For the cover of the June 2021 issue of British Vogue, the Bad Guy hitmaker opted to ditch her signature baggy outfits and instead poses up a storm in a corset and skirt by Gucci, bra and knickers from Agent Provocateur, and Latex gloves by Atsuko Kudo.
Reflecting on her new blonde hair colour and racy clothing, Billie explained in the accompanying interview that she was surprised by the makeover. (Vogue)
"I feel more like a woman, somehow," she commented.
The fans knew it was a wig. The parting was off. Some amateur had misaligned the green and black gradient. She stopped flipping her hair and started wearing a suspicious number of hats. It took four dye sessions to erase the signature jet black and lurid green she’s worn for 18 months. She was “ready for it to suck”, but it’s been transformative
Elsewhere in the "classic, old-timey pin-up" photoshoot, which was helmed by Craig McDean and styled by Dena Giannini, Billie also wears a racy Alexander McQueen ensemble and a slinky black catsuit by Mugler.
For her Vogue shoot, she is indulging a fantasy by embracing a “classic, old-timey pin-up” look inspired by Betty Brosmer, Horst’s illusionist beauty shots and the stockinged models of Elmer Batters. When we first speak, the shoot is imminent. Although it was entirely her idea, Eilish is apprehensive. “I’ve literally never done anything in this realm at all,” she says, dropping her jaw in exaggerated horror, chewing gum rolling past her tongue. Then a smirk: “Y’know, besides when I’m alone and shit.”
“I’ve grown so much and gotten so much better in my voice, it’s crazy to think about,” she says. “I think change is one of the best gifts in the world.”
I hear two songs. One starts tenderly and ends with Eilish screaming. “It was very satisfying to scream,” she says. “Because I was very angry. There’s so much anger in those songs – anger and disappointment and frustration.” The single “Your Power” is forcefully quiet.
