The lead singer of Gullah-inspired jazz band Ranky Tanky prefers the comfort of leggings and a T-shirt, but the former beauty school student understands the power of commanding a captivating stage presence. On March 12, the Grammy winners return home for a sold-out performance with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra at the Gaillard Center. We caught up with Parler after the awards ceremony in Los Angeles to talk about her bold Grammy look, her makeup routine, and refreshing her closet for spring
Q What do you like to wear when you’re onstage?
A I like being comfortable when I perform and try to avoid dresses. I love wearing Spanx leggings. Thanks to designer Melissa Mitchell, who has a bra and underwear line with Spanx, I was able to secure sequin leggings and some other goodies for the Grammys and future performances.
Q When you’re on the road, what’s your go-to beauty product?
A My NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer and my Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater
Q Where is your favorite place to hear live music?
A Charles Carmody has done a great job bringing in artists in almost every genre at Charleston Music Hall. What makes it even better is the great sound in the theater.
“I love playing dress-up and watching how my style team mixes and matches pieces that I would never think to put together.”
Q Tell us about what you wore to the Grammys.
A I wore [Atlanta-based artist] Melissa Mitchell and Fhonia Ellis’s kimono, local designer Daisy Finley’s corset, Spanx sequined leggings, a Gucci belt, and accessories from Soul2Soul Boutique and Surcie Co. With the help of my stylist Jacquez Montrai, everything came together as planned.
Q What are you coveting for your spring wardrobe?
A I recently cleaned all of the shoes out of my closet and decided I’m going to invest in a good pair of black pumps, as well as continue to grow my Louis Vuitton collection.
Q Do you have a special makeup or hair routine for performances?
A I love wearing Fenty Beauty makeup, as well as Jackie Aina’s palette with Anastasia Beverly Hills. We could talk for hours about makeup; I’m a beauty school dropout. As far as my hair, Jacquez Montrai makes my wigs to take on the road and change whenever I feel like it. I love big hair, and wigs protect my natural hair from damage. The possibilities are endless.
Q What is your favorite lip color?
A Smashbox ”Always On“ liquid lipstick paired with ”Chestnut” lip liner by MAC Cosmetics
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Read our feature on Ranky Tanky from Charleston Magazine's May 2018 issue.
