Rock steady

Katwo Librando, lead singer of indie rock group Narda, is known for two things: her intense live performances and rockin’ style. While her performances can be attributed to her group’s musical leanings – dubbed "accessible pop rock with a very sharp edge" – her personal style is totally her own. A mix of ukay-ukay finds and do-it-yourself craft projects fill up her wardrobe, making her one stylish minx on the stage.

Here, Katwo puts together a whole outfit made from old garments that channels old-school rock and indie ingenue, proving that you don’t need a lot of money to look like a rock star.

Pump it up

What you’ll need: A pair of old pumps, scissors, double-sided tape, and yellow "Caution" tape (available at hardware stores).

Directions: Make sure your shoes are clean so that the tape sticks properly. You don’t want to be walking down Greenbelt, flaunting your cool new DIY shoes, only to have some snarky tween in the back go, "Ewww… her shoes are made of tape!" Cover the shoes with the caution tape, making sure to place the double-sided tape at each end securely so that it won’t bunch up. Place the tape at odd angles so that it won’t look boring.

Face the music

What you’ll need: A fitted T-shirt, a silk-screen (available at National Bookstore) with your favorite image, paint, and flat plastic board

Directions: Lay the clean shirt flat over a covered surface. Place the silk-screen over it and place a dollop of paint. Keep the amount of paint small so that you don’t make a big gooey mess on your kitchen counter. Use the flat plastic board (an old ID will do) to apply an even coating of the paint over the screen. Let dry. Wear to a major event. Wait for the compliments to come.

Short but sweet

What you’ll need: A skirt in a funky print, scissors, and a marker

Directions: Decide what length you’d like the skirt to be. Reverse the skirt and make zigzag lines across your desired length on the inside of the skirt. Don’t worry, the lines don’t have to be perfect. You’re going for Karen O, not Martha Stewart. Follow the pattern with your scissors. Iron it and you’re good to go.

* * *

Narda, a five-piece band committed to saving the soul of Philippine rock and roll, can be contacted at narda_banda@yahoo.com. Their CD Formika is available at Music One ad Tower Records outlets.

* * *

Check out photographer Nico Pertollano’s cool site at www.Spacelab2720.com.