Miley Cyrus’ fitness routine made headlines earlier this summer when she revealed that she wears high heels while exercising, part of a practice she called “feminizing the workout space”. While some people questioned the safety (and sanity) of such an endeavor, for Cyrus the unorthodox method makes perfect sense. “Heels are such a staple in my performances that it’s extremely functional for me. Practice how you perform is my mantra,” she explained. “Your workouts should be supportive and designed to you specifically.”
Cyrus wasn’t wrong in thinking this might come in useful one day. Training in heels, it turns out, was perfect practice for when it came time to hike up to the Hollywood sign for her latest Gucci fragrance campaign. Set against the backdrop of the infamous Los Angeles landmark, the dreamy Tyler Mitchell-shot images see Cyrus frolicking, in heels, around in a flower-filled world.
The scent being celebrated is Gorgeous Orchid Eau de Parfum, the latest offering from the Gucci Flora franchise that Cyrus has been the face of since 2021. In a world that moves so quickly, full of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it trends and faces that come and go, having a partnership with this kind of longevity is really meaningful to her. “Loyalty and gratitude are often lost in our industry. It’s important for me to create long-lasting relationships built on a strong foundation to support our journey together,” says Cyrus. “Collaboration and respect are everything.”
We caught up with Cyrus ahead of the launch of Gorgeous Orchid to find out more about the fragrance, what it feels like to finally be recognized for her creativity, and the healing power of movement.
How was the experience of filming the campaign and working with creative director Sabato De Sarno? Do you have any standout memories from the day?
Miley Cyrus: Dancing to Britney Spears in front of the Hollywood sign with Sabato was the highlight for me. It was a dream, we laughed so much and had so much fun together and the imagery reflects that.
What does Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid smell like to you? How would you describe it?
Miley Cyrus: Timeless. The scent is ageless. It smells so sweet and innocent but there is also something sophisticated and sexy about it. I love how it is light and easy but present and recognizable.
Is fragrance an important part of your self-expression and the way you express your identity?
Miley Cyrus: A scent is a connection to memory; I love when a smell brings me back to a specific time. The vanilla reminds me of my younger self and the floral notes always make me think of my grandmother.
Has your relationship with fragrance evolved throughout your life?
Miley Cyrus: I think I was one of the youngest girls in my class to start wearing perfume. My mom and I usually matched and we loved to smell the same. Anything she would buy I would ask her to get two… one for me and one for her.
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid is described as embodying the “essence of a dream coming true”. At this moment in time, what would be your biggest dream come true?
Miley Cyrus: My creativity being celebrated and loved around the world still feels like a dream to me. Not a day goes by that I don’t count my blessings and do a gratitude check. Being able to write music and tell stories professionally is so amazing.
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Orchid is meant to inspire women to live their own way – what does living your own way look like and mean to you?
Miley Cyrus: It has evolved and changed over the years, just like we all do. Right now it means prioritizing my peace, my power, my prayers and my purpose.
The campaign was filmed against the backdrop of Los Angeles and features Hollywood landmarks – is LA a place where you find a lot of creative inspiration?
Miley Cyrus: I’ve lived here now for most of my life, I’m so inspired by the energy of the city, the people, the warm air, and my memories attached to the town!
Who’s had the most impact on you in terms of beauty, style and the way you look?
Miley Cyrus: My grandmother Loretta. She’s always been a beauty queen. I’ve looked up to her my whole life. She was always so well dressed, had her own personal style and the biggest hair. She was also incredible at doing her own make-up.
The fragrance and campaign touch on topics of self-love and empowerment. Are there things you do to put self-care into practice?
Miley Cyrus: Taking time for myself, being in nature, spending time with quality people, and spending moments in quiet are crucial for my heart and mind.
Lots of people were very interested when you recently spoke about ‘feminizing’ the workout space and exercising in heels. Why is that something you felt you wanted to do?
Miley Cyrus: Joyful movement is healing. I think it is more important to enjoy your days and have fun than to follow any sort of concrete routine. Heels are such a staple in my performances that it’s extremely functional for me. Practice how you perform is my mantra. Your workouts should be supportive and designed to you specifically. It’s not only about breaking down muscle but about building from the inside out.
A lot of gyms are geared towards standard practices and the same complicated machinery but I rarely use anything more than my own body weight. My exercises focus on stability, mobility and inner strength. Glamour inspires me so I usually listen to someone fabulous like Cher or Tina Turner and welcome their spirit into my movements, so I dance and move like them and when I want to build any muscle I add very minimal weight to those poses and it creates functional gains.
Comments