British Vogue’s Cover Star Raye On The Story Behind Her New Song ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’ September 18, 2025

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Run-Through with Vogue

Episode: British Vogue’s Cover Star Raye On The Story Behind Her New Song ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’

Date: September 18, 2025
Host(s): Chloe Malle (Vogue U.S.), Chioma Nnadi (British Vogue)
Guest: Raye (British Vogue’s newest cover star, acclaimed British singer-songwriter)

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue features an intimate and lively conversation between British Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi and the magazine’s latest cover star, Raye. The focus is on Raye's transformative year, her creative process, her bold new single “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”, her fascination with old-school glamour, and her evolving role as an artist and public figure. The discussion is peppered with personal stories and insights, from career highs like performing at the Grammys and the Oscars to thoughts on sisterhood in the industry, fashion influences, and her approach to life and love.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Making of a Vogue Cover Star

• The Photoshoot Experience
  • Raye recounts her excitement and nerves during her British Vogue cover shoot in Paris, styled by IB Kamara and shot by Malik Bodien, wearing Chanel. She describes being pushed out of her comfort zone, embracing glamour, and interacting with models who pretended to be her fans for the shoot.
    Quote:

    “I had to do a shot walking around a fountain… people are just looking at who is this girl… But the pictures turned out so amazing… seeing those mockups of the cover was a heart stop, wow moment for me.” (04:06–05:05, Raye)

2. Raye’s Breakout Year: Career Milestones & Moments

• Grammys & Oscars Performances
  • Raye shares what it felt like performing at the Grammys and the Oscars—highlighting the adrenaline, the spontaneity of her choices on stage, and the pride she felt afterward. She distinguishes between over-preparing and the magic of live inspiration. Quote:

    “If I could bottle that feeling and sell it, I’d be a billionaire… I came off stage and I was like, I don’t know what to do with myself. But in that specific performance, I was like, we did it. I’m so proud.” (05:37–07:10, Raye)

  • She notes key differences between the two events and how taking musical risks on stage continues to inform her artistry.
• Tour and New Music Announcement
  • Raye reveals she’s launching a tour, “This Tour May Contain New Music,” bringing her sisters on the road, and that her new album is available for pre-order—even though it’s not yet finished. Quote:

    “The album is not done but I’ve announced it. Sometimes you need the pressure on.” (09:19, Raye)

3. Crafting “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” and the Evolution of Sound

• Songwriting on Stage
  • Raye describes how live performance has fundamentally shaped her songwriting, citing “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” as an example—its arrangement evolved through real-time audience feedback at multiple shows before being finalized.
  • She talks about transitioning from electronic/dance music roots towards incorporating orchestral and live instruments, drawing from her jazz background. Quote:

    “It’s been a real evolution… I like something for my next album belonging on the stage and then working backwards… We’re really going to kill that in this next body of work in terms of the indulgence and largeness and the drama.” (11:19–13:42, Raye)

4. Manifesting Love and Life: The Personal Behind the Art

• Manifestation and Motherhood
  • The new single is not just a catchy title, but (jokingly and earnestly) a genuine call to the universe for partnership—and even motherhood. Quote:

    “No matter what you believe in this life, what you speak out will come to pass… I want a husband, so I just need to find him and then I can get the whole life thing cracking.” (13:49–14:18, Raye)

• First Dates and Spontaneity
  • Raye shares what makes a perfect date for her: spontaneity, going with the flow, and fun little adventures that unfold unexpectedly.
    Quote:

    “I kind of love a spontaneity… you know when the night takes you somewhere random and unexpected… Just an adventure.” (15:00–16:00, Raye)

5. Navigating the Industry: Sisterhood, Resilience, and Representation

• Sisterhood in the Music Industry
  • Raye reflects on building supportive connections with other women in music, often acting as a big sister figure, shaped by her own experiences and family. Quote:

    “There’s a Beautiful understanding between female artists… I know I’ve been able to be a shoulder for amazing female artists, in a safe space… I’m a complete girl’s gal.” (17:39–19:32, Raye)

• Coping with Success and Change
  • She underscores both the privilege and the pressure of living her dream, the scrutiny that comes with it, and the necessity of trusted confidantes.

