trust’s music provokes, Jonathan approached Robert and a mutual appreciation for each artist’s craft was realised. Identifying with the dramatic tones, colours and sounds each are inspired by and reference within their work, the crossover point between Trust and J.W.Anderson is the alluring nostalgia each man channels. Heartbreakingly handsome, gentle but determined, this Irish designer and Canadian musician were destined to meet. Here, Trust wears J.W.Anderson while J.W.Anderson chats music, exclusively to i-D.
What is your favourite track produced by Trust? Trust – Candy Walls
What music were you listening to in the studio whilst creating the last collection? Nicki Minaj, Depeche Mode, Talking Heads, The Knife.
What music are you listening to in the studio at the moment? Philip Glass, always very good for reflection.
What single artist has had the heaviest impact upon your aesthetic? Philip Glass.
If you could choose any artist to produce the soundtrack to your next runway show who would that be and why? Philip Glass, Philip Glass, Philip Glass, Philip Glass!
What was the last song you listened to on your iPod? Lykke Li – Love out of lust.
What song have you listened to so much you can never bear to listen to again? Rihanna – Only girl in the world.
Who is your musical hero? Leonard Cohen
What was the first album you ever brought? R.E.M – Automatic for the people.
What album has helped heal your broken heart? It’s only one song that does it. Arcade Fire- Rebellion.
If you could have written any single song in the world, of all time, what would that have been and why? Beautiful Child by Fleetwood Mac because I feel like it’s got such an incredible balance. It’s good for when you’re depressed or when you’re happy. It has a really calming feel.
What would happen in a music video you directed for Trust’s next release? A very grey room and a woman washing a baby in a pink plastic bath. But shot in a very Rembrandt way. The woman is dressed in a very evangelistic Christian way and to the left, you would have a Johnson’s baby shampoo and lotion. All set out in a very OCD way.
Who is the best dressed musician in the industry? The guys from These New Puritans.
What will you listen to on your walk home tonight? Cat Power – Fool
Sing us something before you go? Forget your troubles, come on get happy.
j-w-anderson.co.uk
soundcloud.com/ttrustt
Text: Milly McMahon
Photography: Alena Jascanka
Styling: Paul Joyce
All clothes J.W.Anderson.
