I didn’t even recognize Dua Lipa in this Vogue France editorial. I kept double-checking the credits to make sure it was really her. I have no idea what they did to her, but this is #NotMyDulaPeep. Dua chatted with Vogue France because she’s working on a new album and (I guess?) she’s spending a lot of time in Paris these days. The interview is kind of weird, which is possibly a translation issue or maybe this is simply a very strange interview. Some highlights:
She loves to be on stage: “Not all music lovers want to perform on stage in front of thousands of people, it’s true. I know many musicians who prefer to stay in the wings. For me, I don’t really know… I’ve always loved performing. Dancing, singing, making up choreography in the playground… When I was little, I used to dream: “It would be incredible to perform on a real stage…”
She doesn’t always have to be the center of attention: “In the beginning, I wanted to believe that I had to be the same person at home and on stage. Now, I’ve learned to keep certain aspects of myself for my inner circle. There’s the Dua who is chill at home, then in the media, there’s this exaggerated version of myself who is also called Dua, and who gives it her all on stage.
The duality of Dua: “Of course… My name has many sides to it! There’s a lot of duality in me… But it’s within this duality that I find peace. And where I allow myself to turn down my confidence when I’m at home. It’s refreshing.
She loves to work: “I love working. I always need to be busy, it fulfills me.
Whether she thinks about motherhood: “Hmm, maybe. But nothing’s planned! The only baby I’m thinking about is my new album… I think that women have acquired a place in society that was forbidden before. And yet, has the desire to have children disappeared? I think women want to do things at their own pace, and not feel guilty for thinking of themselves. For me, when the moment is right, I will know. But, until then, I have other priorities. I want to continue making the most of my youth.
Whether things have changed post-Me Too: “#MeToo or not, it’s still scary to be a woman and walk down an empty street alone at night on your way home. I have so many memories of times when you get your keys ready in your hand, or you grab your bag, or you pretend to be on the phone… I don’t know if that will ever change….At the same time, I feel so much more solidarity for what women are going through. Guys are listening more. Maybe they’re just scared of being accused themselves one day, but I still feel like a lot of people are realizing that these structures of domination have been in place since forever. And this realization can change things. So it’s going in the right direction, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.
On the LGBTQIA+ community. “Homophobia and transphobia are neighbors of misogyny. Many people, deep down, are just scared of themselves. The freedom of others forces them to come to terms with something they are too scared to express. The beauty of a free, true and proud being paralyzes them.
I love her answer about motherhood. She just turned 28 and she’s going at her own pace, doing her work and figuring it out on her own terms. “I want to continue making the most of my youth” – good. It’s also slightly funny to me that Dua is so convinced that she belongs on stage, that she was always going to be a singer and dancer because… that’s not her strength? I genuinely adore her and I think she’s a great pop artist, but she’s not known for putting on a great “show,” you know? She was really hurt when people teased her about the fact that she’s not a strong dancer and she doesn’t have some huge stage presence. Which is fine! She still makes great, fun pop music.
Cover & IG courtesy of Vogue France.
i really thought it was Millie Bobby Brown in the header photo. There’s nothing there of Dua.
Dua has greatly improved in her dancing. Her covid concert was so fun and refreshing and she’s only getting better. She’s also such a beautiful woman with great presence. I really like her as an artist and music act.
Actually, Dua has improved a lot on stage. I think she’s a lot better than other pop stars. That said, it’s so funny to me when celebrities talk about loving work. I would too if it was making me millions and people catered to me every day.
I NEVER recognize Dua if she is not labeled. It’s like I’m faceblind but only to her. Good for her for being so versatile, I guess.
Lol – I used to be like that with Lady Gaga!
Dua is AMAZING live now. Saw her last year and it was easily one of the best concerts I’ve been to in years