Carri Mundance
by Geo Hagan
Photography Walter Vandenbrink

With her futuristic, video game-inspired, ‘80s-channeling brand, Cassette Playa, Carri Munden has ignited a global movement of fearless, independent and progressive B-girl fashion. You won’t find any dark or subdued palettes in Carri’s collections – you can go to a Rick Owens store if you’re into that sort of thing. The colors are all bright, aggressive and totally in-your-face. She even goes as far as describing the techni-color hues she uses in her line as “war paint.” The ultra-funky Brit designer has already collaborated with the Pharrells and Nigos of the world, and her next projects include partnerships with apparel giants like Nike. If you were in the dark before, it’s time you got to know one of the brightest and most original creators on today’s fashion scene.

YRB: How did you first get into fashion and styling?
Carri: I studied fashion design and, while I was studying, also worked as a stylist and buyer.

YRB: So, as a kid, were you always into dressing and styling yourself to stand out from everyone else?
Carri: Yeah, I was kinda part chav [Brit slang for street/hood style] and part goth; I didn’t really fit in anywhere. I pretty much look then like I do now: big glasses, metal tee and patterned shell suits (she recalls, laughing).

YRB: Did you have any formal training in fashion before launching Cassette Playa?
Carri: BA honors in fashion design at University of Westminster.

YRB: Where did all the inspiration from the bright, day-glo colors, offbeat combinations and the outrageous prints in your line come from?
Carri: Cartoons, computer games, tribal art, 90’s hip-hop, psychedelia and skate graphics.

YRB: Did you think the positive response to your line would be as overwhelming as it was?
Carri: All I want to do is my thing and reach as many people as possible, so it was awesome to get so much press and exposure. It’s like building your own tribe. Cassette Playa is a global tribe.

YRB: How much does the city of London influence your fashion attitude?
Carri: London is a tough city; it’s expensive, competitive and everyone wants to bring you down, so it gives you drive. And on the flip side, it’s the most inspiring city; so much music and every race/culture is here. It’s all the inspiration I need. My own style and the identity of the brand are so rooted in British culture and style. I always cast London boys too.

YRB: How big a role does music play in your creative process?
Carri: Music is my biggest inspiration and love. There’s always a soundtrack to the collection. I think in sonics, as well as, shapes and colors.

YRB: What plans do you have for Cassette Playa for the future – oh, and before I forget, how did you come up with your brand’s name in the first place?
Carri: Cassette comes from “cazza” that my brother calls me, and Playa is a hip-hop reference because I’m a geek and into technology, etc. Coming up for the brand, there’s the Utube Utopia (the brand’s newest collection of digitally collaged silk tees), which became available exclusively at Seven NY, and Spring ‘09 previewed at Paris Fashion Week.

YRB: Let’s talk collaborations and the people you’ve worked with: how did you get into styling for The Klaxons and M.I.A?
Carri: I’ve known M.I.A for like seven years. We started working together when she started making music and I was studying. And the Klaxons I met through friends.

YRB: Also, tell us about the other collaborations with Topshop and Nike – did they come knocking at your door?
Carri: I never collaborated with Topman (Topshop’s men’s fashion counterpart); they just sponsored the MAN event at London Fashion Week where I showed my collection for four seasons. I started working with Nike when I was styling, and I have worked with them on my last three catwalk shows. Cassette Playa Nike Blazers drop December ‘09 and there’s a collab next fall. I also designed and art directed a video game installation/in-store based on the Split Windrunner. It came out in Selfridges in London in September.

YRB: Did you also do some work on the design of the BBC/Ice Cream lookbook for Pharrell/Nigo?
Carri: I styled, cast and art directed a shoot for BBC/Ice Cream that was featured in Dazed and Confused. I worked with them last season as well; I have a lot of respect for the brand, Pharrell, Nigo and Skatething - g e n i u s!

YRB: Who would you consider as the current icons in style and fashion? What style icons of the past do you look to for inspiration and creativity?
Carri: Currently, Nigo, M.I.A, Snoop, Kanye West, Andre 3000, Robert Trujillo, Jeremy Scott and Kim Jones. From the past - Grace Jones, Keith Haring, Flavor Flav, Ninjaman, Tank Girl, TLC and Tony Alva.

YRB: If you could style one celebrity from head to toe in your aesthetic, who would it be?
Carri: Lil’ Wayne. He’s a demi-god and super hero, plus his lyrics are genius and psychedelic.

YRB: Last question, do you consider yourself a fashion trendsetter?
Carri: I don’t believe in trends. I believe in individuality and personal style. I’m just doing my thing.

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