When we met up with Afrobeta's lead singer Cuci to peek inside her closet, the ever-smiling, ever-enthused local star had to walk us through her house one room at a time in order to give us the full tour. Why? Some of her futuristic dresses can't fit in her walk-in closet.
Anyone who's ever seen Cuci on stage knows the distinct, outer-space, '80s-modern-rocker look the Cuban-American girl has perfected. So naturally, her multi-room closet holds treasures galore, composed of her mom's vintage collection, local designer Art of Shade, Krelwear, and Jeffrey Campbell shoes.
Vintage Bathing Suit
This is a bathing suit that's my mom's. I have a huge collection of her vintage bathing suits that she was awesome enough to keep. I really like this one because it reminds me of the Pink Floyd album, the prism and the rainbows. It looks good and fits good too.
Golden Platforms
These shoes are my favorite. I have them made bigger for me -- they are European sizes and I wasn't sure about the size. Sometimes I put them on and I'm like, "Maybe not for this..." But I should wear them anyway! They are Ashish, from Top Shop. This is the most I ever spent for shoes. But I had to have them! I wore them when I played the first time at Ultra in '09.
Studded Vest
I got this vest at Trash and Vaudeville in my recent trip to NY. It's like armor, its heavy!
Art of Shade's White Tuxedo Dress
This dress is made out of men's tuxedo shirts. I think it's so sexy to wear a men's shirt, and now I have this dress! I love the way she makes these pieces -- they are art pieces and have a name and story. This one is called "White Flight."
I wore it in Amsterdam for the white party "Sensation." I had to wear it!
Festival Hat
I got this hat at Glastonbury festival in the U.K. Can't wear it in Miami, 'cause it's wintery. For me, it's the biggest and best music festival in the whole world. It's near Stonehenge, so every time we go there we pass by -- it's kind of a ritual. The festival it's not only music, it's also performing arts. The year we played, Steve Wonder and Muse were headlining.
Industrial Jumpsuit
I bought the jumpsuit in Salvation Army in Wynwood, and Kase [Art of Shade] fixed it for me. I wore it the first time I crowd-surfed at The Vagabond. She also put this heart from a broken ring [on the chest pocket].
Y3
Got them in the Design District. They were half off, old season. Don't think I'll ever be able to get them full price.
Jeffrey Campbell
Favorite shoes. Who needs Prada?
Afrobeta Converse Shoes
My Converse shoes with our Afrobeta heart. They just came like this. Just happened!
Afrobeta's new album is on its way. In the meantime, you can download "Wig Party," a free mix CD from their website.
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