Stories Photo essay
Which Lana del Rey Are You?

By Helena Madonna

Lana Del Rey's haunting yet undeniably beautiful use of lyricism and storytelling has served as the healing baptism for self-confessed lover girls from across the world. Making them feel seen, heard and validated through her sheer vulnerability along with her unique ability to paint crystal-clear imagery with just a few short words.

Through tranquil melodies and daydream-inducing lyrical world-building, Lana has soundtracked the emotional turmoil and trenches of anguish that we all know as romance. Her ballads share tales of heartbreak, toxicity, new love and self-reflection with a dash of rebellion. Themes most teens and twenty-somethings can relate to, confirming that deep down,

Lana is one of us. Just recently, this notion was further solidified by a casual, impromptu visit to Alabama's Waffle House that turned into a casual, impromptu shift. The singer served a tobacco-chewing regular his usual and did so in full uniform, making for a very on-brand moment that went completely viral.

Through multiple award-winning albums and many viral aesthetics, Lana Del Rey has established herself as an artist who could host her very own Era's tour. Each era is distinctive, independent and totally unique. From melancholic old Hollywood to bittersweet, nostalgia-soaked, there's an era in every shape and size fitting for whatever you may be going through.

If any of her Americana oases have led you to wonder which kind of Lana Del Rey you are, then look no further. For just a moment, allow your favourite album or heartbreak ballad to be your horoscope. Seek out the guidance you never knew you needed and pick up some hair inspo along the way

BORN TO DIE

You have a flair for cinematic drama, guilty of having notions of kissing 'hard in the pouring rain'. You feel your emotions as deeply as you love and nurture complex layers of emotional depth. Others would describe you as a hopeless romantic harbouring an element of mystery.

You embody your aesthetic like a Pierre et Gilles piece; highly stylised and dreamlike. Beneath that, you're a melancholic mix of old Hollywood glam and soft edge. Your style finds comfort in silk slip dresses and lace blouses accompanied by vintage-inspired details such as a cinched waist or pearls.

Allow your locks to reflect your luxurious side with a golden brunette palette featuring honey-dipped, sugar-coated tones. Strands should be retro set, creating waves that emphasise body, shine and movement that fall in perfect unity.

ULTRAVIOLENCE

Underneath your brooding, yet effortlessly cool energy lays a Lou Reed-loving, modern femme fatale with a soft side (that drives a Mercedes-Benz 380SL). Friends would describe you as deeply mysterious and slightly aloof. You exude a moody kind of glamour that cascades electric guitar hums and radiates an aura Sleeping Beauty would envy. You may be a little too familiar with heartbreak but you've perfected the survival kit needed to get through them.

Your dress sense tends to dabble in both backstage rock 'n' roll and modern minimalism. You love to mix vintage leather with silky camisoles and do so often. Your many 'shades of cool' come in many shades of black, along with other dark tones you love such as navy or smoky grey.

Your hair will fall in perfect harmony on exaggerated length and on hues rooted in deep moody tones to match the coffee you take black. Style it straight, enough to pass but not enough to give away signs of effort.

RIDE

You live by the 'Ride' video's opening monologue. You do so proudly, one hand in the air, surfing the gust of wind tailing a Harley Davidson with the other on the vintage leathered shoulder of your bearded love interest. You'll let life take you down any path as long it's headed toward a sunny new horizon at the end of a desert highway. You have a deep, never-quite-satisfied craving for adventure, freedom and the open road.

You tend to be restless in a thrill-seeking manner. Others would describe you as rebellious with an untameable wild streak. Your bohemian spirit is reflected through style choices coming in the form of faded denim and fringe jackets.

Hair needs to be big enough to harbour your wild spirit. It needs enough curl, body and volume to hold the memories of your life's many adventures but free flowing enough to dance in the tailwind of your motorcycle. Your parting should fall wherever it chooses and your curls should coil as freely as possible.

VIDEO GAMES

The 'Video Games' melody will most likely walk you down the aisle. You live a life shot on Super 8 film with an embodiment of tender, bittersweet nostalgia. Your romantic energy radiates a gentle warmth that's captivating even in the briefest of interactions. Your deep ties to memories and sentimental value is a beacon you cherish, along with your pride in being a homebody. You find the most comfort in life at home or time spent in your garden.

Your wardrobes lean heavily on faded blue denim paired with slouchy oversized sweaters and delicate floral prints. You accessorise with an understated elegance, you love dainty gold bracelets and dangly pearl earrings.

During barefoot, garden strolls your hair needs a tousled texture that looks to be caught in a permanent gentle breeze. Soft and touchable reflecting sunlit chestnut or warm honey hues. Pinned back half-do's using simple ribbons or claw clips can help reflect your undone charm.

NORMAN F*CKING ROCKWELL

You're all too used to excusing your French and are known to use phrases like "God damn, man child." You uphold your reputation of having a soft spot for romance and a sharp sense of humour with a sarcastic bite. You mask an unshakable yearning for grand, poetic connections (even when messy) with your quick wit and charm. You see life through a 'California dreaming' type lens and embody carefree living.

You listen to Fleetwood Mac, obscure indie bands no one's heard of and the crashing of waves out on the open water. Your wardrobes are filled with flowy thrifted pieces that can carry ocean winds and yacht attire featuring pops of colour that compliment orange sunsets.

Your desire for low-maintenance chic can be satisfied through relaxed braided or loosely ribbon bound buns on hues that are warm and sun-kissed, think rich chestnut browns or lived-in balayage. Don't forget to douse your locks in sun protection and keep a comb handy for those long-haul ocean adventures.

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