Keely Valentine
Occupation: Singer/internet personality
How would you describe your personal style?
Glam-rockstar-princess gone anime.
Where do you get your style influences?
My first big influence in my life was Josie and The Pussycats. That movie really inspired me. I was born wanting to do music stuff, and then I saw Josie and the Pussycats and I was like, “Wow, rock and roll is so glamourous! That’s cool!” I wore cat ears for the next two years of my life. And then, I was influenced by Sailor Moon. I still love Sailor Moon, and I like anime. Gwen Stefani is another big influence in my life.
What can you tell me about your outfit?
Half the stuff I’m wearing is my grandma’s, because I’m living with her right now. The rings are my grandma’s, the leaf necklace is, the brooch on my headband is, and the shoes. The skirt, I got on sale at French Connection. It’s the first time I’ve ever worn it. The shirt, I made myself. I got an old rock shirt at Value Village and cut it up, and then added cute sleeves. I make a lot of my clothes.
Why do you wear so much of your grandma’s stuff?
I guess because it’s there and I can work with it. Vintage is in style now, and everyone always buys it, and I’m like, “Well, I have it, so I might as well just put it on.” She has some cool stuff. It’s fun to just sort through everything and see what she has.
When did you start making your own clothes?
It’s kind of embarrassing, but I used to be into cosplay — which is dressing up like anime characters. So, I got my sewing abilities from that, because I had to make all those costumes.
Is there anything that you would never wear?
I want to say yes, but then again, my style changes so much that it’s hard to say that. But I really don’t like those Harlem pants (a.k.a. MC Hammer pants).
Keely - back
Where do you like to shop?
My favourite places to shop are Chinatown and Kensington Market. I also like Holt Renfrew. I like shopping online a lot. And I like fabric stores with a lot of stretchy fabric, because then I can just be like, “Oh, I can make whatever I want!”
How did you get into singing?
No one in my family is musically talented at all, and my parents are really shy people that keep to themselves. But I’ve always been really out there and crazy, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a singer. So, when grade 8 was done, I recorded a demo in the summer and I put it on myspace. I found producers through that.
What kind of music do you like?
I’m really into J-pop. Originally, I got into it from this band called Morning Musume, which is this big band with all these girls. But then the members always changed, so I didn’t really like it as much, and they kind of suck now. And then I got into solo artists like Koda Kumi and stuff. I just find the pop scene is a lot better than here. Here, they don’t really have pop stars anymore, but in Japan they do. I’m really into K-pop now, too, because of that.
What are your interests?
I was really into cheerleading, but the scene is so evil that it’s hard. I do love the sport; it’s just that the people can be kind of evil. I don’t really know what else I like to do. I just like hanging out with friends. Making new friends is awesome.
What’s your current obsession?
I’m really into decorating your cell phone. It’s really big in Japan. It’s called deco-den, and I kind of started my phone already. I keep ordering these plastic parts online. And it’s really expensive to do. It’s insane. But I plan to have my whole cell phone covered in gems soon. I’m excited.
What do you want to do in the future?
My goal is to be successful in music, ultimately. And get on the radio.
Keely - phone
Find out more about Keely here.
