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Martin Onufrowicz
SOUL VIBRATIONS
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Hanna Pallot
HOPEFUL ESCAPISM
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Martin Onufrowicz
MAN IN THE MIRROR
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Martin Onufrowicz
A LESSON IN EMPATHY
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Martin Onufrowicz
SURVIVAL INSTINCT

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DARK AND LIGHT

Grace Van Dien is no stranger to the spotlight; she was in a reality show at nine and hasn’t stopped working since. But cutting a path away from your typical drama serial actress, Grace has become a face known for taking tragic roles that meet a deadly ending and adding layers until they’re 3D people to love and mourn. But it’s not a love of horror that motivates her, it’s thought-process - “I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat”. Fascinated by the psyche behind every character, she’s played Sleeping Beauty, Sharon Tate and most recently, Chrissy, the cheerleader that featured in one episode of Stranger Things and stole everyone’s heart.

 Slowly settling down after the post-release storm that follows a series like that, she apologises for any background noise as she sits down in her LA garden for our chat…

The last couple of months since Stranger Things was released have seemed crazy…

 It’s been a whirlwind. But also very refreshing because for months prior to the release, I was just sitting idly by waiting for something to happen. And then suddenly since the release, it's been totally nonstop. It was a real shift and the reaction to Chrissy and her storyline was totally unexpected.

 Is it hard to prepare for a character with a short lifespan?

 Well, I think because her issues are relatable, it was already easy to resonate with. They’re not talked about enough in real life, but they are very much in all our lives; everyone knows someone with an eating disorder or with issues with one of their parents. They’re such common problems, everyone can see a bit of themselves in Chrissy. And when the Duffer Brothers told me her storyline, they advised that I rewatched the Black Swan so there was a lot of character development going into her because we wanted it to be an impactful death.

 I really see the light and the dark of the Black Swan in Chrissy’s storyline…

 I think the main parallel for me is that both these characters are soft-spoken, quiet people, but they’re very much overwhelmed by their insecurities and the pressures others put on them. It's not something that you would immediately assume by looking at them, but it is their reality.

 Is that duality what drew you to her?

 Totally. Yeah, she's the head cheerleader dating the main jock, but I never saw her like that. I don’t believe anyone is one-layered. Even mean girls have a reason for being defensive and closed off, and I like to figure out those reasons and bring a softer side to them.

 How’s it been doing meet-and-greets? I imagine it's very different to any other release cycle…

 I grew up with my dad doing Comic Cons when I was growing up, and it's incredible to have those one-on-one exchanges with everyone now. I can’t believe how talented and attentive everyone is. They bring little crochet dolls of Chrissy that they’ve made overnight or French records after I said I listened to French music while I portrayed her. They really are so loving and thoughtful.

 What was the main lesson your dad taught you as you stepped into acting yourself?

 He ingrained in me very young to always stick up for myself. Obviously, there are disadvantages to being a woman in any industry, and starting out in this one, I definitely saw glimpses of that. But I’m pretty strong-willed and put my foot down quite easily. It's been nice to have him as my backup voice whenever I need it and it's influenced me to do that for friends who don't have the same wager as I do, having someone in your family in the industry.

 Your roles so far have all felt very horror-tinged, but what would be your dream project?

 I think they attempted to adopt one of my favourite books a few years ago, but it never came to fruition. So I would love to partake in any kind of role, crew or cast, for The Bell Jar. I grew up reading that book over and over. It would have to be done right though.

…

Interview by Lucy Harbron

Photography by Pierre Crosby

Fashion by Carolina Orrico

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Hair by Kristian Kanika at The Wall Group

Make-Up by Jewels Grogan at The Wall Group

All clothes Zadig&Voltaire

IN THE COMPANY OF ANGELS

Like so many of today’s rising stars, Avi Angel got his start on YouTube and Tik Tok, albeit with a little help from his middle sibling status – having actor Asher Angel as your brother, and social media sensation, London Bleu as your sister, might just get you noticed.

Having amassed thousands of subscribers to his platforms, he’s now ascending from internet notoriety to every other opportunity that comes his way, most notably modelling and acting. Here he talks to us about the power of positivity, his dream movie role and his fashion picks.

When did you set your sights on becoming a YouTube and Tik Tok superstar?

 My brother inspired me, and people started to notice me when I appeared in his content. I started to gain my community as I grew older, and from that point on, I’ve been focusing on my socials.

 

Imagine someone has never heard of you, how would you describe yourself to them and the output on your social platforms?

I’m a very positive person who tries to use my platform to inspire and motivate people. With Instagram, I mainly focus on my modelling. With Tiktok, it's dancing and other fun videos.

 It’s changed your life really, social media, so what’s been the most significant change for you?

Trying to find genuine and authentic friends. I’ve noticed that it’s become a lot more challenging throughout my life to make real friends due to how much social media has changed.

 

Do you see TikTok as a place where you can spread positive messages? Is it where you can apply more bright ideas about how teens want the world to be?

Yes, 100%. Tiktok is a vast platform with so many teenagers who can learn many things. Spreading a positive message can significantly impact so many people.

 What kind of emotions and experiences influence your content?

I think the content that I put out into the world is a reflection of how I’m feeling at a particular moment. The influences are a collection of my life and daily experiences.

 

Do you ever feel pressure to top your previous videos?

I wouldn’t use the word pressure. I try to put out good content and I want it to be seen and interacted with. It seems like the algorithm can be inconsistent but all I can control is the effort that I put in, so that’s what I focus on.  

Can you tell me about your interests before making videos and how you feel about everything that’s happened since?

I’m just the 15-year-old boy next door. Before making videos, I liked football, baseball, basketball and having fun with my friends and family. I still like all of that, but it has been, and continues to be a crazy and fun ride. I’m very grateful for every opportunity that has come to me.

 

Like modelling, which you seem to enjoy, and you’re really into fashion. How would you describe your personal style?

It’s a lot of different styles. I love to mix stuff up and grab things and throw it on. I love vintage wear and streetwear. Fashion is a massive part of me. I love dressing up and looking stylish.

What brand would you say represents you perfectly?

Rhude, Palm Angels, Homme + Femme, *BeLer With Age* and Casablanca.

