For one of the world’s most successful recording artists, there’s something about Kylie Minogue that is less hotpants and hot boyfriends and more Charlene, the feisty motor mechanic who shot "our Kylie" to fame on Neighbours nearly 25 years ago. Days after a preview of the sizzling video for her single "All The Lovers" was made public – we’re talking shredded white T-shirt, black bra and briefs, Lady Gaga-esque thigh-high boots and half-naked extras – Minogue is waxing poetic about a vintage "hippie dress" she just picked up in New York. "I like to imagine wearing it while walking barefoot through long grass," she says, dreamily. Hippie? Long grass? "Hello!" she cries in mock admonishment. "I’m Australian! You shouldn’t forget that. I really feel very comfortable in my old Birkenstocks."

Looking a decade younger than her 42 years, neither Minogue’s face nor her perfectly proportioned figure betray the hard work – and occasional heartbreak – that have accompanied the singer on her very public journey from Ramsay Street to mega-stardom. Having achieved "national treasure" status at home and in the UK, some may have thought she would slow down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, but Minogue came back stronger than ever, and used her profile to encourage women to have regular check-ups. Doctors called it the "Kylie effect".

With the release of her 11th studio album, Aphrodite, Minogue talks to marie claire of sensuality, spontaneity, and the joys of a weekend Charlene would love.

Kylie, Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love, beauty and sexuality.

(Raises eyebrows) And?

Do you feel like Aphrodite?

(Laughs) No, well, at most very rarely. I really don’t see myself as a love or sex goddess. Perhaps I’m more suited to being a messenger of love. I’m convinced there are a lot of couples who have got together while listening to my music. My songs are not exactly unsexy. (Grins) Although, when I put it like that, it sounds like my role is to provide an aphrodisiac.

Have you always believed in love?

Of course. Yes, I’m sure that love exists, even infinite, eternal love. First and foremost I’m thinking of my nephews, the children of my brother, Brendan. I will always love those boys. My love for my family has always been strong.

And what about love in relationships?

Well, that’s not so simple. You need a lot of luck to find people with whom you want to spend the rest of your life. Some people manage to find their soul mate. Others don’t. I think love is like a lottery.

Lots of bad numbers and one big prize?

Lots of bad numbers, one big prize and quite a few small prizes. (Laughs) In all of my previous relationships, I felt good. I’ve nothing bad to say about my ex-boyfriends. And even when people love each other, it may be that a relationship still fails.

You’ve been with Spanish model Andrés Velencoso Segura for two years now. Is he the big prize?

Let’s just say that in his case, I’ve got quite a lot of the numbers right.

What is it about him you love?

We understand each other really well. I think it is extremely important that the other person is there for you, that he looks after you, that he is considerate and loving. We are a totally normal couple like millions of others. Sometimes, we have deep conversations, sometimes we just talk rubbish. And Andrés is a man who I really like sharing my life with.

That doesn’t exactly sound like butterflies in the stomach, Kylie.

Oh, come on. I’m not a teenager anymore. (Laughs) But I can reassure you, I have definitely felt those butterflies. And after that, you enter the next phase, when you get to know one another. And we are still right in the middle of that.

In "Cupid Boy" you sing, "Feels like heaven in your arms … Every time we touch I’m shootin’ the stars." Is that a declaration of love to Andrés?

No, I didn’t write that song myself. But since you are quoting it … Sure, that gets pretty close to reality. (Giggles)

We read that at first you weren’t sure whether it was only an affair or would turn into something more serious.

Yes, that’s right. In the beginning, it was.. how should I put it?.. a summer love. That’s how life is, sometimes things move in mysterious ways. It isn’t always clear how and why people find each other. It’s written in the stars. And it would be boring if we could plan it all in advance.

Do you like not planning every step in your life? Do you like to be surprised?

Well, there are a few surprises I could have done without. They were more than frustrating. But all in all, I would say that if we always keep control, I do not believe we can have a lot of exciting experiences or encounters. And I love new experiences. I enjoy being stimulated.

On that note, in the video for "All The Lovers" you’re surrounded by a horde of half-naked men.

And half-naked women. I find the video really sensual. It’s packed with people in white underwear. But it’s also a very mellow, restrained video that deals with the chemistry of love in its nicest form.

And it doesn’t disturb your boyfriend to see you dancing with half-naked people?

Well, in that sense we are really in the same boat. The man is a model. Underwear is part of his work outfit. I sent him mobile photos from the set in Los Angeles, so he could get an idea of what we were doing. He thought what he saw was fantastic.

How much do you feel that you are a style icon?