6. Style Evolution: From Nostalgia to Custom Couture

• Old Hollywood & Jazz Era Influence
  • Raye credits her distinctive style to her lifelong love for jazz and icons like Diana Ross, favoring glam, bobs, and bold makeup which represent her truest self. Quote:

    “What’s really and truly shaped my style is my taste in jazz… there’s something about that era which is everything to me… How amazingly these women would dress up…” (21:23–22:38, Raye)

• Collaboration with Fashion Designers
  • She details her collaboration with Sarah Burton of Givenchy (formerly Alexander McQueen), explaining how their partnership began and evolved into the iconic custom designs for Glastonbury. Quote:

    “Sarah Burton… made me some sketches… there must have been at least 50, 60, 70 designs… she made me feel so valued and so special and so seen.” (26:22–27:58, Raye)

7. Life Offstage: Joy, Playfulness, and Downtime

• Celebrations and Hobbies
  • Raye considers throwing a games night for her upcoming birthday and shares her love of Nintendo Switch games and Super Mario collectibles.
• Reflections on Growth
  • She looks back on her style journey with humor and gratitude for having found her own voice and aesthetic.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On her Vogue cover shoot:

  “Seeing those mockups of the cover was a heart stop, wow moment for me… like, oh, wow. I'll never, I don't think I'm ever going to forget that feeling that goes in a life highlights feeling.” (04:06–05:05, Raye)

• On performing at the Grammys:

  “If I could bottle that feeling and sell it, i'd be a billionaire… I came off stage and I was like, I don’t know what to do with myself. But in that specific performance… I was like, we did it. I’m so proud.” (05:37–07:10, Raye)

• On "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!" as manifestation:

  “I want a husband, so I just need to find him and then I can get the whole life thing cracking. So I figured this would actually be the perfect first song to release just to put it out there.” (14:18, Raye)

• On sisterhood and resilience in music:

  “There’s a beautiful understanding between female artists… I’m a complete girl’s gal… I know I’ve been able to be a shoulder for some other amazing female artists, you know, in a safe space… my negative experiences has been able to give me wisdom and resilience to share.” (17:39–19:32, Raye)

• On the meaning of her evolving style:

  “When my hairstylist first was like, let's do a Hollywood blowout on you… I remember just looking at myself in the mirror and being like, this is it. This is who I am.” (22:24–22:38, Raye)

• On collaborating with Sarah Burton:

  “She made me feel so valued and so special and so seen… that moment wasn’t just some sort of, like, she cares… what an amazing experience.” (26:22–27:58, Raye)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• [02:13–05:05] Cover shoot memories, the magic of seeing herself on the Vogue cover
• [05:05–09:19] Grammy and Oscar performances, on-the-fly artistry, tour and album announcements
• [10:23–13:42] The creative evolution from stage to studio; shifting to orchestral sound
• [13:42–16:00] “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”, manifestations, love life, perfect first dates
• [17:17–19:32] Sisterhood, supporting women in the industry, resilience and community
• [20:28–23:44] British girl energy, fashion evolution, old Hollywood influences
• [25:01–27:58] Relationship and collaboration with Sarah Burton, custom fashion for Glastonbury
• [28:15–29:47] Birthday plans, downtime, and gaming as escape

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Tone & Takeaway

The conversation is warm, candid, and empowering, full of laughter and mutual admiration. Raye communicates vulnerability, confidence, and a sense of adventure—both on stage and in life. Her optimism about manifesting her dreams and supporting others shines alongside her artistic ambitions. There’s a sense of British wit and self-awareness throughout, complemented by Vogue’s signature appreciation for originality, fashion, and personal storytelling.

For listeners:
Expect an engaging portrait of one of music’s most exciting voices, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a cover star, and a sincere discussion about art, ambition, friendship, and finding joy on and off stage.

Transcript

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

Hi, I'm Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue's beauty editor at large. Ebay is one of the places where it ends up factoring so much into my fashion month because it lets me find pieces that I know aren't just pushed on me because it's a trend that's happening at the moment. There's an element of discovery with ebay where I'll find something new that excites me.