What’s the one piece of clothing you couldn’t live without?

 I call myself a huge sneaker head as sneakers allow me to express my fashion and individuality. So, I would say shoes.

 

What about next moves, like acting? What would be a dream role for you?

One of my dream roles would be the main character in a horror film. Being able to express myself in a movie like that would be a super cool experience. I love horror films. I could watch one every night and day.

Whose movie career do you admire?

 I admire Tom Holland; it looks like he works hard and has fun.

 

Ok, for all your admirers out there, let’s talk romance. Are you a romantic? What’s your perfect date night out / in?

Yes, I’m definitely a romantic at heart. The perfect date would start with a nice meal and then maybe a scary movie. We both can get scared and lean on each other for support. Then we could drive to the top of the mountain, lay out some blankets, and watch the stars. Doesn’t that sound like fun?
…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Doug Inglish

ENTER THE FANTASY

It’s clear that this Autumn the fantasy genre is reigning supreme, in large part thanks to the premiere of the long-awaited show The Rings of Power. The epic series - based on the writings of the legendary author J.R.R. Tolkien, and set thousands of years before the events taking place in his famed book The Lord of the Rings - has been gathering international attention thanks to its spectacular visuals (and budget). 

For Tyroe Muhafidin, a 17-year-old Australian actor for whom the show marks his first big role on screen, the grand scale of operating has been an incredibly helpful tool to enter this far-from-reality universe. “It was amazing to see how the production had every single base covered,” says Tyroe. “It just made everything so easy and [as actors] we were able to concentrate on telling the best story that we could.” 

Following the series’ global premiere circuit, we caught up with Tyroe about acting with elves, fake crying, and his much-discussed fashion sense.

The Rings of Power is part of the epic fantasy The Lord of the Rings universe. Did you know much about this cultural phenomenon prior to starring in the show?

 No, not really! My dad was a fan of the series so I knew of it, but I’m younger than the trilogy itself, so I didn’t really grow up on it. However, once I got the role, I did a deep dive – I watched the trilogy, read The Hobbit, and saw a lot of the LOTR YouTube videos to keep myself in check. So I’m definitely a fan now!

What surprised you the most about this world?

 How vast, detailed, and specific it is, and how it all came from just one mind! Middle-earth is almost like another planet and another history on its own. We could probably have tests in school on it, that’s how specific it is! It’s incredible and so unique.

 And what were the biggest challenges when stepping into it?

 I think the biggest challenge was getting out of this world we’re in! Doing the scenes in front of these magical creatures like elves and orcs was crazy, but the fact that the set design was so realistic made it easy to use my imagination. And then once I got into it, I was fully immersed and fell in love with it.

The show is one of the most expensive productions in the history of TV. What amazed you the most about being part of such a grand series?

 The fact that they built entire villages and cities for us to shoot in. In the village where my character and his family live, there were even locations that we never ended up shooting in – they were there just in case we needed them. It was amazing to see how the production had every single base covered – it just made everything so easy and [as actors] we were able to concentrate on telling the best story that we could.

 Which scene for you was the most memorable to shoot?

 There was a scene where I had to cry, and I have never done that in front of the camera before. I got the script saying that I will have to do it six months in advance, and I spent a lot of that time trying to get into that emotion. On the day of the shoot, I had great support from the crew and my mom – who was with me on set – and they all really helped me unlock that feeling. Now, I think I’m pretty good at fake crying! [Laughs]

Over the course of the premiere circuit for the series, you got a lot of recognition for your bold style statements. Are you a fan of fashion?

 Yes, I’m totally into it! I’ve got a great stylist, Parker Harwood, and throughout the press tour, we worked on showing that I care about how I look and what clothes I wear. My philosophy is that if I look good, I feel good, and if I feel good, I do good.

 Which of the looks was your favourite?

 It was the suit by The Incorporated, paired with a balaclava and Alexander McQueen shoes, that I wore to the global premiere. It was actually a homage to the late Virgil Abloh and the look he wore to the 2021 MET Gala. Parker and I have been so inspired by his work and we decided that it was a great moment to pay tribute to him.

 

Whose style do you look to the most for inspiration?

 My older brother’s – he’s the one who got me into fashion! He’s got an amazing sense of style and he would always come back home with great finds after going shopping on the weekend. We didn’t grow up with much money, but we learned how to make it work with what we had. Anytime I put together an outfit, I always ask him what he thinks of it! He really inspires me.

Having this amazing first big experience, what are your dream roles to play now?

 I really want to be a Power Ranger.

 

Which one?

 That’s what I’m not sure about. I don’t know if I want to be the red one because that’s a lot of pressure. [Laughs] I just know that I want to be a Power Ranger and I hope that it’ll happen one day.

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Hadar Pitchon

Grooming by Ruth Fernandez

All clothes Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

NO LIMITS

Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton was just 11 years-old when he was cast in his breakout acting role as Ashtray in HBO’s cult teen drama Euphoria. He has since appeared in Amazon Prime’s Utopia, played Pugsley in The Addams Family 2 and Stanley, a rebellious little scamp in The Umbrella Academy. Now he’s landed his first lead role opposite Hollywood heavyweight Sylvester Stallone, in the superhero thriller movie Samaritan, which is kinda cool for a kid who grew up watching Rocky movies and is also a Junior Olympic boxing prodigy. We caught up with Walton to discuss the Spice Girls and superpowers.

‘I think all actors dream of being a superhero at some point in their career.’

Firstly, your nickname in real life is 'Wanna’. Do you wanna really, really, really wanna zig-a-zig-ah? Name the record?

[Laughs.] I don’t know that one! My Dad started calling me Wanna from a young age because I didn’t want to be treated like a child. I wanted to train with the grown-ups, I wanted to hurry up and turn 8 years-old so I could take my first fight. I wanted to compete on a big stage. My parents never put limitations on me, and neither did I on myself.

 

What?! Ok you’re too young to remember a Spice Girls classic. Let’s talk about Ashtray instead. You managed to make him into one of the most loved characters on the show. How did you bring that likeability to such a seemingly unlikeable character?

