We have an exclusive interview and photo shoot for our Beauty Crush Wednesday! Behold, soulful songstress Melanie Fiona.

The Canadian born Guyanese beauty took a break from hit making to raise her son, Cameron, but is now back with unparalleled heat and fire! She has an upcoming album title, “The Next Train” and a new look to match.

She posed for Ben Duggan’s lens in looks by Michael Costello, Lanvin, Valery Kovalska, and more, styled by Michael Mann and Tyler Jacobs of Aki x Mann. Maurice Cornell @killss._ coiffed her raven tresses into couture hairstyles while Make up Artist David Rodriguez @drodbeauty applied wispy lashes and endless shimmer.

Read our interview below:
Tell us about your latest project?

I just released “Remember U”, which is the latest single off my upcoming album “Next Train”. It’s classically Melanie Fiona… big vocals, big ballad… about what else?…Love. I wanted this year’s release to be something that my core R&B fanbase would appreciate. I released “Bite The Bullet” back in 2015 which will also be on the album. The album is rooted in soul, but has many different genre elements… Jack Splash (CeeLo), Dre Harris (Jill Scott) and Jerry Wonda (Fugees) all produced on the album, so you know musically it’s on point. All the songs are personal moments of reflection, that inspired progression. Forward movement, just like a train.


Why did you decide to take a musical hiatus?

Well, life sort of decided that for me lol. One year into recording this album, I got pregnant with my son, Cameron. For me, it never really felt like a complete hiatus because I was still doing shows and working in the studio. When he was born, I definitely took some time to slow down to be with him and to focus on learning how to be a mother. That time was very necessary. It gave me the time I feel every woman needs and deserves to adjust into her new role. It also gave me the opportunity to re-evaluate where I was at musically and challenge myself to be a better artist. I feel like I’ve grown so much in the last 3 years.

What can we expect from you musically and fashion wise?
Culture. I’m a Canadian Caribbean Cancer Moonchild. I’m very inspired right now to be outspoken and unapologetic for who I am, how I feel and where I come from. Being a woman of colour is a powerful role today, more than ever before, and I intend on celebrating and expressing that as much as possible. I’m always striving to inspire and encourage women to be their better selves. Bold. Strong. Colourful.

What do you want the world to know?

Give Love, to yourself and others. The revolution is coming… xo

Team Credits

Interview & EIC // Claire Sulmers @clairesulmers

Photographer // Ben Duggan @duggangram benduggan.com

Creative Direction // Michael Mann @michael.mann

Fashion // Michael and Tyler Mann @michael.mann @tylerjacobmusic @akixmann

Hair // Maurice Cornell @killss._

Make up Artist // David Rodriguez @drodbeauty

Location // Concrete Studios LA @concretestudiosla

Wardrobe Credits

Look 1 (Cover Image) Black Dress

Michael Costello @michaelcostello

Look 2 (navy dress)

Navy Dress // Michael Costello @michaelcostello

Khaki Bomber // The Kooples @thekooplesofficial

White Mule // Shoes of Prey @shoesofprey shoesofprey.com 149.00

Belt // stylists own

Earrings // Topshop @topshop

Look 3 All White

Skirt // Michael Costello @michaelcostello

Top // stylists own

OX Blood Bootie // Shoes of Prey @shoesofprey shoesofprey.com

Look 4

Sweater // @theofficialfoxbait

Skirt // Valery Kovalska @valery_kovalska

Denim Jacket // @luckybrand

Green Dress // LANVIN @lanvinofficial

Boots // Yevrah @artofyevrah