A name like The Last Dinner Party demands visual associations. On one hand, it evokes a sense of the sacred, almost Christlike, bringing to mind images of solemn gatherings and profound moments. On the other, it conjures a full-fledged Dionysian bacchanal, a hedonistic last hurrah, filled with excess and celebration. The band itself embodies this duality, weaving both influences into their music, a discography that includes songs like “The Feminine Urge,” “My Lady of Mercy,” and “Sinner.” But this maximalism extends beyond their music; it’s meticulously incorporated into their style as well.
There’s a dearth of musicians who have used fashion to bolster their personae as effectively as The Last Dinner Party. From Madonna’s Jean Paul Gaultier bullet bra to Harry Styles’s feather boas and sequined jumpsuits, and Lady Gaga’s…everything, fashion has always played a significant role in shaping musical identities. The Last Dinner Party joins this lineage, mixing baroque sensibilities with modern touches, becoming one of Britain’s most stylish groups, both musically and sartorially.
Look at the cover of their album, *The Last Dinner Party*: corseted bodices, lace, and full skirts—but also a touch of modern rebellion in the form of ripped tights and distressed denim. This juxtaposition perfectly captures the band’s aesthetic, a blend of historical references and contemporary flair. The indie rock band is composed of members Abigail Morris, Lizzie Mayland, Emily Roberts, Georgia Davies, and Aurora Nishevci, all of whom let their personal style shine through the costume. Davies leans femme, while Mayland often opts for androgyny, and lead singer Morris tends to approach fashion with a healthy dose of humor.
“[W]e do love a bit of gothic and romantic. That world of decadence, so we do have an aesthetic,” Davies explains. “But we also like to give ourselves fashion briefs for different gigs, like for one it’s Italian renaissance vampire and another might be David Bowie or Alice in Wonderland.” This playful approach to fashion is evident in their live performances, where they effortlessly shift between different styles, each look a captivating reflection of the music they create.
The band has steadily grown their profile, opening for Hozier and going viral on TikTok with their song “Nothing Matters.” As they’ve gained fans, they’ve also ramped up their wardrobe. Rodarte added the group to their cadre of celebrity muses, dressing them for Coachella in a swirl of lace and velvet. Meanwhile, Tanner Fletcher dressed them for their show at Webster Hall, decking them out in angel wings, nightgown-esque shirts, and ruffled suiting.
The Last Dinner Party has cited the likes of David Bowie and Lana del Rey as heroes, both of them intuitive, maximalist dressers. With their strong sense of style and the music to match, they’re well on their way to joining their ranks, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of both music and fashion.
