Most of us have been there. We’ve seen a celebrity or pop star on the cover of a magazine, and we’ve stared at them in awe as they glided past in fancy dress or perfectly fitting clothing. We’ve dreamed of being able to dress them, walk with them, or even chat with them. Inevitably, somewhere down the line, we’ve thought, “I could do THAT, too.”

But perhaps not in the way you might think. What if I told you that, far from being glamorous, celebrities and pop stars are actually, you know, LIKE us?

Here, we take a look at the fascinating world of Rob Pattinson and FKA Twigs, two of the biggest names on the pop scene right now, and the diverse ways they approach life, love, and fashion.

How Do They Differ From Us?

Arguably one of the biggest contrasts between Rob Pattinson and FKA Twigs is their level of fame. The English actor rose to prominence thanks to a role in the 2014 movie, Pride and Prejudice, for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination. Since then, he’s been in the media spotlight for his eclectic style choices, including his famous dressing habits.

Pattinson’s style has been described as ‘glamorous’ and ‘fashion-forward,’ and he’s frequently been spotted in luxurious dressing rooms and bathrooms as he changed into his costume for a night out. Even his choice of undergarments is noteworthy: he often opts for thongs, g-strings, or no underwear at all, and he’s never been afraid to show off his tattoos. As the face of a major brand, his style choices will undoubtedly affect the fashion industry.

While fame certainly brings with it perks, it can also be a double-edged sword. As well-known faces, celebrities often find themselves under more pressure than average to conform to a certain image. This can lead to stressful situations, fueled by paparazzi and cyber-stalking. The resulting anxiety is something that Pattinson has spoken publicly about, insisting that he wants to enjoy his life and doesn’t let celebrity affect his choices.

Is Fashion Worth It?

As well as being famous for his fashion choices, Pattinson has also been vocal about the damage the press can do to an individual’s self-esteem. In 2017, he told GQ, “I think it’s very wrong to put so much attention on someone just because they’re famous. It’s an invasion of privacy, really…I don’t need the public looking at me all the time, especially when I don’t want to be seen.”

Pattinson may feel that fashion distracts from his work, but many others consider it a compliment: he’s regularly been hailed as a sex symbol and frequently appears on covers and in glamour shots—it seems that, for some, being famous is enough to make you memorable.

Lessons From A Love Letter To Fashion

As well as speaking about the damage the press can do to one’s self-esteem, Pattinson has also spoken about the positive role fashion can play in our lives. In the aforementioned GQ interview, he stated that “if you feel good in what you’re wearing, it doesn’t matter if the world doesn’t like it.” He’s also said that, sometimes, he’ll wear the same outfit for days on end, and that when he does, he feels “like a new person.”

While some may see this as an example of vanity, perhaps it’s a sign that, for Pattinson, fashion is a source of self-expression and confidence. It’s clear that he feels that he can be more comfortable in his own skin when he wears something that he feels good in. This is certainly a sentiment we can relate to: we all want to feel good in what we’re wearing, whether it’s a designer dress or our undergarments, and when we do, we really do feel like a new person. New forms of expression may also arise, as Pattinson has said that, sometimes, he’ll deliberately wear something outrageous to provoke reactions and start conversations.

A Passion For Dressing Up

Perhaps the most telling aspect of Rob Pattinson and FKA Twigs’ relationship is their shared passion for dressing up. From their first meeting, in 2007, they’ve taken time out of their schedules to dress up and play together: in 2011, they were even photographed dressed as French fashion icons Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. They also regularly post pictures of themselves on social media in glamorous attire, showing off their style differences, which is something the pair revel in.

While this is certainly a hobby they enjoy, it’s also clear that it can be a useful tool for both of them. The English actor has publicly stated that playing dress-ups helps him to understand what his character will be like in real life, which can certainly improve his performance. The fashion world, too, can take advantage of this: as well as bringing fashion and celebrities closer together, this outlet allows the public to glimpse the fascinating dichotomy of personality that is Rob Pattinson and FKA Twigs, all while feeling a little bit closer to the glamorous world of high fashion.