“The only thing that keeps me on track is knowing that I might be uplifting the heart of someone else. All of it becomes worth it – all of the negativity is worth it when you can change someone’s life.” Willow Smith’s words are a testament to her strength. Since the release of her first solo album at 15 years old, she has paved her own path. Willow was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2021 by Time last year, and at 21 years old, the singer is swimming against the current and ready to change the world.
Vest, shirt and pants, all Ralph Lauren. Jacket, striped shirt, tank top and boxers, all Polo Ralph Lauren. Bolo tie, Courtesy of Desert 5 Spot, LA. Belt, Melet Mercantile.
What are the three keywords that come to your mind when talking about “Youthquake”?
Evolution, revolution, and compassion.
Your album was released last year. Lately, I Feel Everything was described as a great leap in your music. What was your greatest growth when making this album?
I think that the biggest change was me feeling confident enough to just sing rock music the way that I want to sing it, and not how other people think I should sing it or not how other people have sung it before.
Who would you say inspired you the most when it comes to creating music?
What inspires me the most is the rich history of people who have used music as a vehicle of change and activism and a way of really just evolving the perspective of humanity as a whole. Sister Rosetta Tharpe is definitely one of those people for me.
Jacket, Valentino. Shirt, MSFTSrep. Tie, Ralph Lauren. Hat, Gladys Tamez. Suspenders and earring, all Melet Mercantile.
Jacket, shirt and shorts, all Valentino. White shirt, MSFTSrep. Tie, Ralph Lauren. Suspenders and earring, all Melet Mercantile. Shoes, Versace.
Tell us about your upcoming single with Machine Gun Kelly.
I’m really excited. I think the song is a smash. And it’s very interesting to have me and Machine Gun Kelly on the same song. I feel like it’s going to bring a different vibe and allow people to feel seen and heard in spaces that maybe they didn’t feel seen and heard in before.
How would you define your personal style? What are your favourite fashion brands, designers and why?
Fashion for me is just a way to express yourself. I honestly wouldn’t even go into brands, I would talk about some of my favourite people I admire for how they style themselves. It’s just very unique. And they don’t really care about the trends and they don’t care about what other people think about them. They just kind of do what they want. No matter what, that’s kind of what I strive for in my life, regardless, so I think that would be it.
Are there any examples of those kinds of people?
My brother honestly.
I think that when you have a platform, the most important thing is to try and inject compassion and care into the world
Willow Smith
You’ve been selected as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine last year, how does it impact you and what you do?
The only reason why I have this platform and the only reason why I feel like it’s worth it is to put out positivity and to change the way that people feel about the world and about themselves. I think that when you have a platform, the most important thing is to try and inject compassion and care into the world. I just want people to feel loved, I want people to feel understood and I want people to feel inspired when I’m in their presence. And I’m just so grateful that that’s what’s happening it seems.
Blazer, shorts and boots, all Givenchy. Shirt, Polo Ralph Lauren. Bolo tie, Courtesy of Desert 5 spot, LA
How do you stay true to yourself when you have to face so many public comments that can be so personal sometimes? How do you overcome insecurities as a public figure?
The only thing that keeps me on track is knowing that I might be uplifting the heart of someone else. All of it becomes worth it – all of the negativity is worth it when you can change someone’s life. And that’s the only thing I think about. I just want to uplift everyone who comes across my path. Whatever I have to endure to do that is a blessing.
Given your influence in the industry and in the world, what impact do you wish to bring forth through your creations?
I feel like in history, we’ve seen how influential music can be in political change. In this day and age, we’re inundated every day by the millions of problems that we need to put our attention to on this earth. If my music can help with even one of those, or bring awareness and make people care about positive change in the world and positive change in their immediate life – that’s really all I want.
Photography: Luigi & Iango (2b Management)
Fashion Direction: Dena Giannini
Producer: Alexey Galetskiy (AGPNYC)
Makeup Artist: Raoul Alejandre
Hair Stylist: Vernon Francois
Manicurist: Jolene Brodeur (The Wall Group)
Tailor: Oxana Sumenko
Casting: Jill Demling (Creative Casting Agency)
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Editor
Vogue Hong Kong
