Secrets of the Stylish: Getting ready for Milan Fashion Week with Raye
On stage and on the red-carpet Raye oozes an old-school glamour that, much like her music, blends classic styles with a modern twist. Her looks are often reminiscent of 1940s and 1950s jazz singers, dresses that call for a velvet curtain and spotlight.
There’s a risk that a style so steeped in history could look a little moth-balled and dated, but Raye brings her looks into the 21stcentury with unique touches, such as pairing the custom-made Fendi Couture gown that she wore to the 2024 Met Gala with fringed gloves that looked almost frosted in metal.
As we learn, chatting to Raye in the car on her way to a Fendi fitting in Milan, this fast-becoming signature style is a relatively new step in the 26-year-old’s fashion journey. After first signing her record deal at 17, Raye grew up in Croydon; her teenage wardrobe of tracksuits and trainers is a world away from the corsets and organza skirts she so effortlessly wears now.
The singer’s fast style evolution is reflective of her whirlwind rise to fame as, in a landmark year she’s been on a dizzyingly fast orbit to global recognition, winning six out of the seven categories she was nominated for at this year's Brit Awards (breaking the record for most wins and nominations for an artist at the ceremony in a single year).
With her career success only set to continue, find out how the star, and friend of Fendi, plans to keep oozing glamour, while staying true to her roots.
Please talk us through your look today – how did you choose it?
"We chose a cream knitted dress, that nods to the 1920s – with v neck and organza detailing. Kim and the design team put aside some looks; they’ve got a good sense of how I love to dress now as we’ve been working together for a while. I love the Fendi family so much. We all get along really well so it’s nice when fittings are fun and full of laughter.
"I had a lovely time trying on lots of gorgeous looks but I was eyeing this dress on the rail the whole time. It feels effortless and it’s very me I think, very comfortable and gorgeous. The bag is a Peekaboo Soft, the leather is like butter and it just finishes off the look perfectly."
What makes Fendi such a great fit for you and your personal style?
"I’m an old-school girl and I am obsessed with looking through the archives. I’ve loved Fendi ever since I was kid, and I didn’t even understand what fashion was. I think that’s something I’m still figuring out. Now, what I really appreciate is that they have this balance of modern styling with this beautiful history.
"The look they created for the Met Gala was just such a moment for me. Being there, in that dress, was extremely overwhelming. I mean, South London and the Met Gala are polar opposites! I really felt like I was on another planet, to be honest; it was insane. I was just trying to soak it in.
"Fendi also dressed me for a very special moment, when I collected an award at The Brits. I was in this long black dress, with this stunning embroidery and everything about the fit just made me feel so beautiful."
How involved do you tend to be with the styling process?
"A big part of my thing, and I know it's not very fashionable to say it, is feeling comfortable. Comfort is very important to me, you know.
"That's one of the beautiful things about finding the perfect dress – I need it to also go out on stage. I need to feel confident, and feel good and comfortable, as then I can feel beautiful. That's what it's all about. So, I have to be involved in the process to know I feel comfortable. I need to know it looks snatched but it's not hurting me.
"Particularly with heels, as you have to find the right shoe for your foot. You have to test it because there are some heels you can wear and they look uncomfortable but actually they're comfy. For me, comfy is, 'I could do a whole hour in these', as I have a very low pain threshold. When you try them on, you need to give it a solid 15 minutes to know how long you're going to last. But Celine Dion will tell you something completely different, she says if she loves a shoe she will make it work no matter what – she will break her foot to get into a shoe! It’s inspiring… but I need comfort.
"Some people can fit me and I have to say 'Girl, it’s not gonna work', as I don’t feel free. When I step on stage, I need what I wear to help me step into this beautiful character that I get to become. I put my rollers in, I have my big hair and I just feel really powerful."
How has your personal style evolved over the years?
"For years I didn’t have a personal style at all! It was tragic. But I think we’ve all got to start somewhere. Look, I’m a Croydon girl as well, I used to wear a lot of tracksuits, streetwear, sportswear and stuff like that. I used to say, 'I only want to wear baggy clothes'. No skirts, no dresses.
"And then, something flipped. My hairdresser, for an awards, tried a roller set on me. Since that moment, I’ve discovered what I love. This old-school glamour is how I want to dress forever."
What’s your ideal getting-ready set-up?
"I’d have a nice candle lit, a record player with some beautiful vinyls lined up to listen to. The room would also have to be warm, as I hate being cold! If I’m talking the absolute perfect day, dream set-up, there’s going to be a fireplace there.
"I’d ideally get to take my time and not rush. I’d take a nice long bath and then get ready slowly, doing my hair and putting loads of hairspray on."
When do you feel most beautiful?
"On stage. Because I feel powerful, free and fearless."
Why does what we wear, matter?
"It all comes down to self-confidence and feeling good in yourself. When I put on something that makes me feel good it affects how I speak to people – I’m so much more confident in myself. It impacts how extroverted I will be that day.
"My self-care has been pretty crappy this year and that’s something I really want to work on towards the end of this year. I want to get home, organise my wardrobe, go through it and plan all my outfits so that I feel good when I step out of the house."
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