LAUNE x Emily Singer
Emily Singer is a writer and creative whose work spans literature, visual direction, and brand storytelling. With her debut novel Doll Baby and her role as creative director of Noah Wood Fragrances, her practice is rooted in observation, memory, and a strong sense of place. Informed by Los Angeles and a life shaped by travel, her perspective centers on the nuances of coming of age and identity. Below, she shares more on her work, influences, and what’s ahead.
1. Tell me about yourself.
I’m a 29 year old writer and creator from Calabasas, California. I love to write, travel, spend time by the beach, take photos, and hangout with my friends and family. I just published my first novel, Doll Baby, with Thought Catalog. I’m the creative director of Noah Wood Fragrances. Additionally, I create content for brands and have had some really amazing opportunities in the last few years.
2. What is your LAUNE (mood)?
My mood right now is lightness. I’m currently in Sydney as I’m writing this from a coffee shop and I feel so lucky to be here. I feel very energetically aligned after a year of growth. The beginning of 2025 was extremely challenging for me and the last six months have been very healing. I feel like I’m entering a new era of sorts—a version of me that feels creative, open, expansive, feminine, and more myself than ever.
3. Tell me about Elsi.
Elsi is my production company and creative agency. It’s essentially the home for all of my creative projects and collaborations. Over the last year, though, I’ve found myself in front of the camera much more than behind it, which has been very new and exciting for me. I’ve always been behind the camera—ideating, directing, and writing—all of which I still love. But now I’m also working in front of the camera more often, collaborating with incredible brands. It’s been a really amazing year.
4. Tell me about your debut novel, Doll Baby.
Doll Baby is a fictional coming-of-age story about Jolie and her journey from girlhood to womanhood, spanning the ages of fifteen to twenty-five. While the novel was inspired by my own adolescent experiences and young adulthood—primarily in Los Angeles, with a few chapters set at university and abroad in Sydney—Jolie is very much her own person. She’s sharply self aware and emotionally observant, but still fun, messy, and a bit self-deprecating. And, in my opinion, so cool.
5. What inspires you? How does a story usually begin for you? Is it an image, a feeling, a character?
I have a very specific (and somewhat strange) process. Typically I will get an intuitive hit—a word, a place, a concept. Maybe I’m traveling somewhere and it inspires me. Even a song lyric. Most of the scripts I’ve written have come to me in these ways. Almost like the idea is knocking on my door, so to speak. Doll Baby was unique in that I’ve had the idea since I was in high school and put it in my back pocket. I think I had to experience everything I did in my 20s to be able to write it.
6. What do you love about Los Angeles? How has it shaped your creative voice?
The history, the glamour, the weather. Definitely not the traffic. I think it would’ve been so chic to be in my twenties in the 70s. I love the art, music, and culture of that time. I write about it quite a bit...especially in my next project. Growing up in Los Angeles, you’re always aware that there are millions of different lives happening around you at once. There’s the fantastical, dream-like element to it, then the very ordinary reality of growing up there. That contrast has definitely helped in shaping my creative voice.
7. What are you looking forward to in 2026?
A lot of fun travel. Spending time with the people I love most. Growing, creating. The mundane. I genuinely get so much pleasure from my simple morning routine. A good cup of coffee. A walk on the beach. Laughing with my best friends. I am a writer in every sense of the word, I fear. I’m constantly ping-ponging between extreme presence and cataloging moments.
8. What’s next for you?
I’m working on my second novel. I have a couple of scripts in flux. Growing Noah Wood Fragrances, as their creative director. I feel so beyond lucky to do what I love. A lot of times it doesn’t feel like work.
Rapid Fire:
1. Describe your style in three words.
Timeless, feminine, beachy.
2. AM or PM skincare?
Both! Jan Marini everything. My facialist, Lindsay Maree is my guru. Can’t live without her.
3. What’s one product you could not live without?
Lip stain.
4. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
If money wasn’t a thought...probably The Row or Khaite.
5. Early mornings or sleeping in?
Early mornings on the week days, sleeping in on the weekends.
6. Favorite place?
Oh I have way too many. Los Angeles. Sydney. Tel Aviv. Mallorca. Paris.
7. Favorite drinks spot in Los Angeles?
Soho House in Malibu, Chateau Marmont, Tower Bar.
8. Favorite restaurant in Los Angeles?
Sushi Fumi is a strong contender.
9. Dream collab?
This is tough...I have a few. Probably Chanel.
10. Favorite brand?
I really love With Jean and Realisation Par.
11. Favorite style icon?
Lately, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, forsure.
12. Favorite movie?
Well...I saw Wuthering Heights twice and going for a third round this week.
13. Favorite book?
That’s like choosing a favorite child...My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh was my favorite of last year.
14. What are you loving right now?
Being in Sydney, by the beach, having my morning coffee and just breathing fresh air. It’s a very good place to spark creativity.
LAUNE x Emily Singer
LAUNE x Emily Singer
