The FW21 Trend Report, Starring Arlissa

London-bred, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Arlissa can’t help her excitement from bubbling over when discussing the upcoming release of her next record, The Broken Hearted. “I can’t wait for people to hear it; I just want it to be out right now. I’m already counting down the days,” she enthuses from her sun-drenched loft apartment via Zoom. Thankfully, with the first singles dropping early next year, she doesn’t have much longer to wait.

As the title would suggest, the album explores the ecstasy and agony of romantic love, but Arlissa, who describes her singular brand of pop as “honest and soulful”, believes it’s an anthemic tribute to regaining your agency. “When you go through heartbreak, it allows you to break yourself open and realize that you’re whole and complete on your own, so it’s like a celebration of loving yourself.” All of which might sound very lofty but, she reassures me, it’ll get you on the dance floor, too. “You can groove to it,” she laughs.

Arlissa’s elation is especially understandable when you consider just how long she’s been dreaming of this moment. Indeed, despite signing her first record deal when she was just 19, she openly acknowledges that this is the first time in her career that she’s releasing music that truly speaks to her – and she’s refreshingly candid about the strife she’s experienced. “Honestly, my history with record labels is so trash, but I had to go through it. I didn’t know myself then, [but] I relied heavily on people to tell me when I was doing the right thing.

“It was a huge lesson for me. I really believed that these older, white, male executives knew me better than I did,” she says, adding defiantly, “I should have trusted myself the whole time. Now, if people don’t like my music, I can live with that. But, if they do, they’re getting the real, authentic me.”

Given how much of herself Arlissa pours into her work and her lyrics, that’s not an exaggeration. Her songwriting process is introspective to the extent that she likens it to therapy, elaborating, “The writing has always been my favorite [part] because you literally start with nothing – just feelings and raw emotions – and then turn them into something beautiful.” She also finds utilizing the juxtaposition of personal experience and universal themes particularly compelling. “You don’t always realize the impact your work can have on other people, but music is so powerful. It can shift your perspective or make you feel less lonely, because you know that there’s someone out there who feels the same way as you. It creates this real togetherness. I’m really happy to be a part of something as beautiful as that.”

On the cusp of her pivotal release, PORTER caught up with the preternaturally talented and innately stylish artist – whose stage icons include vocal powerhouses Tina Turner and Cher – to discuss FW21’s biggest trends and how she’ll be wearing them this season…

“The ’90s is one of my favorite eras when it comes to fashion; I love how sleek and understated the aesthetic is. At the minute, I’m kind of in an experimental phase when it comes to accessories – I’ve been adding necklaces and statement earrings to my outfits lately to add a little pop of fun to my look. I actually consider my natural hair to be my signature accessory, but it took me a while to get to that place. Growing up, I never felt represented by the media, so-called ‘pretty’ girls always conformed to western beauty ideals. While I’m not a big fan of social media, I am thankful that Instagram has really helped women shape the discourse around beauty for ourselves. I’m so grateful that little girls who look like me will now grow up knowing that they’re good enough, pretty enough and strong enough.”

“Personally, I love wearing color. That wasn’t always the case, but as I’ve gotten older my style has evolved and I love bold, bright shades and even riotous prints now. I think it’s because I’m in a place of celebration right now and I really want my wardrobe to reflect that. However, I would say that when you’re wearing a statement outfit like this [as seen in the opening image], it’s essential that the fit is perfect. Even just the act of wearing color has a huge impact on my mood. Clothes are art and tools; you can use them to express who you are. Even if you’re just passing someone on the street, they can get a sense of you. That’s powerful.”

“I love going back and forth to London because it means I really get to embrace winter style, particularly statement coats, which I love. To me, coats – and handbags, too – are the ultimate investment pieces. I honestly think that, even if you’re wearing the most tired outfit, the minute you add an amazing coat and handbag you look chic and polished. They always deliver.”

“Denim has always been a key staple of mine. When it comes to off-duty dressing, I’ve never opted for track pants – I’ll always gravitate towards classic blue denim; it’s a total fail-safe, but still makes you feel put together. I love these pieces by The Row because, as ever, the label gets the fit just right; they’re amazing separates that you’re guaranteed to have in your closet forever. My personal style is all about effortlessness – I don’t have time for styles or pieces that are uncomfortable. I just want to be able to throw on my clothes and live my life. I feel like that’s when people shine the most.”