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Music

These Women Are Nailing FKA twigs' Dystopian Goddess Look

Post-apocalyptic aesthetics presided over FKA twigs' 'Congregata' show in New York.
Maria Jose Govea/Red Bull

Pop stars are mostly just ridiculous. So thank god we've got FKA twigs—a proper auteur who never bows to society's bullshit standards for what a female pop star should look like, act like, or sing about. I mean, this is a woman who pulled a scarf out of her vagina to give metaphorical birth to a house of vogue dancers. She simply doesn't give a fuck, and over a string of mind-blowing releases and videos, has developed an aesthetic that's distinctly hers: darkly dystopian, intensely erotic, yet full of grace and athleticism.

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Photo via Drew Gurian / Red Bull Content Pool

On Sunday, FKA twigs' vision was fully manifested in 'Congregata,' which kicked off the first of a three-night series on Sunday, as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Festival in New York City. The crowd channeled her aesthetic in ensembles straight out of the post-apocalyptic handbook, while Twigs' own costumes included a custom S&M corset, sparkling vest that refracted red laser beams (!), and frayed black tutu-skirt—pieces designed by her mother Bonita Barnett, stylist Karen Clarkson, Alexander McQueen, and the independent designer Creepyyeha.

Here are the looks that absolutely nailed Twigs' darkly dystopian vibe:

Creepyyeha, 23, Designer of FKA Twigs' Custom Leather Bra

Photo by Tonje Thilesen

"I am an independent accessory designer. There is this misconception in fashion, in order to be successful you need to have a tough, non-approachable, perfect persona. FKA twigs has created her own universe without having to succumb to mainstream guidelines. She showed me that it is OK to be myself—to share my love and vulnerability without sacrificing my integrity."

Photo via Maria Jose Govea / Red Bull Content Pool

Alicia Golden, 29, Stylist

Photo by Tonje Thilesen

"I love the freeness of her—how open she is to her life, her creativity, and her authenticity."

Allison Karman, 30, Guidance Counselor

Photo by Tonje Thilesen

"I love that FKA twigs is a combination of earth and cyborg—a thinking goddess. Also, she's just such a badass."

Marinet Matthee, 26 and Karina Trizotti, 24, Models

Photo by Tonje ThilesenPhoto by Drew Gurian / Red Bull Content Pool

Isabel Allen, 22, Dance Student at The New School

Photo by Tonje Thilesen

"The way FKA twigs dances is so inspiring—she's strong and in touch with her femininity. She invites the male gaze but then subverts it."

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Lina Valentina, 30, Artist

Photo by Tonje Thilesen

"Watching her show is like watching my own work come alive. I get goosebumps."

Photo via Maria Jose Govea / Red Bull Content Pool

Jasmine Gibson, 24, Mental Health Worker

Photo by Tonje Thilesen

"She's daring in the way she plays with sexuality. It's not how you usually picture it—she's somehow vulgar and innocent at the same time."