Iggy Azalea's Stylist Talks Bollywood-Themed 'Bounce' Music Video [Interview]
A still from Iggy Azalea's 'Bounce' video.
Photo: Universal Records
Last we heard from Iggy Azalea, she was walking a mile in Louboutins (and Dolce and Gabbana) and plotting the ultimate desert escape in “Work.” Yep, the Australian MC loves to switch it up in music videos, whether it's chilling on bikes in Jeremy Scott, showing off her insane dance skills in custom jackets, and rocking a cheerleader uniform like nobody else. This time, though, she’s trading these badass pieces for... a sari? In “Bounce,” Iggy’s letting her hair down (yes, literally—there’s no ponytail here!) and heading to India in the Bollywood-inspired clip. We first saw snippets of the rapper’s sparkly jewel-tone wardrobe on Instagram, and now that the clip's finally premiered, everyone can bask in its glimmering, glittery glory. But first, see what Iggy’s stylist Alejandra Hernandez has to say about Iggy's Bollywood disco outfits, the challenges of draping saris, and the story behind THAT gold bodysuit in our exclusive interview below!
A still from Iggy Azalea's 'Bounce' video.
Photo: Universal Records
MTV STYLE: Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind the video? Why did Iggy decide to shoot it in India?
ALEJANDRA HERNANDEZ: The directors submitted the Bollywood-themed treatment, and when Iggy saw it she was like "YUP, this one's it! And we're not shooting in LA and faking Bollywood. Let's get on a plane, and shoot it in India. And I want to ride an elephant."
When she decides to do a Bollywood-esque video IN India, what's the first step you do in terms of the styling?
I did so much research and really became obsessed. I really like the Bollywood disco era, and was very inspired by Parveen Babi in her films. She was such an Indian bombshell. The costumes in the '60s and '70s were so next level. For the video, we wanted to be traditional and respectful to the culture, so the gold body suit was the closest I could get to my '70s Bollywood dream.
Where did the saris come from? What qualities did you look for in each particular sari?
The saris came from both the states and India. Iggy loves color and prints, so definitely wanted saris that were bold. Wrapping and draping saris was a lot more complicated than I expected, but luckily I had a local assistant that knew what she was doing. I was a disaster.
A still from Iggy Azalea's 'Bounce' video.
Photo: Universal Records
How much of the clothing did you buy while in India and how much is from elsewhere?
It was really a mixture of both. I prepped in LA and even had things made in London, as well as Mumbai.
Iggy has AWESOME accessories in the video. Where did you source these?
I got all jewelry in India. I knew that I would find the coolest jewelry there. I didn't even waste my time looking in the states.
A still from Iggy Azalea's 'Bounce' video.
Photo: Universal Records
Can you tell us a little bit about Iggy's gold bodysuit that she wears on the elephant?
I actually pulled that thing last minute! I was in a little costume house in Mumbai, looking for a white sari for the holy scene, and there were some awful costumes this man was showing me. Like things that were Dallas Cowboys cheerleader-meets-Princess Jasmine. I was getting so frustrated because all I wanted was a plain white sari, and then he pulled out this crazy bodysuit, and I nearly died. I don't even know what it was supposed to be. I had to take it apart, and take all this gross stuff off, but I knew it would be the piece of my dreams once finished.
A still from Iggy Azalea's 'Bounce' video.
Photo: Universal Records
What was the most challenging part of the processs for you, as a stylist? Especially when you're shooting in another country and when you're representing another culture through clothing?
Luckily I had a producer that appointed a girl that saved my life on this job. She worked on Bollywood productions and took me everywhere I needed to go. I was worried of getting lost. Mumbai is so huge, I felt that even with all my research I didn't know where I was or where I was going. Also, I had wardrobe assistants that did all the sari draping—we wanted it to be perfect. That was my biggest fear.
+ IGGY AZALEA 'BOUNCE' MUSIC VIDEO
