Faiith Henson on Dynamic Style, Musical Personas, and Rock and Roll for a New Age
Faiith Henson’s career is sizzling. From being scouted as a model aged 15 at a Wiz Khalifa concert, to writing a song for a Ralph Lauren campaign as well as starring in it, her combined love for music and fashion is paving the way for a multi-faceted artist that's adding to her growing repertoire. On camera her style may be delicate, feminine, and whimsical, but her voice exudes a sense of confidence that can make heads turn.
Henson’s versatility as a model and musician sees her transition from your girl-next-door type to a rockstar in the blink of an eye. She sees her career evolving in a way where “fashion and music combine”, allowing her to embody all types of characters through her chameleonic attitude and style. Whether that's doing gigs at fashion week or including pieces from different designer collections in her music videos, the fact that she “doesn’t see herself fitting into any genre” fuels her creativity. Henson may be hard to pin down to any one genre or look, but her spirit and tenacity comes through in everything she puts her mind to.
“I hold a lot of power in my voice not only in the sound but with what I say, and I enjoy the reactions I get from the crowd and fans. When I sing it is very much all my passion, love, pain, and hope in one, and I think that comes through,” says Henson.
Personal taste and emotions influence how music lovers respond to different sounds. Audiences may wonder where Henson keeps her powerful voice in such a small frame, but her deep and sultry tones strike a chord with even the harshest of critics. For someone who’s been interested in music her whole life and who sang in a choir for years, this new side of her career comes very naturally.
Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Nina Simone, Anna Nalick and Jon Bon Jovi inspire not only Henson’s wardrobe, but the way she writes music. “If I can touch one person with the words I’m singing, even if that one person is myself, I’ve created something beautiful,” she says.
Henson is mostly influenced by fashion from the 70s and 90s, which makes sense given the household names she draws upon as influences. Vintage clothing is hugely appealing to the songstress, who at any one time can be seen rocking ruffles, capes, suiting with a nod to eras gone- by and outfits you’re likely to find at Glastonbury. She “puts together what makes [her] happiest and most confident” rather than trying to keep up with the latest trends.
2022 is going to be a bumper year for Faiith Henson. New music, live gigs and shows, more collaborations and being creatively involved with all parts of the artistic process is allowing her to shape her persona on her terms. “I want to continue in the fashion world because it’s my roots, my beginning and I love it but I’m excited to see where music will take me as well,” she says. Henson has passion for every step of the artistic process, and she’s “looking forward to sharing more of [her] world with the people who want to listen”. She’s a rock and roll artist for a new age.
TEAM CREDITS:
Photographer: Lewis Hayward @lewis__hayward
Stylist: Lucia Heath @icaluheath
Talent: Faiith @faiithlynch
Hair & Wigs : Christopher Gatt using ORIBE @christophergatthair
Make Up: Oonah Anderson using HUDA BEAUTY @oonahmakeup
Words: J’Nae Phillips @jnaephillips
FASHION CREDITS:
Look 1
Sisal and buriti fibre top - VEREDAS,
Jeans and belt - stylists own
Look 2
Pant suit - PALMER HARDING
Organic and regenerative skirt, top with jewellery- AZURA LOVISA
Look 3
Organza and handmade lace jumpsuit - DREAMING ELI by Elisa
Boots - RICHARD MALONE