Solange Knowles is in a harvesting season. After spending years paying her dues as a musician/DJ/burgeoning fashion icon/spokesmodel, Solange is cashing in on the seeds she’s sown. The dynamic diva is blazing Harper’s Bazaar in their “cool girl on the block” editorial. Solange showcases her signature style, including contrasting prints, bright colors and retro silhouettes, in clothing from Moshino, Ralph Lauren, Chanel and other elite designers.
In her interview, Solange also keeps it candid about motherhood, fashion and the power of living on purpose.
On why she feels older than 27:
“I was lucky with Julez. I was completely lost when we moved to Idaho, out in the country, and I devoted everything to him. In a lot of ways, emotionally and mentally, I feel far older than 27. Just going through a marriage and a divorce—which I essentially did by 21—will give you an insane amount of perspective on life.”
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On why de-cluttering improves her fashion sense:
“You can pull images of me from seven to 14 years ago and I was absolutely nuts. I have always been drawn to interesting pieces and colors, but I didn’t quite know how to limit myself and make those statement pieces work. I had to stabilize our lives and stay in one place. It sounds silly, I know, but having space for my clothes made a huge difference. I was able to get organized, free myself of clutter, and develop a style that felt like me.”
On leaving Brooklyn for New Orleans:
“I’ve thought about moving to New Orleans for years but just never had the courage to do it. Now my son is at that age where he’s really establishing friends and a community, so I feel like this is a good time to try it out. I consider myself a dual citizen at this point.”
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On the magic of self-assurance:
“Everyone talks about how, in your 30s, all of these growing pains transition into wisdom and you feel more self-assured and confident, but I think I had a bit of a jump-start on that at 27. For the first time in my life, I’m basing every decision around the idea of whether I want to do it or if I think it will be inspiring. And that’s paid off for me.”
Read the full Harper’s Bazaar profile here.
What is your favorite look from Solange’s Harper’s Bazaar shoot?
Photos courtesy of Julia Noni & Harper’s Bazaar