Hedi Slimane pulled off a rocking Celine Homme Summer 2023 show, with a few actual rock stars in attendance, from BTS’s V to Tame Impala (Kevin Parker).

Parker, who has transformed his band from underground psychedelic rockers to bonafide stars, has become somewhat of a fashion icon for his fans. And while Parker is still more likely to be found at a music festival than a fashion show, his presence at the show made a lot of sense: his laid-back, effortlessly cool style fits well within the retro rocker look that Celine is shifting towards.

Tame Impala, who’s developed a cult-like following, is known for taking long breaks between albums. However, Parker is finding his footing as a producer, recently releasing a remix of Elvis Presley’s “Edge of Reality” for the Baz Luhrmann biopic.

Parker chatted with VMAN about the evolution of his sound, his favorite collaborations, and his personal style.

VMAN: How would you describe the evolution of your sound, from InnerSpeaker all the way to The Slow Rush?

Kevin Parker: It’s really the evolution of my life. My sound is just everything I’m inspired by, and over the years I’ve slowly opened my horizons to new and different things. 

VMAN: What does the songwriting and production process look like for you currently?

KP: It’s always changing, but at the moment I’m enjoying working with people other than just myself. 

VMAN: You’ve collaborated on projects with some of music’s biggest names. Do you have a favorite collaboration or one that resonated the most with you?

KP: They’ve all resonated with me in different ways, but I think the Travis Scott sessions were some of the most memorable experiences for me.  

VMAN: What kind of music or artists are you listening to in your free time at the moment?

KP: I was getting ready for a DJ set the other day and was really liking the techno. 

VMAN: What can fans expect as far as new music releases?

KP: Unfortunately, I always like to keep it a surprise. 

VMAN: How would you describe your personal style? What do you gravitate toward? 

KP: As with everything I do, I like it to be inspired and look inspired, but I also like it to seem effortless, even if I did put a lot of effort in. Hopefully, that reflects in the way I dress. I can be pretty self-conscious about the way I look, so feeling myself is important. I was at a photo shoot once and someone asked me what my style was, and I accidentally said “expensive surfy.” I thought it was hilarious, so I’ve gone with that ever since.  

VMAN: How do you think your style coincides with Celine Homme and your look for the show?

KP: A lot of the new Celine stuff has that casual, street style look but in a really fresh and bombastic way. That resonates with me. I always love when there’s an opportunity to wear something way-out and amazing that looks like I just threw it on on my way out the door.