[Chloe Mal]

This is the run through. I'm Chloe Mal. And today on the show, Choma caught up with British Vogue's newest cover star, Ray, who I have to say is a big favorite at the US Vogue offices, but also obviously at the British Vogue offices. They were chatting over zoom from our London studios this week about what a huge year it has been for rhe. And I have to say, I thought this cover and story was exactly what, to me, a vogue cover should be. It's really introduces you in an intimate way to someone who you've started seeing everywhere. And so it feels like a real anointing of her as this global superstar. And Choma's British Vogue cover, which is this very old school black and white glamour shots of rhe photographed by Malik Bodien and styled by Ibi Kamara. I really loved that. She talks about how she, recently in Paris, stayed out until 7am on the banks of the Seine, drinking wine with strangers. So she's a global superstar and also still a woman of the people, the French people. But this year she was nominated for best new artist at the grammys. She played at the pyramid stage at glass. She performed the James Bond tribute at the Oscars, and we got a big scoop. In Choma's conversation with Rhea, she has new music and she told Choma all about it. She has a new single, where is my husband? Which is out today, Thursday. And she is going on tour. So it was fun to hear her share who exactly she's gonna be on tour with and what it was like to work on that new music. So here is Choma's conversation with Ray. I hope everyone enjoys as much as I.

[Choma]

Thank you for being on the British Vogue cover. Cause I'm so excited. You're just one of my faves.

[Ray]

Thank you for having me. My gosh, what a bucket list. Yeah. I didn't know if ever. If I'd ever see this day. It's always been a dream of mine. So also, thank you for having me.

[Choma]

Oh, my God, of course. I mean, let's talk about the COVID What was the. I heard it was a really fun Vibe I heard. I mean, I'm really excited for you to see it. I don't know if you've seen it yet.

[Ray]

No, I haven't.

[Choma]

No. Okay. We can't.

[Ray]

I'm very excited to see it.

[Choma]

It's so fun. I can't wait for you to see it.

[Ray]

I'm so excited. I know I'm wearing Chanel, which is. I love Chanel.

[Choma]

Like, it suits you, darling. It suits you.

[Ray]

You know what? It's so classic. I mean, it's. No. It's no stranger that both musically and in my style, I really just love that nostalgia and that timelessness, you know? So I feel like Chanel just does that for me. So. First British Vogue cover in Chanel. Wow.

[Choma]

What was the day like? Tell me about. Cause you shot in Paris. I know. It was quite a mood.

[Ray]

It was absolutely a mood. It was actually really. You know, aside from the looks, which IB Kumar just ate down fitting was just like, everything I tried on, I was like, okay. Wow. And on the day, it was nice. You know, you guys had me going out of my comfort zone a bit, which is good. You know, you need to do those things. I had to do a shot walking around a fountain.

[Choma]

Oh, that was. It's amazing.

[Ray]

And I had to, like, go from far, so, you know, the photographer's far away. So people are just looking at who is this girl who just keeps walking around camping. And I'm just there, like, looking over my shoulder, trying to channel British folk.

[Choma]

You know, it's so Dolce Vita. It's like. It's very, like. It's very glam. It's very. It's gorgeous.

[Ray]

It really is. It really is. And there was some beautiful models who were part of the shoot as well. There was a funny moment where the vision was that they had to pretend to be my fans. And really, I was so embarrassed at one point, like, having to play along. But the pictures, when I looked back, I was like, okay, it's all worth it. And he was like, let's do it again. And I'm like, are you sure we need to do all of this again? Yeah. Okay. But it was great. The pictures turned out so amazing from what I saw. And there was a moment which was very beautiful, though. I think towards the end of the day, they just mocked up some of the pictures with the Vogue logo at the top of the picture. And, yeah, like, that was a real, like, heart stop, wow moment for me of just like, oh, wow. I'll never. I don't think I'm ever going to forget that feeling that goes in a life highlights feeling. It was a very magical moment in that day. Yeah.

[Choma]

I feel like you must have had quite a few of those, like, heart stopping, magical life moments. Are there any that stick out? I mean, you're in such an amazing moment right now.

[Ray]

My goodness. This year, the Grammys was this year, wasn't it?

[Choma]

I mean, the Grammys, oh, that was so fabulous.

