Flash in the pan, one-hit wonder. So much for the prejudices that Rita Ora faced in 2012 with the release of the party earworm “How we do”. Eight years later, she is still here – and nine films and countless Music Awards richer. And while we’re typing up the list, let’s not forget Ora’s recent signing as the face of Thomas Sabo.
FACES: Writing, composing, performing on stage. What is the best thing about your work, the cherry on top, so to speak?
Rita Ora: I am obsessed with my work and love being able to express myself creatively. My job is the very best – and I’m so grateful that I get to do something that I actually enjoy doing every day. I get so many incredible opportunities that make every single day special.
F: The music industry is more of a snake pit than a pony farm. What ideas did you have about it as a child, and how do you describe it today?
RO: In the beginning, of course, it was a dream, a world that I really wanted to have access to. When I got it, I wanted to do everything I could. It was only over time that I realized that I should only do the things that really matter to me so that I can maintain my balance. I first had to learn to say “no”.
F: You have many people around you who want to do you good. What advice do you remember to this day that you actually follow?
RO: The best advice came from someone who is very famous and extremely successful himself. He advised me not to take things I read or hear about myself too seriously. This has taught me not to believe everything I’m told and to take everything with the right amount of skepticism. Someone else also taught me to be patient and never give up. The good things are usually hard to achieve, but keep at it and always believe in yourself.
F: Do you remember the moment that changed everything?
RO: Becoming a UNICEF ambassador and honorary ambassador for Kosovo were very special moments and awards for me. Being able to perform at the Oscars or the Glastonbury Festival or even host the European Music Awards were other very special achievements for me.
F: What are the sunny and dark sides of social media?
RO: Before social media, you couldn’t follow every step. This has changed dramatically in recent years. The influence of social media is so huge today. For me, it’s great to be in contact with my fans and to be able to talk to them directly.
F: How do you spend a normal Saturday?
RO: When I actually have time between my performances, music and acting, I prefer to spend time with my family and friends at home. We then eat together and watch a movie. I love it when my mother cooks for me and I can wear something really cozy.
F: Do you have a favorite city?
RO: London is my absolute favorite. The city is multicultural and accepts everyone for who they are.
F: Where is your favorite place to travel, and what is your must-see city?
RO: I have a lot of favorites, and each one is so unique. But one of the greatest cities is definitely Berlin with its vibe and really good energy.
F: Day or night, morning or evening, breakfast or dinner?
RO: Every time of day and night has its own special features. However, I would describe myself more as a night owl than an early bird. And definitely breakfast! This is the best meal of the day.
F: What do you collect?
RO: Air Jordan sneakers from Nike.
F: What do you like to give and what do you prefer to receive?
RO: Love and contentment. I am very passionate and always give my heart and soul. However, having fun is also very important to me – having fun and creating memories in the process, be it with my music or with other creative projects. If I manage to do that, I actually feel like I’ve done my job well.
F: When do you feel most alive?
RO: On stage, where I can express myself and do what I love so much. What counts is what comes out of the speakers and the energy that is released.
F: What do you miss when you’re not at home?
RO: The meetings with my mother and father at the Coffee Plant on Portobello Road. It is particularly cozy there.
F: What is item number one on your bucket list?
RO: Making people smile, laugh and dance is what I always wanted to achieve. I just want to keep entertaining people and experiment more with things.
F: What do you cook when you invite your friends over?
RO: I’m not the best cook, but of course I have my classics. At the moment I’m really into chicken with cauliflower rice – it’s great because it looks like rice but contains absolutely no carbohydrates. Ingenious!
F: What are you fighting for?
RO: I want to spread a positive attitude, freedom and individuality. You can be whatever you want and it’s okay to be different. I hope that through my music I can be a role model and inspire others to celebrate self-love.
F: Do you remember your first piece of jewelry, and do you still have it?
RO: There is a special piece that I got from my grandmother – her engagement ring. She left her wedding ring to my older sister and I was so jealous that she gave me her engagement ring. I’ve kept it like a treasure ever since.
F: What can jewelry do?
RO: Jewelry transforms a normal look into a spectacular one and loosens up traditional styles. Accessories give outfits a certain vibe and personality. Most of my jewelry pieces are connected to memories that remind me of dear people or places. There are pieces that symbolize my past, my current life and my future. When I combine them with each other, I create my own personal style.
F: How do you reflect yourself in your collection for Thomas Sabo?
RO: Jewelry is a part of my life, and Thomas Sabo has been with me since I was a teenager. My friends and I all wore Thomas Sabo bracelets back then. That’s why the brand is something of a companion for me, with something for every woman. The designs are easy to wear and combine, which is what I like most. It’s great that I believe in the same values as Thomas Sabo and that I can encourage and inspire women with my campaign.
F: How do you combine your jewelry, and how do you decide on individual pieces?
RO: It depends on the outfit I choose. However, I’m not afraid of combining jewelry with each other, just the way it suits me. I love jewelry too much for that. I’m a sucker for anything sparkly and I like big statement pieces that enhance my look. I often combine different styles and use jewelry to make an outfit more individual.
F: Are there any no-gos when it comes to jewelry styling?
RO: There are no rules. Why not combine eye-catching and smaller pieces? Or create a statement ring by wearing several filigree rings together? Sometimes I wear everything together – glitter, glam and colors. On other days I just wear jeans, put my hair up and combine it with as much jewelry as possible. Use your jewelry to make a statement and express yourself!