I think the mystery behind Ashtray allows people to create their own stories. Other than Fez we don’t see Ashtray loved and treated like a child and that’s really sad. I think people feel compassion for him and justify his behavior. People are still really pulling for Ashtray.

 

Speaking of Fez, did you continue your brotherly bond off-camera with Angus [Cloud], do you hang out now?

jw: We definitely have a connection. Angus is a really good soul. He’s always positive. We live in different states, but we try to Facetime often. It’s cool because we both got our start on Euphoria and were actually discovered by the same casting director.

 

We’re all presuming Ashtray was killed in the emotional Season 2 finale. Do you have any hopes or wishes for him if he comes back in Season 3?

I wish I could tell you if he’s really dead but even I don’t know for sure. Sam [Levinson] is genius and super creative so there’s really no telling until filming starts back. If Ashtray doesn’t return, of course I’ll be a little disappointed, but I’m glad he got the finale he deserved. It was a lot of fun to shoot that episode.

 

So, how did acting come about for you? Because you’re actually a boxing and gymnastics prodigy first and foremost?

When I was 11 years-old, The Steve Harvey Show noticed me on Instagram and asked me to come on the show. The casting director for Euphoria just happened to see me on that show and somehow got my dad’s number and called to see if I was interested in acting. I hadn’t actually thought about it before then, so I got the role without any acting experience.

 

Do you think your sporting work ethic has helped you with your on-screen career?

Yeah, it definitely has helped me. Boxing requires a lot of discipline and a strong work ethic.  Acting is the same. It requires a lot of hours on set and you have to bring the right energy to each take. When I step in the ring every round is important, because I’ve only got 3 rounds. I think of acting in the same way. You never know which take the director will use, so you have to bring your best every time.

 

You’ve recently worked with a sporting legend, Rocky, aka, Sly Stallone, for the film Samaritan. Did you ever watch the Rockymovies? Were you starry-eyed around him?

I grew up watching Rocky movies with my dad! When I heard Sly was making a movie with a kid, I knew that kid had to be me! I can’t wait for everyone to see it. I don’t really get star struck, but he and I talked about boxing a lot on set.

 

As an actor looking at an acting legend, what do you think you could learn from him?

This movie was the first time I really had the freedom to go off script and improvise. Sly really taught me that the energy you bring, and your connection to the character, is more important than nailing every word. He gave me confidence to believe in the character that I brought to life, and speak for that character in a way that I believed was truthful.

 

The movie is a superhero drama based on the Mythos Comics graphic novels. Do you have any comic-book heroes you would love to play on screen in the future?

I think all actors dream of being a superhero at some point in their career. I wouldn’t mind being a villain too. Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix were both amazing playing the Joker, and I think when I’m older I’d like to play the Joker too. I’d also love to play Robin.

 

In the film, Sly’s character has superhuman abilities. What three superpowers would you have if given the opportunity?

I would want to be super strong. I feel like it’s a power that I could do so much with. I would also like to fly. That would be really cool. If I had to pick one more, I would probably say I would want to be super-fast!

…

Full feature in our upcoming FW22 issue. Stay Tuned!

Pre_Order Now

Release mid-October in Paris and worldwide shortly after.

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Noua Unu Studio

Fashion by Sharon Chitrit

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Zaheer Sukhnandan

Set Design by Romain Goudinoux 

Photographer’s assistant Casey Cunneen

ON FIRE

From her roles as a young Lara Croft Tomb Raider and young Diana aka Wonder Woman, to the cyberbullied Mika in the hit Netflix teen drama, Get Even, the name on everyone’s lips is Emily Carey. Even if CGI dragons aren’t your thing, the rising British star now plays a young Alicent Hightower – a key player in the Targaryen civil war known as the “Dance of the Dragons” – in HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff, House of the Dragon, easily the biggest show of the year.

Full look Balenciaga

How do the younger years of your character Alicent Hightower play out?

 People are expecting to see Alicent as this angry woman, with a lot of people already seeing her as the villain. Her early years give an insight into why she grows into this woman and what (or who) pushes her to grow this fire within. I think bringing her out as a young girl, the perspective of the character that people already have should hopefully change. It shows her journey in a way we hadn’t seen in the book. 

 

Was it a long audition process? How does it feel to be part of such a highly anticipated show?

 The audition process was a good few months and it was a while before I even knew what I was auditioning for. Every time I went in the room for this, it felt as if things were clicking into place. This job felt very right for me. It’s of course absolutely massive. Slightly intimidating as it’s such a highly anticipated show but it’s an honour to take on this role and it amazes me every day that I was trusted with it. I’m so incredibly excited for the world to see this wild show we’ve created. Somebody pinch me. 

 

Left Full look Givenchy

Right Jacket MSGM and earring N°21

“To truly feel beautiful comes from a place of self-love and acceptance.”

Did you feel that same “pinch” with Wonder Woman and Lara Croft, in terms of being part of such strong female-led movies?

 Wonder Woman was such a monumental film - to be involved in any way is an honour but being able to play young Diana herself was a dream. Similar with Tomb Raider, playing an iconic woman like Lara Croft even for just a scene was the experience of a lifetime. Coming off both those sets I felt empowered as a young woman. I don’t think I fully understood each moment as it was happening but to reflect on both films now, it astounds me that I got to play such classic feminist roles. Millions of young girls could see and feel strength through the characters I played and that is a magical thing. 

 

What about the female actors you admire?

 I fell in love with Hailee Steinfeld’s acting style after seeing The Edge of Seventeen years ago and now I am falling in love all over again watching Dickinson. She always feels so grounded and relatable, the dark comedy is so organic. Career wise, I aspire to Florence Pugh. She’s taken on such a variety of genres and is so versatile, which is something I hope to be.

Left Full look Miu Miu

Right Full look Givenchy

 Speaking of being relatable, your character Mika in Get Even really highlighted the prevalent issue of cyberbullying of women in this age of social media. What’s your view about the societal pressure heaped on girls to be this version of “sexy” that feels so outdated?

