Stylehive Exclusive: Kate Moss's New Muse Mixes Rags And Rock

There€™s a hot new underground fashion trend in New York City. The man behind it? The outrageous front man of Semi Precious Weapons, Justin Tranter. The trend? He calls it Garage Glam. How hot is it? So hot that trend-eater Kate Moss was spotted at a SPW show in London last week, mouthing the lyrics to every song, and later rocking out with Justin while rockin€™ a band tee-shirt (Kate chose the men's SPW Silhouette Tee in a size medium so she could rock the loose tee and tights look).

I guess Kate finally caught onto something that I€™ve known for quite some time - these boys ROCK!

I met Semi Precious Weapons a few months back at an NYC gig, and it was an eye-opening experience to say the least. The captivating lead singer, decked out in skin tight leggings, heels, and a bra was androgy-FABULOUS. Only later did I learn he was also the creator of two jewelry lines (a low-end one available at Urban Outfitters and a high-end sold at Barneys) and in the middle of a collaboration with DKNY footwear!

Read on for Part One of my exclusive interview with with Justin Tranter at his Greenpoint, Brooklyn loft. This amazing dude will inspire you to proudly declare, as he does in SPW's anthem, "I can€™t pay my rent, but I€™m f***ing gorgeous!"

Stylehive: So what was it like seeing your shirt on the most influential face in fashion of the last 20 years?
JT:When I opened a British tabloid and there was Kate and I together with her wearing my band's shirt, I pretty much hit everything and everyone around me with excitement. I mean its KATE MOSS in my shirt, in my shirt standing next to me.

Stylehive: What was it like playing to her?
JT: She loves rock and roll and fits right it. She just happens to be f***ing gorgeous and a huge celeb. The whole band danced with her and her friends for like two hours after the show. She is SO sweet and open to meeting new people. With every person in the club clutching their camera phone from the moment she walks into a room, I am sure it makes it hard to be open and friendly. But she is genuine and sweet and a total blast.

Stylehive: So we've heard! Now tell me about the concept behind your style.
Justin Tranter: I guess how I'd describe my jewelry, and my music, and my personal style, is "Garage Glam." It's about being as glamorous as possible. It doesn't matter if you have no money, or if you do. Because literally, two years ago, I would walk the Williamsburg bridge instead of paying for a subway because I couldn't afford it, but I still tried to look as fabulous as I could! I would still have a full face of makeup on, even though I was walking for two hours. So it really comes down to Garage Glam, and coming up with your own style. I always say that everyone should be beautiful, but that doesn't mean you need to be born like Jessica Simpson. It's just about having a great time and doing the best you can to feel great about yourself. And THIS is how I feel great about myself - the Garage Glam look!

Stylehive: How long have you been with the band and designing jewelry?
JT: The band has been about a year and a half, and the jewelry started right with it, so it's all just kind of blown up.

Stylehive: So the jewelry and your music must be very interrelated. How do you find the creative balance between the two?
JT: Well they totally play off each other. I mean, I end up writing lyrics about jewelry, just because I know about it. There's one line "I have a diamond in my pocket and a gun in my purse," so they totally play off each other. It's so much work, and I've had offers to go to China and all that stuff, and I just don't really wanna do it. I mean, if I can give my friends some money for helping me, I'd really much rather do it here. But it all works. The band promotes the jewelry, the jewelry promotes the band. I'm like J-Lo without any corporate sponsors!

Want more of Justin? Check out our Justin slideshow and SPW's video, and check back tomorrow where we get into how Justin got started!