Fashion

“It’s Not the Glamour That Draws Me”: Kylie Minogue on Her New Album

The Australian singer discusses her decades-long career, why disco is right for this moment, and how she’s still overcoming insecurities….

Describing Minogue’s enduring appeal to newcomers can feel like explaining why so many children worship Santa Claus. “She is so versatile and always plays different characters and keeps each era so different, whilst remaining the essence of Kylie,” British singer Jessie Ware says of Minogue, whom she had on her Table Manners podcast earlier this fall. “I love that, like someone similar to Dolly Parton, there is still so much mystique around her—she is an untouchable pop star with such warmth.”

As an artist, Kylie has not so much reinvented the musical wheel as she has bedazzled it and kept it spinning. Her music is sumptuous, but utterly free of frills or fuss. Her stickiest lyrics tend toward the hummable and uncomplicated (“I just can’t get you out of my head”; “Get out of my way”); their outer simplicity is the strongest, smartest suit she plays. Mingoue’s songs are agreeable, multigenerational gifts loved equally by straight dads, gay sons, and hip grandparents.

Born Kylie Ann Minogue in Australia in 1968, the international treasure says that although she spent the early years of her career building a name for herself as an actor, singing always came first in her mind. Her breakout role arrived in 1986 with the hit soap Neighbours, an Australian series that was simulcast in the U.K., where audiences embraced Minogue with the sort of overwhelming love ordinarily reserved for glamorous royalty or Paddington Bear. Her character’s wedding episode brought nearly 20 million viewers—on par with the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton 30 years later.

On the heels of soap success, Minogue signed a record deal (fellow artists on her then-label included Bananarama and Rick Astley); her first single, a joyful cover of “The Loco-Motion,” topped the Australian charts and shot her to No. 2 in the U.K and No. 3 in the U.S. A debut album (Kylie) came next, followed by a decade of albums and chart success. After a label switch, she found a home at Parlophone, which helped guide her to the most popular eras of her career with 2000’s Light Years and 2001’s Fever. Accolades flew her way; Hollywood called (Street Fighter, Moulin Rouge); and superlatives piled up (she’s the rare artist to earn first-name-only status worldwide, as well as spots on several “Hottest Women of All-Time” lists). At one particularly high point, one U.K. research group declared the Australian singer the “most powerful celebrity in Britain.”

[embedded content]

In 2005, Glastonbury booked her to headline, a slot she had to withdraw from one month prior to the festival after a breast cancer diagnosis at age 36. Following surgery, she successfully completed chemotherapy, and in 2007, returned to music with X, an album that presciently predated electronic music’s eventual stranglehold on pop. In total, she’s released 15 full-length albums (including this month’s Disco), eight live LPs, a bushel of compilations and EPs, countless remixes, a Christmas album, and a couple of celebratory box sets for good measure, to say nothing of her myriad world tours and global Pride performances. “I just really like the ‘work’ part of it,” she says without a hint of sarcasm. “Oh, I love it so much. It’s not the glamorous part at all that draws me. I would always rather be back in the studio again.”

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Business

Kanye West’s Yeezy Brand Boosts Net Worth to $1.2 Billion

Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is a well-known artist and entrepreneur who has recently reclaimed his status as a billionaire, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his music, but the biggest boost has come from his brand, Yeezy, which has changed the sneaker and fashion landscape. His journey from a famous rapper to a major player in the fashion world showcases his business talent and unique ability to connect with culture, allowing him to create a brand that holds significant financial value.

1. The Rise of Yeezy

Kanye started the Yeezy brand in 2009 through a partnership with Adidas. Over the years, it has become one of the most desirable and trendy sneaker and streetwear brands globally. What sets Yeezy apart is Kanye’s choice to take full ownership of the brand, allowing him to direct its creative vision completely. Unlike many other celebrities who collaborate with existing brands, he aimed to build something new that challenges the fashion industry’s norms.

Yeezy’s designs are noted for their simple yet modern look, and items like the Yeezy Boost 350, Yeezy 700, and Yeezy Foam Runner are now considered iconic. The brand’s success can be attributed to its scarcity, limited releases, and Kanye’s powerful presence on social media. These elements have helped Yeezy reach mainstream popularity, turning it into a symbol of luxury and style.

Check out this article: Kanye West Wants “Wizards Only” For His Yeezy AI Team

2. The Financial Growth of Yeezy

Kanye has achieved a net worth of $1.2 billion mainly because of Yeezy’s impressive profits. After teaming up with Adidas, Kanye struck a deal that allowed him to keep a large slice of the profits, a rare arrangement in celebrity collaborations. As Yeezy has thrived, so has Kanye’s wealth.

In recent years, Yeezy has been valued at around $3 billion, and Kanye is believed to own anywhere from 80% to 100% of the brand. His decision to end his partnership with Adidas solidified his control, ensuring that all profits from Yeezy’s sales go directly to him. The brand’s global popularity, high prices, and limited releases have helped Yeezy dominate the sneaker market and attract wealthy customers.

Yeezy’s shoe collection brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and the clothing line, including oversized jackets and sweatshirts, adds even more value. Fans of the brand, including many celebrities, keep demand high for these stylish and premium-priced items. Yeezy’s success has caught the eye of not just fashion fans but also investors and market experts. Despite some controversies surrounding Kanye’s behavior, Yeezy has consistently generated large amounts of revenue, making it a key part of his wealth.

Check out this article: Kim Kardashian Reportedly Weighing Legal Action to Strip Kanye West of Joint Custody

3. Other Sources of Wealth

While Yeezy is the main contributor to Kanye’s fortune, it’s not his only source of income. His music catalog, which includes influential albums, also plays a significant role. He earns money through licensing deals, royalties from his music, and live performances, providing him with a steady income that complements his profits from Yeezy and other ventures.

Kanye has also invested in real estate and technology, adding to his financial portfolio. Other business projects, like his Donda brand and his earlier work with Gap, have contributed to his wealth, although they haven’t been as successful as Yeezy. His ventures into technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital media, could also provide substantial returns in the future.

4. The Power of Kanye’s Personal Brand

A vital aspect of Kanye West’s financial success is the strength of his brand. Known for his bold creativity, outspoken personality, and often controversial statements, he has created an image that resonates with many supporters and critics. This unique presence has only enhanced his cultural influence, making him an important figure in music and fashion.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status

Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.

1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.

A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.

Check out this article: How Rich Is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2025?

2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success

Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.

Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.

3. Strong Financial Growth

The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.

This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.

Check out this article: Diddy Salutes Kanye West for Unwavering Support in Emotional Phone Call

4. Media Attention and Public Interest

The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.

5. A Commitment to Mental Health

In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.

Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0