Elegance is timeless, Lara Fabian

This fall, Lara Fabian goes on an international tour that will take her to the United States, Russia, Belgium, Switzerland, France, and, of course, Quebec, her adoptive land. It has been quite a ride for this woman of Italian descent; she came from Belgium in the early 1990s, and with her unique voice and outstanding energy, she was able to conquer the hearts of Quebecers. Millions of albums sold, numerous tours, and thousands of shows could not begin to exhaust the passion and simplicity of this artist. Today, Lara Fabian enjoys life more than ever. 

We first met in 1991 while shooting the video “Je m’arrêterai pas de t’aimer.” I remember you as a passionate young lady, both enthusiastic and very friendly. How do you remember your first steps in Quebec?

I remember those moments very fondly. My career choice is no coincidence: both my parents were music lovers. Dad would teach me songs in English and Mom would always be singing around me. The moment that you are referring to is actually the day that my parents came to visit me, at a hangar in Old Montreal. I remember very well the moment that they saw me performing in my first clip, for a debut album that was being financed by their life savings. It reminds me of this heritage, this sacrifice that they made so that their daughter could fulfill her dream. 

I like the name “50 World Tour.” Isn’t that number intimidating? Was it important to outline it?

This number is accurate! To me, it’s a way of making it look like a simple step instead of a sword of Damocles. Everybody gets old, and I’m no exception, but I have a feeling that I will never be scared of aging, and my soul will never get old. I’m filled with so much enthusiasm and innocence, and it suppresses my fear of aging. Age is just a number. It does not define who we are. 

What strikes me is your elegance. The elegance in your relationship with people, but also in your choice of clothing and jewellery…

What moves me in a garment is its timelessness. I have nothing against trends, but they are temporary, even though they can bring lots of joy and happiness. I would rather wear a black Yves Saint-Laurent jacket, a little black dress from Dolce & Gabbana, or a creation from Montagne because they will truly seduce me while providing me with elegance, sophistication, and a certain amount of comfort. Comfort is very important when you’re on stage; you don’t want the garment to interfere with the performance. 

I also notice that you don’t wear a lot of jewellery, but they are very well chosen. Your wedding ring is particularly stunning.

It’s my first wedding ring. I got married under Celtic rituals. There is a wedding band that you wear in the circle when you get married, and another one that you wear in front of men. So, I have two wedding rings. My diamond ring is a bit more flamboyant, and I don’t wear it as much in public. During the Celtic rituals, I got married in front of the five elements. First in a circle with my husband only, then in front of the men. This type of wedding is the most ancestral and ancient in human history. It’s wonderful.

Your latest album is entitled Butterfly. Is it because you get butterflies in your stomach when you see your husband?

In part, yes! (laughs). Who wouldn’t? But honestly, the butterfly is a reference to my mother and grandmother. It’s the symbol they have given me to remind me to always be aware of – to remind me that life is happening today, not yesterday, and not tomorrow. The butterfly is an ephemeral insect. What would we do if we only had 24 hours, three months, or a week left? Something else, surely.  

This feeling must be stronger than ever when you see your parents go. You recently lost your mother, and even though we can prepare for it, the pain is always terrible.

It’s a wound that doesn’t heal easily. Our mothers prepare us for everything, except for living without them. This pain is linked to my childhood; the little girl in me has a very hard time dealing with this sadness. However, the adult in me understands that she was sick and suffered a lot – a woman who once was so beautiful, so brilliant. I’m glad that she was able to find relief, but the little girl in me still hurts a great deal.             

Do you feel like this tour will be more intense? That you will live it to the fullest? Yes! I believe it will be much more intense, and I think I will allow myself to bring my family with me more often. I’m very pragmatic, kind of ‘Capricorn’ with my daughter. However, the tour, the death of my mom, and my increasing desire to live life to the fullest are leading me to break certain rules… Family is like a tribe.