 It’s so difficult to ignore this societal pressure on women when the media’s favourite topic is women. Girls are joining social media younger and younger now and are only being exposed to this earlier. It’s about unlearning what’s been pumped into us for years. Women don’t owe anybody sexy, and you don’t owe anybody femininity or political politeness. It’s been drilled into us that we must look what society deems beautiful and perfect all the time. But that ‘beautiful’ is simply ‘desirable’. No one should be able to give you that validation other than yourself, but women are taught that to be wanted is to feel beautiful. It’s rooted so deeply in society that we should rely upon men to feel worth. To truly feel beautiful comes from a place of self-love and acceptance in a world where we are taught to hate ourselves from the second we hit puberty. 

 

Are you drawn to more challenging or darker roles which explore life lessons and boundaries?

 My favourite thing about my job is there’s always newness to explore and I’d hate to limit myself to a certain type of character or a certain genre, however I do love darker roles! I’m drawn to psychological stories, something thrilling but more unsettling that horrifying. As an actor, I get to play with my own emotions and have a sense of control over them and I love any character that pushes me to delve deeper into my mind and lets me discover parts of myself that hadn’t seen the light before. Emotion is such a vast spectrum, and we often don’t realise how deeply we’re capable of feeling things until it’s happening. I really enjoy any role where I get to push those boundaries and test my own emotional limits. Exploring real human feelings keeps things truthful. 

Full look Miu Miu

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Full feature in our upcoming FW22 issue. Stay Tuned!

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Gregory Derkenne

Fashion by Marco Drammis

Casting by ImagineMachine cs

Hair by Ben Talbott at The Wall Group using Ghd Pro and Living Proof

Make-Up by Valeria Ferreira at The Wall Group using Clé de Peau Beauté

Stylist’s assistant Saverio Rufini

ALL EYES ON YOU

For the past three weeks, Milly Alcock has been winning over the audiences with her nuanced portrayal of young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon - the HBO show which last month made headlines for its record-breaking premiere. For the Australian actress - who prior to getting the part has never seen Game of Thrones, the series that HotD is a prequel to - the biggest surprise was just how straightforward the extravagant show’s arc is. “It’s a story of one family, and how that family has a massive fight which affects the whole kingdom,” says Alcock. “And because they’re in charge, everyone else around them suffers and has an opinion on their actions.” Prior to the show’s big launch, we spoke to Milly about the fascinating nature of Rhaenyra, the euphoria of riding a horse, and wanting to play a valley girl.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

House of the Dragon is one of the biggest shows of the year! How did you become a part of this project?

 It was a really fast auditioning process. I did a self-tape back in Sydney and the sample scene they gave me was actually from Game of Thrones – I hadn’t seen the show at that point, so I hadn’t actually realized [what I might be auditioning for]. Then, two weeks later, I got a callback, followed by a phone call saying that I got the part two weeks after that. It was just so extremely quick that I didn’t feel like I actually landed the role!

Left Full look Loewe

Right Shirt Miu Miu and shorts Polo by Ralph Lauren

 What would you say are the main differences in the storytelling tone between House of the Dragonand Game of Thrones?

 I would say that our show is the modern revamp of Game of Thrones – the series has definitely addressed the critiques and didn’t make the same mistakes that the original got scrutinized for, which I think is going to make it more appealing to a wider audience. House of the Dragon explores a broader range of perspectives in terms of themes like sexuality, gender, and race, so it allows everybody to be a part of that world.

Knitwear N°21 and boots JW Anderson

 Having not seen the original show prior to getting the part, what surprised you the most about this universe?

 The fact that despite being very extravagant in its presentation, it’s very simplistic in its themes – it’s a story of one family, and how that family has a massive fight which affects the whole kingdom. And because they’re in charge, everyone else around them suffers and has an opinion on their actions.

Knitwear N°21

 In the series, you play Rhaenyra Targaryen – what do you find most fascinating about her as a person?

 She is a princess, but she fundamentally doesn’t want to adhere to that role and what she’s expected to do. That’s why she acts out in a lot of ways, and because of her position of privilege, she can get away with a lot more stuff. She comes across as quite arrogant – we meet her when she’s in her early teens, so she’s at that point where she expects the world to owe her something and hasn’t grasped the reality that everybody suffers and that she’s not the only person who’s ever experienced these feelings. She holds a lot of anger in her and we see her work through that anger, but quite publicly, because of her position. But I do really adore her outspokenness and emotional intelligence about people close to her. She’s a lot smarter than she’s made out to be.

Full look JW Anderson

 What was the wildest skill you got to learn for this role?

 I learned how to ride a horse! I’m very grateful that I got to learn that skill – there’s something really fun about horse riding and the freedom that it gives you. Also, I think it helped me tap into Rhaenyra a bit more and tap into her using her dragon – I’m assuming that the feeling of euphoria while riding a horse would be a bit similar to the feeling of riding a dragon, just a thousand times less strong because the dragon would be going so fucking fast! [laughs]

Shirt Miu Miu and shorts Polo by Ralph Lauren

Left Knitwear N°21

Right Shirt Miu Miu

 What amazed you the most about the level of production on a series like this?

 The craft and attention to detail were insane! For example, with the costumes, everything was handmade and hand-embroidered, so it felt like you were wearing art. Also, just the sheer volume of people that it took to make that job. When you’re working with a 400-person crew every day, it can be quite overwhelming – you can’t help but have the feeling that you’re a part of something that’s larger than you and larger than something you’ll ever be. So there was a bit of pressure within that feeling of ‘all eyes are on you’, but I learned to understand that I had so many people around me whose job was to make sure that I came across the best way that I could in my performance. All of the crew was so incredible – they were so kind and so human, which didn’t feel like it should go together with how big and over-the-top the production was.

Left Shirt Miu Miu

Right Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 Having that incredible experience, what sort of challenges and roles are you hoping to explore now?

 I really want to do a play. I think it would be such a great challenge in terms of how you rehearse and the text that you are given, as well as vocally and movement-wise. There’s just something that seems so exciting about that moment of performance living in the space of two hours and being shared exclusively with the audience that’s right in front of you. Also, I would love to do some independent films. I want to play a valley girl…

Left Full look Loewe

Right Knitwear N°21 and boots JW Anderson

 

An A24 valley girl?

 Yes! I just want to have fun.

