You’re featured on the song “Last Night in the City” from Duran Duran. The video was out a few months ago, can you tell us more about this collaboration ?

The story that I was told was that Simon was working out on a treadmill at his gym, and my music video came on the tv screen he was watching. He loved Hideaway and reached out to me to collaborate. I love Duran Duran, so I was thrilled and literally took my only day off from touring to take a train two hours to London. I recorded with the band, and it was really fun working with them! They are the coolest guys ever, really musical. I loved how much passion they all had. I try to jump out on stage with them whenever I’m in the same city!

Can you tell us a bit about how your collaboration with Fendi “Color Block” came about?

Fendi reached out to me in the very early stages of “Hideaway” launching. I’m really into fashion and I’m a fan of Karl Lagerfeld, so I was immediately excited about the collaboration! 

You have a unique style– often wearing bold pieces and brightly colored lipstick. What is your relationship with fashion?

Fashion is just another way for me to express my creativity! It’s artistic canvas for me to explore and create. I love it because it’s so limitless!

Are there any fashion icons or designers that inspire you most?

I never really knew of any fashion designers growing up. High fashion was never in my budget. I would just scavenge through consignment stores and find things to alter. I might have seen something in a magazine that I knew I could never afford, and then try to find a way to make something similar on my own. Through my music career I have learned a lot more about fashion designers and the fashion industry, but to me, fashion is no different than a painting. I start with an idea in my head. 

I know we had a really great time, but how much do you enjoy being in front of a camera or on a photoshoot set such as for this TWELV project?

I LOVE IT! I don’t know why I love it so much. Taking on new characters and having the ability to express different sides of my personality on camera is just plain fun. It’s one of my favorite things to do. Behind the scenes, I actually keep to myself a lot and spend a lot of time alone, but on camera, I become extroverted and bold.

You’ve just released a new song “Dearly Beloved” on January 6th. Do you want to tell us a little bit about this track?

This song was produced by Stuart Price, and on the day I wrote and recorded it, the father of a close friend of mine, who passed away recently, was present. It was really special to have him there. Even though its an upbeat and high-energy track, there’s a lot of deep meaning for me. I was given my friends white electric guitar when she passed away. She was a musician and went by the name “Alice and The Glass Lake.” The guitar was gifted to her by her boyfriend Adam Agati and she was supposed to play it live, but never had the chance. I vowed that I would play it in her honor. Adam is a mind-blowing guitar player and a friend. Despite being my friend, I still think he’s legit one my all-time favorite guitar players on this entire planet. He helped write the guitar parts on “Dearly Beloved,” and he taught me to play Alice’s guitar, which is why I played the white guitar in my music video. 

Are there any exciting projects you have in the future that we should be on the lookout for?

Oh, yes. You don’t even know what’s coming!

INTERVIEWED BY LOUISE GUILLOT

EDITED BY HOLLIS DE LANEY

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHIAKI KATO

STYLING: HOLLIS DE LANEY

HAIR: BETH SHANEFELTER

MAKE UP: KENTO UTSUBO

FASHION EDITOR: YU WATANABE

STYLING ASSISTANT: MASAMI MURASAWA

PRODUCER: MAKIKO ASADA

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: HISSA IGARASHI

MODEL: KIESZA @CRUSH MUSIC

AGENT: SCOTT NAGELBERG

LOCATION: WEST STUDIO