“Duality” of Clown: Slipknot percussionist reveals his love for high fashion

Katja Ogrin/RedfernsSlipknot clearly puts a lot of thought into the band’s image, but it turns out that percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan is something of a fashionista. 

In an interview The Face magazine, Crahan reveals that he’s been harboring a love for high-end fashion, including brands such as Prada, Gucci and Fendi. He also has a deep appreciation for the work of famed British designer Alexander McQueen.

“Alexander McQueen was my gateway into fashion,” Clown says. ““What I do and the energy I bring to Slipknot is very similar to what he did.”

“I understand those shows and the risks he took — it felt perfectly natural when I stumbled across it,” Crahan adds of McQueen’s often controversial runway shows. “It really made me feel like I belong.”

Crahan says he’s always been interested in fashion, but it wasn’t until recently that he’s felt he’s been able to enjoy that passion.

“I didn’t like who I was physically,” he says. “So I worked really hard in the last five years to get to where I’ve always dreamt and it’s actually happening. I’m able to go to the places I’ve always wanted to.”

Now, Crahan says, he feels like he’s “started coming out of my shell.”

“This may sound arrogant but at this point, Clown is iconic,” he says. “It’s never been about my face — it’s always been about this person. But now he’s at the top of his game and worked so hard to get on with life.”

That includes wearing $100 Gucci socks, which he likes to “pull…up to my knees and tuck my pants in.”

“A lot of the band members will give me a hard time,” Crahan says. “[Frontman] Corey [Taylor] tells me that I look like a baseball player, like Babe Ruth.”

By Josh Johnson
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