With online shopping being a now-integral part of our everyday lives, many are looking for ways to revolutionise their experience of digital browsing. Enter, Zalando Designer. Looking to merge both established and emerging designers in an extensive catalogue that spans across categories from gym gear to evening attire, the initiative hopes to not only shed light on those making waves in the world of fashion but do so in a way that is easily accessible to shoppers. And, who better to help curate such a project than famed creatives, known for their authentic sense of self? Joining the Zalando Designer Collective, world-renowned DJ, Peggy Gou, has collaborated with the online platform in a bid to use her creative vision to help launch the exciting shopping experience.

“Zalando Designer is all about celebrating individual style and allows people to shop from brands that enable them to truly express themselves,” explains Peggy when discussing her collaboration with the brand. “I also love how the platform focuses on helping people to shop more sustainably, which is what I am really passionate about. So I am happy to be joining them to support their mission as a brand.”

Upon the exciting commencement of her partnership with Zalando, the DJ got candid with Wonderland about the importance of spotlighting emerging brands and her authentic approach to style. Hea below to enjoy our interview with Peggy Gou…

Hey Peggy, how are you? How has 2021 been for you?
2021 was awesome, thank you. Despite the ongoing pandemic, we managed to see a return to some shows and festivals and it was so great to engage with my audience regularly again after so long.

The pandemic has affected a lot of people in different ways, would you say it affected you creatively?
The pandemic gave me a lot more time for me and to create. It forced me to slow down and be more cautious with my time and energy, which positively resonated with my creativity and added some calmness and balance to my life.

And now you’re known as one of the biggest DJ’s in the world! Have you felt any pressure at all?
I am always pushing myself, and I am my own biggest critic. I try not to succumb to external pressures, but prefer to develop myself and my skill set and keep creating as much as possible.

You’re known for your expressive style and aesthetic, who would you say inspires you?
For me, a fashion icon is not necessarily someone who dresses a particular way. Virgil Abloh was an icon. Vivienne Westwood, DJ Harvey and Grace Jones. These are all icons that can pull anything off. Inspiration for me comes from the small things in life – anything you see, feel, hear and encounter can be used as inspiration for any form of art. And people who find a way to express this in their own way and stay true to themselves are inspiring to me.

And now you’re working with Zalando on Zalando Designer, what does this project mean to you?
Zalando Designer is all about celebrating individual style and allows people to shop from brands that enable them to truly express themselves. I also love how the platform focuses on helping people to shop more sustainably, which is what I am really passionate about. So I am happy to be joining them to support their mission as a brand.

It’s all about emerging brands and inclusivity, how important is it to spotlight these talents and creatives?
Hugely important. That is what my style is about; I love mixing lots of cool smaller unique brands with more established brands. It’s like when I play a DJ set, I combine old school and new music. It’s important to support new designers as much as established ones.

What do you want people to take away from this venture?
Hopefully, they will be inspired by the collections and the content we are creating. A lot of exciting creatives are involved in Zalando Designer, from designers to photographers and more.

What are you most excited about in 2022?
I’m excited for 2022, period. More shows, more music, more creation, more time with my audience and more travel. Watch this space, I have a lot coming!