"Fashion is more than just clothes; it's about self-expression and storytelling."

 — KiKi LAYNE

There are many parallels between American actress KiKi Layne and Theresa, an aspiring singer-songwriter, in the upcoming Nicole Riegel film Dandelion. Both hail from Cincinnati, Ohio, and both navigate the challenges of being Black women in the arts, seeking their place in the world. These parallels infuse Layne's portrayal of Theresa with genuineness, drawing from her experiences as an artist. For Layne, authenticity isn't just a performance; it's a lived reality that she brings to the screen. In Dandelion, this authenticity shines through in moments of vulnerability and strength as Layne seamlessly embodies Theresa's journey of self-discovery.

From KiKi’s breakout performance in If Beale Street Could Talk to her franchise expanding role in Netflix's The Old Guard and now her compelling portrayal in Dandelion, KiKi shows us why she's on Hollywood's radar. Layne's impact as a storyteller transcends the glitz and glamor of Hollywood to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide. Whether portraying a young woman fighting for justice in 1970s Harlem, a modern-day immortal warrior, or a struggling aspiring singer, Layne brings depth and humanity to her roles. Through her candid reflections and insightful revelations, she invites audiences to see the world through different perspectives and challenges them to confront their biases and prejudices. Layne's resilience and dedication to her craft inspire not only aspiring actors but also anyone who dares to dream big and defy the odds.

As KiKi continues to break barriers and push boundaries, she proves that she is not just an actress; she is a force to be reckoned with—a storyteller whose impact will be endured well into the future.

Carl Ayers __ Tell me about the movie Dandelion and your role as Theresa. 

KiKi Layne __ The movie Dandelion follows an aspiring singer songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio, who is on a journey to find her place in the music industry. My character, Theresa, struggles with self-doubt and questions whether there's a space for her voice in the field. This role resonated with me deeply as it reflects my experiences as an artist. Pursuing a career in this industry comes with moments of doubt and the struggle to stay true to oneself. Theresa's journey is about finding authenticity and confidence amidst those challenges, which is something I believe many artists can relate to.

CA __ Okay. So, when I read your life story and watched the film, I saw some overlaps I want us to discuss. But when you first read the script, what was your initial reaction?

KL __ My initial reaction was, "Wow!" I was immediately struck by the fact that the character is from Cincinnati, just like me. It felt like such a powerful coincidence. Beyond that, I really connected with Dandelion's journey. As an artist, especially a Black woman in the arts, I’ve often faced similar challenges. Not always seeing people who look like me pursuing the same dreams made Dandelion's story incredibly real and personal. Her experiences resonated with my own, making the role feel very authentic and meaningful to me.

CA __ Given the overlap between you and your character, how did you prepare for the role?

KL __ Preparing for the role was an interesting process. It wasn't just traditional preparation; it was about embracing my own discomfort and using it in my performance. I found a way to be comfortable in my discomfort. There are moments in the film where Theresa appears nervous, insecure, or unsure, and that's because I, KiKi, was experiencing those same emotions. This role marked the first time people would hear me sing and know that I write music. When Dandelion was up on stage, freaking out, so was KiKi Layne. So, my preparation was less about acting and more about accepting and channeling my real emotions into the character.

CA __ As you mentioned, for some of us, this is the first time we see you sing, although you have a background in music. Given you had butterflies about the role, how did singing affect you? Did it add to your uneasiness, or was it something that helped liberate you in your performance?

KL __ I think it felt more liberating. Growing up, I always told people I wanted to be a singer and an actress. I attended a performing arts school in Cincinnati and had to audition for various majors when I was seven. I didn’t get into vocal music but was accepted into instrumental music and drama, making me question whether singing was my strength. When this role came to me, it felt like a divine opportunity to tap back into that singing dream, especially in my hometown where all my dreams began. It was liberating to embrace that part of myself again. Filming in Cincinnati, surrounded by my family who could visit the set or the studio, made it a safe and supportive environment. I was able to pour my personal experiences into the music, particularly in songs that reflect my life in the city. For instance, I wrote about watching my neighborhood undergo gentrification and poured my musical understanding into the film’s soundtrack. I'm grateful to Nicole and our composers, the Dessners, for allowing me to collaborate and bring my personal touch to the music. 

