As the avant pop icon headlines Reading and Leeds Festival, we sit down with her stylist, Aldene Johnson, to discuss the making of her custom McQueen looks.

Florence Welch, the creative force of nature behind Florence + The Machine, is undoubtedly among the greatest vocalists of her generation. But there is so much more to her success than her crisp, captivating pipes and generation-defining lyricism. With a devoted legion of fans, not to mention widespread critical acclaim, she has built an entire universe around her music – one of mysticism, romance, drama and a slight adoration of the macabre. All adjectives that could just as easily be used to describe the House of McQueen.

Ahead of the double-bill headline slots at Britain’s Reading and Leeds festivals, as part of her Everybody Scream tour, stylist Aldene Johnson and House Creative Director Seán McGirr joined forces to create two custom looks for Florence. The first, worn on 28th August, also happened to be her birthday outfit, with the performance coinciding with the day the Virgo sun turned 40.

Wonderland joins Welch and McQueen behind the scenes for an exclusive glimpse into the creation of the looks, and sit down for a chat with Johnson on what makes the perfect stage-ready gown. Keep scrolling…

What was on the mood board when creating these looks with the House of McQueen?

It’s been such a delight working with the House of McQueen again for Florence, creating custom looks for the Everybody Scream tour and festival performances.

The mood board was inspired by the world of McQueen — romanticism, gothic beauty, darkness and a touch of the macabre. We looked at silhouette, movement, texture and fabrication, focusing exclusively on Creative Director Seán McGirr’s collections for the House.

We explored different elements from Seán’s collections and adapted them to feel right for Florence and the world she has created. Everything was considered with performance in mind — how the clothes move, catch the light and come alive on stage.

What is it about the brand that makes it such a natural fit for Florence’s work?

The House of McQueen feels like such a natural fit for Florence because both create theatrical worlds filled with romance, beauty and a sense of the macabre.

There’s a shared feeling of drama and darkness, but also something very emotional and human. McQueen helps bring Florence’s musical world to life visually in such a beautiful way.

How do these looks represent Florence’s current era, and what role does styling play in storytelling

These looks are a beautiful part of the Everybody Scream era. They feel romantic, witchy and gothic, while still having the drama and movement Florence’s performances need.

Styling helps build the world around the music and allows Florence to step into it. The clothes become part of the story, rather than just something she’s wearing. I love that they help create a feeling and draw the audience further into her world.

What makes a great stage look?

For Florence, a great stage look should feel like an extension of her. She’s such a powerful and mesmerising performer, so when the clothes move and dance with her, that’s the dream. I love seeing the pieces come alive with her on stage, responding to her movement, the light and the energy of the performance.

What do you love most about these creations?

They’re beautiful to look at, but what I love most is watching them come alive when Florence performs in them.

It’s so special to see a piece go from an idea and a fitting to becoming part of the performance. When Florence steps on stage and the clothes become part of her movement and the story, that’s what makes it so exciting.