Zara Larsson on London, Lockdown, and Staying Stimulated in 2020
For Swedish pop-star Zara Larsson, 2020 has been filled with life lessons. The 22-year-old star has been performing since her early teens and was used to working 24/7. But Larsson’s schedule—and nearly everyone else’s—ground to a halt once lockdown began. The change meant more time to spend with friends and family while at home but it also allowed Larsson the space to evaluate what it means to be busy. “I always want something stimulating, and I feel my best when I’m busy and have a purpose [so] it’s been hard during these times,” she shared via Zoom from Stockholm. “This year has taught me a little about myself. I understand now that my worth isn’t tied to how productive I am.”
Things may have slowed down, but when it’s time to put on a show, Larsson goes all out. Last month for MTV’s European Music Awards in London, Larsson brought the house down with an epic performance of her single “Wow” complete with choreography by JaQuel Knight. While in town, Larsson settled back into a busier schedule. She had a few recording sessions, put the finishing touches on a forthcoming music video, and enjoyed a little downtime in her artsy Airbnb. Documenting each moment with photographer Michaela Quan, Larsson threw herself into a special diary for Vogue.
Though it’s clear she’s found ways to stay stimulated, Larsson is eager to get back to doing what she loves. “As an artist, you have an existential crisis when you aren’t working,” she says. “But I think that hopefully next year, we’re going to get back to some form of normalcy. I’ve learned that I need routines, I need people around me who ground me, and [to be] doing what I love. 2020 has been tricky, but I know I’m not the only one who feels that.”
Below, she takes Vogue along for her London trip.
Photo: Michaela Quan1/16I’ve been working with JaQuel since 2016, and he’s such a force of energy. He’s such a fun guy, and we always have a good laugh together. But you also know not to mess around when you’re working with him because he demands your very best. When we’re working, I feel safe because I know it’s going to turn out great, no matter what. The production might not be there, the outfit could be trash, but I know that when we walk out on that stage as a group, we’re going to shine as dancers and performers.
Photo: Michaela Quan2/16So, some of these girls I’ve been working with for years. I have four dancers that I always have with me, and the rest are there whenever we need a bigger effect for the background. It’s the more, the merrier. The zebra print is for Little Mix’s TV show, The Search, that we shot in London.
Photo: Michaela Quan3/16Here, we are rehearsing the EMAs. Initially, we had a different costume in mind, but when it arrived, I hated it. So this is me calling my manager and saying ‘we’ve got to fix this.’ Our stylist had to run to Selfridges and snatch everything because I wasn’t walking out on stage looking like I’m headed to a Halloween party. Maybe you can see the sadness in my eyes here—I’m stressed but still trying to smile.
Photo: Michaela Quan4/16I’m working with this makeup girl, Sophia Sinot, right now, and she’s so fun. She’s only 22 and so creative. I met her on a shoot with my friend, Paul Edwards, in Stockholm. Paul was like, “I know this girl from Amsterdam, let’s fly her over this is going to be fun” so we did, and I fell in love with her energy and talent.
I don’t always know what to do with makeup. I’ll be sitting in the chair, and a makeup artist will ask my opinion, and I’ll say, “just do something nice.” Sophia always has ideas. Some of the people I’ve worked with before would go, “let’s do a no-makeup makeup look” which is cute, but I think when you do a show, everything should be showy. The fact that Sophia isn’t afraid to take me out of my comfort zone is remarkable. I was not sure about that eyeliner when she told me about it. Even when she drew it on me I felt like I was in a manga, but she knew it looked great and it added something to the entire look.
Photo: Michaela Quan5/16My stylist Dogukan Nesanir was so excited about these because they don’t normally make them in purple. In this photo, you can see the rich deep shade. He was like, “they’re custom, your whole look is custom” and that does feel special. Obviously, these went perfectly with the dress, which was the point, but they were super comfortable too. I love the square toe, there’s something so modern about it.