Properly earlier than YSL Beauté can formally announce Dua Lipa as the brand new face of its international cosmetics assortment within the spring, everyone has a number of issues to do, specifically a secret photograph shoot and a sequence of interviews in New York Metropolis throughout the last days of fall.

Once I arrive simply on time for my very own slice of face time with Lipa, issues are operating fashionably late. It’s not a logistical nightmare as a result of nightmares aren’t actual. Pulling off a clandestine shoot with one of many world’s most well-known ladies in one among its most densely populated cities for an announcement that can happen months later is extra of a logistical bomb cyclone, which is probably why the shoot is sheltered within the geometric middle of a studio constructing downtown, away from prying gazes and past the sunshine of day. My entry to a room labeled “YVES SAINT LAURENT” with paper signage is initially denied, however moments later, the doorways open to launch an entourage of at least 10 individuals, all trying creatively exhausted — at their middle is Dua Lipa, wearing a large number of distinct shades of black. She doesn’t appear drained.

After being escorted to a different, much more non-public room, Lipa settles onto a sofa reverse a shaded window for a sequence of quick interviews with magnificence press corresponding to myself; her legs are crossed and her exquisitely tailor-made wool pants finish in pointy patent-leather pumps. “I really feel just like the Saint Laurent girl walks a effective line between masculine and female,” Lipa tells me. “I like a boyish fashion as nicely.” She says a number of occasions that she loves duality. She is stumped solely briefly after I ask her who essentially the most lovely individual she’s ever met is. “I meet lovely individuals the entire time,” she says to close by publicists, sounding gently frazzled for lack of a direct reply.

Within the better context of her profession — London teen to cocktail waitress to up-and-coming recording artist to well-known musician with a worldwide cosmetics contract — the present second is a transitional one for Lipa. If earworm hits corresponding to 2017’s “New Guidelines” gained her worldwide recognition, her 2020 album Future Nostalgia solidified her as a determine value stanning. Her involvement with the Barbie film (she performed a mermaid and contributed a now-hit music) saved her on press excursions all through 2023, which have seamlessly coincided with pre-press for her different new movie (a visitor function in Argylle) and yet-to-be-announced third album (teased by the disco single “Houdini”).