Corridor40

I became a fan of all things Zana Bayne last week while studying up on her namesake accessories collection for my post on harnesses. I immediately started shopping her Etsy site and, through her popular blog–Garbage Dress, found that I “connect” with her (well, as best as you can bond with somebody via cyberspace); Zana shares my love for wearing black, for spiked headpieces, for sequins, over-the-knee boots, most everything. Yet, with a wild mane of cropped curls and a DIY prowess that makes me almost ashamed of my Bedazzler-or-scissors-derived concoctions, she‘s definitely got style that‘s all her own.

Between New York club haunts with her equally-fashionable-and-creative clan, she finds time to make a leather-heavy line of accessories that has received much attention, from Refinery29 to the UK’s The Guardian. Her signature harnesses fall somewhere between appropriate dress for a certain Corridor40 member’s famous, imagined “wayward traveler from the future” and part of a Lady Gaga stage costume. I had the opportunity to catch up with the multi-talented artist earlier this week. While we didn’t exchange tips on studding, I do really, really want to cop her style and stick two huge pyramids on the chest of a tank. I think I can handle that…

Q: In a few words, describe Zana Bayne accessories.

A: Confident and subtly strong.

Q: Why harnesses?

A: I like that harnesses can evoke the look of both a belt and suspenders. They can give a new structure to a garment, add a subtle note of sex appeal or make a very obvious statement!

Q: What inspires your designs?

A: My designs stem from the desire to extend the versatility of one’s pre-existing wardrobe. For example, the “winged shoulderpieces” let you add drama to any piece of clothing without having to purchase something that you might only wear once. I personally love to have a dramatic look, but–some days–it’s nice to revert to minimalism. How great is it to be able to fluctuate between both with the addition or removal of one simple accessory?

Q: Is there anyone specific you’d love to see in one of your designs?

A: I really just love to see how different individuals wear my pieces. I would love to see one of my harnesses with an evening gown, a shoulderpiece over a tuxedo, etc.

Q: Why do you think harnesses are so hot right now?

A: There’s definitely been an attraction to the goth, occult and darker side of subculture in the fashion world over the past few seasons. Harnesses are a way to hint at this without being overly spooky!

Q: Who were your fashion icons growing up?

A: I’ve always been more inspired by everyday observations and characteristics of strangers than I have by specific celebrities or icons.

Q: Who are your current fashion influences?

A: Its cumulative; everything from ENCENS magazine to Thierry Mugler to Siouxsie Sioux.

Q: What’s next?

A: I’m always in the middle of a million and one different things. I pretty much like to keep my hands in every project possible–from my retail job, the blog, accessories, photo shoots; the more, the better.

Images via zanabayne.com, etsy.com, garbagedress.com