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by John Handford

Casting by ImageMachine cs

Make-Up by Fiona Gallagher

Hair by Hiroki Kojima at Caren Agency

STEALING HOLLYWOOD'S HEART

Norwegian-American model-turned actress, Kristine Frøseth, has worked with the likes of Chanel, Armani and Miu Miu, and starred in The Weeknd’s music video for False Alarm.

She swapped the catwalk for the big screen when she landed her first major movie in 2017: Rebel in the Rye, alongside Nicholas Hoult. Having also learned to plié for Amazon’s 2021 ballet thriller Birds of Paradise, her latest projects include Lena Dunham’s hotly anticipated dramedy Sharp Stick, and the upcoming all-star ensemble series The First Lady, in which she plays a young Betty Ford. As busy as she is, Froseth still had time to chat with us via Zoom about playing a feminist icon, working with trailblazing women and the Eurovision Song Contest.

Dress Chanel

You’re playing a young Betty Ford as she trains as a dancer for Martha Graham in the TV series The First Lady — what is it with you and dancing?

 Ha ha! Well it all happened so quickly with that role, and I didn’t really have time to prep, or learn much as there was a very different approach, but hey, I’m down and if I get the chance I’ll fully go in for any dance movies, hit me up!

 

So what drew you to that role?

 For me I didn’t know much about her personal life other than her struggles with addiction and that she created the Betty Ford Clinic, and really anyone who advocates for change or de-stigmatises the labels or terms of addiction, is really powerful to me, and people who speak their truths and save other people’s lives. She was really such a hero in that space, and for women too.

 

Yes, she was a courageous and vivacious activist for women's rights, what was the most interesting fact you learned about her that really inspired you?

 Knowing where she grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in this small town, and to be able to find the courage and confidence she did being in that environment is really inspiring to me. Her Mother wanted her to get married and follow the same path as everyone around her at that time, and yet she was so determined to be a dancer or work in fashion, she was always so ahead of the times. She got a divorce when it was not really common, and she spoke up for herself because she was being abused, and women then never really spoke up about those things. So I was inspired by  everything I learned through reading a lot of books about her and listening to some Podcasts, and we also had a historian on set to help us too.  

Dress Chanel

Talking of trailblazing women, your co-stars include Michelle Pfeiffer, Viola Davis and Gillian Anderson - working with actors of that caliber and of a different generation, must be quite intimidating. What was the experience like?

 I was shaking when I first spoke to Michelle on Zoom, and I was trying to do my breathing exercises beforehand, like ‘ground yourself Kristine, ground yourself’! but as soon as she was up on screen, she was the most grounded, kind, human being, so present, no ego. It was really awesome to just watch her too, and how she talks to producers and the strength she has. Sometimes navigating the industry as a woman is hard, for example; in the beginning, if I wasn’t smiling all the time, people would think I was being difficult or having issues with something. So navigating your space and understanding how to be direct and strong, but still be kind, has been a tricky thing, and she just really knows how to be a badass and be generous while doing it all. I wish I had got to watch her more on set.

 

So you shot your scenes before everyone else then, and where were you filming?

 Yes we shot the Betty Block first, and we were in Atlanta for about a month, the hours were really long and it was during Covid, so outside of filming, I just hung out with the cast who were really fun, and we just got lots of take out!

 

You’ve also worked with the super-talented Girls creator, Lena Dunham, on the project  Sharp Stick, in which you play quite a complex character - can you tell us more about that, and what was the most challenging part of the role?

 Working with Lena was something I really wanted to do, and she sent a script and also a thesis over about what she wanted to accomplish with the film, and also a list of 4 or 5 movies that she wanted me to watch that she was inspired by for it. I loved the films and I understood the script and felt really connected and thought it was empowering as my character has this sexual awakening, and is also growing from this trauma that’s held her back for so many years. She’s 26-years-old but she acts like she’s 16 and she’s not had much life experience, and she hasn’t really been exposed to a lot, stuck in this same narrative — but then through her journey she really rips off the shackles and finds herself. I also love that it doesn’t end up with her being ok now, she comes to the realisation that things need to change and the journey is a long one, and that’s just like life really.  

Dress Chanel

“Working with Lena [Dunham] was something I really wanted to do.”

Working with the rest of the cast must have been fun too, like your Mum [Jennifer Jason Leigh], and adopted sister [Taylour Paige] are really quite endearingly dysfunctional in the story?

 They’re both incredible and Jon Bernthal too, who has like a million ways of walking and doing a scene. It’s a heightened world that these characters are all in, and a little kooky, but the way it was written was really funny and the characters are amazing.

 

Were you able to add or change things about your character in the early discussions with Lena, what was she like to work with on set as a Director?

 She was so open and we talked through the script several times beforehand, and we had probably 15 days to shoot it all, and she would come up to me and give me some thoughts or notes and say ‘do with it what you will’. We would get three takes and there would always be something new in between, nothing was ever set in stone or results based, there was always a discovery, and I think that’s why it’s one of my most favourite sets of all time that I’ve been on.

 Ok final question, and completely off-topic here, but I have to ask, did you see Norway’s Eurovision entry this year, with a song called "Give That Wolf a Banana" by Subwoolfer?

 Ha ha! No I didn’t see it…

 

Ok, YouTube it, and I guarantee it will be stuck in your head for the rest of today… and possibly for the rest of this year.

 Oh wow, I have to hear it, I’m gonna go and watch it right now!

…

Full feature in our upcoming FW22 issue. Stay Tuned!

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Ellen Fedors

Fashion by Yael Quint 

Casting by Imaginemachine Cs

Hair by David Von Cannon 

Make-Up by Quinn Murphy 

Nails by Nori Yamanaka using Chanel beauty 

Stylist’s assistants Heather Blair and Josh Mooiweer

THE COOL GIRL

Devon Ross has been a name to know for a long time. Fashion’s cool girl, the model, actress and musician embodies the 60s nostalgia that remains forever the rage. Walking a tightrope between various creative forms, the daughter of a guitarist and a model does it all with ease. Splitting her time between walking shows for Valentino, playing the guitar for her friend Camille Jansen and now acting in her debut role in Irma Vep – she’s a triple threat. But after falling in love with acting, it seems like the multi-hyphenate is buckling down to dominate one domain. Talking about her longing for more female-led rock biopics, tricky characters and plans to prioritise acting, we’re set to see a star rise.

