POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Paris-Michael Jackson is on a mission to empower. Her goal? Enlightenment.

jPParis-Michael Jackson, daughter of the most famous artist of a generation, is on a mission to empower and is learning that with influence comes responsibility. Her goal? Enlightenment. Via text message, she chats with Alison Veness. Styled by Christine Centenera. Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier.

Paris Jackson: Greetings and salutations! PK here …

AV: Salutations from Australia! Love the shoot you did with Patrick and Christine … First things first: at the Daily Front Row Awards you talked about using the collective voice to make a difference. What was the feedback from the room afterwards?

PJ: Aw, thank you!! I had such a blast. Patrick and Christine are super rad. I like to think I got a positive reaction from it? Lol. Not quite sure. A few people did come up to me afterwards thanking me for switching up the vibe in the room, so that was nice.

AV: That’s great. Loved your speech – it was very empowering. How does it feel being able to use your voice and elevate issues into the general consciousness?

PJ: Thanks so much. That was kind of the goal haha. It feels amazing, honestly. I couldn’t be happier with the way things are going. The people are slowly but surely waking up! I’m happy to be playing a part in that.

AV: What are you most passionate about right now?

PJ: Well, just that. Waking up the people. I have so many causes that are dear to my heart and fighting for the people, I feel, is my duty. But right now since I’m doing the fashion thing, a huge focus – well, mostly what I’m putting a lot of effort into – is making sure my own personal creativity shows through whatever I’m doing while I’m working. I really want to leave a positive imprint in the fashion world, mostly regarding the media and the stereotypical beauty standard that is blasted all over every magazine you see, every article that pops up on your phone screen, every billboard you see while you’re driving down the street. I already have many young girls looking up to me and I want to be something their parents are OK with them looking up to.

AV: How do you plan to leave this positive imprint in regards to stereotypical beauty standards in the industry when a lot of the time it’s not about people’s voices but their image?

PJ: That’s the point: to change that. When you begin to break down human psychology, it usually comes down to us wanting to be heard. A lot of anger and frustration stems from feeling ignored or rejected or unheard. Take any protest for example … whether it be pipelines, or racial equality, or women’s rights, we’re fighting to be heard. We want the Man to listen to us. This whole “image” thing has been going on for so long it will eventually get old. The people are going to want more, they’re going to want more substance, they’re going to want honesty. That’s already beginning to happen. People can’t relate to what isn’t honest. So it’s not just about me changing it by myself, there are already thousands that want it to happen. All these “perfect” women you see everywhere in the media? It’s very difficult to relate to that because it’s not honest. What I want my job to be is to make it all very transparent, to be all inclusive, to expand on the word “beauty.” If that makes sense lol.

AV: Yes it does, and your words are inspiring. Speaking of inspiring … we saw Jordan Barrett yesterday, who spoke very highly of you and your voice. Who connected you to your spirituality? Your mum?

PJ: Well, I was raised by a hippie lol. So that helped. The idea of religious freedom was all up in my household as a kid haha. I was taught to educate myself as best I can on as much as I can and choose what works best for me. I studied Buddhism for about two years before finding Wicca. The main reason I stuck with that is because it all comes down to worshipping nature. Right now I consider myself on the healer’s path as I study to hopefully become a shaman one day.

AV: Oh dayum. Love that. Sounds like an incredible path and journey you’re on. Self-enlightenment often comes so much later in life. Who are other women who have inspired this awakening? Who are your heroes?

PJ: Janice Joplin for suuuuureeeeee. Stevie Nicks … Michelle Obama is super ill. I also really look up to Emma Watson.

AV: Favourite Janice Joplin song or lyric? PJ: You can destroy your now by worrying about tomorrow. AV: Love. Nailed it. Are you an idealist or a realist?

PJ: Both. Depends on the situation and how passionate I am about it.

AV: Paris = … please finish this equation … PJ: Paris = master oogway lol

AV: That’s why we call now the present because it’s a gift!! Yes, Kung Fu Panda.

PJ: Fuck yeahhhhhhhhh …

AV: What are you reading at the moment? Or what’s favourite book? PJ: Right now I’m in the middle of re-reading Dharma Punx and just started reading The Kite Runner. I loved A Thousand Splendid Suns, which I think is my favourite, and is by the same author as The Kite Runner, so I thought I’d check it out.

