IN CONVERSATION WITH LUMIA

Lumia is effortlessly cool. But it took a lot of heart, mind, and soul to get there. Discovered for her photographic talent by Petra Collins at only 16, Lumia’s agentic artistry has conceptually evolved across the visual, audial, and physical. As a photographer, DJ, and model, the NYC It-Girl dances between the floors of fashion. Whether performing for Miu Miu, Art Basel, or Coachella, she has positioned herself at the epicenter of artists shaping the next wave of dance music. With her recent breakthrough into the European underground, she continues to mix and refine her authenticity, inspiring those on the dance floor to do the same. This editorial explores why Lumia is the next cultural catalyst to look out for from across the pond.

What does "underground" mean to you beyond just a sound or a scene—and how does a NYC it girl land there?

I’ve always been very independent and independently minded. I grew up with 8 siblings - so my life wasn’t normal in a way. I follow the things I like and become obsessed. I want to know everything about it. That’s what’s led me here.

Is this shift to the underground intentional as you expand your stamp in Europe?

I wouldn’t say that there was ever a shift towards that - the more I learn about myself the more I grow into my artistry. This next project is really a departure from the last one, because I am in a completely different space in my life. I’m able to go deeper because I know what I like. Part of DJing is that my music taste is evolving so much faster than it used to. The people in my life are different now - I was dating someone when working on my last project. I had a different best friend. My dad was still around. A lot of things are different now.

coat THE FRANKIE SHOP
t-shirt and jewellery Lumia's own
jeans ACNE STUDIOS
bra AKRIS
boots ISABEL MARANT

How do you see the underground's role in pushing culture forward, and what space do you wish to carve there?

I think with all the work that I make whether it’s music or any type of visual art, it’s important to strive to be your true honest self. If anything I make reaches or touches or inspires one person, then I feel like my job is done. I do think it is the responsibility of the artist to reflect the current times, and so I strive to be forward thinking in that way.

Is this movement to the underground spurring a deeper connection with your artistic identity, and what are you now hoping people feel when they experience your work?

The better you know yourself, the closer you get to making the work you want to make. That is something I learned early on as an artist. And it’s something I continue to know. Kinda what I was saying before, I want to inspire people to know that they can do anything they want to if they really put their mind to it. I hope that what I achieve in my career and how I move in my life inspires people. With music in particular, I hope to bring people together, give them the space to let loose, take off masks, and express themselves. I want people to party like they used to. Before phones. Before the trend in knowing the DJ.

t-shirt Lumia's own
trousers THE FRANKIE SHOP

What is the starting point of a song for you? A story, a feeling, or an image?

I start with an idea. I approach music from a very conceptual place. With the music I have out, “My Boy” was a diary entry. “Carmen” was inspired by my older sister because she loves classical music. “Paris” was made because I wanted one of my best friends to speak French in a song. Or it can really be as simple as “I want a grand piano in this track.”

Your work has been described as technically meticulous. How has your technique evolved since adding hardware to your arsenal, and how do structure and experimentation coexist in your process?

I am still experimenting with hardware. It really takes the form of jam sessions alone or with my friends in the studio. Right now I am honing in on taking bits and pieces from those sessions. I love 909s - who doesn’t? OP-1 from teenage engineering is also really sick. I am really interested in engaging with physical experiences - right now I am learning vinyl which I’m really excited about. I also hate screens - I use a flip phone, I like to read books, and I like to write with pen and paper. Hardware is adding to that physical dimension and the same goes with vinyl.

sweatshirt Lumia's own
underwear AKRIS

How do you differentiate between curation of self versus curation of your art? Is there a boundary between the two or do they naturally blur?

I think it’s just another form of self-expression, which in a way, all my artwork is.

You’re collaborating with your brother on this editorial. How would you describe the relationship between your family and your creativity?

I guess it just runs in the blood. It must come from my dad’s side. My dad had a bunch of kids and most of them are really creative. He was an Italian man who was tatted up and really tough. Which is maybe what I am inside too. It’s really sick to be able to collaborate with my brother. It’s an honor because he is an incredible artist. We are super close now, we are very similar in that we’re both laid back and understand each other in this one particular way. I think it’s gonna be really cool to create something that feels like us. With our dad passing just a few weeks ago, this is the first thing we’ll be working on together. His passing has brought us together in a really special way.

full look MIU MIU
jewellery Lumia’s own

What is one thing you learned as a photographer with Petra Collins that you still practice to this day?

She believed in me at a time when I really needed it. I was 16 when I met her and she kinda saved my life in a way. She taught me to be fearless and that I can do anything I can set my mind to. She really gave me the confidence to feel that way.

If your art could only say one thing, what would that one thing be?

I want people to know they can do whatever they put their minds to. It can be really scary sometimes but you can be afraid and do it anyway. You can change at any time. I worked as a photographer, model, influencer and now I’m making music and DJing. I’m able to do all those things and be ok. I have pivoted so many times and the more you work through that fear the easier it gets and the more confidence and trust you have for yourself. Through this process, you learn who you are. This is how I know who I am.

dress and shoes CFCL
jewellery Lumia’s own

TEAM CREDITS:

talent LUMIA
photography JASON NOCITO
styling ROBYN VICTORIA at The Only Agency
makeup MOLLIE GLOSS
hair DENNIS LANNI at Art Department
creative production and interview RIO MOMO
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN