Raye is a power house in British music, having just received an astonishing seven BRIT Awards nominations, breaking the previous record held by prominent performers such as Robbie Williams, Craig David, and the Gorillaz. These nominations include coveted categories like Album and Artist of the Year, demonstrating Raye’s value in the contemporary music landscape. 

 Raye’s musical career began in 2014 with the publication of her debut EP, a brave decision after leaving the Brit School owing to a perceived lack of enthusiasm for pop music. Instead of complying to expectations, she went on a series of collaborations with industry heavyweights including Charli XCX, Jax Jones and Jonas Blue. Notably, she ventured into song writing, contributing her talents to Little Mix, and Beyonce. 

 Last summer, she made news by openly criticising her previous record label, Polydor, of limiting her artistic expression and delaying her from releasing an album for seven years. Despite six platinum songs and 2.7 billion streams, Raye found herself at odds with the label’s rigid policies.

Raye detailed her problems in a series of powerful tweets, which went viral and eventually led to her release from the contract. This liberation allowed her to release her first number-one hit as an independent artist, “Escapism.” Raye finally reveals her experience of ‘creative suffocation’ on her long-awaited first album. 

Brit Awards 2017 & 2018

_{Image Credits: PA}

Raye spent her early career navigating the industry landscape, conforming to specific expectations that dictated her image. The pressure to produce successful music and conform to a preconceived mould likely influenced her visual identity. Her fashion choices were at times in line with industry conventions but lacked the boldness and honesty that now define her emancipated style. 

Raye’s fashion during this period may have had a more conventional and mainstream appeal, sticking to the predefined aesthetics favoured by industry supervisors. Such limits influenced not just her musical production, but also the visual narrative she portrayed to the public. 

Bold, Honest, Fearless: The Independent Raye

Raye is now an independent artist who is determined to pursue her creative vision. She refuses to be limited by genre and is unwavering in her dedication to authenticity. Her recent single releases, including a Prada, and Black Mascara, demonstrate her bold approach to music. 

Raye’s determination to be authentic to herself is evident in both her music and her evolving fashion sense. Her transition from being confined within the music industry, to artistic liberation undoubtedly inspired her style, which manifests as a fearless and true expression of self. Her reluctance to conform echoes in her music and, by extension, in her wardrobe choices, marking a remarkable progression in both her talent and personal style. 

Brit Awards 2021 & 2022

_{Image Credits:https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/photo-gallery/48709114/image/48709475/Raye-at-BRIT-Awards-2022}

The previously muted palette gets transformed to bright colours, and conventional silhouettes make way for experimental and innovative designs. Raye’s style is a celebration of originality, a visual depiction of her genuine creativity and boldness. 

Raye’s latest public appearances feature an eclectic mix of styles, ranging from edgy and experimental to flawlessly stylish. This range of dress represents not only her many musical influences, but also her refusal to be constrained by industry standards. The change is more than simply attire; it’s a complete reinvention of her artistic personality. 

Raye’s choice of a pink off-the-shoulder Etro gown with opera gloves for the 2021 Brit Awards reinforces her reputation as a bold fashion powerhouse. This ensemble exudes classic glamour while still having a contemporary edge, perfectly capturing Raye’s bold and eclectic style growth. The off-the-shoulder design exudes sensuality, while the vibrant pink colour celebrates femininity and confidence. When combined with the opera gloves, the whole image outlines a balance of old-world beauty and modern sophistication. 

Raye’s choice to wear an orange metallic dress from Versace’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection demonstrates her daring and avant-garde attitude to fashion. The vibrant colour, along with the metallic sheen, not only draws the eye of viewers but also conveys her confidence. The metallic finish gives a futuristic touch that complements Raye’s current state of artistic independence. By choosing such a statement piece, Raye deviates from more traditional trends, embracing the boldness that the fashion world has to offer. 

Brit Awards 2024

_{Image Credits: Matt Crossick @ Shutterstock}

Raye’s outfit choice for the significant occasion made a refined and timeless statement in a year that saw her triumphantly receive seven BRIT Awards nominations. The decision to wear a cream classic dress emphasised her artistic growth while also reflecting a renewed sense of regal grace. 

The cream-colored gown represents a break from the vivid and vibrant colours that may have characterised her recent fashion progression. Instead, Raye chose a more subdued and classic palette, indicating a sophisticated and timeless approach to her red-carpet appearance. 

