March 2010 Style Star: Pixie Bennett

Written by the gsport Features Desk

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 14:38

Well, you can call her an Idol of sorts, even though March 2010’s Style Star didn’t make it through to the final stages of the television reality show, for some insane reason! And we can’t understand why, her new track is making great headway across the nation’s radio stations, and her petite cuteness not exactly standing in the way.

Backed by her band and a bucket load of clear-minded business sense, this flighty fairy sure can spin a mighty attractive tune, but it doesn’t seem to us that fame and fortune is going to her head, on the contrary, she seems very grounded, her trademark grin spilling carefree happiness.

That doesn’t mean she hasn’t got her hands on the wheel, her eyes no the road. With SAMA recognition and a gig at the Malawi Lake of Stars in her sights, gsport is pleased to announce gsport’s March 2010 Style Star, the indomitable Pixie Bennett!

Pixie Bennett

Pixie, it’s just been the summer holidays, what have you been up to?

This summer I have been lucky enough to be working a lot, but that’s not to say I am not making time to enjoy the beach and the festive season! I got a bit of a holiday at Sun City over the Boxing Day weekend, when I performed there. Otherwise I just enjoyed Durban, Umhloti beach, and stealing time with friends.

Heard your new single on 5fm, it has become popular in a short space of time. You must be thrilled?

I AM thrilled! Everyone has a 'soundtrack' to a time in their life. I always wanted to release music that would become someone's soundtrack. Whether So Spun has achieved that, I wont know, but I am so happy nonetheless that our music is getting across to South African's. And really, it’s just the beginning ... We still have a long way to go, and many singles to release to achieve the status and respect we would ideally like. But at least we have started!

What has life been like since Idols?

Manic, exciting, tiring, fulfilling ... Its been a whirlwind eleven months since my eviction. I’ve set up my own company, called Pixie Bennett Productions, and also have been doing loads of shows, TV and radio interviews - alone and with my band. We have had the chance to share the stage with great SA bands such as Prime Circle, Loyiso, Zebra & Giraffe, Esjay from Stealing Love Jones, Wonderboom, and recently rapper Busta Rhymes!

The Pixie Bennett Band recorded our first EP album (produced by John Ellis from Tree 63), and took our music on the road for a National tour (sponsored by Mr Price, who we are endorsed by).

I get to do this full time, and that was my goal in entering Idols. To make a career in music.

Looking back, how has the Idols experience impacted your life?

I got to quit my day job, and do what I love for a living! How many people would kill for that chance? Idols has let me take my music and career to another level, together with business planning, marketing, and working to make good music that South Africans can identify with.

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What is your career goal for 2010?

The band would love to play most major festivals in SA, and also perform at the Malawi Lake of Stars. We hope to keep getting bookings and aim to release more singles, and a full-length album together with a new video.

We hope to grow better and learn more to keep us in the game as long as possible. Mostly we hope to keep having fun and meet new people who inspire us to work harder.

From a style perspective, how would you describe Pixie the performer?

It would depend on the show and dress code, but I would probably say on stage I like neon accessories played against darker clothing. I like something funky, edgy but also comfortable to dance around in for an hour.

How has your personal style evolved over the years?

I no longer have one "look", I am comfortable with dressing for my mood. If I feel boyish, sexy, feminine, playful, I dress that way and am confident in wearing crazy badges, or loud prints. I realised that you can wear anything well if you wear it with confidence.

Who are your style icons?

Gwen Stefani inspires me...

Where do you enjoy shopping for clothes?

I am endorsed by Mr Price, and it’s a happy alliance because I love shopping there. I often go for solid, bright colours for day wear, and find they have a great variety of stuff. I am small and their sizes fit my body shape comfortably, and I often find some great gems there. I tend to accessorize my outfits with felt, wire, leather, plastic or fabric badges. We have a market in Durban called the 'I heart Durban' market, and there are so many great badges, also they sell great ones at a little shop called Mooi.

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I find that the badges help me to make my outfit individualistic.

What is your style advice for women struggling to find their style groove?

If you are feeling unattractive in public don’t make excuses for the way you look! Dress for your mood that way you are comfortable, and if you try a bold style wear it confidently.

What is always in your handbag?

Perfume, Lipsticks, bright nail polish, hairclips and mints :)

What was your favourite clothing item this summer?

The bikini!

How do you keep fit?

I often don’t get to exercise much so I try to eat healthy anti-oxidant rich foods, drink lots of water and when I remember, taker my vitamins ha!

What is your favourite spectator sport?

Rugby, or Football

Who are your favourite sports stars?

Come on ... Beckham! I would like to say its for his football skills but...

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

Spain. I used to work in Ibiza. I love the dry heat, food, Spanish houses and the way of life.

What are your plans for 2010?

I hope to stay happy in work, love, health and friendship. I am really excited for the world cup and plan to make 2010 the year to remember... 2009 was pretty great though!

Who are your role models?

Nelson Mandela

What inspires you?

South African's, and South African musicians ...

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