#behindthecloset ·

Behind the Closet with Isla Noir | Reheart Lender Stylist & Talented Musician

Reheart wouldn’t be Canada’s largest online wardrobe-sharing platform if we didn’t have amazing community members committed to our mission of empowering women and reducing our environmental impact…one closet at a time!

That’s why we want to shine the light on some of our most incredible lender stylists. 

Beyond the stylish items available for rent in their Reheart closets are confident, fearless and successful women leading their lives. So, when @islanoir recently joined our community from Vancouver, BC; we were quite starstruck.

Isla Noir is a talented musician, writer, adventure seeker, model and (self-proclaimed) a Eurasian mermaid! Born in Australia, Isla has traveled across the world for modeling and music. She's performed on stages all across the continents and has even performed at Melbourne Fashion Week! Living from city to city, she’s been able to learn and live in a variety of cultures that have truly molded her craft, creativity, and style.

We are so honoured to have Isla be part of our sweetheart community and have her share her story.

This is our Behind the Closet interview with Isla Noir.

Who is Isla Noir in 3 words?

Animal lover, Dreamer, Creative (4 words sorry! haha)

You're Melbourne born, when and why did you decide to move to Canada? 

I was born and raised in incredible Melbourne, but left when I was young on a modelling contract. I’ve since lived in cities all around the world, but ended up in Canada after meeting my boyfriend (now husband) who is Canadian!

How would you describe your style?

I love dressing for my mood, so sometimes it’s really toned down and other times it’s wild and out there. My style is self-described as futuristic rock princess. I like wearing black a lot (Thank you Melbourne for that influence) but I also love neon’s, sparkles and iridescence. Also spending so much time in the fashion industry, I really appreciate the artistry behind designing and making a garment, and I hope that the way I wear my clothing reflects that.

Who’s your style icon?

My style icon has to be Noel Fielding, he’s absolutely unapologetic in the way he dresses and I love the crazy eclectic things he throws together. Somehow he makes it all work, but I think it’s his confidence that makes it look so great!

How do music and your career influence your style?

Music influences so much of my life, and it definitely dictates what I wear. When I perform I have a sort of persona that comes out to play. I feel like Isla is a moody pop queen (is it weird to talk about my alter ego in the third person?). Or if I’m going out to a club I like to dress in neon’s and figure-hugging clothing, something I would never wear on stage for performances, but I totally love in a different setting.

Both my main careers, music, and modeling have influenced so much of my love of fashion and art. It’s definitely made me more aware of sustainable buying practices, after seeing designers toil away for hours and hours on a single garment for fashion week.

It really does make you question how a t-shirt can cost $12 in a store when you factor in labor costs, shipping, and materials. While there’s a market for accessible and inexpensive fashion, I’m definitely disenfranchised by fast fashion and their 45 “drops” per year. No one needs that many cheap pieces of fashion in their wardrobe and they end up going into landfill because let’s face it, no one is buying a $12 for $5 at a thrift store.

You performed at Melbourne Fashion Week (we are starstruck!!), how was that?

I was equally starstruck!! It was actually such an unforgettable moment. I knew most of the models on the runway from my modeling days, and my best friend was walking the show, which made it even more special!

It was such an incredible experience being on the other side of the runway and “serenading” my friends and the crowd. The show was beautiful, Decjuba - the brand - had a projection of images of the Australian countryside projected on the walls while the models walked.

They also debuted their ad that night, playing a song I had specially composed for them which was an instrumental interpretation of my EP track Hawkmen.

When did you start singing and playing instruments?

Apparently I was born singing :) Both my parents were musicians. My mum was a singer and my dad plays guitar and harmonizes. When they were younger they were in a band with a few other people and would do tours around Victoria. When I was 6, I started a petition to beg my parents to buy me a piano. I think I only got 50 or so signatures, but my parents were so impressed by my efforts that they bought me this lovely 120-year-old piano that has the most beautiful tone to it! After that, I was addicted to playing piano and singing. I started writing songs and lyrics when I was 12 and performing at 14.

What do you enjoy most about being a musician?

The creative outlet it gives you! It’s such a tough but rewarding career.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

My one wish would be that people would stop asking musicians (or any creatives!) to work for free for “exposure”. It’s crazy that you would never ask a lawyer or doctor to do work for you for free, but so many people think musicians are willing to work for free because they love their jobs.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favourite song? It rotates all the time, but currently Cobi - Don’t you Cry For Me

Favourite book? I just finished Annihilation. Not gonna lie, it was strange!

Favourite colour? Turquoise, Aqua and Purple

Favourite city? Hong Kong. The best place I have ever lived!!!

Favourite fashion trend? Whatever makes you feel incredible! But secretly I love the dad-trainer trend because it’s so comfortable. I don’t know if I’d ever wear them but I just like how comfy they look!

And, finally…where can we find you?

We hope you enjoyed this Behind the Closet Interview with @islanoir. Be sure to check out her closet here and of course her incredible music!

The Reheart team LOVES (and constantly replays) her song Hawkmen on the Reheart Radio! 

 xoxo,

Team Reheart

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