AV: They both have great messages. Who would you like to interview? PJ: Dead or alive? AV: Gimme one for each. PJ: John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

AV: Obsessive or a fabulous slacker? PJ: I go through phases of both but definitely a workaholic. AV: Best friend? PJ: My dog. And my big brother, of course.

AV: I feel you. What qualities do you love most in your brother?

PJ: Sorry, I don’t do family questions. AV: All good. So much reality, how do you escape?

PJ: Any chance I get to disappear off the grid and into nature, I’ll take it. No technology, no media bullshit, just me, my dog, nature and good company. Just thinking about cooking soup over a campfire is making my mouth water lol.

AV: What flavour soup? Important question.

PJ: Hahaha. It’s different every time. I usually stick with Amy’s Organic Soups lolol.

AV: Sun or moon bathing? PJ: Both. AV: Morning person or night owl? PJ: Bothhhhh lol. AV: Recurrent dream? PJ: Aliens. AV: Are they friends or foe? PJ: Friends. AV: Recurrent nightmare? PJ: Trump. Oh wait, that’s reality, fuck.

AV: Hahahaha true. So acting. Why? What is it about acting that fuels your fire?

PJ: It’s just one of my creative outlets, it’s fun, the people I work with are amazing and I’ve always just loved the aspect of storytelling and getting my head into a new space, experiencing the shoes of another person/character, and suspending reality for a moment. :)

AV: What are the shoes like that you wore for the part in Nash Edgerton’s movie? What was he like to work with?

PJ: It was just like playing my eighth-grade self. Nash is a total angel and made me feel at home the instant I got to set.

AV: That’s so good. He’s a cool Aussie. Which other directors do you admire/want to work with?

PJ: I’ve always loved Tim Burton. I think I’ve watched, like, every one of his movies. George Lucas is a total boss. Oh, and of course Tarantino. What a legend.

AV: Great choices. Speaking of parts, you’ve just landed Calvin Klein. How does it feel to be part of the history of such an iconic American label?

PJ: Very grateful for the opportunity and excited to add my own zest to it.

AV: What would your CK slogan be if you could write it?

PJ: Power to the people. Granted that’s my slogan for everything.

AV: What do you like about Raf ’s vision?

PJ: Our relationship is still brand new. I’m still very green. I’m still learning but excited to know more about it all.

AV: I really like your energy from afar. You seem determined to grapple with life. Can you define your essence in five words?

PJ: Determined, passionate, hopeful, natural and honest.

AV: Yes, that is your essence. Are you okay for time? Almost done …

PJ: Yup. Keep ’em coming.

AV: Eeexcellent. Do you feel any connection to Australia?

PJ: My parentals got married there so it’s for sure on my bucket list to go. Plus Bluesfest always has the grooviest set list so maybe one year I’ll hit it up.

AV: Who would you love to see play? Dream line-up?

PJ: Well, Nahko and Medicine for the People play with Trevor Hall this year. I love both. 114 JULY 2017 AV: Hard question: top three favourite songs of all time? PJ: Out the Blue by Lennon, Peaceful Easy Feeling by The Eagles, and In My Life by the Beatles.

AV: What makes your heart soar? PJ: Music and nature and good peoples. AV: Is there a special place you go nature-wise? PJ: If I tell you, I’d have to kill you.

AV: Oh, snap. Same with mine. Do you have a favourite painter or artist that moves you and empowers you?

PJ: Picasso is dope, Michelangelo, even though he was more of a sculptor, and Warhol.

AV: A good trio. I love Rothko. His work makes me cry. This is your first Vogue cover, how does it feel?

PJ: Hello lit. Honestly, very grateful for this opportunity. AV: You have to sing a song to me – which would you pick? PJ: If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot.

AV: Sing it girl! What is your default when you feel overwhelmed?

PJ: Lennon helps calm me down a lot. Sometimes I’ll just listen to his music or watch videos of him speaking and it puts me right back on track.

AV: Transcending fame to connect with people is the best thing. What is a quality you haven’t achieved but hope for?

PJ: Enlightenment.

AV: This was my view for the interview: Bondi. Was so lovely to get to know you, thank you. PJ: So beautiful!!!! Thank you for your time. Nice to e-meet you.