Music has been at the forefront of Athereal Rose’s personal pursuits most of her life. At the age of 16, Athereal moved from Alaska to the Twin Cities and has established a genre-fluid, and multi-talented plate of talents. This includes releasing a debut album in 2021, modeling on runways, acting, and leaning into electronic music by DJ’ing. As a performer through and through, Athereal Rose understands the importance of fashion and always bringing a look that further communicates her spirit. Her ability to bring to life outfits through modeling, influenced by her own energy, helps to definite a mojo that is more than skin deep.
Athereal remembers always being girly and wanting to wear frilly and fluffy things that appear lighter than air. Growing up in Alaska was a different experience than most others because you were surrounded by pristine landscapes and not easily influenced by outside peer pressures and trends. There was a lot of thrifting and an immediate desire to find unique things to wear. Without any outside pressures, Athereal built a strong sense of personal style that lies somewhere between the visceral and dream world. You can instantly see this in her outfits that feel light and dreamy.
When Athereal discovered modeling, it was an instant attraction to her. Much like her pursuits in music and acting, there was a deep affirmation inside that resonated through every cell that it was something she was meant to do. She used to be obsessed with celebrity magazines and that eventually connected to runway modeling. It fits perfectly into her active lifestyle and felt more natural than being confined to photography studios. That sense of movement feels like it hearkens back to the wide open spaces of Alaska.
“I love being able to bring a garment to life, make it dreamy, and have the fantasy of the designer come true. It’s a special connection to wear someone’s set that they made with their love, their intention, and their hands.”
-Athereal Rose
As odd as it sounds, when Athereal is on the runway, she disappears. She sees herself as all energy and a blank canvas intended to animate someone elses work of art. She floats down the runway, like a sailboat with power behind the sail. The goal is convey the true vision the artist has for the garments and not be about herself. When stepping on stage to perform music, there’s a huge shift in that energy. Athereal’s music is personally very vulnerable and emotionally intimate. Although there’s a connection to the runway in that feelings are involved, performing music brings out a more playful and personal side of Athereal. There’s also a greater push to be connected to the audience, to help them look past the outfit and see the message in the songs.
She adds that modeling is definitely acting work. There’s research in needing to know what character the designer has sought to bring to life. That communication then modifies her approach. The opposite is true when stepping on stage to perform her music. She can peel back any preconceived characters and allow her inner self to stand up. That empowerment communicates her own person lyrics and authenticity to the music.
“Because I am so multi-genre influenced, I wear what feels most like me, but more of a future forward version. I want to embody my highest potential by moving around and breathing in the energy.”
-KAATWALK
Athereal Rose starts by modeling a two piece floral outfit made by Lesley Helen Couture. This floral yellow and white theme was made for her Spring collection and carries a pin-up girl theme vibe.
The high-waisted shorts and centered bow-tie top remain very cutesy, but also carries a fierce feminine and daring edge.
Lesley specializes in the customization of vintage styles and is a source of inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment for all bodies. Her goal is to create pieces that make you feel your best self, no matter the number size that “they” give you.
Athereal brings to life that daring and fierce nature in the outfit in her modeling. Dramatic shifts in the hips, long powerful lines in her limbs, all tailored to a stern glance fleshes out the pin-up nature of the clothes. She paired the outfit with a floral chunky high heel.
Athereal’s stage outfit is geared more towards an electronic dance music (EDM) festival theme. There’s a darker twist to the outfit with a sheer stretch top and black designed fishnets. The skeleton gloves draw focus to her hands, while the chrome accent bra and chest plate add lots of details and sheen. The rainbow shine boots and light-up glasses are other techno-inspired accent pieces to the look.
The outfit was found at thrift stores. One of Athereal’s favorite places to shop is Buffalo Exchange in Uptown on Lyndale. The clothing is pre-shopped and the employees working have incredible taste. For her, this means less time sifting through and quickly being able to find signature piece after signature piece.
She recalls discovering electronic music online at a very early age. When Madonna veered towards a more electronica/dance vibe on Ray of Light, it opened the door on discovering Moby, Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and Nine Inch Nails and even expanding with female influences of Bjork, Sade, Alanis Morrisette, and Natalie Imbruglia.
Drifting through Athereal’s music, there’s a diverse range from the hip hop “Str8tEdge Life”, to the more electronic dreamy song “At Dawn We Ride”.
“I like the themes of our highest selves all playing together into and towards our highest individual potentials. So performance is typically a channeling or an energetic session for me and hopefully others. You’re bringing forth an experience into the space and that’s sacred and beautiful. It’s fundamentally loving to express.”
-Athereal Rose
In any situation, Athereal doesn’t get concerned about first impressions. She believes what is put forth energetically speaks for itself.
In photographing the dual outfits, the aura and confidence within Athereal Rose showed up in the photos. There’s presence, mystery, and a charisma in holding your gaze in her actions. Understanding that allure while using it to communicate who you are through distinct clothing options, is a mojo deeper than the outer shell. It’s one that Athereal Rose wears well.