_{Written By Gabriella Neocleous}

The post Raye’s Impact And Influence – How Her Fashion Sense Has Evolved Throughout The Years appeared first on Voir Fashion.

With over 1.5 billion streams collectively on Spotify and multiple TikTok sounds dominating all our FYPs, it’s no wonder they were chosen as the faces for the brand’s largest offering since its 2019 launch.

The campaign introduces the Everyday Sculpt Collection: a selection of lightweight, everyday sculpting bralettes, thongs, bodysuits, and more. And if you already loved the fan favourite Seamless Sculpt Collection, we have good news for you: it has been updated with eleven new cuts (yes, eleven!). Even the megaviral Seamless Sculpt Bodysuit got an upgrade.

“I’m excited to launch this next generation of Skims shapewear with a campaign that celebrates these incredible musical artists,” said Kim in the press release. “Ice Spice, Nessa Barrett, Pinkpantheress, and RAYE are super talented women and truly reflect our SKIMS community.”

The mother of four shared the collection’s campaign pics on an Instagram carousel post this Monday, and they already have the Internet (us included) in a frenzy. With Kim being Miss Pop Culture herself, it’s no surprise that her brand is always on the pulse of what’s hot– and their newest campaign is certainly no different.

The first photo of the carousel features none other than the Bronx-based rapper Ice Spice, with her famed red curls and signature jewelry. This is not the singer’s first collaboration with the Kardashian Klan; earlier this year she broke the Internet by teaming up with Kim’s oldest daughter after the 9-year-old posted a drawing of the artist on TikTok. It seems like little North West is as much of a fan
of Ice Spice as the artist is of her mom’s new shapewear styles. “SKIMS just gets it and makes me feel extra snatched,” the star said.

British vocalist and producer Pinkpantheress is the next star of Kim’s Instagram post. Although this is her first collaboration with the Kardashians, it’s not her first with Ice Spice. Their hit song ‘Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2’ reached No. 1 on Billboard’s streaming chart and has been ruling the TikTok music scene for over two months now.

RAYE, who’s about to embark on her biggest tour yet, is the talent featured in the third picture. “SKIMS has changed the game when it comes to inclusivity and representation, and I’m honoured to be a part of its community of confident women,” the ‘ESCAPISM’ singer said.

The last face of the campaign is TikTok’s very own Nessa Barret, who went from the platform’s resident sweetheart to headlining her own worldwide tour in less than five years. “I’m honored”, she commented on the social media post.

When talking about the casting choice, Jens Grede, CEO of SKIMS, said: “This next generation of musical talent really embodies how our customers wear our shapewear today.”

With a star-studded roster including SZA, Bella Poach, and Addison Rae, there’s no doubt that the new viral foursome will fit right into the SKIMS family– and that the TikTok-approved brand still has us in a chokehold.

Although the collection won’t be available until April 27th, you can join the waitlist for early access– and of course, keep fangirling with us over the new faces of the campaign.

_{Words By Alexia De Las Heras}

^{Header Image: Skims}

The post Your Favourite TikTok Stars Are The Faces Of SKIMS’ Brand-New Collection appeared first on Voir Fashion.

It’s been 5 years since we met up with the R&B singer RAYE for a chat and she modelled for the cover of our 20^th issue. The then 19-year-old from London had caught our eye with her features on the phenomenal singles Jonas Blues’ ‘By Your Side’ and Jax Jones’ ‘You Don’t know Me’ as well as her collaborations with Stormzy, Nas, and Charli XCX. She told us that her goal was to be number 1 in every single country and whilst she hasn’t quite managed that ambitious goal, yet she’s certainly skyrocketed since then.

She has now added some of the biggest stars to her list of collaborations such as Mabel, Zara Larsson, Sofia Carson, Tinashe, Madison Beer, Cheat Codes, Little Mix, David Guetta, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, David Guetta, and even Queen Bee herself.

At the end of last year, RAYE achieved her first number one single with ‘Escapism’ featuring American Rapper 070 Shake. The single topped the UK, Danish, and Irish charts and charted in the top ten in several other countries following its booming success on TikTok where a sped-up version of the track is still trending. Having sat on the charts for 17 weeks the UK can’t get enough of RAYE. It seems her dreams are coming true.

