Often, when you step back and look at the bigger picture, that’s when the greatest ideas present themselves. And that’s perhaps the case for Tia Lee, one of the biggest stars of Chinese pop music, often referred to as C-pop.
It’s safe to say over the better part of the last two decades, the Taiwan native has had a meteoric rise to stardom, arguably being one of the trailblazers in the C-pop realm, first as a part of the pop group Dream Girls and then as a solo star and actress, firmly cementing herself on the global stage.
However, in 2019, it was time for Tia to pull back and reassess. As she tells GRAZIA, she needed to spend time “reflecting and adjusting my state of mind”. While it may have been a break from the outward spotlight, behind the scenes she was cultivating the next chapter of her career. The star flew to Los Angeles to work with a slew of new producers and teams, and within a month, 10 songs were recorded. It was a period of time for which she’s extremely thankful.
“I think it’s a real luxury to have time to do what makes you happy,” she admits. In 2022, three years after her hiatus began, Tia was ready to return to the spotlight, unveiling her brand new single “Goodbye Princess” and, in tandem, launching the #EmpowerHer campaign – an initiative to raise awareness and support a range of female-centric organisations around the globe. “No matter how long these three years of waiting have been, I hope that the new me who is about to start again can be more determined,” she says.
Nearly a year on from her relaunch into the public eye, Tia is exploring different facets of the globe, including here, as she graces her first-ever cover in the Middle East for GRAZIA.
GRAZIA: Congratulations on your recent cover shoot with GRAZIA Middle East! How was the experience of the Dubai shoot?
Tia Lee (TL): I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with GRAZIA Middle East. Although the shoot took place in just one day, I had a very enriching experience, with desert landscapes that can be photographed anywhere. I also appreciate you for preparing a cute and well-behaved falcon for the shoot.
GRAZIA: Given the cultural diversity in the Middle East, did you find any specific elements or themes from your Taiwanese background influencing the shoot, or did you draw inspiration from Middle Eastern culture?
TL: In the previous year, I had the opportunity to travel to Abu Dhabi for a photo shoot. The cultural diversity in the Middle East allowed me to meet different people and experience world-class art and natural landscapes. The people I met were very welcoming and accommodating, which made me feel relaxed both physically and mentally. This place is truly inspiring and has given me more ideas for my creative work.
GRAZIA: In what ways do you think your collaboration with GRAZIA Middle East contributes to cultural exchange, bridging gaps between Taiwanese and Middle Eastern fashion and lifestyle?
TL: I believe cultural exchange and cultural differences can help you experience new aspects of life, understand different cultural perspectives, and create unique memories. This shoot was a great example of that. That’s why I think travelling is the best way to see more and broaden your horizons.
GRAZIA: When it comes to the global scale of your fanbase and audience, how do you experience cultural exchange when touring different parts of the world?
TL: It allows me to experience new aspects of life, understand different cultural perspectives, and create unique memories. In addition to experiencing local cuisine, scenic spots, and art, traditional clothing also represents the spirit of a culture and is often passed down from generation to generation, carrying the history of the culture.
GRAZIA: Your three-year hiatus finished at the end of 2022. What did you focus on and learn about yourself during this period of down-time?
TL: In the past three years, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and adjusting my state of mind. In the first year, I went to LA to record songs. It was also my first time working with producers and teams to create songs in a recording studio. Within a month, I’d recorded 10 songs and I was extremely excited and happy.
GRAZIA: A big message for you upon your return to the limelight was female empowerment – what does this mean to you?
TL: As a female artist, I have always hoped to use my power to help women and girls support and encourage each other. Music also conveys this message. It gives me the opportunity to launch the #EmpowerHer campaign to help establish women’s living and employment opportunities. I believe that even if it’s only one person, it still can make a difference and have an impact.
GRAZIA: Your #EmpowerHer initiative is commendable. Can you tell us more about its goals and the impact you hope to make?
TL: I hope that the #EmpowerHer campaign can continue to help women around the world build confidence. Whether it’s the EmpowerHer movement, EmpowerHer Health, or other initiatives, I hope that these activities can improve the lives of women on a broader scale.
GRAZIA: How do you see #EmpowerHer promoting cultural exchange and understanding, especially in regions where gender empowerment may be viewed differently?
TL: The #EmpowerHer campaign by itself transcends cultures and borders. Maybe we are too busy dividing ourselves over different ideologies, yet the heart to facilitate empowerment and do good for the community should all be pure and in sync. Through the #EmpowerHer campaign, I use my music, which, for me, is the universal language for all, to communicate to those in support of this meaningful course. When divided, our impact may be trivial, but if we stand together, the sustaining influence we can create will surely be a lot more long-lasting.
GRAZIA: Fashion and empowerment often go hand in hand. How do you believe the fashion industry can play a role in fostering empowerment and breaking cultural barriers, especially for women?
TL: Fashion builds value and personality. It’s another thing that breaks boundaries and unites people seamlessly, as music does. I am a huge fashion fan and am intrigued by the power that fashion brings to the world. I would say fashion is an important statement for all genders. It also helps all individuals build confidence and stay atop of trends at all times.
GRAZIA: Are there specific cultural aspects of your heritage that you aim to highlight through #EmpowerHer?
TL: I am definitely not trying to influence the audience with any specific perspective. The goal really is to arouse awareness and to make ourselves available when we see opportunities for us to contribute to empowering others in our everyday lives.
GRAZIA: What’s next for you?
TL: I am working on a few exciting projects right now, definitely where my passion leads. I’m looking forward to announcing more details on new songs and new initiatives soon. Stay tuned!
TALENT: TIA LEE
CREATIVE DIRECTION: DANÉ STOJANOVIC
ART DIRECTION: HAYA AL-SHARIF
PHOTOGRAPHY: ESRA SAM
STYLING: LAURA JANE BROWN
SENIOR PRODUCER: STEFF HAWKER
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: ANN VAAS
MAKEUP: JOAN 颜华
HAIRSTYLIST: YANZI 沿子
STYLING ASSISTANTS: CHARLOTTE MARSH-WILLIAMS & KAWTHAR EL NAGGER
VIDEOGRAPHER: VIKTOR PILIPCHENKO
LIGHTING ASSISTANT: JEFFERY ZAMORA
VIDEO ASSISTANT: OLJAS MUKYSH
LOCATION MANAGER: AHMED UNIT TEAM GAYAN CHAMIKA, COMPASS LOCATION SERVICE
THIS cover story IS PUBLISHED IN THE 8TH EDITION OF GRAZIA MIDDLE EAST. ORDER YOUR COPY HERE.
