As she strolls through the streets of Paris one sunny spring afternoon, Indonesian singer Raisa opens up to BAZAAR about finding her most honest voice.
Photography by Ryan Tandya. Stytling by Michelle Othman. Interview by Anya C. Azalia.
Raisa wears clothes from Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall ’25 collection, and jewellery from the Color Blossom and Idylle Blossom fine jewellery collections from Louis Vuitton.
Harper’s BAZAAR Malaysia June/July ’25 cover featuring Indonesian singer Raisa in Louis Vuitton
“Every emotion is welcome, if you think I’m gonna judge you, I won’t,” so the lyrics flow from Raisa’s new song, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay. Dressed in Louis Vuitton clothing and jewellery that flows gently under the Paris spring light, the star shines in our cover story this month. Here, she talks about the melody that envelops her soul, the style that reflects her true self, and how she conveys the message to her listeners to keep holding on during the bad days.
The Symphony Of Life
Raisa, with her soft yet firm voice, expresses that life is not just about being happy forever. There are ebbs and flows, ups and downs, and darkness that sneaks in between the bright moments. She wants to convey, with pure honesty, that bad days are part of the symphony of life. The key is to accept every emotion. Because only with that, she can create a “cheat sheet” for the version of herself ten years younger. The past, for her, was pages filled with the voices of others, with definitions determined not by herself but by external expectations. Now, she realises that everything does not need to depend on outside validation. Because, in the inner space filled with echoes, only one voice needs to be sung the most. Hers.
And so, for Raisa, “me time” is not just a pause. It’s a sacred ritual. In a world that always demands a second opinion, she finds peace in solitude. Perhaps by going on a vacation, or simply stepping out of the house alone. Though she admits, in that silence, her thoughts can become “noisy”, filled with conversations with herself, and voices that sometimes lead to dark corners of her mind.
Through The Noise, Comes A Melody
However, it is precisely in the empty space filled with all the rumble that a song is created. This song is more than just a melody floating in the air. It’s an invisible hug, a voice that understands, a reminder that we are not alone in feeling uncomfortable. Raisa wants everyone to know that there is nothing to be afraid of when facing feelings. Even she, during her “not okay” times, seeks a place to share, looking for someone who can listen without judgment.
So, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay was born as a love letter from a friend to one’s self in the form of a song. An intimate conversation that finds its way to every listener. with a gentle grip that says, “I am here with you.” In her warm laughter during the interview, she jokes, “Come here, I’ll keep you company!”
A Song For Everyone
Now, the song is no longer just hers. It has become a part of other people’s lives, including her daughter’s, Zalina, who is now six years old. Raisa smiles when telling about how her daughter has started making her own playlist, proudly including her mother’s songs in it. “It’s an honour,” she said, her eyes sparkling. And what warmed her heart even more was when Zalina created her own choreography for the song. Dancing among the harmonies born from her mother’s experiences and heart.
When writing the song, Raisa spoke with the producers, including Gusti Irwan Wibowo, about her vision. She wanted the lyrics to be straightforward, simple without convoluted metaphors. She wanted something that can be understood without needing to be translated multiple times. And if the indicator of success is that Zalina can memorise it quickly, then that goal has been achieved.
Raisa wants to convey, with pure honesty, that bad days are part of the symphony of life. The key is to accept every emotion.
Of Song & Style
For the past five to six years, Raisa’s relationship between music and fashion has become something much more personal. Previously, she drew a clear line between the world of music and all other forms of work. Her focus was only two: writing and singing.
However, over time, she realised that music not only expressed feelings but also reflected her expression. A language that is not always in the form of lyrics or melody. From there, the thread with fashion began to intertwine. She began to feel that self-expression cannot be limited to just one medium. “I’m not just a singer,” she said, “I’m also an enthusiast.” And through that enthusiasm, she finds herself. Because for her, self-expression has many faces. and each side has its own way of shining.
