If any brand offers back-to-back celebrity campaigns, it's Skims. Kim Kardashian and her creative team know who to tap and when, like Sabrina Carpenter, Lana Del Rey, Ice Spice…the list is truly endless. Skims campaigns are always at the intersection of style, culture and comfort. Their latest recruit is Jhené Aiko, the six-time Grammy-nominated R&B singer whose year has already seen some career highs. He just hit the stage at Coachella (with his daughter, no less) and is about to embark on his first tour in six years, The Magic Hour Tour, which is highly anticipated by fans despite his last album. chilombo, which came out four years ago. If that's not enough, he's creating more soothing R&B kids music with Sleep Soul and teasing new music on his Instagram.
In between preparing for a magical summer tour, Aiko was photographed by South African photographer Henrik Purienne in the Skims' Cotton collection, posing in the desert and embracing the simplicity of the tees and shorts with their natural beauty as the only accessory. Working with Aiko is especially exciting for Kardashian, as she stated in a press release: “Jhené's presence adds a quiet yet dynamic layer to the campaign that reflects the comfort and ease of Skims.” Aiko sat down exclusively with NYLON to talk about her Coachella experience, which Skims products she loves, and what she's rocking this year.
What was it like working with Skims and Kim on this campaign?
I had a great time working on this campaign. It was easy to breeze. The location was beautiful and the atmosphere was super peaceful. The Skims team made me feel comfortable and safe. Having given birth a year and a half ago, this shoot was very liberating for me as I feel a little bit like myself again (lol).
What is your favorite product from the Skims Cotton collection?
The Skims Cotton Rib Tank & Cotton Jersey Boy Short was my favorite and made me feel the most comfortable. I feel better when I wear comfortable clothes. Tank tops are a staple in my everyday wardrobe, and I love that with Skims I can feel sexy while still being comfortable.
The Magic Hour Tour will be your first tour in almost six years. How does it feel to be playing arenas again and doing your own tour?
Playing my first arena tour is beyond my wildest dreams. I'm excited to hit the road again with my family and spread good vibes across the country.
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
Vocal warm-ups, light exercise, hot bath and prayer are essential. I also like to sit with a framed photo of my late brother and just say “thank you” and ask him to watch over me.
What was it like sharing the stage with your daughter at Coachella?
It was an emotional moment for me because it also came out 10 years ago when I first performed at Coachella. It was my favorite part of the night. At first I couldn't look at her because she would have burst into tears. lol Whenever I have my children by my side, I feel complete.
Is there a stop on your tour that you're most excited about?
Honestly, I'm excited for each and every stop. It's been so long since I've traveled or traveled in general, so I'm looking forward to the whole trip.
Describe the mood of this tour in three words?
magical healing All hugger.
Outside of your solo music, Sleep Soul has been very successful, as has Allel. What's the secret to managing your busy schedule?
The secret is that my team is also my family, and we are all passionate about and believe in the vision. So when things get busy, we thrive on chaos because we know the ship sails and we make it happen.
Is there anything you hope to manifest this year?
I hope to see less judgment in the world. More giving, forgiving and understanding. more love I think we are all just different versions of each other, the same entity under different circumstances. There are so many ways to connect today and I would love to see us use things like social media to bring us together and find common ground instead of dividing us. I'm not sure I can manifest it, but I know I can do my part by loving myself and working on myself and who I am on a daily basis. As well as teaching my children to love themselves and our family and community while finding beauty and balance in the world around us despite everything.
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