Industry Leaders Music - Alison Valentine

Introducing: Music's Bold New Stars

Not to state the obvious, but beauty is a high priority at Refinery29: We cover it all, from the latest trends to the most innovative products to the gurus who share their hard-earned advice. But, to us, beauty involves much more than what meets the eye. The passion, the quirks, and the unique point of view of every woman we admire — that's what real beauty is made of.

So, to celebrate this ever-evolving concept, we're showcasing 12 women who challenge convention. That's why we teamed up with the beauty trailblazers at Revlon for our second installment of Beauty Nation: The New Provocateurs. You’ve met fashion’s rising stars; now, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the fiercest up-and-comers in the music biz.

Up ahead, you’ll get an exclusive look at 12 of the most boundary-pushing singers, songwriters, producers, and DJs out there. Whether they're baring their souls in a poetic piece of lyrical genius or shredding riffs that could blow the roof off Barclays Center, these women are shaking things up with their daring looks, their unconventional sounds, and their fierce determination. Read on, listen up, and discover the beautiful ladies behind some of music’s boldest sounds.

Alison Valentine has an interesting day job — as a florist, she creates high-end arrangements for fashion houses like Hermès and Oscar de la Renta. But, that artistic talent isn't limited to her 9-to-5: Her flirty, fun aesthetic clearly influences her real passion, which is her after-hours gig as an alt-pop crooner.

Her musical creations are as intricate as her floral ones, full of shimmery, dance-y beats and sweet lyrical reflections. Valentine doesn’t shy away from any sugar, but fortunately, there’s enough spice to keep us guessing. Her debut album will be out this year, and it’s ‘100% raw Alison,’ to use her words — making the singer a refreshing ray of sunshine in the music world.

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY GEORDY PEARSON.

What makes me different from other singers
"I’m very feminine, and I think a lot of girls in music try to be really tough. I’m not afraid to be really girlie. It means being more vulnerable — when you put yourself out there, it’s easy to be mean and tough and wear all black, but being sunshine and being the light, being nice and girly is a little harder. Of course, I want to be strong but also be myself, which is girlie, feminine, and vulnerable. And, I just want to share happiness in my music."

Why I walked away from my first album
"I spent a lot of time making the wrong sound. I made a record that was the totally wrong thing, and I had to tell the label we weren’t going to release that. It was too focused on the producer’s sound and not on just being raw and all about me. At a certain point, I just had to let go. I was really attached to the songs, and it was hard for me, but the label felt like a boys’ club, and I just wasn’t able to successfully get what I wanted, so I just had to walk away from it. It was scary, but I had to cut my losses and move forward."

Beauty is...
"This might be cliché, but I think beauty is really something that comes from the inside. It’s confidence, fearlessly being yourself, and it has to do with being really true to yourself and that’s going to come through no matter what you’re wearing."

DKNY Blue Crop Top and Blue High Waisted Pant; Samuji Pink Ankle Strap Heels.

Makeup by Ashleigh Ciucci; Hair by Bethany Brill; Styled by Laura Pritchard