When Nutini strolls onto stage and begins to sing in his raw, earthy voice, punctuated by his acoustic guitar, it is truly spellbinding. The crowd erupts in excitement throwing their wildly accessorized hands in the air. With the songs mostly fresh and new, the performance exudes vitality and energy on Nutini’s part which is quickly passed onto the audience.
Nutini and his band in graphic printed shirts and washed out 90’s denim are precisely on trend – I get the impression however that they couldn’t care less. This is until I remember that Nutini is the man who wrote a song about how great it feels to wear a new pair of shoes. It is then that I release he has the coolest look of all – the one that looks as if you haven’t tried even if you have spent hours looking just so.
While the audience stands transfixed through Nutini’s quieter and perfectly composed rockier ballads, I take a moment to people watch. There is a mish mash of on trend styles in the room. High waisted shorts worn with school girl cute socks and sky high heels. Fringed waistcoats worn over tiny corseted tops that hide a multitude of sins and playsuits in every length and colour. Outfits are completed with exuberantly colored scarves, trilby hats and retro shades.
Nutini commands your attention in the way in which he performs. He is completely relaxed on stage to the point where you almost feel as if he is performing just for himself. This too can be seen in someone who is completely at ease with their fashion choices. It’s about throwing together different eras, trends and influences to create something altogether unique.
Whether it be the young fan dancing in the crowd or the musician allowing them to do so, music and fashion creates a collaboration that allows us all to perform on our very own centre stage.
