From celebrated singer to Oscar-nominated actress (in her first-ever role), Andra Day has translated her unparalleled soulfulness into stardom and is covering InStyle’s June Issue. In her cover story, Day talks sexualization, dropping 40lbs for her role and leaning in to being cast as a “powerful black woman.”
- On sexualization: “I didn’t want any element of sexualization. I had come out of something in my own life—dealing with porn addiction, sex addiction,” she says, like we’re just a couple girlfriends chatting about everyday weaves and woes. “I’m being very, very candid with you because I’m not the only one. But I knew I wanted all of that very much gone.”
- On portraying Billie Holiday: “I feel now, after playing Billie, that I’m honoring her, and the strength that is femininity. I’m definitely in a healthier place to enjoy that because I’m outside of the addiction, if you will. So, yeah, it’s been really fun, because it’s been very new for me.”
- On dropping 40lbs for the role: “I’ve had people ask me, ‘Do you feel prettier now that you’ve lost weight?’ I was like, ‘Hell, no! I liked being juicy! I was cool,’” she says, laughing. “But I do like the way [the weight loss] feels on my body, I like the way it feels on my joints. You do notice a difference. Besides, to me, there is no such thing as a classic beauty. Beauty takes on so many different forms, in different times and depending on the nation. It’s just about being confident, loving yourself, and understanding your value.”
- On portraying a powerful black woman: “Somebody was trying to tell me the other day, ‘Just make sure you don’t get typecast, because you don’t want to always be playing the powerful Black woman.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I do. I also am one.’” “This is just a season for beautiful Black girl love and unity. And it’s amazing.” “This is just a season for beautiful Black girl love and unity. And it’s amazing.”
- On feeling beautiful because of Billie: “I definitely do. And it has to do with Billie. It was almost like she said, ‘Sis, we’re going to have to close this, because I have to survive.’ She opened me up to valuing myself in a way that I hadn’t fully before.”
The June issue of InStyle, available on newsstands, on Amazon, and for digital download May 14th.
Style Credits:
Cover 1: Hermès Scarf | Mateo Earrings and Rings
Cover 2: Collina Strada Bodysuit | Wrapped by Nellz Headwrap | Erdem Brooch | Chanel Fine Jewelry Ring (left hand) | Cartier High Jewelry Ring
Image: Dior Bralette | Cee Cee’s Closet NYC Headwrap | Almasika Earrings
Styled by Styling by Julia von Boehm
[Photo Credit: Chrisean Rose for InStyle Magazine]
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