CA __ You definitely got to showcase all of your talents in this film, from acting to singing. You mentioned you got into instrumental music in high school. What instrument did you play in high school?

KL __ I started out on the flute and then switched to the French horn and trumpet. At one point, I was actually playing all three. I began with the flute in fourth grade. Then, around sixth or seventh grade, our classical band director mentioned we needed more French horns, and my overachieving ass was like, I’ll learn. [laughs] Later, I joined the jazz ensemble, and they needed more trumpets. And I was like, I can switch! Nowadays, the only instrument I can still play is the flute. If you handed me a French horn or trumpet, I'd be lost! 

CA __ We'll throw you a piccolo and see how fast you pick that up! [laughs]

KL __  Yes! [laughs]

CA __ But now you play the guitar in this film. Tell me about your experience playing the guitar. 

KL __ Playing the guitar was a fun and challenging experience. It was great to exercise that "learning an instrument" muscle again, even though it was so different from everything I had played before. My musical background helped a bit with understanding chords and such, so it wasn't completely foreign. Thankfully, our guitar teacher, Noah Harmon, was incredibly helpful and sharp. He got me to a point where I could actually play some of the songs in the film on the guitar. The hardest part was definitely singing and playing at the same time. It’s like patting your head and rubbing your stomach. [laughs] It can be tricky if you’re not used to it. But overall, it was really fun. Obviously, although it's not me playing an epic guitar solo, I could still lean into the feeling of being locked into a musical moment. I might not have been playing the guitar myself, but I knew that feeling, and I think that connection came through in those scenes. 

CA __ You are listed as one of the executive producers of Dandelion. Was this your first time being an EP?

KL __ Yes, it was. 

CA __ So how was that feeling? 

KL __ It was great to have a seat at the table, especially considering that you're often not involved in many of the decision-making processes as an actor. Being able to engage with Nicole and the other producers, discussing various choices and aspects of the production, felt truly gratifying. It made me realize the importance of having a voice in shaping a project. I found myself thinking, "How am I going to go back to not being an EP?"—not having that level of influence over what unfolds. 

CA __ Is there any particular scene you are excited for the audience to see? 

KL __ Definitely the finale. It's pretty epic, especially considering the journey Dandelion has been on to reach that moment. The styling, the song, the solo—it all comes together in a way that I love.

CA __ I love how you talk about the other elements of the film, like styling. Can you talk to me about the styling and wardrobe selection for this film?

KL __ Our costume designer, Michael Wilkie, was fantastic to work with. Costumes are crucial to me because they directly reflect a character's identity and how they present themselves to the world. Michael and I had meaningful discussions about Dandelion's wardrobe. It was interesting to dress in a way that wasn't my usual style, but it helped me embody Dandelion's essence. I particularly appreciated the attention to detail in the storytelling through costumes. At the start of the movie Dandelion is often wearing some hue of red then you can notice her wardrobe evolution, especially after she meets Casey, who's mostly in hues of blue. That encounter started Dandelion’s transitioning into darker red shades with hints of blue that reflected her emotional journey. These kinds of details added depth to the character and the story. 

CA __ Now that we’ve discussed your experience in making the film, what do you hope viewers will experience while watching it? 

KL __ I hope viewers experience a more authentic and grounded portrayal of an artist's journey. Many films about musicians tend to follow a formula of starting from the bottom and rising to stardom, but that's often not the reality. I want audiences to connect with the film on a deeper level, to resonate with the challenges that artists face every day, the struggles that keep us up at night, especially as we grow older. I hope they feel the honesty and truthfulness that Nicole, Thomas, and I poured into the project, drawing from our own experiences. It's about the journey of creating art that truly matters to us. And, of course, I hope they enjoy the music. I hope they feel the passion behind it and that it resonates with them on a personal level.

