When Pharrell Williams says someone’s worth paying attention to, people tend to listen. The N.E.R.D front man and all-round creative genius has a knack for spotting real talent, so when he tapped dancer Mette Towley to star in the video for his comeback record "Lemon" last year, it was bound to be the start of something special.
The video, which also marked Rihanna’s first proper step into rap, opens with a shot of the Bajan singer shaving off Mette’s curls. From then on, Mette captivates the viewer with some serious dance-like-nobody’s-watching moves. This is typical of Mette’s joie de vivre; in the words of Pharrell: "She walks around with a psychic force."
But who is this unprecedented psychic force, and where did she come from? Born and raised in Minnesota, 26-year old Mette (pronounced "meta") is on a mission to use her art as a form of protest. Protest against the status quo, against racism, against women’s bodies being seen as public property. Whether it’s her unflinching gaze or her super controlled, self-assured, can’t-touch-this dancing, Mette’s method is her message. She’s in charge.
This artistry runs through everything Mette does, and is born out of her unbridled passion for self-expression. Which is why the dancer was also tapped by G-Star RAW, the cult denim brand of which Pharrell is Head of Imagination, to be ambassador for its new range, G-Star Shape.
Jeans aren’t known for affording flexibility – especially not the kind of moves you see on Mette in "Lemon" – and yet the new G-Star Shape has introduced a whole new concept to the usual denim offering. These new jeans fit like a glove and feature pioneering pattern construction and extra-stretch denim, which allows them to move freely with the female form. Thought you could only get that from a pair of Lycra leggings? Think again. Then there's the curved, high-rise waist band which prevents gaping and gives a comfortable, 'second skin' fit. Just like Mette, we're sold.
Read on for four Mette Towley quotes (from her new G-Star Shape promo video) which give you an idea of why we’re so into this rising star and everything she stands for...
"I've seen such a wave of change. The grey space is being filled with people that look different."
As one of the biggest new names on this creative scene, it’s great to see Mette standing up for what she believes in. This change can be seen everywhere from the catwalks to the streets; finally the world has woken up to the idea that our differences should be celebrated.
"The spectrum is more vibrant than ever."
And may it continue to become more vibrant, as people of every shape, colour, size, gender and sex continue to express themselves in any way they see fit. We hear you Mette.
"There's no box for what beauty is anymore."
We’ve been championing this for a while, but it’s so exciting to see this message going mainstream. No longer will young girls have to grow up thinking there is only one type of beautiful, or thinking there is some sort of box you have to fit into.
"I feel most empowered as a woman when my strong silhouette isn't asked to compromise."
Ultimately, power and freedom come from being yourself, whether that’s in how you choose to dress for work or how you choose to dance in a club at 2am in the morning. Wherever you are, it’s about being true to yourself and dressing on your own terms.
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