Lordkez talks personal style, creative growth and fashion Inspiration

As one of South Africa's most exciting musical talents, Lordkez has built a reputation for her genre-blending sound, soulful storytelling and effortlessly cool aesthetic. The singer-songwriter, who graced the cover of GLAMOUR South Africa in 2025, has a style that is just as distinctive as her music.

Blending streetwear influences with Y2K-inspired fashion, oversized silhouettes and statement pieces, Lordkez's wardrobe is an extension of her artistry, equal parts playful, expressive and authentic. We caught up with the musician to chat about personal style, fashion as self-expression, dream stage looks and the one wardrobe staple she can't stop wearing right now.

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How would you describe your personal style, and what does it say about you as a person?

My personal style has always been one of the first points of contact for my self-expression, so it has evolved as I've evolved. It's actually a pretty good measurement of how I'm feeling at any given time. My style is like my mood that everyone can see.

Who or what has shaped your creative and artistic identity the most?

Honestly, it's been the experience of being alive and pursuing my dreams. The realisation of identity has been a journey, and it still is. I'm grateful that I get to share music that documents that journey as I go along. If people can listen to it and feel better—or most importantly, feel less alone—then that's everything to me.

What role does fashion play in your self-expression, both on and off stage?

Fashion is a huge part of my expression. Ultimately, it's one of the first things people engage with. If you're not hearing my music, you're seeing me. Fashion introduces me to the world, but it also adds further context to who I am.

How do you balance comfort, practicality and pushing boundaries when creating a look?

I actually prioritise comfort quite a lot. I like feeling comfortable, so I've found ways to maintain that even when I'm pushing a boundary or two. Generally, I stick to what works for me as a foundation and then expand from there when it feels right.

Do you experiment with fashion in the same way you experiment with your music?

Back in the day, the answer would have been an immediate "yes". Today, it's a bit more complex. I think I've connected those worlds much better now. My music, personality, character and fashion all speak to each other more than ever before. I'm still figuring it out, but it feels a lot more aligned.

How much of your style is instinctive versus carefully planned with a stylist or team?

Most of it is instinctive. I do work with a stylist from time to time, but it's very collaborative. I'm incredibly hands-on when it comes to styling and fashion because I genuinely enjoy it and have a strong sense of what works for me.

If you could wear anything without limits—materials, designers or concepts—what would your dream stage look be?

That's such a massive and overwhelming thought! But if I had to choose, it would probably be something that sits somewhere between an Erykah Badu and Doja Cat stage look. Laughs.

Looking ahead, how do you want your art and personal style to evolve in the coming years?

I want it to always remain true to me—true to who I am and where I come from. More than anything, I want it to represent the most authentic version of myself at whatever point in my life people experience it.

What's one item in your wardrobe you can never go wrong with right now?

Definitely these cute black boots I recently bought. I genuinely feel like I can't take them off at the moment—they work with absolutely everything.

What's your take on winter fashion? How do you stay warm while still looking cool?

Winter is a great fashion season. Layering is everything because it gives you the opportunity to play with different colours, shapes and textures. I'm also a huge coat girl, so I'm excited to bring all my coats back into rotation and sing my R&B songs around the city.