Jillian Hervey has just touched down in Dubai for the very first time. One half of the New York City-based duo Lion Babe, alongside Lucas Goodman, the R&B twosome is set to headline the city’s premiere urban and streetwear festival Sole DXB on Saturday. With Hervey’s soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence, combined with Goodman’s retro, Tina Turner-inspired electro beats, it’s hardly surprising that Lion Babe is selling out shows left, right, and center.
Though it’s been just four years since they released their debut self-titled EP, the group has already established an impressive list of key collaborators that most artists can only dream of, including Pharrell Williams, Childish Gambino, and Mark Ronson. For Hervey, her collaborations extend past the music industry too. The 29-year-old has recently joined forces with MAC Cosmetics on a limited-edition eyeliner, and serves as a spokesperson for Pantene (one look at her lion’s mane of golden curls and it’s easy to see why). Here, the talented songstress opens up about her favorite places to shop, how she maintains her larger-than-life curls, and shares her can’t-live-without products.
If you could swap wardrobes with anybody who would it be?
“Anything Iman wore in the 80s and 90s, and Marilyn Monroe.”
Namecheck some of your favorite labels.
“Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Anna Sui, and Cleo Peppiatt.”
Best places to shop?
“I am a vintage girl at heart. New York Vintage is one of my favorite places in the world. Love boutique and curated stores that have a lot of original designers.”
If we opened up your bag right now, what would we find inside?
“My passport, a vintage Chanel wallet from my mom, lip balm, my Gemini oil, and house keys.”
Three can’t-live-without beauty products?
“Chanel No. 5 perfume, black mascara, and baby wipes.”
How do you take care of your gorgeous curls?
“I always keep my hair moisturized and deep condition frequently. I also use protective hair styles like braids, wigs, and pieces to give my hair a break when I perform. But less is always more.”
Breakdown your night-time skincare routine for us.
“I use La Mer’s cleanser, follow with witch hazel toner, and end with either a night oil or moisturizer.”
Do you have a beauty secret that you swear by?
“I recently have been lightening my brows slightly to brighten my face. It is a quick fix if I am in between coloring my hair or just want a change of pace.”
What’s in your playlist right now?
“It is the holidays so I tend to listen to a lot of jazz. Billie Holiday “Love Songs” has been on repeat.”
Any holiday plans?
“Dubai is going to be our trip to wrap up the year; besides that, hopefully sitting by a fire at home with my family.”
What do you always pack with you when traveling?
“I tend to over pack because I always never know where my life will take me. But in general, always need to have a good book, a scarf to protect my voice, and a pen and paper of some sort.”
Is this your first time visiting the Middle East?
“This is the first time as Lion Babe coming to the Middle East, but I went to Turkey as a child with my family, which I loved, and I also went on an unforgettable trip to Egypt, which I am still heavily inspired by.”
Anything you look forward to doing in Dubai?
“I am just looking forward to exploring the street markets, seeing the architecture, and getting some sun.”
Which aspect of Sole DXB are you most excited about?
“I always love to connect with new artists at shows, so hopefully we will meet some new people.”
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