The New Classic – Clara Bond
Clara has a laid-back heir to her style, the kind of effortlessly beautiful girl next door feel, with a knockout smile and voice that will turn heads - even while she is humming to herself in the corridor while we prep for our shoot. She wouldn’t look out of place in a scene from a 1950s old Hollywood movie and seems to be able to be able to carry off just about any style she chooses.
Beginning her career as a songwriter and session singer she has collaborated with numerous artists and writers. She started to write music for herself when she was 18 and both her career and sound has been an authentic evolution. Clara’s music has a diverse and unique quality contributing to her wide appeal and fanbase. She has the kind of voice that you can’t help but be captivated by, mixed with her witty personality and outgoing persona this girl seems to have it all. Since the release of her “Out of Towners” EP, Clara has spent time doing the festival circuits and showcasing her outstanding vocal abilities. She has been nominated for many awards such as Female Vocalist of the year in British country music awards and numerous accolades to date.
We met in Exeter a few years ago at my friends Boutique ‘Lorna Ruby’ where I was showcasing some of my jewellery as part of a pop up shop. We quickly realised that we share a mutual appreciation for championing independent artists from across the spectrum. Along with our crazy love for dogs we share very similar ideals about how to buy better, whether that be clothing or jewellery we both want to champion brands with a conscience, looking far beyond trends and connecting with smaller boutiques who share a view to look after our environment.
We had a fun filled day hanging out with Clara in her hometown where Chloe captured some beautiful shots. We mixed some lovely vintage finds with a selection of clothes from Lorna Ruby boutique, Lorna has a fantastic eye for interesting brands and beautiful pieces of clothing that will last. We asked Clara to select pieces of jewellery that she would wear from day to night, demonstrating just how versatile you can be with both a capsule wardrobe and a nice collection of jewels that are made to stand the test of time.
Clara’s musical style holds so many facets, from talking to her we learnt that the narrative and tone of a song can be likened to a canvas, waiting to tell a story and just like a piece of tangible art your style will transcend as you become immersed in your own creative process. Poetry in motion, taking on the character you are portraying. From 80s pop to refined woman and then back to college student it takes dedication and commitment to create authentic work and you end up living and breathing your role in this process.
Clara wears her own Hummingbird coin pendant throughout the shoot, with custom engraving that she commissioned us to make for her last year, along with a tiny diamond Dawn ear cuff that she wears in her left ear. Our coin pendants are one of our most popular pieces as they are so easy to wear. Perfect on their own, or layered with smaller charms and chains.
We asked her a few questions over coffee about her journey through the music industry and beyond.
Can you define your own style for us in three words – Wearable, Tailored, Classic
Style tip - Always wear something you genuinely feel comfortable in and the rest will fall into place.
Many artists in the spotlight get pretty consumed about their image and how they are perceived how has this affected you?
For me now, more so that ever I am happy with who I am and comfortable in my style and the choices that I make, the most important thing for me is that my music is well received. When I first started, I was discovering everything out about myself, as a young woman in a pretty confusing world that is the music industry. I was nervous about how I was portrayed and desperate for people to take me seriously as an artist but over time and with experience you grow and now as long as I feel good in myself I look to focus on my strengths as an artist and songwriter as my music is the number one priority.
Name three artists that you love to listen to - Maggie Rogers as she has such a unique sound, The Rumors album, Fleetwood Mac and The 1975.
Your favourite production / music video to date - Pink Wine
Why did you select this video? Clara – I think that it’s one of the coolest things that we have released to date as its totally out there and stylized with a pop element. I had total creative control which was a great challenge and needed to consider every part of the process, as an independent artist I must cover the music, production, album artwork and everything in between.
Favourite place to gig … There are dozens of amazing venues in London but my favourite place to gig is the Exeter Cavern as its my hometown venue , its got amazing history and it was my first ever headline show, it was totally packed so it has amazing memories attached to it.
Favourite piece of Cabinet Jewellery - My Hummingbird necklace Its so classic that it goes with everything. I never take it off when changing between casual and fancy outfits. I cant really explain my reasoning being choosing the hummingbird design itself, I just saw it and knew “that’s the one!”
Recently wearing - Bamboo hoop earrings for my music video Pink wine, I fell in love with them and they remind me of our video, which is one of my favorite songs and a turning point in my career.
Favorite beauty product - Ren skincare is great, and they have good ethics. I would never knowingly use any products that are tested on animals.
Your view on throwaway fashion - I don’t buy into throwaway fashion, I buy to keep and invest in the best I can afford, and I look after my things.
Check out some of our favorite tracks and videos below:
Clara Bond - Love Can't Stay (Live for BBC Introducing)
Lady Gaga - Million Reasons (Clara Bond Acoustic Cover)
Royal Palm Pendant | Camel Pendent | Beau Pendent | Palm Stacking Rings | The Keeper Ring | Sabal Signet Ring | Dawn Diamond Ear Cuff | Bamboo Shell Top Earrings | Fan Earrings | The Leanna Necklace
Photographer | Photo credits: Chloe Mary Upton | @chloeuptonstudio
Styling: Gemma Critchley | @cabinetjewellery
Models: Clara Bond | @clarabondsongs
Clothing: Lorna Ruby | @lornaruby
Beauty Products: Amanda Marsden | @avedaexeter
