NARS Cosmetics, founded by Francois Nars, is celebrating three decades of makeup excellence with a glamorous pop-up in the heart of Singapore. At the NARS Cosmetics Maison Explicit 30th Anniversary at ION Orchard, the beauty label is also launching the new Explicit Lipsticks in 28 wearable shades. In town to commemorate this special occasion was Korean-Australian singer DPR IAN, aka Christian Yu, as well as members of the local glitterati including Sonia Chew, Saffron Sharpe and Germaine Leonora Tan. Before the event, we caught up with the multihyphenate—the stud sings, raps, and even directs, just FYI—who got explicit with GRAZIA Singapore about some of his upcoming projects.
For those unacquainted, DPR IAN is part of Dream Perfect Regime (DPR), the independent multi-genre music label hailing from South Korea. The Ballroom Extravaganza singer is known for his experimental music style that’s theatrical and distinctly moody. Of course, his tracks are catchy, something that might be in part influenced by his roots in the K-Pop industry as a former member of boy band C-Clown.
Upon our meeting, it was clear that DPR IAN was a man of charisma. His adoring fans will tell you all about his charming Australian accent and his tattoos—and yes, we get it—, but his down-to-earth nature is what got us. And don’t mind us but he smelt amazing. If you’re just as curious as we were, he wears Blue Vanille from Henry Jacques. The more you know.
Read on for GRAZIA Singapore’s full interview with DPR IAN.
How would you describe yourself?
DPR IAN (DI): I would say, spontaneously responsible. I don’t even think those two things belong together, but there we go.
How do you think your fans would describe you?
DI: I think my fans would describe me as passionate, very passionate, very bold and very vulnerable.
What qualities do you find attractive in people?
DI: Confidence. It’s just the way someone carries himself, you know, I honestly like that so much about somebody. You could just be anybody, really, quite anybody, doing anything, as long as you’re confident about who you are. Think that’s what I really like about somebody.
How would you describe the perfect relationship?
DI: It’s one word: empowerment. You guys have to be empowering to each other, you know, if you guys aren’t making yourselves a better version of yourself, then, I don’t know what it is. Honestly, that’s what I think a perfect relationship is.
What is your motto when you’re making music?
DI: Just goes for everything but be yourself. So make sure, when you make music, when you make anything, for that manner, you do it for yourself, and you do it because you love doing it. I think you can’t forget that.
How would you describe your upcoming full-length album?
DI: Oh, boy. I think this upcoming album is the most that I’ve ever been myself and for people that know, they’ll know.
What can you tell us about your upcoming movie project, Mito 3?
DI: I think this upcoming project is going to be the most cinematic masterpiece that I think DPR has ever gone and created, and it hasn’t even been made yet, but I already know.
How do you feel about being in Singapore?
DI: Very nostalgic, actually, because I’ve been to Singapore a few times during middle school. I think the first time was with my mom, and we went to the Night Safari. Actually, I went to the Night Safari yesterday [too], so it was very nostalgic. Going back after almost over a decade, Singapore always brings good memories. I love the people, love the food, just love the culture. So, what’s more to say?
What can fans expect from your upcoming tour?
DI: My upcoming tour? Just a very good memory, you know, just a very good time, good experiences, laughs, tears, a lot of shouting, [and] your voice being gone. Bring some cough drops, just for your throat.
What is the best way to have fun?
DI: One of the best ways to have fun is obviously at the After Party, where you just can’t go and be normal and just sit around. It’s kind of boring. So you have to be a little bit Mischievous.
Side note: We challenged DPR IAN to incorporate some of his favourite shades from the NARS Explicit Lipstick into his answer for the last question.
Catch DPR IAN in action below:
Check out more photos from the NARS Cosmetics Maison Explicit 30th Anniversary pop-up below:
The NARS Cosmetics Maison Explicit 30th Anniversary pop-up is located at ION Orchard and is open to the public until 28 August.
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