[Ray]

Like that. Talk about a lifestyle moment. I came off stage, I'd never felt a feeling like that, which is so interesting.

[Choma]

Describe it for me.

[Ray]

Oh, my gosh. It was a kind of form of electricity that if you. If I could bottle that feeling and sell it, I'd be a billionaire. It was just. I don't. I think also because it was so quick, right? So you're like rushing from. You go, sit down. You've got to get up. Get chained for this. Sit down, get up. And then just leave your table. You know, from just like Lady Gaga's over there, everyone's around, go behind the thing. And I'm like, oh, my gosh. I'm about to perform for like, the greatest artist alive and I'm gonna sing for them. Like, I have to deliver, you know, so it's that adrenaline. Kind of the highest form of adrenaline you ever kind of process as a human being. Just amounted into one moment and then the thing lifts up and you're like, go. You know, and then it was so quick, you know, I think my signal was like three minutes or however long it is, and you blink. And then I came off stage and I was like, I don't know what to do with myself. I just felt so. But, you know, also, I think as a singer, and I think all artists will tell you, like, you have moments where you're just pulling something apart, ripping something apart, you know, something could have been better. You've learned an important lesson for the future. But in that specific performance, I was like, we did it. I'm so proud of this. You know, I didn't feel like, wow, oh, what if. Oh, we should have. Oh, I could have. I just. It was a real alignment. Yeah. Really proud of that moment.

[Choma]

Oh, it so came through. It was such a joy to watch. So how did you prepare for that moment?

[Ray]

Yeah, it's funny, I do make a lot of decisions in the moment on stage, which is something I'm also learning.

[Choma]

There's a spontaneousness that I loved about your performance too, because it didn't feel like.

[Ray]

It was like, things aren't locked.

[Choma]

Yeah, yeah. Which is so cool.

[Ray]

It is cool. But then there's also. It cannot go great. Kind of making spontaneous decisions. Which actually, it's really interesting actually as being the kind of musician who I want to not solidify things that you need certain things in place. But for me it's a detrimental to over prepare in terms of the musical aspect, especially from a vocal perspective. But like I feel like it's interesting because the Oscars for me.

[Choma]

I forgot about the Oscars. Damn.

[Ray]

No. So that was also insane but in a different way. And I think the Grammys for me went so incredibly by my own musical perspective. But the Oscars was like I took risks in my head that I was just like in the moment, like, yeah, I'm just gonna sing big here. Whereas in rehearsals I'd sang very small in certain places and I'd sang soft in other places. And I made so many last minute musical decisions live on the Oscar stage. And then I looked back and I was like, okay, right. So you know, it's also understanding that being that artist I want to be maybe does require sometimes you need to cement. Anyway, I learned a lot. I've learned a lot this year.

[Choma]

I mean, you've been on some impressive stages this year. But I think everybody's really excited that you have new music coming and you've announced that there's the song where is my husband Is being released this week.

[Ray]

It is basically I'm doing a tour. I'm going on tour.

[Choma]

Oh my God. Exciting.

[Ray]

Which is so exciting. I'm going on tour with my two little sisters as well, which is so beautiful. Tour is called. This tour may contain new music. Amazing. And I announced my album for pre order which is also very exciting.

[Choma]

Congratulations. Can't wait.

[Ray]

Thank you. The album is not done but I've announced it. Sometimes you need to pressure on. Yeah, you need a bit of a deadline really. Just so that's happening.

[Chloe Mal]

We're going to take a quick break. Be back in a moment.

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

Whenever I'm looking for things with ebay authenticity guarantee, it often ends up being sneakers. I'm not necessarily sneakerhood, but there are specific sneakers that I may have like fallen in love with and have been discontinued. And it's really nice to find them on ebay. And so it'll be just like a pair of platform Converse loafers. It will be a pair of vans, white slippers with like a very specific low toe. And so it's great with ebay to just be like, this is a real thing. It's in the size that you want. It's in the style that you want. And it's real.

[Choma]

Going back to your live shows, I mean, I was really blown away by the fact that you had this full orchestra and it just. It just adds so much drama and emotion. And I was wondering, when you're writing the music, do you. Do you already imagine how it will sound in that kind of setting?

