IN CONVERSATION WITH DIXIE D’AMELIO

interview by JANA LETONJA

Few creators have navigated the transition from social media phenomenon to multi-hyphenate entertainer as successfully as Dixie D’Amelio. Since first capturing the attention of millions online, she has built an impressive career spanning music, television, fashion, and entrepreneurship. Signed by legendary music executive L.A. Reid, she scored an RIAA Gold-certified hit with her debut single Be Happy, released her debut album a letter to me, toured arenas across the United States, and performed at iconic venues including Madison Square Garden. Alongside her music career, she hosted her own YouTube talk show, executive produced and starred in Hulu’s The D’Amelio Show, made her Met Gala debut in Valentino Haute Couture, and has become increasingly involved in the business side of D’Amelio Brands. Now, as she works on new music and prepares for her scripted film debut, Dixie is entering a new chapter, one focused on creative growth, artistic evolution, and defining her career on her own terms.

top DRIES VAN NOTEN
shoes SHUSHU/TONG
earrings KEREN WOLF

Looking back at the last few years, what feels most different about where you are today compared to when you first entered the public eye?

The biggest difference is that I trust myself more. When everything first happened, so much of my attention was focused outward. I was constantly trying to understand who I was through other people’s reactions. Over time, I’ve realized that no amount of validation can really answer that question for you. I’m still learning, but now I spend a lot more time paying attention to my own instincts. I feel less concerned with proving myself and more interested in creating a life that actually feels meaningful to me.

dress SHUSHU/TONG
shoes STUART WEITZMAN
necklace NICKHO REY

You’ve built successful careers across music, television, fashion, and business. Which creative outlet feels most fulfilling to you right now?

Music. It always comes back to music. There are things I can express through a song that I struggle to explain in a conversation. It feels like the place where all the different parts of me meet. No matter what else I’m working on, music is usually where I go when I need to make sense of something.

gown BALENCIAGA
shoes GIABORGHINI
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
bangle ALEXIS BITTAR

You’re currently working on new music. How would you describe the headspace you’re creating from at this point in your life?

A lot of reflection. I think the last few years have forced me to look at myself more honestly than ever before. There have been moments of confusion, growth, loss, excitement, all of it. The music I’m making now feels less focused on finding answers and more focused on exploring the questions. It’s coming from a place of curiosity instead of certainty.

Your debut album a letter to me was deeply personal. Has your approach to songwriting evolved since that project?

Definitely. That album felt like I was introducing myself. I needed to say a lot of things I hadn’t fully processed yet. Now I feel more comfortable sitting with emotions before turning them into songs. I’ve become more interested in storytelling and perspective. The vulnerability is still there, but I think I’m allowing myself to look at things from more angles now.

dress DILARA
shoes JUDE
earrings MELINDA MARIA
rings MISHO
necklace MISHO

Having started your music career at such a young age, what have you learned about yourself as an artist over the years?

I’ve learned that creativity isn’t something you can force. For a long time I thought I had to constantly prove I deserved to be in the room. Now I understand that some of my best work happens when I stop putting pressure on myself and stay open. I’ve also learned that being sensitive isn’t a weakness as an artist. It’s actually one of the things that helps me connect to people.

You’ve shared so much of your life publicly through projects like The D’Amelio Show. Has your relationship with visibility and fame changed as you’ve gotten older?

I think I’ve become more protective of my private life. When you’re younger, it’s easy to feel like you owe people access because they’re supporting you. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that connection and access aren’t the same thing. I still want to be honest and open, but I’ve learned that some things grow better when they’re not being observed by millions of people.

dress BLUMARINE
shoes LARROUDÉ
earrings MISHO
ring JENNIFER FISHER

How do you balance authenticity with maintaining personal boundaries in an era where audiences expect constant access?

I try to remind myself that authenticity doesn’t mean sharing everything. For a while I thought being authentic meant explaining every thought and every feeling. Now I think it’s more about being truthful about what you choose to share. Boundaries don’t make someone less genuine. Sometimes they allow you to show up more honestly because you’re protecting the parts of yourself that still need space.

You’ve also hosted your own talk show and worked as an executive producer. What have those behind-the-camera experiences taught you about storytelling?

They taught me how much work goes into shaping a story. Being in front of the camera, you only see one perspective. Working behind the scenes made me realize how many decisions influence what people ultimately experience. It gave me a greater appreciation for collaboration and also made me think more carefully about the stories we tell ourselves about other people.

dress, shoes, and earrings ALESSANDRA RICH
belt DEHANCHE
rings MELINDA MARIA

Fashion has become a significant part of your public identity. What role does fashion play in how you express yourself creatively?

Fashion feels like another language. Some days it’s playful, some days it’s protective, some days it’s just fun. I don’t always approach it with a huge concept behind it. Sometimes it’s simply a reflection of how I’m feeling. What I love about fashion is that it allows people to communicate something before they ever speak.

You’re increasingly involved in the business side of D’Amelio Brands. What have you enjoyed most about stepping into the entrepreneurial space?

I’ve enjoyed learning how ideas actually become reality. When you’re only involved in the creative side, you don’t always see everything happening behind the scenes. Being involved in the business side has given me a greater appreciation for the people building things every day. It’s taught me that creativity and strategy aren’t opposites. The strongest ideas usually need both.

dress MAGDA BUTRYM
shoes MCQUEEN
necklace DEHANCHE
earrings KEREN WOLF
rings MISHO and MELINDA MARIA

You’re preparing for your scripted film debut. What excites you most about stepping into acting in this new way?

I love the challenge of it. Music is very personal because you’re often drawing from your own experiences. Acting asks you to step into someone else’s world completely. I think there’s something really exciting about exploring different perspectives and learning more about people through the characters you play.

You’ve grown up in front of a global audience. How has that experience shaped your confidence, resilience, and sense of self?

It’s definitely made me more resilient. When so many people have opinions about you, you eventually have to decide which voices matter and which ones don’t. I don’t think confidence comes from never doubting yourself. For me, it’s come from continuing to move forward even when I do doubt myself. Growing up publicly has challenged me in a lot of ways, but it’s also pushed me to develop a stronger relationship with who I am outside of other people’s expectations.

As you look ahead to the next chapter of your career, what are you most excited for audiences to see from you?

I’m excited for people to see different sides of me. Not because I’m becoming someone new, but because I’m allowing more of myself to be seen. I feel more willing to take creative risks now and follow ideas that genuinely excite me. More than anything, I’m excited to keep growing and see where that leads. I think the most interesting chapters are usually the ones you can’t fully predict yet.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent DIXIE D’AMELIO
photography TYLER PATRICK KENNY
creative direction RYAN LUCCA
styling LAUREN JEWORSKI at The Wall Group
makeup NICK LENNON at The Only Agency
hair VIRGINIE PINEDA at The Visionaries Agency using GHD Hair
location Vision Studio LA
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN