With his vibrant and moving portrayal of Lil Papi in FX’s drama series Pose, Angel Bismark Curiel’s talent, and incredible skills as an actor, came to the fore.
Growing up in Liberty City, a rough and dangerous part of Miami, Angel’s life would have been quite different if he hadn’t embraced drama and developed his own creativity. With an exciting future ahead of him, the young actor is eager to take on new projects and challenge himself.
We caught up with Angel to discuss the profound impact the series has had on his life, creating a family unit on set, and how Poseencouraged him to be bolder when it comes to his own clothing choices.
Jacket VALENTINO
Pose has been an incredible journey for you. How has it transformed you as an individual?
The show centers on black and brown people, and we are the heroes of our own stories. I love the fact that in Pose you get to see black trans women shine, in a society that deems them unworthy. I understood over time that being part of a show telling a love story between a cis dude and a black trans woman was in fact radical and revolutionary.
Left Tank top SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO, pants LANVIN & shoes VALENTINO GARAVANI
Right Full look SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO, bracelet & necklace ATELIUM JEWERLY
Jacket and pants EDEN HIGH BY MCQ, tank top Angel’s own, necklace ATELIUM JEWERLY & bracelet DAVID YURMAN
Why does transphobia still exist in our societies?
Anything you don’t understand, you’re fearful of. Individuals need the right education on gender and sexuality, in order to understand trans people. There is obviously no excuse being transphobic or homophobic today, regardless of how knowledgeable you may be.
Full look AMIRI
Did you know a lot about ballroom culture before you started shooting?
Not at all. The production was really helpful though and held a couple of courses on ballroom for us. I also watched Paris Is Burningin order to get more of an insight into that community. I learned a lot from my other cast members while shooting and just listened to their stories, particularly Dominique Jackson’s. It was an amazing experience.
“We were playing a family, which means we spent a lot of time getting to know each other on set. It was deep and intimate.”
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Full look BALENCIAGA
The concept of family is obviously very important throughout Pose. Was there a similar sense of belonging for you while you were on set?
I think that manifested itself quite organically. I came in feeling like a kid, I was scared and excited. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and I felt at ease almost instantly. We were playing a family, which means we spent a lot of time getting to know each other on set. It was deep and intimate. I think we were just open and willing to give everything we had.
Jacket, tee and denim pants VALENTINO, belt BALENCIAGA, necklace & bracelet ATELIUM JEWERLY
There is so much love, passion and heartache in the show, which makes it very moving.
I think people truly engage with the show, not only because it deals with ballrooms, runways and categories, but also because it celebrates a space that allows people to be themselves completely.
Left Full look SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO & necklace ATELIUM JEWERLY
Right Full look AMIRI
Did Pose encourage you to be more adventurous when it comes to fashion?
Definitely. I see clothing as a form of artistic expression. My stylist Jason Bolden, whom I love and consider a true friend, picked this amazing Lanvin outfit for the Season 3 Premiere, and when I saw shorts I was worried that people would make fun of me, but he was pretty convincing and when I tried everything on I felt great in it. Sometimes you just need to be open-minded and trust someone, and something clicked when I put it on. And I got to wear sneakers, too, which was so comfortable. Pose gave me room and allowed me to push the envelope more. I don’t need to be standard when it comes to my own personal style.
Left Jumpsuit ISABEL MARANT & necklace DAVID YURMAN
Right Jacket EDEN HIGH BY MCQ & necklace ATELIUM JEWERLY
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Season three of POSE is currently airing on FX.
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Interview by PHILIPPE POURHASHEMI
Photography by NINO MUNOZ
Fashion by CHRISTIAN STROBLE
Groomer CYNTHIA ALVAREZ at The Wall Group
Casting by ImageMachine_cs
Market assistant DANE NIKKO ALVERO
Stylist’s assistant SHAYLIN PYLE