In February, the singer, whose birth name is Rachel Agatha Keen, released her much-anticipated debut studio album My 21st Century Blues. Along with ‘Escapism’ the album featured four other singles: ‘Hard Out Here’, ‘Black Mascara’, ‘The Thrill is Gone’, and ‘Ice Cream Man’. The album is RAYE’s first release as an independent artist having departed from her previous label Polydor Records in 2021. It was a hit with critics and the public alike receiving praise for its honest tackling of heavy subjects and debuted at number two on the UK album charts.

The sleazy teasy music video for ‘Escapism’ was released in November and now has over 48M views. In black lingerie, dripping with glitzy chains, and wearing long black chic gloves RAYE navigates heartbreak and anxiety numbing pain with unhealthy coping mechanisms in a distorted, red-lit club. It’s clear to see why the track has such a hold on the internet with RAYE’s straightforward honest attitude relatable to many girls who have turned partying to escape their problems instead of addressing them head on.  

On the second single from the album ‘Black Mascara’ RAYE hauntingly sings about being betrayed by her lover repeatedly chanting “done to me” against an upbeat rhythmic club beat. In an interview with DIY, the singer revealed the deeper meaning behind the track was an incident where she was spiked: “The overall theme is being a woman in this world and taking a step back to process all of the shit that’s actually been done to me, things that I’ve had to hide behind the scenes. I wrote that song specifically about a time when I got my drink spiked by a man I really liked. I trusted him”.

‘Ice Cream Man’ is a heart-breaking track on which RAYE bravely sings about the sexual assault she faced from a record producer earlier in her career. Despite the dark subject matter, RAYE shines through on the track as a powerful force with her strong and clear voice telling her fans “I’m a very very brave strong woman/ And I’ll be damned if I let a man ruin/How I walk, how I talk, how I do it”. The self-directed video for the track, released on 1^st March, features raw vulnerability from the singer as she openly cries in a bathroom. The end of the video encourages anyone that has had similar experiences to speak up with the message “this evil has more power over us in the dark than it does in the light”.

The tenth track on the album ‘Body Dysmorphia’ is another courageous song on which RAYE offers solace to those who have struggled with their body image. She opens up on the track in the verses voicing her perpetual anxiety over the aspects of her body she doesn’t like but the chorus offers a way forward. She sings “I don’t really like my body/ But knowing it’s my only body/I should prolly call somebody” therefore encouraging listeners who have a similar experience to talk to someone about it. She also implicitly encourages listeners to check up on their friends in the line “Matter fact, I’m glad you callеd me” suggesting that reaching out could help relieve someone struggling alone.

My 21^st Century Blues is a fitting title for the album. RAYE uses her platform to explore issues that many modern women struggle through with grace such as sexual assault, body dysmorphia, addiction, heartbreak, and anxiety over the state of our country and climate change, often juxtaposing her heavy lyrics with pounding beats. It’s an important record: a move forward towards pop albums that combine sonically pleasing tunes with lyrics that enlighten the world about some of the things that plague the minds of Gen Z. On the outro to the album RAYE personally thanks all her listeners as well as telling us she waited seven years for this moment – it’s a touching and triumphant for the artist.

RAYE is touring currently her My 21^st Century Blues Tour which started in Amsterdam in February playing across the US and will be heading back to Europe in November. Festival goers will be delighted to see that she is featured on a hefty amount of line-ups this year including Glastonbury, Mad Cool fest, Parklife, Longitude, Indiepence Arts & Music Festival, Jugend fest, Findings, Lowlands, Connect, Sundown, and Superbloom.  

_{Words by Molly Sutherland}

^{Header Image by Sebastian Kampfhammer}

The post RAYE Isn’t Cooling Down Anytime Soon appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Voir’s Female Empowerment Cover star, RAYE, proves that loving what you do and hard work really does pay off as her career leaps from strength to strength. She’s back after the success of her hit ‘Decline’ and a BRIT Award nomination for ‘Best Single’ with Jax Jones, with her brand new single ‘Cigarette’ featuring Mabel and Stefflon Don.

A collaboration for RAYE with Mabel and Stefflon Don shows a big step forward in her career and pushes her further towards what she told us was her ultimate goal of going “number one in every single country”.

Listen here:

https://www.vevo.com/watch/raye/cigarette-(visualiser)/GBUV71800154

https://Raye.lnk.to/CigarettePR

RAYE’s ‘Decline’, ‘Finders Keepers’ by Mabel and Stefflon Don’s ‘Hurtin’ Me’ are all UK Top 15 singles and ‘Cigarette’ is part of a broader project that will be released in the near future. RAYE’S collection is culturally relevant, informed by working closely with artists as she continues pushing to become the “biggest and best” that she can be whilst solidifying her position in UK music.

RAYE’s music demonstrates a genuine love for what she does and the success of her UK Silver certified single ‘Decline’ – which is still on the Capital playlist and remained on the Radio 1 A List for 8 weeks – is a clear example of this. For most of 2017 she performed at major festivals including Glastonbury, Latitude and V Festival and with nearly 75 million streams of her music, it’s no surprise that the likes of John Legend, Charli XCX, Nas, Little Mix, Snakehips, Julia Michaels, Blood Pop, Ellie Goulding, Diplo and Naughty Boy have all worked alongside RAYE as a songwriter to create new music.

RAYE is clearly taking the advice that she shared with Voir, seeking out “opportunities” and working hard to become the best, most successful artist that she can be, proving why she was the perfect choice to be the cover girl for our Female Empowerment Issue.

Click here to read our full exclusive interview with RAYE

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2017 has been a great year for music, both from established artists and fresh talent. As the year draws to a close, we are thinking ahead to 2018 and the artists that are shaking things up…….a lot.

Female empowerment is present, and here we feature the talented British music artists who will be achieving greater things in the year to come.

STEFFLON DON

Signing a huge record contract, creating her album, and working with some of the biggest names including Drake, it is fair to say 2017 has been a huge year for Stefflon Don. 2018 is also looking bright, and we are excited to see what this next great hip-hop star will release.

Take a look at Stefflon Don’s recent collaboration with Skepta below

NADIA ROSE

Shortlisted for BBC’s Sound of 2017, and the release of successful singles, Nadia Rose has started to rise in the UK rap scene. With 2017 heralding great beginnings, we are looking forward to new releases in 2018.

Check out Nadia Rose’s feature on Da BeatFreakz song, More Money

MABEL

With an impressive and international heritage, it is no surprise that Mabel also shares the talents of her double Brit-winning, Ivor Novello and Grammy-nominated mother, Neneh Cherry. But Mabel is making her own way in music, something we are excited to see continue in 2018.

MS BANKS

An artist who has brought her unique perspective to the Grime scene, Ms Banks has continued to remind us why she is a rising star. After a shout out from Nicki Minaj in 2017, we imagine 2018 could be the year Ms Banks’ popularity continues to grow.

RAYE

Our Issue 20 cover star for the female empowerment issue, Raye is not your average artist. Bending the rules, she is fast-becoming one of the hottest voices in pop and we believe her rise will continue into 2018.

JORJA SMITH

With charisma, skill and talent, we are not surprised Jorja Smith’s career has really picked up. After being shortlisted for BBC’S Sound of 2017, she has continued her musical growth, collaborating with some of the biggest names. Already beginning 2018 by winning the BRITS Critics Choice, we can’t wait to see what 2018 will bring.

IAMDDB

Up-and-coming in music, IAMDDB, is starting to make her name known in the industry. From song-writing to music videos, IAMDDB is in control, sharing experiences, life and empowerment within her music.

#2018

The post The Brit Pack: Female Artists to watch in 2018 appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Yesterday was a massive day for team Voir. After weeks of endless preparation the big day came down on Trinity Buoy Wharf in the heart on London. The location for this cover shoot was at Lightship95 Ltd and even though the ship was at Bay, the torrential rain caused it to be a slightly bumpy ride.

The 19 year old singer/songwriter RAYE was the star of the photoshoot. Styled and directed by the team Voir, RAYE is going to be the face of the Female Empowerment issue.

The Autumn issue number 20 will be out in September. This cover editorial will be showcasing Raye in powered clothes by some very exciting brands such as Versace, Just Cavalli and House of SheldonHall.

The post Behind The Scenes: Issue 20 Cover appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Rita Ora – Your Song

Jonas Blue – Mama ft. William Singe

Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee – Despacito ft. Justin Bieber

DJ Khaled – Wild Thoughts ft. Rihanna, Bryson Tiller

RAYE – The Line

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