[Ray]

Oh, I think yes. More so now than ever. I think the last two or three years of my life being relatively mostly shows and mostly being a performer, has massively affected the way that I've even began to create this next chapter. And because it's just been so important to me, I think even whereas my husband itself is such a good example of this, because I was playing this song on stages since Glastonbury and it's been evolving. And I only handed in the record about a week ago.

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

Wow.

[Ray]

The final version, you know, and it's actually being on stage and feeling what parts connect, what parts feel flatter, what parts get you going. What is it about this moment that feels great? What is it about this moment that could be better? And it's been a real evolution of actually, I like something for my next album belonging on the stage and then working backwards. So I've been really enjoying that process. And I also think that's what is exciting about this tour. Even though I probably should be thinking about handing in the album before we even go on tour. Oh, my God, I don't know if that's gonna happen. Deadlines, I need that pressure. I work well under pressure. But, you know, something developing on a stage, it really gives things in new context. I also believe maybe the analog music, you know, live instrumentation. And I've come from a world of electronic and dance music way, way back in the beginning of my career releasing. But before that, for me, it was jazz. And I think it's been a really interesting thing translating dance music into an orchestral form and then working out how that then translates to an audience. I no doubt about this stuff. It gets me really excited. But I also think from when I released the first album to now, it was so funny. I was in a bookshop yesterday and someone was playing. I think they maybe saw me come in and they played Oscar Winning Tears and I was listening to it and I was like, that must happen a lot. Yeah.

[Choma]

When they're like, okay, it really cute.

[Ray]

And I never know how to react. I'm like, I was in a bookshop. So I was like, let me keep looking at the books. Didn't really know what to do. It was really cute. And I heard song and I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, it's like I hadn't heard it in a really long time. And I think because we've taken music and, like, developed it and refined it and, like, evolved it, and then I was listening to the track and I was like, oh, my gosh, this is really quite thin and quite different. Really stripped back. Like, it's very. Not where I'm at right anymore. Like, I think live and this orchestral translation and big band and even just how we've been developing things has really significantly changed my taste. And I think we're going to really kill that in this next body of work in terms of the indulgence and largeness and the drama and the richness of what something can and should be or what I want it to be. Yes. So, yeah, that's very exciting to me. And. Yeah. And whereas My Husband is the first single from that chapter is a new chapter. I'm so excited.

[Choma]

I think you're going to be calling in your husband at this point because that is a, that's a hell of a manifesting song.

[Ray]

Listen, I think no matter what you believe in this life, what you speak out will come to pass. If you speak positive things over yourself, you allow those things to happen. And I look at babies now and I'm like, oh, wow. Like, I used to look at babies and be like, oh, that's nice. You know what I mean? That's cute. Congrats. You know? And now I look at babies and I'm like, I'm like, oh, my gosh. Oh.

[Choma]

Oh, my God, a baby ray would be so cute.

[Ray]

Oh, my gosh. In order for that to happen, me personally, yeah, I want a husband, so I just need to find him and then I can get the whole life thing cracking. So I figured this would actually be the perfect first song to release just to put it out there, you know.

[Choma]

I think that's a good, that's a good way to do it.

[Ray]

Marketing. Do you know I mean, marketing husband apply here.

[Choma]

Your DMs are gonna be popping off, girl. Like, I hope you get to sort through this is like.

[Ray]

I've got a good feeling about this. I'm hopeful.

[Choma]

What's like, the perfect first date for you?

[Ray]

Oh, I'm trying to think. The last time I went on a date, like, I think it's been like a year at least. My perfect first date. I find, you know, I kind of love a spontaneity. Like, I, I, I really enjoy, like, things not being over planned. Maybe like we plan to meet at a pub or meet, like a nice little rest order. I don't know, meet somewhere. I'm a chatterbox, so I can definitely keep a conversation alive just from. But I really enjoy, like, oh, why don't we walk along here and why don't we. And then, you know, when the night takes you somewhere random and unexpected, you know, which I love. So spontaneity. Yeah. I think is kind of what I love on a day and someone who's not afraid to, like, be silly and allow anything to happen. Yeah. I think the last day that I went on that I can remember was definitely maybe like a year and a half ago. But we started in a pub and then we went for a walk, and then we went for a walk by the canals, and then we saw some guy making music on his boat and we made friends with him. We went on the boat and then we were chatting. Do you know what I mean? It was just like a good vibe. It just went from place to place. It was so random. And I think that's the best kind of first date. Just an adventure. Yeah.