How much? That’s hard for me to judge. (Laughs) Let’s just say that I am aware my style has meaning for some people.

What are you wearing today?
The top is from Pam Hogg, a British designer. The shoes? I’ll have to check.(Checks under the sole of her shoe) Nicholas Kirkwood. The jeans are from Citizens of Humanity.

So you don’t look for labels but for what you like?

Yep. Totally. The way I dress isn’t based on particular labels. It’s very flexible. Sometimes, I think life would be simpler if I had one clearly defined look. Tom Ford has such a crystal clear, unmistakable look. In the past few years, Victoria Beckham has polished and worked on her look. But I just don’t like the idea of walking around in the same style every day. It would mean unnecessarily limiting myself. And I don’t know what that style should look like.

Why is that?

Because I like variety in my wardrobe and in my life. I don’t do the same things every day, which can be problematic in some ways, because it means that I’m not the most reliable person. And I’m not good at making long-term appointments – by the time the day arrives a million other things will have come up. The positive side of this is that I’m spontaneous.

What does your spontaneity mean in terms of fashion?

It means that if we were to meet here tomorrow, I can guarantee I would be wearing something else – maybe a business suit, or a hippie dress. But I couldn’t tell you now what it would be. I’m not one of those women who lays out her wardrobe in the evening for the next day. I only know what I want to wear on the morning of the day I wear it.

And sometimes it’s an old hippie dress..

My creative director, William Baker, scolds me when I wear something like that. He says, "Take those bloody rags off! You’re a pop star." (Laughs) But I love my rags. OK, so the next day I put on a tight top and a short skirt. I like that too, and William is happy again.

Your sister, Dannii, has just had her first child and is planning to marry [boyfriend Kris Smith].

(Laughs) And so she should. At least she will be taking the pressure off me.

How are things looking in this regard for you?

No plans at the moment, either in terms of marriage or children.

Do you feel there is pressure on you?

Well, when people ask you about it all the time, of course you start to think about how the future might look. But for the moment, I’m happy playing the aunty.

And you’re probably an old-fashioned girl who would like to be asked by her man before getting married?

Yes! Andrés would have to propose properly, of course. But look, I really don’t know. I was never one of these girls who dreamt about what kind of wedding dress she would like to wear, and how many horses should pull the carriage that carried her to the altar. I don’t think my sister was like that for a long time, either. A lot of things can happen. I mean, she isn’t married yet. (Laughs)

Get married together. That would be much more practical for your family.

Oh, forget it. A double wedding would be far too stressful for everyone involved. And anyway, I think that’s stupid. A wedding should belong to a couple, not two couples.

So what is a lazy weekend like for you?

Probably much the same as a lazy weekend for you or most other people. I lie on the couch in a comfortable tracksuit, my boyfriend organises some delicious tapas from the restaurant around the corner, and we watch some stupid movie.

What do you do to look 10 years younger?

I try to look after myself. Today, you can get wonderful products that weren’t available 20 years ago. Apart from that I always wear sunblock on my face, and I mean always. That makes my friends, including Andrés, crazy when they’re out with me! Sunblock, hat and sunglasses; that’s me. Even when it’s not really hot. And I also like to sit underneath a towel. Yes, it’s irritating, but I’m sure it’s better for me when I keep out of the sun.

You probably do a lot of sport as well, don’t you?

I wish I was one of those women who do their exercises first thing in the morning or run straight to the fitness studio as soon as they get up. But unfortunately I’m just not that disciplined. I like to go snowboarding in winter. I also like to play golf. OK, that’s not strictly fitness training, but it means you’re out in the fresh air and moving. I also do Pilates, and when I’m staying in a hotel I sometimes go to the gym. But I don’t overdo it.

You are involved in a number of cancer charities such as Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. Is it important for you to attract attention to this disease having suffered from breast cancer yourself?

Definitely. I was already involved in breast cancer charities before I became ill myself. Of course, my own experience has made this issue much more important, much more meaningful to me. I particularly want to show that people can get through it; that people can survive cancer. For those who are affected by the disease, getting encouragement from women who have been through the hell of cancer is really valuable. At the time, I was very grateful to women who had survived it and gave me courage.

You have managed to stay on top for more than 20 years. What’s your secret?

I really like to work hard; I enjoy it. And I love new challenges. Moreover, I move with the times. I change as an artist, as a person, and I also adapt my musical style to the changing times. I’ve never got bogged down. That’s how I’ve managed to stay contemporary without betraying my roots as "pop Kylie". Staying power. (Laughs) I believe in destiny. And it is my destiny to make pop music.

Images: Getty Images