Cover Story: Up Close with Genre-Blending Chinese Superstar, Xin Liu

We are interviewing Chinese singer, dancer and producer, Xin Liu on set while she is getting her hair and makeup done. As our hair stylist and makeup artist are putting on the finishing touches, Liu tells us, “This counts as the first time that I’m doing a magazine shoot overseas, so I am very happy and honoured, and am looking forward to everyone seeing the issue. It’s also my first shoot in Singapore and this coming out around my birthday makes it extra special.” A master of numerous dance techniques and an immense talent in mixing Chinese folk music with modern pop elements, Liu dropped by Singapore not long after her much-talked-about March appearance at Paris Fashion Week. While she has attended numerous Dior shows before, things were a little different this time around — Liu is now the house’s Global Brand Ambassador.

Despite Liu being one of the biggest stars in China now, she remains undeniably humble and authentic. Perhaps surprisingly, one of her favourite fashion items of the moment is the light, comfy and almost effortless sportscore short. Ready to describe another item she loves, she pulls out of her D-Journey Bag the Dior Le Baume, a lip, body and hand cream housed in a chic and compact case. She squeezes some of the fluid on my hand for me to feel its texture, and says of the nourishing cream, “It’s a very handy and practical item.”

Hi Xin. Welcome to Singapore! How did you spend your time here before our shoot?

Yesterday, I witnessed a very special scene. I was along Orchard Road and I looked up and noticed many birds in the trees. They appeared to be “arguing” over space in the trees. I initially thought that music was playing. Then I realised that there were birds creating a really lively atmosphere. I had never come across a scene like this before. It’s my second time in Singapore, and this is my very first shoot in Singapore, so I’m very glad to be here.

Congratulations on being named Dior’s Global Ambassador. You were recently in Paris for fashion week. How was the experience attending the show as the Maison’s Global Ambassador?

Firstly, I was very happy to be at Paris Fashion Week. This time, at the show venue, we saw a lot of dramatic elements and designs, as well as a blend of imperial and theatrical style. The stage and designs were quite different, including some of the art pieces on the runway, which expressed evolution — the iceberg, the swing, and the prehistoric bird that came from above. Each time I attend Paris Fashion Week, I have new sources of inspiration — including the show’s playlist, which can evoke strong emotions. Speaking of which, I recently wrote a song called MISS, LADY, which I wrote with women in mind and as a gift to women.

You became the first Chinese artist to grace the Coachella stage last year. Can we look forward to exciting stages from you this year?

This year, I’ll be performing at a different music festival in the US in May. Each time there is an opportunity for me to grace an international stage, it is a great experience for me. Last year, I was very happy to share Chinese culture and music, as well as its fusion with modern and pop elements with the world. Every time I get to go on an international stage, it is a form of encouragement, and also becomes a form of “homework” and a testimonial.

You’ve been in the business for 13 years. Looking back, are there any career moments that you are proudest of?

My childhood dream was to present Chinese culture, in my own way, on the international stage, because Chinese culture and heritage needs to be preserved and passed down. And this is still what I aim to do now.

We’ve noticed that you have dedicated yourself to promoting the culture of minority ethnic groups from your hometown, such as the Miao Intangible Cultural Heritage. What inspires you to do so and how do you normally blend this into your work and style?

This is something I’ve been wanting to do since a young age because my hometown [of Guizhou] has traditional villages, in which minority groups live. Since I was young, I have been sensitive to these colours, the material silver, music and dance. So later on, I wanted to, in my own way through genre-blending art, music, dance and other ways, express and let more people understand these things that I identify with and like. I also think this is my duty as a young artist.

When my album “XANADU” came out, it incorporated street dance, Chinese culture and colours, and dance music. As my roots are in street dance, I worked with many top street dance choreographers on the routines for the tracks on the album. We ended up with 10 tracks, each with distinctive dance styles, that blended Chinese folk music with modern pop. At the time, many thought I should have worked on a more mainstream album, but I chose to do something that was more tuned to showing my story and personality. Some people didn’t understand this decision, but to me, the album “XANADU” is something that I will cherish all my life. I’m very glad to have created the album, which led to stages and other opportunities. So I firmly believe that as long as one feels strongly about something, you should stand firm and move forward with it.

A new fashion season has begun. What are some objects that you’re currently obsessed with?

Recently, I’ve been liking sportscore shorts that are in a thin, soft fabrication. They are so light, and when you wear these, it almost feels like there’s no weight. I used to like to wear these heavy garments, and now I like easy pieces. Another item is the Dior Le Baume, for the hands, lips and body, which is in my bag right now. I think it’s so cool and looks like an ornament, and I can use it on my hands and lips — it’s a very handy and practical item.

You’ve been travelling quite extensively these days. What are some of your secrets to feeling and looking good after long flights and in different time zones?

There’s really just one thing and that is sleep. Before I board a plane, I may think of putting on a facial mask or doing a facial treatment, but when the plane takes off, I am ready to have a rest.

Editor-in-Chief IAN LEE
Photography STEFAN KHOO
Styling TOK WEI LUN
Hair JUNZ LOKE / 35A
Makeup KIMBERLY CHEE
Photography assistants ALIF and CHONG NG
Styling assistant MEGAN LIM