 

On a Zoom call from her West London flat, Devon sits in front of a shrine dedicated to all her icons as we talk with Mick Jagger watching over us. “I’ve got to have all the musicians I love all over my walls,” she laughs from a room that 70s teens would have dreamed of.

Left Full look Riley Joyce

Right Vest Zadig & Voltaire & skirt Alessia Casati

Irma Vep was your first role, acting alongside huge names like Alicia Vikander, how was that?

 It was definitely surreal. I had major imposter syndrome for a while because I was like, ‘how can they trust me when they've never seen me act before?’ I was mind-boggled that this was even a possibility in my life. So even before I started filming, it was already crazy. But when we got to Paris and started filming and the reality set in, I settled into it and knew I was supposed to be there. I'm so lucky that was my first role and especially lucky that I got to work with all these amazing, very seasoned actors that know exactly what they're doing. So I got a lot of amazing people to watch and learn from.

Full look Valentino

 Even though this is your debut role, we've known your name for a long time in the modelling world. Did having that reputation already make it more nerve-wracking? Finally having a credit rather than just another name attached to a show?

 It changes everything. And I guess it is a bit nerve-wracking because you know that people are going to watch it because of that reason, but I knew it was gonna be a great project because Olivier Assayas is amazing. Everyone in it is amazing. So I wasn't nervous about how it was going turn out, I got to trust that it would be great.

Left Dress Emil Dernbach & shoes Emporio Armani

Right Jacket Paula Lozzano, top and skirt Givenchy

 What drew you to this project?

 I guess it was the first Zoom call I had with Olivier. He was in his country house writing the script and we had this long conversation. We hardly even really talked about the project but he's just such a cool guy – he was in London in the 60s and has all these amazing stories. And we just like got along super well so I knew that it was going to be the right first thing to do.

 

And for your character, Regina, what attracted you to her? How did you connect?

 Regina has a lot of layers to her that slowly just come out. She gets more confident and doesn't really stand for bullshit. She always says it's on her mind which I try to do. We’re pretty similar. But I'd love to do a role that's like completely different from me - that's so far from who I am that I have to really study for it.

Full look Miu Miu

 If you could design your absolute dream role - who would you want to be playing?

 I’d love to play Patti Smith. There are so many rock biopics that come out all the time and TV shows, but they're all about men with a whole cast of men and I get super jealous. I want to play the rockstar.

 With modelling and playing music, where do you see acting falling in place in your career? Is it something you want to prioritise moving forward?

 Yeah, definitely. I fell in love with it on Irma Vep and couldn't really see myself doing anything else. I'm in it, it’s super interesting to me and so fulfilling. But even when I was a kid, I loved the idea of doing multiple things. I want to do as many things as I can balance.

…

Full feature in our upcoming FW22 issue. Stay Tuned!

Interview by LUCY HARBRON

Photography by JAIME CANO

Fashion by FÁTIMA MONJAS

Casting by IMAGEMACHINE CS

Hair by YOKO SETOYAMA

Make-Up by MATTIE WHITE at Saint Luke Artists

Photographer’s assistant JAMES CLOTHIER

Stylist’s assistant JAGI NELSON

SUMMER OF ZANE

Zane Phillips, American actor known for his role in the queer comedy of this summer Fire Island, is no stranger to the famed hedonistic destination in the title of the movie. ‘I love going to the island,’ says Phillips. ‘I haven't been a regular for too long, but honestly, it's one of my favourite places to recharge.’ Zane’s recent absence from the gay utopia has been possibly caused by his super busy working schedule - he’s starring in the highly-anticipated Netflix show Partner Track (out later this month) and is currently filming another series for the platform set within a beauty empire titled Glamorous. For us, Zane talks about his go-to Fire Island destinations, acting alongside Kim Cattrall on the upcoming show, and his NYT Crossword addiction.

How did the role in Fire Island come about for you and what made you want to be a part of this project?

Getting to do this movie felt like a cosmic convergence of things that I love - Jane Austen, queer storytelling, every single individual person in this cast!!! When I first received the script in May of last year, it didn't take any kind of consideration to figure out whether I wanted to be a part of it. I remember having an extraordinarily rough day, having had a full day of tutoring in Westchester and then dealing with personal issues on top of that, so I didn't get to working on this tape until about midnight. Thank god for my roommate, who stayed up with me and helped me get this thing in. It's still one of my favourite auditions I've done. 

The cast is full of great comedians. Who made you laugh the most on set? 

I mean, Tomás [Matos] has to be everyone's answer here. An absolute light who makes everyone fall in love with them immediately. And then when they got together with Matt [Rogers], I mean...the fish were unstoppable.

Do you like to go to Fire Island? If so, what are your favourite spots there?

I do love going to the island! I haven't been a regular for too long, but honestly, it's one of my favourite places to recharge. One of my favourite underrated activities is going to the Pantry at 9 in the morning, when most of the island is still asleep. It's times like these where you can actually get in touch with yourself. I also love the Sunken Forest, but it's a bit of a trek.


What’s your craziest Fire Island story that you can say on record?

Ok, I am unfortunately very boring when it comes to Fire Island shenanigans. I take part but I'm also the one making cinnamon rolls the next morning.

Up next, you’re starting to shoot Glamorous. What can you tell me about the show? 

Honestly not sure what I can or can't say - but what I *do* know is that this cast is extraordinarily talented, and Jordon Nardino's vision is razor sharp. Essentially, it's the story of a young, bright, gender non-conforming man named Marco, played by the brilliant Miss Benny, and how they shake up this cosmetics company, as well as, of course, the various characters within. I get to play Chad, the brand's director of sales who absolutely exemplifies the name in every way possible.


What’s it like to have Kim Cattrall play your mom? 

I mean, Kim is incredible. She absolutely has elevated the show to a new level and given us the opportunity to see her in a new light. She's all about the work, which I adore. 

When did you first realize that acting is something that you would like to pursue? 