"I want audiences to connect with the film Dandelion on a deeper level, to resonate with the challenges that artists face every day."

CA __ You mentioned wanting the audience to understand the perspective of musicians in the world. How did working on this film influence your perspective of your craft and career?

KL __ The film really reinforced the importance of staying true to myself. We see Dandelion grappling with where she fits in a world dominated by white men. She's not fitting into the typical mold of a Black artist in genres like R&B, soul, or hip-hop. I deeply connected with that struggle—questioning what type of art I wanted to create and whether there’s space for it. Learning to stand firm in my voice was a huge breakthrough for me. I've always felt insecure about sharing my music, wondering if anyone would want to hear it. But through Dandelion's journey, I learned to embrace my voice and claim my space as an artist. 

CA __ It's wonderful how you speak about claiming space, not just taking up space, but claiming space. You've certainly made your mark, especially in the fashion world. You exude confidence in every appearance, from the Met Gala to fashion events like Essence Black Women in Hollywood. So, let's talk about fashion. What does it mean to you in both your professional and personal life?

KL __ Fashion has always intrigued me. The passion and attention to detail that designers pour into their creations are awe-inspiring. From custom Dior gowns to intricate Met Gala looks, each piece tells a story of creativity and craftsmanship. Collaborating with these artists is a privilege. Take my first Met Gala to look with Gucci; for example, last minute, I requested adding a slit and wearing leggings with Gucci's logo, and they embraced it, allowing me to bring more of myself into their design. Fashion is more than just clothes; it's about self-expression and storytelling. 

CA __ Red carpet style often differs from personal style. Can you elaborate on how your personal style diverges from your red carpet persona?

KL __ Oh, my personal style? It's all about comfort. Give me jeans and a crop top any day, and I'm good to go. I like outfits that let me move freely without feeling constrained. But when it comes to the red carpet, it's a whole different story. It's my chance to push boundaries, to be daring and bold. It is an exploration of my artistic expression. Take that LaQuan Smith moment last February. I was so nervous, but there was this exhilarating feeling of readiness to be daring, to make a statement, as you said, to claim space. I was like, “Ain't nobody gonna miss that KiKi Layne has walked up in here in this dress.” [laughs] And looking ahead, I'm eager to push the boundaries even further with my red carpet fashion. I want to dive deeper into that boldness, that expressiveness. Like the Dolce and Gabbana look in this Vestal editorial—it was a departure from my usual style, but in the best way possible. And let's not forget the hair—talk about making a statement! You're not going to miss that hair! It's about owning that space, commanding attention, and continuing to push the boundaries in fashion. 

CA __ So you're more chill and relaxed in your personal style but more bold and outgoing in your professional style. It's about balance. 

KL __ Exactly! I mean, there's no need for a grand entrance at the grocery store, right? Just grab the essentials and go. [laughs]

CA __  Absolutely, and there's beauty in that simplicity. But even in the most relaxed wardrobes, there are always those special pieces that hold sentimental value. What's in your closet that you cherish?

"This role in Dandelion marked the first time people would hear me sing and know that I write music."

KL __ Ah, my sunglasses and shoes! They're my little indulgence. I've got some wild sunglasses—sparkling, multicolored, you name it. And my shoe collection is equally bold. Those accessories definitely add a touch of flair to my style.

CA __ Look, everyone has their thing, but with your style, you are definitely someone to look at and look for. You've modeled for Kate Spade in the past and you're the brand ambassador for Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Tell me about those experiences.

KL __ Amazing! These are the first fashion and beauty brands that saw me and said, "We would want KiKi to be an ambassador for us." And I loved it! Fashion Fair, for example, holds such a significant legacy in the Black community as the first makeup brand really trying to cater to Black skin. Being part of their relaunch was incredible, especially since I genuinely love their products. Their lipsticks are my favorite, along with their stick foundations. Seeing them come back, having learned from their first run, and now applying that knowledge since 2022, when they came back, was truly special. It felt great to be part of that legacy. As for Kate Spade, I adore the fun, loose, feminine energy of the brand. And, of course, the Kate Spade bags—give me all those bags! [laughs] I actually wore a Kate Spade dress in the film. The dress that Dandelion wears when she's working in the hotel singing is a Kate Spade dress I still had from my time as an ambassador. So, I snuck that in there. 

