Today, we're taking a peek into the wardrobe of Bret Rii, DJ and producer at Ida Radio. If you've been to one of her sets, you've probably felt her shiny, warm, yet dark aura. But if you haven't, here's your chance to get to know the mesmerizing force behind the music. Step into her funky, eclectic wardrobe!
I clearly remember this primary school assembly – not the 1st of September, but one of those held somewhere in the middle of the school year. That morning, I had to dress up nicely, but the clothes meant for such occasions had shrunk (well, I had grown), and I was furious. I stomped up and down the stairs, crying my eyes out, insisting I wasn’t going to the ceremony! In the end, I somehow managed to squeeze into the outfit and go. That’s when I first realized that clothes matter.
The cap is merch from a venue in Milan – it was gifted to Kitty and me after our performance. I got the green one, Kitty got the black-and-pink combo. The sunglasses are from my friend Sandra’s stash – they somehow ended up in my rotation. The sweatshirt is the latest Adidas addition to my wardrobe (vintage, from Humana) and the green Adidas Samoas have been with me for at least seven years – a gift from an ex (from an Adidas outlet).
My first memories of clothes come from photo albums – which, by the way, I love. How nice was it that everything was documented on paper! In many of the photos I’m wearing my grandma’s apron as a girly dress, but in just as many, I’m the complete boyish opposite: in practical trainers, a jumpsuit, and a scarf to shield myself from the sun. One of my fondest clothing memories is from third grade, when I got my first sneakers with Velcro straps – white leather with green Nike swooshes. I loved them to bits, quite literally, and wore them until curling my toes just to make them fit inside the shoe didn’t work anymore.
This kimono was brought to me from Japan by the lovely Mia <3 The pants are, once again, a second-hand find from some thrift shop.
At the end of primary school, I was completely mimmufied – pink, glitter, and dresses galore. That lasted until 11th grade, when I got my driver’s license and some common sense that this style wasn’t quite it. Through my then-boyfriend, I ended up in a new scene that catapulted everything forward. It led to a full 180 in how I looked – I chopped off my long blonde hair and dyed it red. New clothes, my first tattoos – my appearance took a turn toward the dark side. I feel like around that time, my clothing – and my overall look (all black everything) – became my armour.
The orange overshirt is another thrift shop find and the “perfect” cap – my favourite – is from Sarapuu. The black T-shirt underneath was a gift from Hatari’s merch guy, after Kitty and I once again got to share the stage and open for those legends.
After 15 years, I’ve now returned to living in the countryside, and it’s made me realize how easy it is to go about your days looking like a hobo: wellies three sizes too big, track pants with knee-shaped hills, and an XXXXXL hoodie that happily welcomes all the dog hair. Let’s be honest – there’s no need to look cool around here. And then there’s the care + comfort factor: do you want to spend 5, 25, or 45 minutes getting ready in the morning? I mean… that’s a big difference. Some people genuinely don’t care how they look, and that’s more than okay.
The cat-print tie is my favourite new find – from my own home, actually. It’s probably one of my dad’s treasures that I discovered (and immediately stole) through my brother. I’m really into ties right now! The green blazer is a true favourite – I wear it often and happily. (Vintage, from Humana). The dog (almost as old as vintage).
I believe style begins at the point where you look the most like yourself – and feel confident and comfortable doing it. I also really admire people who can make different layers work well.
I wouldn’t say I’m a clothing hunter – more like a rag gatherer. Most of my clothes are vintage, second-hand, or gifts from friends or my mum. People have this crazy urge to belong somewhere, but also to stand out. I guess clothes let you do both.
Heeled boots, 10€ from Facebook Marketplace, my friend Marleen really likes them too, so they often travel from my closet to more exciting places! The rings @a6_925
Clothes definitely carry memories – especially the ones you pick up while traveling. That’s also why they can be so hard to let go of. Still, I’m really into recycling, so most of my clothes eventually find their way to RiiSaikel – the second-hand store where I have my own box.
I care about my clothes, but I don’t get sentimental about them. I do have the occasional random late-night thought wondering where a certain item ended up, and I’ll try to solve that mystery for a while… but then the case goes cold, and that’s the end of it.
The purple pajama set is a birthday gift from my ex-boyfriend, BUT this top kimono/robe seems like it was made to go with it. I found it completely randomly in some thrift store in Paavli and had to buy it.
The hooded dress – my dear mom either sewed it herself or bought it somewhere, but it definitely belongs in my closet, and it fits perfectly. The pants are from an Oslo Y2K vintage store, I even had to borrow money from my mom to buy them. You know… Oslo’s not cheap, but I saw them in the window display and rushed inside to try them on... they have all sorts of wires and tubes attached, giving off a bit of a futuristic vibe, and I love it.
My everyday clothing has to be comfortable first and foremost – but it should still have some level of cool. That’s why most workdays I wear the same outfit: jeans, a T-shirt, and a hoodie or sweater. Then I play around with accessories. Oh – and a cap plays a very important role in my day-to-day wear too.
Whose style do I really admire? Kelly Engelbrecht’s – her looks and her whole vibe are always on point!
Another vintage Humana find, bought for 4€. I’m generally very cautious about fur and anything made from living animals... but the freezing cold outside just made me step in and try it on. The changing rooms were closed, so I did it right in the middle of the store, almost gave up... but then this lovely woman with a Russian accent encouraged me, and basically talked me into it, so I headed straight to the checkout. It’s one of those pieces that will probably stay in the closet for years, but I keep it close to my heart. Makes me feel like a diva... hehe.