Ahead of her surprise performance at the Fashion Awards, Debbie Harry playfully warns, “No blabbing!” when she speaks with *British Vogue*. The punk icon, who once helped set the stage on fire in the late ’80s alongside Vivienne Westwood and Katherine Hamnett, is keeping the details of her upcoming performance under wraps. While fans eagerly await her take on injecting some of the iconic sass of her early days, the Blondie frontwoman is all business. “It’s boring really,” says the 79-year-old, as she describes rehearsals, technical talks, and the all-important decision on her stage look—black velvet versus red sequins.
However, despite her nonchalant demeanor, Harry reveals that the Fashion Awards hold significant meaning for her. As the face of Gucci’s *We Will Always Have London* campaign, she reflects on the unexpected evolution of the collaboration. “I didn’t really know what to expect,” she admits, “but Gucci has been in business for so long at such a high level, I knew it couldn’t fail.” When the brand invited her to perform in honor of the campaign’s Special Recognition Award, Harry immediately agreed. “I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t interested in fashion and British history,” she explains. “To be a part of it is important to me.”
A standout part of her collaboration with Gucci has been working with Sabato De Sarno, who took over as creative director in January 2023 after Alessandro Michele’s departure. Harry, known for breaking the mold with her boundary-pushing fashion in the ’70s, is enthusiastic about De Sarno’s approach. “Sabato can do anything,” she says. “A challenge is something he looks forward to. Judging by what he’s proposed for me, I can tell he’s done his homework.”
Reflecting on her career, Harry admits that her sense of style has evolved over the years. “When I was younger, I was a bit more reckless,” says the Miami-born, New Jersey-raised singer. “I’ve become smarter about what looks good on me.” In the past, stage outfits like the bold Stephen Sprouse designs were all about rock‘n’roll edge. But as the years have gone by, Harry’s collaborators have helped shape her image while maintaining her rebellious spirit. “As a woman, being part of an evolution, and figuring out what works today, is lucky,” she adds.
For her Fashion Awards appearance, Harry will forgo bold Lycra or frosted blue eyeshadow in favor of a youthful, party-ready Gucci look, in line with De Sarno’s vision. Despite joking about her pre-performance rituals—”I hit myself over the head with a hammer several times”—she acknowledges the pressure that comes with such high expectations. But with decades of experience, Harry knows how to roll with the punches. “Sometimes things get messed up, but I expect this to be done very nicely.”
As the Fashion Awards approach, all eyes will be on Harry to deliver a performance that matches her legendary status.
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