[Choma]

I can't wait to hear that out. I mean, I'm so excited to hear what you've been working on.

[Ray]

Thank you. So am I. Because we've got a long way to go. A long way.

[Chloe Mal]

More. After a quick break.

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

Dressing for fashion shows requires a little spontaneity. And you have to plan for the events of your day, but also be open to what's around you. And a lot of that will be influenced by the street style that you're seeing. Just like in the moment, sometimes everybody's wearing low bun scrunchies. Obviously we know that for a while they were wearing trench coats. So whenever I'm using the search bar on ebay, I'm really thinking about, like, a theme or like an aesthetic that's interesting to me at that moment. And so sometimes it really is just like sheer sparkle mesh. Ebay will end up directing me in places that I could have never anticipated. And so much of what I'm wearing for fall shows is from ebay.

[Choma]

You've really done an amazing job of kind of starting a wider conversation about what it means to sort of move through the industry as a woman, as a black woman, as a mixed race woman. Have artists reached out to you to share their experiences? Has it been something that you've gotten feedback over? Because I just feel like you've been quite brave in not backing down.

[Ray]

I think there's a Beautiful understanding between female artists, between female musicians, both session musicians, players, instrumentalists, writers, artists, creatives, graphic designers, directors. That has been more beautiful to really feel such a connection and an understanding both unspoken, both even deeper. A couple of sentences, but like, I see you, you know, and actually just how beautiful that's been, you know, I'm very grateful that also through the things that I've been through and come out the other side of that. I know without naming names, I know I've been able to be a shoulder for some other amazing female artists, you know, in a safe space that, you know, I've got this big sisterly instinct. I'm a big sister. I'm the oldest of four girls.

[Choma]

Wow.

[Ray]

This protect the girls. I really feel so, you know, I know that there's some beautiful artists out there who are girls who call me up and be like, ray, I need some advice. Or, Ray, I'm struggling with this. Or I'll talk with or pray with, or just be a support, you know, in a safe, private space. I also learned the hard lesson of trust and just that trust is everything. So I'm a complete girl's gal. And I'm holding, you know, I've made some beautiful friendships and really shared some special moments with some incredible girls who I'm just so proud of. And they're out there shining, and it's just we're looking out for each other. So that's really lovely. I'm really grateful that my negative experiences has been able to give me wisdom and resilience to share.

[Choma]

There's something so special about that, that kind of sisterhood.

[Ray]

I think there really is. You know, it's not an easy feat. It's such a privilege. It's absolutely such a privilege to be able to get to do what you love for a living. It's such a privilege that you can almost feel like there's no safe space to express what you may find difficult, especially as a woman. And there's a real scrutiny, there's a real shift that happens when your dreams start to come true. But all of a sudden you've got new things to figure out, new boundaries to figure out, you know, people that will take advantage of you. It's a real new thing to navigate. And I think that's where having someone to talk to and express yourself and speak about things off can be so invaluable, you know, and it's really such an amazing thing to get to live your dreams, but there's a lot of change. Yeah, it's real, you know, it's an.

[Choma]

Adjustment hearing you talk. I was talking to Mikayla Cole about British girl energy and how much she.

[Ray]

Oh, I love her, by the way.

[Choma]

Yeah. And you just exude British girl. Because she was talking about British girl energy. I was like, that's Ray. British girl energy. Like, it's just so, like. Cause I think when you go abroad or when you live abroad for a bit and you're just like, oh, I'm missing that British girl energy. And I'm just like, it's so you, Ray. You and Mikayla similar.

[Ray]

I love that girl.

[Choma]

Twin spirits. Yeah.

[Ray]

Up to Jerry.

[Choma]

Well, this is a fashion podcast, so we have to talk about your style, which is amazing, and it's evolved a bit over the course of your career. I was reading a profile from a Vogue profile about you from back in 2017, and you had the pink waves and a ponytail, and it was quite a different look. And now I think I'm seeing old Hollywood glamour. Tell me a little bit about your current image and what brought you here.