It really was a moment during my junior year of high school. I was doing a production of Man of la Mancha with my local community theatre, because my high school only did one play a year, and I was starting to really enjoy the process of being in a musical. It had to have been one of our final dress rehearsals - seeing the final vision (which, for a small town community theatre, was quite good), hearing that music soar, and feeling something unlock in me. I felt like I had access to emotions that I'd spent years turning off. Acting became a way for me to get to know myself again. At that point, I decided to try and see if I could make it work for myself. I guess it's not for me to judge whether it has, but I'm certainly happy. 


What’s a show or film that shaped your identity growing up? 

Probably Clue? Screwball antics, perfect aesthetics, legendary performances, and every single thing that comes out of Madeline Kahn's mouth.


What’s one film you can watch over and over, and never get bored of it?

I think it's gotta be Bride and Prejudice, the Bollywood version of Pride and Prejudice. Maybe it's a testament to the source material, but it's so campy and energetic and fun, it always makes me happy. 


What are the challenges that you are looking for as an actor right now? 

The past year has led me to some incredible challenges in terms of the emotional side of acting. I'd love to engage more with the physical side - I've had to stay in good shape for a lot of things, so I'd love to have it be for something. It would be fun to get into the action side of things: learn some combat, swing a sword. That or I'd love to be able to try to meld my musical theatre background and do a musical movie or something like that. 


What’s something that you’re good at that not many people know about? 

Ok, so I am actually killer at the NYT Crossword. When I have the time, I'll do it every single day.

…

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Hadar Pitchon

FANG-TASTIC

Vampires have always been images of nocturnal glamour and potent sexuality, with a supernatural sheen that makes us all want to sink our teeth into a fantasy fang fest and walk away with a vamp stamp.

Netflix's latest teen lust story, First Kill, is a biracial sapphic tale of bubbling biting hormones and sexual discovery, and there’s not one Buffy-style long-line leather trench coat in sight. We caught up with lead actress Sarah Catherine Hook, who plays Juliette Fairmont, to get some tips on neck nibbling.

Cardigan twinset Salie66, earrings and bracelets Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello & vintage tights

How did you become a queer vampire in First Kill? What was your journey to getting involved with this project?

 Like any acting job, it started with an audition. When I first received the breakdown in my inbox, I thought there was no way I was getting this role. Once I actually put myself on tape and spent some time in Juliette’s shoes, I thought, “Wow, that was really fun! Too bad I won’t get it.” With each callback and chemistry read, the need to play her was getting stronger and stronger. It wasn’t a matter of “I had to be her,” I really felt I was her.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 Did yourself and Imani [Lewis] meet for a chemistry read before shooting, to just get to know one another and build up that connection?

 Yes! We had a chemistry read over zoom that sealed the deal and then connected a few times via FaceTime before officially meeting in Atlanta!  

 

It’s a lesbian biracial vampire meets monster hunter supernatural romance, and a family drama, so it’s ticking all the boxes. How involved were you in how you wanted to present your character?

 I would say the way I wanted to present Juliette stemmed mostly from the audition process. It seemed that they liked my interpretation enough that they really allowed me to make my own acting choices while they took care of the rest – wardrobe, set, makeup, etc. I was free to do my job the way I wanted within the boundaries of the script.

Full look Valentino

 How did you find your inner vampire for the role, did you watch any of those shows or movies for inspiration?

 I love this question. YES! I actually watched videos of lions. Very, very hungry lions. I wanted Juliette to be animalistic when she had her bloodlust moments and I thought who would be better to emulate than a lion? As well as Megan Fox in Jennifer’s body, duh!

Coat Loewe & shoes Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 During filming, did you ever sneak your fangs off-set and just casually wear them outdoors, like at the supermarket or on the train?

 While filming I (reluctantly) had to return them to our special effects department after finishing a scene, BUT I do have full ownership over them now!! While I haven’t worn them in public yet, I did wear them at my First Kill launch party, and they were a huge hit.

 

There’s always been a lot of vampire-themed entertainment in the world since Buffy and Twilight; it’s a craze that’s really shown a lot of staying power. What do you make of that? Do you watch other vampire things?

 Of course! I’ve always been a fan of the undead! Vampire Diaries fully got me through my freshman year of college. It’s an easily obsess-able genre; the vampire world is relatable enough for people to see themselves and mystical enough for people to be entertained. Not to mention, we have been blessed with some truly sexy vampires in our time.

Cardigan twinset Salie66 & earrings and bracelets Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 Speaking of sexy vampires, what do you feel differentiates First Kill, aside from the two female leads falling for one another?

 I’d say the emphasis on the family aspects of the show separates us from most vampire/monster stories. We really went for the Capulet vs Montague storyline with this one.

 

What is it that makes vampires so attractive? They’ve been around a long time, so they probably know what they’re doing right?!

 I think it’s just that! They’ve simply been around for a VERY long time, so they have lots of experience (if you know what I mean).  Not to mention eternal youth? I mean come on. They’re just blessed. Or cursed. Whichever you think is appropriate.

Blazer Giorgio Armani, shirt Louis Vuitton & skirt Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 I read that you had an intimacy coordinator for the kissing scene between yourself and Imani. How would one go about sinking their fangs into someone’s neck then, give us some tips?

 HA! Listen, there’s really no way around this, ya just gotta bite them!

T-shirt stylists own, gloves (worn as belt), tights and shoes Valentino & earrings Givenchy

 That spin the bottle moment in Episode 1 brought back some personal memories!

Have you ever played the game in real life and landed on someone you really wanted to kiss?

 Never! You were witness to my first game of spin the bottle!

 

So aside from blood and lust, what’s next for you?

 I can’t reveal too much about my next project just yet, but I’ll tell you that lobsters are involved and I’m VERY excited about that.

Left Cardigan twinset Salie66, earrings and bracelets Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello & vintage tights

Right Coat Giorgio Armani

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Shayna Arnold

Make-Up by Cedric Jolivet

Hair by Ian James

Casting by ImageMachine cs

Location Manager Alex Foster

IT’S A WONDERS-FUL LIFE

"Sorry for the deep baritone voice”, says a seductively husky Chase Sui Wonders, when she hopped onto a Zoom call with us recently. “I was out late last night, and shouting over everyone!”. Many coffees later, she told us all about her new Apple TV+ crime drama series, ‘City on Fire’, and how she spent all day covered in blood screaming, with Lee Pace, Pete Davidson, and Amandla Stenberg, in the new slasher movie ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’.