During the interview, Raisa is seen wearing a Louis Vuitton Side Trunk, a choice that she finds quite surprising. She admits that she usually doesn’t like silhouettes that are too rigid, like the typical trunk shape. However, after delving deeper into the history of this French fashion house, and seeing how softness is combined in the design of the Side Trunk, Raisa fell in love with the harmony between the sturdy shape and the delicate touch so characteristic of Louis Vuitton. In her handbag, there are essential items that accompany her: a charger, lip balm, and her perfume. It appears there is no fragrance more suitable for Raisa than the elegant scent wrapped in the soft yet characterful aroma of bergamot and jasmine. The conversation then continued to the importance of perfume and how a scent can shape expression. Music is clearly a part of Raisa’s DNA, but so are fashion, jewellery, perfume, and beauty. For her, everything is inseparable.
Raisa & Louis Vuitton
In the realm of the fashion world, Raisa found a home at Louis Vuitton. She admires how Nicolas Ghesquière weaves together a collection that is strong yet soft, edgy yet still sophisticated. A feminine touch combined with masculine lines. That is the style that, in her opinion, reflects Raisa. With a design that follows the body’s silhouette and paired with a midi skirt, Raisa’s look feels balanced and complements her favourite handbag. As directed by senior fashion editor Michelle Othman, Raisa is dressed in a soft colour palette of nude and white that further strengthens her character. Raisa appears as herself: a woman with a naturally bright charm, yet still radiating calm and unwavering strength.
She also looks stunning in jewellery from the Louis Vuitton fine jewellery collection. Two collections shine softly on her neckline and wrist, reflecting a captivating sparkle in front of the Domaine National du Palais-Royal. The Color Blossom collection showcases her naturally playful side. Bold colours that dare to stand out amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, yet still feel classy and refined. Its design is not just about aesthetics but also a manifestation of innovation, evident from its selection of materials, play of colours, to its new way of defining luxury.
Style As Self Expression
The warm and effortless vibe of her style is also felt when chatting with Raisa. Even though this is our first meeting, Raisa doesn’t hesitate to joke around, laughing lightly as if we had known each other for a long time. With her characteristic smile, she radiates a genuine warmth. A reflection of the jewellery she wears, elegant yet inviting.
Sticking with the topic of self-expression, Raisa also has an unwritten ritual before going on stage: she doesn’t feel like “Raisa the singer” without high heels. “If my heels are not high enough, I feel unprepared to perform,” she says with a laugh. In our conversation, a light discussion emerges about how small things can bring out specific sides of one’s self. For Raisa, it might be a pair of high heels, red lipstick, or even a string of jewellery. Although it sounds like a light anecdote, there is a deeper meaning behind it for her. It is proof that fashion and appearance are not just complements but part of one’s identity. Just like music, it is an extension of her soul.
Louis Vuitton also introduced its second collection, Idylle Blossom, the other side of Color Blossom, that radiates elegance and a sense of timelessness. Originally created as a celebration of the iconic flower monogram from 1896, Idylle Blossom comes adorned with diamonds and gold in shades of rose, yellow, and white. Known for its versatility, this collection feels just right for Raisa, who admits she has never truly separated her stage world from her daily life. Everything is a part of her, flowing without boundaries. She admits that in recent years, life offstage has felt more dominant.
Setting Boundaries
Raisa is now more selective when sharing her personal side on social media. She has learned to be more careful, especially after realising that unsolicited comments from people can actually be hurtful. Regarding her work, she understands that not everyone will like it. But when it touches on her personal life, she admits she can feel offended. There is a side of herself that she wants to protect, there are boundaries she wants to maintain. Like many of us, Raisa also has vulnerable spaces. As she sings in her latest song, there are days when Raisa feels more sensitive, so easily open to small wounds that come from the outside.
Now, through her honest and personal single, Raisa finds a wider space for expression. Raisa no longer feels the need to hide her imperfections. It is precisely in vulnerability that she feels most human. She realises that being strong doesn’t mean smiling all the time, and being weak doesn’t mean losing. Every emotion has the right to exist, every feeling deserves to be accepted.
Lyrics are not just words, but a reflection of the heart. It’s Okay To Not Be Okay is a letter from a friend and an embrace in the form of a melody for herself, for Zalina, and for anyone who has ever felt alone in silence. That is now her focus: creating songs that touch every fragile heart, reminding us that in the midst of darkness, there is always a hand ready to accompany you. With a calm yet profound voice, she reminds us all that in falling, there is hope, and that it truly is okay to not be okay.
