LB: Tell us about the music scene in Houston.
AO: Houston’s music scene is really thriving. For the first time in a long time, we have music venues that have space for all kinds of shows. From national and international acts to local. It’s great to be a part of a music scene that’s evolving for the better. There’s a buzz around it that is really exciting. It’s something to be proud of for sure.
LB: How did you become a singer?
AO: I always knew I wanted to make music. From around age 12 or 13, I started trying to find the instrument that suited me most. After picking up and putting down everything from the guitar to drums, I had kind of given up hope. One day a friend of mine asked me to sing one of her poems in class. Everybody responded so well that I realized where my talents laid. Shortly after that, I joined my first band and I have been singing ever since.
LB: THow long have The Tontons been together? What do you love most about the band?
AO: The Tontons have been together about seven years give or take. We first started playing music together in 2007 at the end of my senior year of high school, but it wasn’t until about 2009 that we fully formed and chose a name and released music. I would say my favorite thing about The Tontons is getting to spend so much time making music with people I consider to be like family. Through this band, I have been fortunate enough to travel and experience some amazing things. It’s been wonderful to have these experiences with four other people whom I love deeply.
LB: You are obviously a fashion icon! What inspires your style the most?
AO: Thank you! I love anything that’s not super on trend. I think the most stylish thing, is a person who has their own take on fashion. Personal style is key. To that end, I really love mixing vintage and modern pieces. I love hunting in thrift stores and estate sales. And anything with a slight avant-garde element is always welcome.
LB: If you could design your dream wedding dress, what would it look like?
AO: My dream dress would have to be something I could wear again. I loved the suit jacket, skirt and top combination I wore as part of the shoot. I would definitely be open to getting married in something like that. And I like that after the wedding I would be able to mix and match the pieces back into my everyday wardrobe.
LB: What was your favorite dress you wore on the shoot and why?
AO: I really liked the Louvienne gown. It’s kind of every little girl’s dream gown. Such a Cinderella moment. Plus it had pockets!
LB: What would you tell your teenage self about your life today?
AO: Oh man! I think I would tell myself to take things slowly. As a teenager I was always in a hurry to “start my life.” I think I would have enjoyed the simplicity of being that young a little more. I just would have taken a little more time to stop and smell the roses. That being said, I would never want to go back to that age.
LB: Living or dead, which music icon would you want to have dinner with?
AO: I’m gonna say David Bowie. Besides being one of the greatest artists of all time and a favorite of mine, he’s such an enigmatic person. I would love the chance to pick the mind of a musical and artistic genius. And it’s David Bowie! Who wouldn’t want to have dinner with him?
Credits:
Photographers: Minerva House | Talent: Asli Omar of The Tontons | HMU: Cupcake Guerrero | Florals: The Petaler | Location: The Silos | Styling: Lanie List + Cathleen Cantrell
The Tontons are an indie rock band from Houston, Texas and their lead vocalist, Asli Omar, was the (rock) star of our lookbook this month! Play it loud, Lovely. Let’s jam!
