by On stage and on the red carpet, Raye exudes old-school glamor that, like her music, blends classic styles with a modern twist. Her look is often reminiscent of jazz singers of the 1940s and 1950s, dresses that require velvet curtains and spotlights.
There’s a risk that a style so steeped in history can seem a bit dated and dated, but Raye brings her look into the 21Stcentury with unique touches, such as pairing the custom Fendi Couture gown she wore to the 2024 Met Gala with fringed gloves that looked almost frosted in metal.
As we learn, chatting with Raye in the car on her way to a Fendi fitting in Milan, this fast-rising signature style is a relatively new step in the 26-year-old’s fashion journey. Having first signed her contract at 17, Raye grew up in Croydon; Her teenage wardrobe of tracksuits and trainers is a far cry from the corsets and organza skirts she now wears with ease.
The rapid evolution of the singer’s style reflects her rapid rise to fame as, in a remarkable year, she is on an extremely fast track 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 one year).
With her career on the rise, find out how the star, and friend of Fendi, plans to maintain oozing glamour, and stay true to her roots.
Talk to us about your look today – how did you choose it?
“We chose a cream-knit dress, which harkens back to the 1920s – with v-neck details and organza. Kim and the design team put together several looks; they have a good sense of how I like to dress now as we were. working together for a while I love the Fendi family We get along very well so it’s nice when outfits are fun and full of laughter.
“I’ve had a great time trying on a lot of great looks but I’ve been eyeing this dress on the runway all the time. It feels effortless and it’s a big thing, I think, very comfortable and gorgeous. The bag is Peekaboo Soft, the leather is like butter and completes the look perfectly.”
What makes Fendi such a good fit for you and your personal style?
“I’m an old-school girl and I’m obsessed with looking through the archives. I’ve loved Fendi since I was a kid, and I didn’t even understand what fashion was. I think that’s something I’m still showing .Now, what I love is that there is this balance between modern styling and this beautiful history.
“The look they created at the Met Gala was just such a moment for me. To be there, in that dress, was amazing. I mean, South London and the Met Gala are stark contrasts I really felt like I was on another planet, to be honest, it was crazy.
“I was also dressed by Fendi for a very special moment, when I collected an award at The Brits. I was in this long black dress, with the stunning embroidery and everything about the fit just made me feel so beautiful.”
How involved are you in 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 go out on stage too. I have to be confident, and feel good and comfortable, because then I can feel that beautiful. That’s what it’s all about. So, I have to be involved in the process to know that I’m comfortable.
“Especially with heels, because 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 in fact they are comfortable. For me , it’s comfy, ‘I could do it for an hour in the ‘, because I have a very low pain threshold When you try to do them, you have to give it a solid 15 minutes to know where as long as you live. But Celine Dion will tell you something completely different, she says if she loves a shoe she will work no matter what – she will break her leg to get into a shoe… but comfort is needed from me!
“Some people can fit me and I have to say ‘Girl, it’s not going to work’, because I don’t feel free. When I go on stage, I need what I wear to help me get into the this beautiful character I get to be.
How has your personal style evolved over the years?
“For years I had no personal style at all! It was tragic. But I think we all have to start somewhere. Look, I’m a Croydon girl too, I’ve worn a lot of tracksuits, streetwear, sportswear and things like that I used to say, ‘I just want to wear baggy clothes’.
“And then, something turned. My hairdresser, for awards, tried a set of rollers on me. From that moment, I have discovered what I love. This old-school glamor is the way I want to dress forever.”
What is the best arrangement to get you ready?
“I would have a nice candle burning, a record player with some beautiful vinyl lined up to listen to. The room would also have to be warm, because I hate being cold! If I’m talking about the perfect day, set dream out. -up, there will be a fireplace.
“I’d rather take my time and not mess around. I’d take a nice long bath and then I’d get ready slowly, doing my hair and putting a lot 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 about yourself. When I wear something that makes me feel good, it affects the way I talk to people – I’m much more confident in myself. It has an impact how old I will be that day.
“My self care has been pretty crappy this year and that’s something I want to work on towards the end of this year. I want to come home, organize my wardrobe, go through and plan all my outfits so that I feel good when I leave the house.”
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