“I’m Not a Fashionista”: A New Book Traces Annie Lennox’s Legacy and Iconic Style

Since the late 1970s, the iconic Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox has captivated audiences with her unparalleled talent and striking fashion sense. Whether performing with The Tourists, the Eurythmics, or as a solo artist, Lennox has solidified her status as a transformative force in the music industry. Recognized for her contributions to pop culture and awarded an OBE, it is surprising that she has not yet had a detailed retrospective dedicated to her incredible career. Today, that changes with the release of Annie Lennox: Retrospective, published by Rizzoli New York.

Covering seven decades, this visually stunning book serves not only as a perfect coffee table display but also offers an intimate look into Lennox’s most unforgettable performances and fashion statements. Inside, fans will find striking portraits and fashion photographs taken by renowned photographers such as Richard Avedon and Ellen von Unwerth, along with previously unseen polaroids featuring her alongside fellow legends like David Bowie and Cyndi Lauper.

Beyond the captivating visuals, the narrative within the book showcases Lennox’s own storytelling, filled with cherished memories and untold anecdotes from her remarkable journey in the limelight. In celebration of the book’s launch, Vogue recently sat down with Lennox for a candid Zoom conversation about her life, career, and the inspiration behind this special project. Below is an excerpt from their engaging discussion.

Vogue: You have had such a remarkable career, so what made now feel like the right time for a retrospective?

Annie Lennox: Over the years, I had been approached to write an autobiography, but it never felt like the right moment for me. However, following the COVID pandemic and reflecting on my age, I realized that if I was ever going to do it, the time is now! I had around 6,000 images stored away, showcasing all these wonderful moments from my past. It was gratifying to finally take a moment to reflect on my journey instead of constantly looking ahead.

Was it challenging to select which moments to include, given the expansive timeline?

Yes and no! We started by sorting through the images systematically. I collaborated closely with Jacob Lehman at Rizzoli, who guided me through this process. We categorized the images based on themes and visual flow. Each photo was carefully selected; I wanted it to be a meaningful representation. There were a few images I struggled to recall the context for, but most of the memories were vivid.

In your early days with The Tourists, you mentioned sourcing your stage outfits from charity shops. How did that influence your style?

I first stumbled upon village fairs in my grandmother’s quaint Scottish village when I was about 12. I was thrilled to find a pair of khaki shorts at a local sale. Growing up without much money, I often wore hand-me-downs from a family friend, which was exciting for me. As a teenager in Aberdeen, I discovered unique charity shops where I unearthed incredible vintage pieces, from handbags to jewelry, that felt like precious treasures. My mother was not as enthusiastic about my thrift shop finds, but she generously helped me clean and fix them up.

I appreciate your DIY approach early in your career. Nowadays, many artists rely heavily on stylists from the start.

I’ve never been drawn to having large stylist teams around me. Creativity flourishes when you work with limited resources, and my passion for fashion has always been more about personal expression than trend-following. I love exploring vintage fabrics and styles, particularly from the ’30s and ’40s, but I’ve rarely attended fashion shows because I prefer forging my own path.

Has your personal style always mattered to you?

Absolutely! Clothing is a powerful form of self-expression, whether we realize it or not. I feel that many follow fashion blindly rather than using it to convey their identity. For me, it’s crucial that what I wear reflects who I am.

You’ve impressed many with your willingness to wear suits from men’s shops during your Eurythmics years. How did that come to be?

Dave and I had discussions about how to present ourselves, and we were inspired by artists like Gilbert & George, who passionately blurred the lines between art and life. I began to see my attire as a uniform, a way to define my boundaries. I always wished to avoid being objectified as merely a pretty face; instead, I embraced a more androgynous style that felt true to my identity. After all, we are all fluid in our expressions.

It’s fascinating that you mention cutting your hair short as a way to find freedom. How did it become an essential part of your look?

As a child, I had long hair, and like any teenager, I experimented with various styles, including the famous Vidal Sassoon pageboy and even a mullet. Ultimately, shifting to a short haircut simplified my life and became a defining mark of my identity. It was empowering, and many women began to emulate the ‘Annie Lennox haircut.’ I found joy in dyeing it vibrant colors as well—experimenting was a delightful pursuit.

Reflecting on your music videos, are there specific ones that evoke particularly vivid memories?

Most were both fun and demanding! Waiting in Vain stands out; the vision I had for it aligned perfectly with the final product. The King and Queen of America was another memorable experience. Here Comes the Rain Again was particularly notable as it was my first time flying in a helicopter, soaring over the breathtaking cliffs in Orkney. And who could forget Sweet Dreams, especially with that cow descending an elevator into a tiny, cramped space? Everyone fell silent in awe—such a surreal experience!

That music video was definitely groundbreaking.

It truly was! Dave crafted the entire concept, which initially struck me as quite bizarre. However, once we storyboarded it, the vision started to make sense. The moment when the cow approached Dave was hilarious yet panic-inducing. But he handled it like a pro, maintaining a calm demeanor that turned a potentially chaotic scene into something magical.

Among the countless artists you’ve shared the stage with, such as David Bowie and Aretha Franklin, what stands out in your memory?

Every collaboration felt like a precious postcard moment; opportunities to perform alongside such extraordinary talents are rare. I often felt a mixture of starstruck disbelief and exhilaration at such incredible challenges. Bowie, in particular, was brilliant—quick-witted, warm, and comically entertaining. Experiencing each artist’s unique persona left lasting impressions on me.

The book concludes with an image of you in a pineapple-printed outfit, accompanied by the words “Never close my eyes.” Can you explain the significance of this ending?

That photograph was captured by my daughter. I wore that whimsical outfit after impulsively buying it in Spain; it was simply hanging there as if waiting for me. When I see colorful and shiny things, my spirit resonates with them. My life has often been shaded with gray feelings of melancholy, so any vibrant color brings joy. That outfit embodies evolution and the work I’ve done on myself over the years.

As the retrospective encompasses all your decades in music, what do you foresee for the future? What does this decade hold for you?

Who can say for certain! When one is younger, the future seems limitless, whereas at this stage of life, I find myself reflecting more on the past. The essence of seizing the present moment becomes vital as I aim to appreciate each day. Despite my age, my creative spirit still thrives; music, photography, and lyric writing continue to inspire me. Life offers beautiful moments if you take the time to look and appreciate them.

This conversation has been edited for clarity.