Ana Mena, a future in fashion?

The world of music represents a path as exciting as it is difficult for new talents, and contestin this sense, they represent a considerable support in the growth of artists.

Lately AW LAB he threw AW LAB IS MEthe first international contest open to all young people wishing to pursue a musical career: this in fact – despite being the fourth edition – is the first time that a musical academy, which will be accessed by the selected finalists. To participate, just send your own song through the AW LAB digital platforms by May 15th. The winners will participate in a series of exclusive and thematic masterclasses, from writing to styling, and will be accompanied by professional coaches but also by artists known to the general public: Casadilego, Il Tre and Anna are the protagonists of these exclusive lessons, together with Michele WAD Caporosso and to the Spanish artist Ana Menaalso participates in the latest edition of Sanremo Festival.

For the occasion, we chatted with the singer about her past and present experiences in terms of contest. But also, of course, of her connection with fashion and music.

The AW LAB IS ME contest is a unique opportunity for young talents to pursue their careers in the difficult world of music. As the protagonist of the lessons for the contest winners, what is the most important cornerstone that you will want to convey to the emerging players?
«I think that one of the most important things to convey to the talents that will be selected is the importance of always defending their personality, which makes them immediately recognizable when you listen to one of their songs. Right now I am also part of a contest in Spain, and I got to learn a lot from the young competitors. But this is the advice that in my opinion really makes a difference for anyone ».

And how did you defend your personality during your artistic career?
“My career started really early, when I was eight, and at that age you sing a little of everything you listen to at home. In my case, typical Spanish music and flamenco! Surely this is where the roots of my way of singing reside, and the personality is something that has been built over time starting from here. Having made my debut at a very young age, I often changed my mind in this process of continuous evolution, understanding from time to time what I really liked: it is important to be able to preserve this experimentation in order to learn how to enhance one’s art “.

She went through the contest experience herself, like that of My Camp Rock from a very young age: what is the lesson that you still carry from that period today?
«I think the hardest part of this job is the desire to surrender which, often and willingly, comes with difficulties: the vast majority of the doors in front of us are closed. Music is by no means a simple world, you know, but the fundamental lesson that I still carry with me is precisely that of never throwing in the towel. Because when you find this strength, and the first doors begin to open, you have to be ready without losing your inner “fire” ».

Fashion and music have always been intertwined, but for each artist this bond is different: how do you live it?
«For me, the link between fashion and music is a very important link. I love to play with my style, change and have fun, and I think it’s the most positive approach you can have towards this dimension. Always trying new things and taking risks, why not, can be really exciting, and it is an essential part of my being an artist ».

In the creation of your “story” as an artist – one of the objectives of AW LAB IS ME – what place does your personal style occupy, and what are your main references?
«The references that have inspired me since I was a child are really many, starting with the great female icons of Spanish music. Now, on the other hand, from a stylistic point of view, I am very inspired by the divas of the past and their retro charm, such as Brigitte Bardot. Among the international artists, on the other hand, I really like Miley Cyrus’ daring approach ».

Fashion is certainly an important means of helping to “put on the clothes” that most represent us: which look on stage, up to now, has best reflected your artistic identity?
«The truth is that the look that best represents me on stage… you haven’t seen it yet! I am super excited about what we are building, also in the looks, for the next musical tour in Spain, which will count more than fifty dates. Fashion will have an important weight, and compared to before it will certainly have a more elegant than urban touch ».

And in Sanremo?
“On the festival stage, the outfit that most represented me was undoubtedly the black sequined suit by Emporio Armani, which I wore for the third evening”.

Are there any items of clothing or accessories that, off stage, are part of your essential “uniform”, and help you more than others to feel confident?
«What can never be missing in my“ daily uniform ”are the rings (I wear a lot of them), as well as the earrings: I like to put them all together and have“ little free ”ears. But my biggest passion is boots. Of all lengths and styles, they are an obsession for me ».

After this project between fashion and music with AW LAB, and having also a past between cinema and television, what is the area in which you would like to evolve as an artist?
«Fashion design is something that attracts me a lot! It won’t happen overnight, but it’s a creative side of me that I’d like to develop. I am already very involved in creating my looks as an artist, but being even more part of this process is one of my wishes for the future ».

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