THE VOCALIST
Catching up with Troye Sivan
When most pop stars go on tour, the stereotype says they’ll be thinking about getting their merchandise out the door or living the high life during their travels; but not so for Australiansouth African singer-songwriter and actor Troye Sivan. Since coming out publicly on social media in 2013, the LGBTQ+ advocate chooses to channel much of his energy into championing equality – and for his Australasian tour in September, he’s donating $1 from every ticket to Aussie charities Beyondblue and Minus18, as well as NZ’S own Rainbowyouth.
The self-made creative has developed a cult following since he began vlogging on Youtube in 2012. Fast-forward seven years and the charming 24-year-old has two albums, Blue Neighbourhood and Bloom, under his belt, plus roles in films including X-men Origins: Wolverine and Boy Erased. You’ve likely heard one of his collaborations with fellow pop stars Ariana Grande and Charli XCX, or his single My My My! – the song he says he’s most proud of.
Troye’s talent and unique style have also seen him welcomed into influential fashion and beauty circles; no doubt helped in part by his striking model-like looks. Last year he attended the Met Gala in a siren-red suit and matching mesh T-shirt as a guest of Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, and in May he appeared in MAC’S 25th-anniversary Viva Glam campaign alongside his model boyfriend Jacob Bixenman. He’s also fronted for cult-beauty brand Glossier; their Boy Brow pomade being one of his go-to products.
Both brand appearances reflect Troye’s passion for experimenting with beauty, regardless of gender. Originally shying away from makeup when he was younger “because it was considered stereotypically feminine or girly”, he’s grown to love the art of playing with product and considers it “a no-brainer” for every day. (Last year he filmed his ‘epic no-makeup-makeup routine’ for Vogue.)
Talking to the slightly jetlagged star over the phone after he’s landed back home in Perth from Los Angeles – “I’d had two flat whites by 7am this morning” – it becomes clear Troye’s style reflects his relaxed Australian upbringing, new life in LA and time travelling the world. His favourite brands include Saint Laurent, Valentino and Acne Studios, but he admits he mostly has a penchant for wearable vintage that “makes me feel like a completely approachable, normal, comfortable and down-to-earth person”.
In 2015 he walked the runway for Saint Laurent at Paris Fashion Week – a “wild” experience. “One thing I’ve learnt about fashion, coming from Perth and then ending up somehow on these crazy big fashion shoots, is working with these brands is really like The Devil Wears Prada,” he muses. “I found that people are a lot nicer than they are in that movie, but it really does feel like Zoolander or The Devil Wears Prada sometimes.”
He’ll head back to LA before his Australian and New Zealand tour kicks off in September, another highly anticipated homecoming. “I get this euphoric feeling every time I land back in Australia,” says Troye. “It’s like a very physical feeling: I can relax, order a good coffee and hug my mum.”