When I answer Taurus, she basically squeals in delight.
Dove is a Capricornan earth sign, just like meand that means were fated to be best friends.
She Zooms in from her home in L.A., wearing a black crewneck sweatshirt and cat-eye glasses.
It appears she has zero makeup on, and her dark hair is slicked back in a bun.
Thats how shes been for most of her adult life, juggling multiple projects at once.
Thats just not how I want to live.
Outfit: Dion Lee; Tights: Wolford; Shoes: Versace
Thats not going to be sustainable.
I really intuitively [felt] like I need[ed] to just go away, she says.
Because were always finding who we are, quote-unquote, forever until we die.
Lip: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Whatever Black; Skin: Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer
But despite any good intentions, it always rubbed her the wrong way.
Its this pressure to always be okay, to survive it.
I was just so tired of the look people gave me when they said how resilient I was.
At first, resilient certainly seems like the right descriptor for Cameron.
But for Cameron, its less about bouncing back from trauma and more about letting it transform her.
It comes from alchemy, the witchy predecessor of chemistry, that focuses on the process of transformation.
Dress: Fendi; Earrings: Acne
It also happens to be the title of her debut album.
Its like, next to resilience, but you are thedoer, she says of the distinction.
I could release them.
I could turn them into something gorgeous.
She was also 15 and just beginning to discover who she was.
It wasnt like I was sitting there covering up this tattooed, queer, villainy thing.
Dress: Fendi; Shoes: Andrea Wazen
I had no idea who I was going to develop into.
And so it really wasnt much of a political statement to wear pink dresses and have blonde hair.
The shift is notoriously rocky, but Cameron made it look easy by comparison.
Shortly after coming out, she transformed again.
Or, at least, thats how it appeared to the public.
On social media, moody selfies and an openness about her struggles with mental health followed.
Outfit: Marc Jacobs
But it was just another example of Camerons constant evolution.
She uses evolution to heal, rather than to paint a certain picture.
I need to do something new to reclaim myself.
Whats that going to be today?
Going brunette was just one of many ways that felt like the perfect reflection of her inner evolution.
But none of those things were related in the sense that I hadnt planned them.
And sometimes, its just like, This [style] is what Im doing right now.
I might be blonde again in six months.
Its just not always that serious.
With her new album,Cameron is also entering a new musical era.
It was just always something that made the most sense to me.
It was always a part of my plan.
Outfit: Versace; Tights: Wolford; Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti; Rings: Jennifer Fisher
I actually think that what I do with my music is probably my most authentic, she says.
[I realized] I can exist in the world and be something that is less universally palatable.
That said, in a strange way, Dove Cameron is the perfect pop star for our current moment.
She also throws out classic rocks Cream and dreamy singers like Florence Welch.
Music aside, Cameron is still evolving.
She understands how lucky she is but also the total mindfuck that is being famous.
And I think that needs to be destigmatized.
My father [died by] suicide.
Ive spoken about that a lot.
And I always think about how much shame and stigma there is around suicide.
Can you show me that there are?
Shes still learning, but after a lifetime of trauma and pain, shes starting to figure things out.
She makes sure to see loved ones.
(For the record, she does not recommend doing this unless youve done extensive therapy.)
The concept of alchemy is more than just her album name.
It really is her guiding light.
I do not reject it, because then Im rejecting parts of myself.
And now I go forward and life is bigger and its expanded.
But its my mantra, she says.
And, of course, theres the music, for which she just feels excited.
Ive released so much pressure from myself to do everything perfectly because nobody can.
Generally speaking, there are two kinds of artists.
Though its too soon to say for sure, something tells me Cameron is in the latter camp.
But on the other hand, its also a beginning.
I cant wait to see where shell end up.
