Pepete, a tiny ball of fur clad in a quilted leather harness, sits obediently at her feet. The five-year-old Brussels Griffon is ever watchful as her mistress welcomes us into a plush Parisian hotel suite—signature blonde bob intact, oversized grey blazer draped effortlessly, and that unmistakable warmth in her demeanour.
Belgian pop star Angèle has been keeping a low profile since wrapping up the gruelling tour for Nonante-Cinq, her chart-topping album. But while she may have stepped out of the limelight, she hasn’t been idle. Between a scene-stealing performance at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, and a surprise cameo at Solidays (annual French music festival) alongside French rap titans Tiakola and Gazo, she’s been savouring her well-earned respite.
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A stint in New York offered her a welcome taste of anonymity, and whispers of a new album suggest she’s been quietly at work. And now, she’s back—rejuvenated, recharged, and fronting Chanel’s latest campaign for Chance Eau Splendide.
The commercial, directed by Amélie auteur Jean-Pierre Jeunet, features a soundtrack personally curated by Angèle. “Jean-Pierre made it clear from the start: ‘No diva behaviour. You may be a well-known singer, but your job here is to create a song that fits the film. I’ll treat you just like any other composer, and I’ll be asking for revisions.’ I loved that challenge,” she says. “I can get obsessed with things—whether it’s a melody or a thought, I’ll spiral into it. For better or worse, I never let go.”
In this ELLE exclusive, we took the opportunity to ask Angèle about her current fixations and what’s keeping her up at night.
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Chanel’s archival fashion moments: “In Jeunet’s Chance commercial, there’s a nod to the Chanel outfits I wore on my "Nonante-Cinq" tour. Back then, I asked to see Karl Lagerfeld’s archives from 1995—the year I was born. I stumbled upon these incredible looks—mini black skirts and colourful tops that Claudia Schiffer had once worn in iconic fashion editorials. When I tried on one of the skirts, it fit me perfectly. Then, I noticed the label—it was dated 3 December 1995, my exact birthdate. It felt like fate. The Chanel team worked with me to create tour costumes inspired by those archives, and in a full-circle moment, the dancers in the Chance campaign were wearing replicas of those very outfits.”
Going all-in on fitness: “I’ve never been this committed to working out. Honestly, I’m thrilled to talk about it! I do strength training and cardio every single day in Brussels. Initially, it was just to prep for my next tour, but looking back, I don’t know how I survived my last one—I had zero self-care. Now, I sleep better, eat twice as much, and actually listen to my body. I’m so much kinder to myself. I can already see the difference—I keep asking my manager if my arm muscles are showing more. Careful, I might start posting fitspo selfies!”
Discovering the joys of healthy eating: “For the longest time, I didn’t care about food—except for sweets. If I could have just taken a pill to get all the nutrients I needed, I would have. I used to eat on the go, hunched over my laptop while making music, never setting a table, never taking a proper break. That’s over now. I’m making an effort to eat well, do my own grocery shopping, and get inspired by online recipes. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s changed my life. I mean, I’m still a terrible cook, but I’m trying!”
Finally getting behind the wheel: “I got my driver’s license a year ago. Never had the time or need before, but I was determined to have it by 30. Right after my last tour, I decided it was now or never. Turns out, I love driving! I’ll drive in Brussels, but not in Paris—one Arc de Triomphe is enough chaos for me. It’s a real thrill, though. There’s something about being in control of your own direction. It even came in handy for the Nightcall music video—I had to drive a convertible through Paris with the guys from Phoenix in the back. Thomas [Mars, Phoenix’s lead singer] was a little tense—he kept his hand near the emergency brake just in case.”
A podcast obsession: “My love for podcasts started in the kitchen. Two favourites: Flood-Cast, where guests chat like old friends—it feels like company when I’m alone. And Transfert—it’s deeply moving. People share their past traumas or pivotal moments, reflecting on how they’ve healed. Listening to an adult comforting their inner child? That hits hard.”
DJ Mehdi: Made in France: “Watching this documentary about DJ Mehdi’s creative process struck a chord with me. He was this music geek crafting beats in his bedroom—something I completely relate to. His fusion of hip-hop and French electro reminded me of my own early days opening for Damso. The doc is a must-watch—it’s humbling to see how many of us are influenced by his work. Today, everything’s about streaming numbers. But just because you’re topping the charts doesn’t mean your music will stand the test of time. Performing Nightcall at the Olympics last summer with Kavinsky and Phoenix—who knew DJ Mehdi well—was a surreal full-circle moment. That night felt bigger than all of us.”
The state of the world: "I can obviously get caught in a loop over distressing topics, like the rise of fascism and intolerance. How do we protect ourselves? How do we take action? I think about my role in all of this. I have always spoken out about my commitments with complete sincerity. Today, I may be less in the spotlight, but I will continue to convey messages through my music. What’s beautiful about songs like Ta reine (Your Queen) and Balance ton quoi (France’s equivalent of #MeToo) is that they still resonate—especially in this era where our rights are being rolled back."
Perfect for the summer
Chance Eau Splendide is a floral-fruity eau de parfum spray with top notes of violet, red fruits, peach, raspberry and rose; middle notes of iris and rose geranium; and base notes of white musk and cedar. It's available in Singapore at $296 for 100ml or $208 for 50ml, from 15 April 2025 at Chanel Fragrance and Beauty boutiques in ION Orchard, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, VivoCity, JEM, Parkway Parade and Raffles City, or on the Chanel online store.