[Ray]

I think, honestly, what's really and truly shaped my style actually is my taste in jazz music. I think there's something about that time and that era which is everything to me. When I even think back to the very first song I learned to sing as a kid, it was Let There Be Loved by Nat King Cole. Like, I've always loved jazz as a woman. When I see how gorgeously these women would dress up, I think, like, even Diana Ross when she was in her Supremes era, it was this fabulous, unapologetically beautiful round bob and this graphic eyeliner, this beautiful lip, like, just glamour. And how actually, you know, I really felt like experimenting with this style back when I first discovered my bob.

[Choma]

The bob is amazing.

[Ray]

Oh. And I don't know if I'm ever going to give up my bob. I think it might be the bob for life.

[Choma]

Yeah. It's great on you.

[Ray]

Thank you. When my hairstylist first was like, let's do a Hollywood blowout on you, like, six years ago, or however long it was, I remember just looking at myself in the mirror and being like, this is it. This is who I am.

[Choma]

Wow. So cool.

[Ray]

This is me. You really feel like I get to put on this character of this artist that I want to be. Yeah. And then I think going off of that into my confidence, of just a dress, a ball gown, glamour, leaning into that and then deeper, how that then tied in with my music and experimenting with a big band, and then how that complemented my style and how I Wanted to feel on stage and present myself on stage. And even then, the aspect of just no shoes and a fabulous dress was just like, this is who I want to be. So it's been a really beautiful, really amazing time of finding myself over the years. You know, I look back at some old pictures of me as a kid, like, oh, God, you know, like my first Brit Awards. It was a damn shame, like, no one pictures, you know, but there's growth.

[Choma]

Which is so great. And that's how it should be. It should feel like it's, you know, it's organic. It's you, it's. It's your personality. What are you loving in your closet right now? Like, is there any. Is there a piece that you're just like, I love this. I'm going back and back to this thing? Or.

[Ray]

Well, to be honest, my stylist, we love Eniola. I love Annie. She is just like a godsend. And something I've been really excited about in this next chapter has been custom creating special, unique pieces. I think there was something about the the 60s which was like, it had an element of grandeur and costume. You know, even like, we designed this beaut. She designed it helped me. I had nothing to do. I just said that one. This gorgeous fairbairn custom look had long sleeves and a slight mesh thing and this beautiful hip piece. And I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, this feels so exciting to me. I think I'm finally in the place where I'm ready to, like, push things a little bit in the fashion sense. Whereas before, it's very much been like, comfort and just give me a long dress, you know, and been kind of afraid of taking those fashion risks. Whereas actually, I think I'm now in a place where I'm like, any less go. So we've been designing some exciting custom looks also. Diana Ross being a big one of my fashion influences, especially for this next chapter and the Supremes. I've just been so in love with what we created at Glastonbury with Sarah Burton, who I love Everett Burton. I love it.

[Choma]

Sarah Burton is obsessed with. With you, too. She came to the office and she just. And her face just lit up when we talked about you. So she is such a huge fan. And I do. I mean, and you were there. You were front row at her. Were you at her debut? You were at her debut. So you were in the room. Tell us everything she eked down. Yeah, she's amazing.

[Ray]

Everything about her, to me is just correct. And I think what's so Beautiful to me more than anything is when you have an artist, which she is just an artist who is also just such a beautiful, normal human being. Like, for me, seeing her art and seeing her brain in those pieces that came down that Runway, and I was just jaw on the floor and then getting to chat to her later that evening, and we were just leaned up against the wall, I was just like, oh, my gosh. You are just.

[Choma]

Yeah, she's a real one. She's a real one. I love her.

[Ray]

She is such. Protect. Sarah. Burnout of.

[Choma]

Yeah.

[Ray]

And actually, it was that moment when we was leaned against the wall that I was like, sarah, I know you've got so much going on, and you.

[Choma]

You, like, you shot your shot.

