Fresh off her performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she unveiled her new album Hearts Sold Separately, Mariah, The Scientist is riding a wave of momentum. The Atlanta-born singer-songwriter has quickly carved out her place as one of the most magnetic voices in contemporary R&B, blending vulnerability with a sharp, distinctive sound.
As New York Fashion Week drew to a close, the neighbourhood of Brooklyn hosted UGG’s celebration of the start of the UGG season, with Mariah stepping in as co-host. The night brought together a vibrant crowd—Evan Mock, Julez Smith, and Tessa Thompson, among many others—reflecting the brand’s ability to connect worlds of music, fashion, and culture with ease. Against this backdrop, Mariah shone not only as a performer but as a style presence in her own right.
We sat down with her to talk about music and fashion, her first memories with UGG, and the emotions fuelling Hearts Sold Separately. Here’s what she told us.
Mariah, thank you for sitting down with us for a chat. You’re in the midst of one of your busiest periods at the moment. How are you managing it all?
My pleasure, I’m delighted to be here!
Yes, it’s definitely a hectic time, but in the best possible way. I’m constantly on the move, but I
handle it well because I genuinely love what I do.
That’s very important. Over the past few days, we’ve seen you attending a few NYFW shows, but also performing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where you presented your new album Hearts Sold Separately. Congratulations on both the release and the performance! How was the experience?
Thank you. I’m thrilled it’s finally out—I’ve been eager to share it with everyone. This project means a lot to me, and from what I’ve seen, it’s already making a big impact, even more than I anticipated. The response has been incredibly positive. It’s beautiful to witness how music opens doors and creates new opportunities.
Presenting it on Fallon was a real dream come true. Every artist hopes to perform on that stage. Jimmy was absolutely lovely, and the whole experience was unforgettable. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me forever.
Of all the songs on the record, is there one you’re particularly fond of?
I love them all, though it really depends on the day or the moment. Right now, I’d say Eternal Flame, but ask me tomorrow and it might be another one [laughs].
Shout out to Eternal Flame then. What message did you want to communicate with this album?
That it’s okay to love and to allow yourself to be loved. I think that’s the most beautiful and universal message anyone can share.
Period. Music and fashion have always been closely intertwined. How does style shape your artistic identity?
Music, like fashion, allows us to move between eras and moments. Both inspire me in very similar ways. A garment or a look can easily become the spark for a song. I love that ability to absorb what I see and translate it into sound. It feels natural and seamless to me.
That’s a superpower in itself. Now let’s focus on fashion. Tonight, we’re celebrating the close of NYFW and the start of UGG season, with you co-hosting their event. How does it feel to represent a brand with such a unique legacy in footwear and fashion?
Honestly, I feel so happy. I’ve been a fan of UGG for as long as I can remember—probably around 20 years. As a kid, it wasn’t easy to get hold of them, so having the brand want to collaborate with me now feels really special. It’s an amazing sense of accomplishment, of sophistication… as if everything’s come full circle.
Their legacy is admirable, and they’ve stood the test of time. Many have tried to imitate them, but UGG has always remained resilient. What I love is how they’ve managed to connect with everyone, no matter who you are or where you live. It’s an iconic name, almost part of the household, and that’s powerful.
You’ve mentioned memories. What’s your earliest with the brand?
My first memory is desperately wanting the classic brown boots when they were starting to become a trend. Back then, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get them, but one Christmas I did, and it was really special. Later, they came out with the sparkly ones, which not many people remember—I adored them. Honestly, they should bring those back!
Were those your favourites?
At the time, yes. But now I’m obsessed with the ballerinas. They’re beautiful and fit perfectly with my personal style. Everyone should wear them—men included. So don’t be afraid of it!
And, how do you usually style them on a daily basis?
I can wear them with a tracksuit or even a tailored suit, and they always work. They’re just so easy to pair with anything. That versatility is what makes them so special—they adapt to any look effortlessly.
The invitation tonight says “dress to impress.” What does truly impressing with a look mean to you?
It means everything! For example, tonight I’m dressed head to toe in UGG. When we first discussed the event, I asked about the possibility of doing a custom piece, and they agreed. They gave me full freedom to work with the fabric and create something of my own, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. Honestly, I think they should sell this design as it is. I’m ready to step into their design lab and put my “scientific” techniques to use [laughs].
Brilliant. They really should put it into production. Finally, what comes next for you after NYFW?
A world tour! Very soon I’ll be performing in the US, the UK, and across Europe, so I hope to see you all there.
We’ll be there!
Take a look below at some photos from the event:
