“HAUTE COUTURE,” the new single from Rhea Raj and Aliyah’s Interlude, is all about dressing up, showing out and taking up space. Built on booming club drums and confident verses, it’s a fashion-forward flex track that doesn’t take itself too seriously — perfect for strutting into the party like you own it. The music video, premiering today on PAPER, brings that energy to life with gritty-meets-glam visuals and a clique you’ll want to be part of.
“This is the soundtrack for when you walk into the club and everybody breaks their neck to get a look at you,” Raj tells PAPER. The song kicks off a new era for the rising pop artist, who says it’s the first single from her upcoming project and a preview of what’s to come as she gears up for more shows and festival dates.
The music video doubles down on the drama, blending warehouse party vibes with stylized choreography, bold statement looks and New York edge. “In my verse, I ask ‘wanna join my clique?’” Raj says. “I wanted to give the fans a look into that.” The result is a maximalist meet-up set against an industrial backdrop — a nod to nights out in the city and the community that fuels them.
Raj and Aliyah each rock a single standout look in the video, which meant hunting for the right outfit was its own challenge. “Fortunately, my girl Rumsha Hassan came through with the fits, and my glam team Emilia and Grissel killed it with the custom glitter lashes and tiger-striped hair,” Raj says.
From the beat to the beauty looks, “HAUTE COUTURE” is all about intention — a pop fantasy rooted in real confidence. “I wanted to make a song that spoke my dream lifestyle into existence,” Raj says. Consider this your invite to the clique.
What was the inspiration behind the song?
I wanted to make a song that spoke my dream lifestyle into existence. Aliyah and I are both passionate about expressing our identities through statement looks that make us feel confident, so naturally we had to make an anthem about it.
How did you translate the song into the video?
In my verse, I ask, “Wanna join my clique?” I wanted to give the fans a look into that. I got all my hot dancer friends together and threw a warehouse party. Maximalist, opulent looks against a gritty setting inspired by many of my New York nights.
What are some challenges or highlights from creating the music video?
Aliyah and I intentionally wanted to have one statement look, so finding the perfect outfit was a challenge initially. Fortunately, my girl Rumsha Hassan came through with the fits and my glam team Emilia and Grissel killed it with the custom glitter lashes and tiger-striped hair.
How do you hope fans feel when they hear it?
This is the soundtrack for when you walk into the club and everybody breaks their neck to get a look at you. It radiates main character energy.
What are you working on and excited to share with fans next?
“HAUTE COUTURE” is the first single from my upcoming project, bringing in a whole new era that I can’t wait for my fans to experience. I’ll be doing a lot more shows and popping out at festivals this year to bring it all to life on stage.
Photography: Marina