[Ray]

You know? I did. I shot my shot. I was like, I know that you got a. A whole new creative director role at Givenchy. However, if you could find some time to design three dresses for my Glastonbury Pyramid stage slot, I would be honored. And she then. And there was like, yes. And let me tell you deeper about that process. Like, it actually brought me to tears. She made me some sketches. When I tell you there must have been at least 50, 60, 70 designs in these sketches. She made me feel so valued and so special and so seen. And, like, that moment wasn't just some sort of, like, she cares. Like, I. I was looking through this thing like, you're like, what? And each design was intricate, had a fabric assigned to it, a silhouette. I love that woman. I couldn't gush about her any harder, but what an amazing experience. And she helped me to create these dresses for that Glastonbury moment, which I felt so beautiful in. My gals felt so beautiful in. And I think it also began the language of this really exciting thing for me, working with two backing vocalists and what we've created musically and from a fashion sense that me and Annie are really excited to continue this kind of symmetry in on stage, which just has such a classic feeling to it, you know, even Dream Girls vibes, you know, so, Sarah Burton, I love you.

[Choma]

Ah, she loves you back. She loves you back. And I'm so glad that you. You had. You. You had that moment, because it was. It was perfect Glastonbury. And I think there's. There's more with you and Sarah to come. But speaking of things that are coming up, it seems like somebody has a birthday coming up.

[Ray]

Oh. Do you know what I was thinking? I was thinking maybe I should have a party.

[Choma]

You should, right?

[Ray]

Yeah. Normally I don't do anything like, normally I just like invite some friends over and we just like chill.

[Choma]

It could be a chill party too. It doesn't have to be like a big to do, you know, I think.

[Ray]

I want to do like a games party because I love games. Have a bit of blackjack or a poker night or like, you know, like maybe rent somewhere and just do a board. Giant board game or some board games, something like that. I love. I love a good games night.

[Choma]

Yeah, I think that'll be perfect for you. Before we let you go. What are you watching? I don't even know if you have time to do that right now, but are you. What are you watching? Listening to. Reading. What's on your list?

[Ray]

Yeah, listening to. I've been listening to Joao Hilberto. He's the bossa nova legend.

[Choma]

Yes, of course.

[Ray]

Oh, I love him. Just like medicinal. And it's honestly, it's gorgeous. Beautiful, beautiful music. But my downtime, I actually confess I just play my Nintendo Switch. I'm a big. I love that. Well, yeah, there's a game called Donkey Kong Bonanza which I've been just playing. Run around, collect bananas. It's really quite an amazing game actually. Escape is in a minute in a pure, healthy form. So that's been. I have a Super Mario wall, like in my.

[Choma]

Oh, my God. I'm finding out things I did not know about you.

[Ray]

This is so funny. I was out my. All 1960s. Yeah. And then you're 160 super Mario wall. It's quite funny. It is quite funny. Like all the cuddly toys and all. Yeah, it's quite funny. I have a little obsession.

[Choma]

Hilarious. Hilarious. Well, it's been such a pleasure to have you on the podcast. Congratulations on your amazing cover and thank you so much. Thank you so much for your time.

[Ray]

Thank you. Likewise, Shimmer. Thank you.

[Chloe Mal]

All right, that's it for the show. See you next. The Run through is produced by Chelsea Daniel, Alex DePalma and Stephanie Kariuki, with help from Emily Elias. It's engineered by Pran Bandy and James Yost. It is mixed by Mike Kutchman. Chris Bannon is Conde Nast's head of Global audio.

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

Right now I'm wearing this, like perfect kind of like almost periwinkle purple metallic leather jacket that one of my best friends got me for my birthday just a couple weeks ago and she got it on ebay. And the first day I wore it was to the Vogue offices. And as I was walking in the door, one of my cool friends stopped me outside and was like, this jacket is so cool. The color is so radiant. Was it made for you? And I was just like, my friend got it on ebay, and it is perfect. I'm wearing it once a week, if not more. But it's the kind of thing that I plan also to be wearing for fall shows. Like, that's a completely appropriate thing to wear as an editor who's going backstage to be interviewing people, sort of like behind the scenes. But maybe you end up finding yourself, like, with a seat at the show. La la. Or maybe you have to go straight from there to a dinner that's, like, very fancy. Everything kind of needs to take you everywhere. And my ebay style is, like, it can go everywhere.

[Choma]

From prx.