CA __ That's a great overlap right there. You know? And that's how you stay within the budget. [laughs]

KL __ Exactly! I was like, “I have a great dress for this. Perfect outfit!” [laughs]

CA __ Are there any brands that you would like to work with in the future? 

KL __ Oh, my goodness. The first one that popped into my head is Armani. Who wouldn’t love to work with Armani? I wore them for the Image Awards, and that experience was absolutely wonderful. I loved working with their team, and the Armani Beauty team as well. Also, the Armani dress I wore for this Vestal feature was stunning, and I would love to build a deeper relationship with the brand. I'm also excited about Alessandro Michele's move to Valentino. I worked with him a lot during his time at Gucci, and I'd love to reconnect with him now that he's leading Valentino. I'm eager to see what he brings to the brand and to potentially collaborate with him again. 

🎶 Nina Simone - I put a spell on you

CA __ I'm also excited because Valentino is my favorite women's wear designer. I'm talking about Valentino Garavani, the original Valentino. It started with him, and I still love the brand today. I'm excited to see what Alessandro will bring to it. For you, you want to work with these designers because they have a great vision, and so do you. I’ve seen other people replicate some of your red carpet styles. People are taking inspiration from you, and that’s a good thing. So, tell me, who are some of your style icons? Who have you taken inspiration from? 

KL __ The first person that comes to mind is Rihanna. I love her style. From her street style to her high fashion looks, there’s always something effortless about it. Even when she wears something super bold and attention-grabbing, it never feels like she's trying too hard or trying to do too much. I am now thinking of that iconic Met Gala look with the big yellow gown. It was grand and bold, yet she wore it effortlessly. It’s just who she is and how she carries herself. Rihanna is definitely my biggest style icon. Her work with Fenty and the Savage line is incredible. It always feels true to her. I never see her wearing something and I'm like, “that doesn't quite feel like you.” I've always respected that about her. Anytime that she steps out, I'm like, “that feels like Rihanna. I believe you would wear that!”

CA __ For someone who loves dressing up on the red carpet but also loves dressing down in jeans and a tank top, what advice would you give to someone looking to develop their unique sense of style?

KL __ I’d say, first, know your comfort zone. Think about what you naturally gravitate towards when you walk into a store—what catches your eye that you know you’d wear. Then, notice the things that catch your eye but you wouldn’t normally consider wearing. Those pieces might excite you because they hint at where your comfort zone could expand. We all have boundaries, but those boundaries can shift. For example, when I first started out, I wouldn’t have worn that LaQuan Smith look. But fashion is a relationship, and like any relationship, it grows and changes because you grow and change. I wore that LaQuan Smith look because I’m now more confident in my body. This is my body, these are my itty-bitty titty committee, and I’m comfortable showing them off. So, I’d encourage people to recognize that fashion is a relationship that evolves. Be curious about it. Maybe you’ve never worn patterns, but a zebra print shirt catches your eye. Why not try it? You might surprise yourself and condition yourself into pattern shirts.

CA __ I love that answer. When you say boundaries shift and talk about taking chances, it applies to fashion, your career, and your personal life. It's about taking a step forward with confidence. You’ve done that in fashion and your career.

Photography and Video Kevin Sinclair, Styling Oretta Corbelli, Styling Assistant Barbara Marcucci, Producer David Gargiulo, Production Assistant Lokela Blanc, Makeup Rebekah Aladdin, Hair Mitchell Cantrell (The Wall Group), Nails Sreynin Ping (Opus Beauty), Interview Carl Ayers, Talent KiKi Layne (AM PR Group).
This photo series was taken at Vestal’s studio in the Arts District of Downtown LA.