Dua Lipa, the British-Albanian superstar, who has been featured on nearly every major international edition of Vogue – from its American, Spanish, and Australian versions to twice for British Vogue. Her most recent achievement is gracing the cover of Vogue France’s September 2023 issue. The captivating cover image, captured by Mert Alas (without his usual creative partner, Marcus Piggott), depicts Lipa as an Alaïa girl, donning a striking oversized brown collared jacket designed by Pieter Mulier.
In the cover story, stylist Vanessa Reid dresses the fashion icon and Donatella Versace‘s favorite in creations from renowned brands such as Courrèges, Calzedonia, J.W. Anderson, Givenchy, Prada, Rick Owens, Loewe and Bottega Veneta. The hair styling is expertly done by Paul Hanlon, while the make-up is applied by Lisa Eldridge and the manicure by Michelle Humphrey. The set design is handled by Arthur de Borman, and the production is managed by January Productions.
The world of fashion and music is a realm of duality, where the lines between personal and public personas often blur. Dua Lipa is no exception. With her electrifying presence, she has not only conquered the music charts but has also made significant inroads into the fashion industry. From collaborating with Donatella Versace to dazzling in sheer Jacquemus dresses, Dua’s style evolution is nothing short of spectacular.
Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour, there’s a side to Dua that many might not be privy to. During her candid conversation with Arthur Dreyfus for Vogue France, she reminisced about her journey from posting covers on YouTube to becoming one of the most sought-after artists of her generation. “I was doing everything I could to be seen and heard,” she recalls of her early days, emphasizing the importance of music in her life.
One of the most striking aspects of the interview is Dua’s reflection on her dual identity. While she presents an exaggerated version of herself on stage, there’s a more relaxed, chill Dua at home. This duality, she believes, helps her maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos of stardom. “There’s a lot of duality in me… But it’s within this duality that I find peace,” she muses.
Dua’s name, which means “love” in Albanian, also hints at this theme of duality. While she embraces her stage persona with gusto, she’s equally comfortable stepping back and letting others take the spotlight during personal gatherings. This balance, she believes, is crucial for her well-being.
Her relationship with her identity extends beyond just her public image. Dua touches upon the challenges she faced due to her unique name and Albanian roots. However, over time, she has come to appreciate her heritage and the history it carries.
The pop icon also delves into her thoughts on feminism, the pressures of social media, and the ever-evolving dynamics of the music industry. She emphasizes the importance of respecting women’s choices and highlights the challenges women face in today’s world.
Read more: Dua Lipa x Versace Pre-Fall 2023
