You only need to watch a few minutes of the music videos of Ssion (aka Cody Critcheloe) to get a sense of his distinct style. There are the looks Critcheloe sports in his recent video for “Comeback,” the first single from his upcoming album, O, wherein a lookalike dons a zebra-print suit until Critcheloe enters the picture in a sparkling deep blue tank top (which he later swaps out for a sleeveless tuxedo dress and pants combo of the same color). Then there’s the flame-print button-down, red pants, and cowboy hat combo that he dons in his video for “Earthquake.” Clearly, Critcheloe’s not one for subtlety when it comes to his onstage wardrobe.
And considering these bold ensembles, it only makes sense that Critcheloe performed at the Jeremy Scott and MAC Cosmetics after-party last night at New York’s Public House in yet another kitschy look. Ssion wore a Moschino outfit comprised of a light blue denim vest and matching pants with animal-print details, cowboy boots, and colorful temporary tattoos covering his arms, a look that he describes as “slick hillbilly, like maybe Alan Jackson if he got to do a Vegas residency with a bit of Alan Vega thrown in.”
Most performers try to find onstage outfits that allow them to move comfortably and with ease, but that isn’t exactly Critcheloe’s style. “I always like to perform in clothes that are a bit too tight and shoes with a heel,” Critcheloe says. “I’ve been wearing my electric blue snakeskin boots onstage for six years now. They are so uncomfortable. I can barely walk in them, which makes me a better dancer on stage. It gives me the perfect slink . . . and they have good mojo.”
