The Oscar-winning, Grammy-storming, H.E.R. - otherwise known as Gabriella Wilson - isn't just about to embark on her first stadium tour with Coldplay (or make her acting debut in a musical interpretation of Alice Walker's The Color Purple). She's also adding 'designer' to her CV.
For her first fashion collaboration, H.E.R. has partnered with Amazon Fashion's The Drop. Featuring an elevated take on loungewear that fans might recognise from her feed, The Drop x H.E.R. is available from today, with oversized tees, hoodies, sweatpants and shorts that are guaranteed to lift your loungewear wardrobe with their on-point slogans, 'I just want the rhythm / Not the blues', and spectrum of neutrals. It's inspired by the two places that the artist holds dear: her hometown, Vallejo in California, and Brooklyn, New York. The sizes range from XS - 3XL - and all pieces are made-on-demand, meaning they're only produced when a customer makes a purchase.
Fresh off the red carpet at Sunday's Oscars, H.E.R. told us about her mum's style - 'When she stepped out, she turned heads!' - her favourite pieces from the collection and what she's looking forward to in 2022.
What are your favourite pieces from the collection?
It’s hard to choose! They are so comfy and easy. I want people to feel exactly that when they put them on. I really love the 'Bahalaka Sa Buhay Mo' sweater because that phrase is such an impressive part of my childhood. It’s so funny and just like the other pieces, it was inspired by where I come from.
How would you describe your style and what influences you when it comes to clothes?
I always say tomboy-chic, although I have many modes. Comfort is usually a priority. I love subtle details and statement pieces. My mom's closet was definitely that hot early '90s and '00s vibe but she wore a lot of athleticwear. She had a lot of comfy, tomboy clothes but when she stepped out, she turned heads!
The collection has a great range of sizes. Was that an important factor for you?
I like to feel comfy in my clothes, It was definitely important for me to have a range. I want these pieces to be anyone's go-to for comfort!
Last year was a big one. You won an Oscar - and song of the year at the Grammys. Were those ever ‘goals’? Or were those achievements part of the journey you were on at the time?
The Grammy was definitely on the vision board. I never expected to get an Oscar, though. I knew it wasn’t necessarily the motivation but it would be a dream!
Your songs aren’t just entertainment - they’re about things that matter to you. Is that something that has always felt very natural?
That’s definitely an organic thing for me. I’ve never really thought about my music being solely entertainment
Do you still work in the same way as you did when you were a teenager or has your process changed as you’ve gotten older?
My process has evolved but I find myself going back to basics. I’ve collaborated with many different artists and creatives and have picked up on different approaches.
Do you find it difficult to not give too much of yourself away?
It is still a balance I’m trying to find but I definitely am much more low-key and private. I don’t like to think about too much and let the art do what it’s supposed to do. I know I can handle whatever comes next
What was the first song you remember hearing and feeling a deep connection to?
I don’t even remember a time when I wasn’t hearing a song and feeling a deep connection to it. Sometimes I feel like I’ve been here before because of that feeling. I’ve always had this connection to music since I was really little.
Did you ever imagine doing anything else apart from writing songs and making music?
Having a Filipino mother, I’ve considered being in the medical field (haha!) but God had other plans.
What are you looking forward to in 2022?
I’m really looking forward to this Coldplay tour, but also making my acting debut In The Color Purple!