Dua Lipa: “Freedom is having total autonomy over your body and what you do with it”

As she continues the concerts of her world tour Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa made a stopover in Paris at the beginning of September. But if she “loves” spending time in the French capital, the British singer is not here to take a break. The interpreter of one kiss resumes its role as perfume muse Free by Yves Saint Laurent, which comes in a new floral, spicy and honeyed version. The opportunity to talk with her about the notions of freedom, femininity and her favorite smells. Confidences.

Miss Figaro.– What do you like most about this new fragrance?
Dua Lipa.- I love the sensuality that emanates from it. And especially the note of saffron, which stays much longer on the skin. It changes everything, that’s what makes the perfume even deeper, more intense… And I like everything intense. He can last all night dancing!

When do you like to wear it?
Before, I was the kind of person who wore one perfume for all occasions. Now I have expanded this field. I think it’s really fun to have a particular scent that stays with you throughout the night. The one that matches your mood at that moment, that goes with a special outfit and that tells a whole different story. And for me, an intense scent is an evening fragrance.

What are your favorite smells in everyday life?
I love the smell of freshly cut grass, or the smell of rain. All the smells I can smell when I walk in nature. I also like the ones in the kitchen when someone is cooking, the mixture of garlic and onion that comes out of it… In fact, I like all the scents that create a pleasant and warm. The smell of my mom for example. You know, all those things that make you feel at home, that’s my favorite thing.

In the new campaign video of Free, the perfumeyou cover the cult song “Freedomby George Michael. What did that mean to you?
It’s such an iconic song! It was a little scary to take it back, because I wanted to do it justice as it should. George Michael was an icon, he stood up for what he believed in. I had to find a way to honor this message, to convey this emotion. It’s music that I love and I feel very lucky to have performed it for a brand that really defends the same values.

Freedom is the ability to make your voice heard and to make choices. To live life in a truly authentic way

Dua Lipa

What is your definition of freedom?
It is the ability to make your voice heard and to make choices. To really have total autonomy over your body and what you do with it, the things you say, the choices you make. To live life in a truly authentic way. It’s difficult with everything that’s going on in the world right now… But I think it’s important that we keep defending our freedom and keep fighting for it, because it’s the only way to get it.

In video, Dua Lipa in concert in Paris

Freedomby George Michael is a hit from the 1990s. Is this a decade that you enjoy?
I love the 1990s! I draw a lot of inspiration from the style of that era. The makeovers were very fresh, everything was lighter, more fun. People let themselves go more, they weren’t as much in control as they are today. That too is freedom, in my opinion.

Femininity is appreciating one’s vulnerability and strength. It is to use to one’s advantage all those aspects that we have been taught to consider as weaknesses.

Dua Lipa

What is your definition of femininity?
It is to appreciate one’s vulnerability and one’s strength. It is to use to one’s advantage all those aspects that we have been taught to consider as weaknesses. There is a toxic masculinity that keeps us from expressing our feelings, when there is so much power in being vulnerable. The “superpower” in femininity may also be to be able to channel one’s emotions more easily. And this femininity, we should be able to find it in both women and men, it’s very important.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever been given?
Less is more ! I had a disastrous make-up phase… I realized that keeping it to a minimum was what suited me best. A bit like French women! I gravitate towards French fashion and beauty a lot because I find it so beautiful, and I like to stick to a light look, like them.

What do you like the most when you come to Paris?
I love the city, wine and French butter! I always have a good time here, I love the energy of the people, the conversations I have with them. Nightlife too. I created very beautiful memories in Paris so when I come there, I always feel very good there.

Yves Saint Laurent, in his time, shook up fashion codes. What inspires you in the couturier’s heritage and that you apply yourself in your musical career?
Push the limits. Try to change things in a positive way, experiment, don’t be afraid to stand out and do different things, even if it can be scary. Do things beyond your comfort zone, because the reward is worth it. I think it’s a good way to live!