Dress Miu Miu, bra Fleur du mal & underpinning Commando

Speaking of husky voices, did you have to learn how to scream for your horror movie role?

 Haha! Yes, and I didn’t think I could reach that high, but I got there in the end, I kid you not, something primal in me came out! By day two of shooting, all of us in the cast, after having only known each other for 48hrs, were just cuddling one another in a pool of blood while screaming, it was insane!

Left Tank top Calvin Klein, cuffs, necklaces and earrings Chanel & rings Givenchy

Right Top MM6, necklace Laura Lombardi & hosiery Wolford

What was the first scary movie you saw? Can you watch them on your own?

 Well it’s not really considered a scary movie, but ‘The Fifth Element’ with Bruce Willis, which has this blue alien lady in it, was the stuff of my nightmares for years in a row! I always thought how does anyone enter a scary movie willingly you know? But now I’ve made one and seen behind the curtain, it’s almost an adrenalin thrill, and now I go into a scary movie and I’m fascinated and enjoy them and maybe have become a little desensitised to them.

Dress Valentino & necklace Laura Lombardi

“Music is like a drug, and if you can curate a sound that mimics the headspace of a character, that’s super useful.”

 You’re also starring in the Apple TV+ series ‘City On Fire’, which is not so much a slasher flick, but a crime thriller. Tell me about your character Samantha, what drew you to the role?

 The story is such a sprawling amazing intricate web of these New Yorker’s stories and how they all connect to the shooting of this girl in Central Park. My character has this raw power and she’s kind of a nowhere girl who builds this family that ends up leading her down a scary path and her whole journey is so fascinating. She’s definitely one of the most free-spirited characters that I’ve ever played, getting to be that cool and confident is a fun pair of shoes to try on for a while.

Dress, shoes Emporio Armani & bag Givenchy

I imagine crime drama requires a different kind of mental preparation because you’re basically spending all day thinking [in the case of your character], that you’re going to be murdered at some point?

 Yes totally, having the paranoia set in is definitely important and you need an on and off ram for your brain to get into that headspace about having a target on your back, it’s definitely mind-altering.

 

Are you a fan of crime shows?

 I love heist and suspense, but not detailed crime shows or real life documentaries. All my favourite movies have paranoia and deception built in, and City on Fire has all of that too.

Coat Valentino & bra Fleur du mal

 The series is written by Gossip Girl and The O.C. creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. So does this mean we’re all going to be fan girl’ing over the soundtrack at some point? I spent my youth Googling every song on every episode of the O.C.!

 OMG, same! I fangirl’d to Josh and Stephanie every day, because I was hooked up to an OC drip for the whole of my youth! I’ve often gone up to Josh and dropped quotes from the show and he doesn’t know what I’m talking about, and I’m like, ‘that’s a quote from Season 2, episode 7’, haha! This new show has such an amazing music supervisor too, and it takes place in the early 2000s, so all the bands that you know and love will be making an appearance in a really exciting way. It’s a darker and grittier show, but it’s been really cool to work with these legends, it still feels quite surreal.

Left Bra Fleur du mal & skirt Erdem

Right Tank top Calvin Klein & cuffs, necklaces and earrings Chanel

 Speaking of music. Do you ever make a playlist to prepare for a role?

 Music can become a crutch, and I have a playlist that I listened to every day on my way to set, for City on Fire, and it helped me to tap into a head space. Music is like a drug, and if you can curate a sound that mimics the headspace of a character, that’s super useful, especially on this show, as music runs through my character’s blood, and I had to take guitar lessons for it. Actually, props are kind of upset at me because the guitar I used has made its way into my every day, and I’ve kept up playing it!

 

Left Dress Miu Miu, bra Fleur du mal & underpinning Commando

Right Dress Loewe

Oh cool, so with your husky voice today, we’ll look forward to your duet with Tom Waits and his guttural, gravelly voice soon then?

 Haha! Oh gosh, I don’t know if anyone wants to hear that!

…

More from Chase coming soon in our FW22 issue, out later this year! Stay Tuned.

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Pierre Crosby

Fashion by Kristi Kruser

Casting by ImageMachine cs

Hair by Blake Erik using Hair Rituel by Sisley

Make-Up by Misha Shahzada using Shiseido

ALL ABOUT ARAMIS

You may recognise rising star and your latest heartthrob, Aramis Knight, from projects like Ender’s Game, Into the Badlands – and marking his leap into the Marvel Cinematic Universe – Red Dagger, the Asian-American superhero in Disney+ series Ms. Marvel. As he continues to branch out in Hollywood, one assumes he might not want to be an action star forever, with ambitions to open a dog hotel and explore the great outdoors, one 1980s chevy g20 starcraft campervan at a time.

Firstly, let’s talk about your unique name. Nothing to do with the popular 80s men’s aftershave then?

 Ha! No, my Mom named me after the Three Musketeers, she was watching The Man in the Iron Mask, and told herself she was going to name her first son Aramis.

 

He’s the romantic one right, any similarities between you both?

 Uh… I would say so!

 Ok, so let’s talk about Ms. Marvel. Was a comic book superhero always on your list of childhood goals?

 It’s funny I feel like my friends kind of manifested it for me, because when I was on the martial arts show before the AMC show [Into the Badlands], they would always tell me ‘oh Marvel is going to scoop you up’, and I never really gave it that much thought, but obviously as an actor that’s kind of the pinnacle, or something you have to cross off your bucket list. So doing this early and for a project like Ms. Marvel, is definitely a dream come true.  

How did you get into acting, did your parents encourage you?

 I started when I was 5, and worked a bunch as a kid, and it was definitely my Mom that came with me to everything, it was a real Mom and son activity. Then by the time I was 13, it became serious enough where I actually considered making it my lifelong goal, and that’s pretty much where I’m at now.

 

You’re really into martial arts training, so I imagine that helped you with the physical side of the role in Ms. Marvel, like stunts etc? How does it help with your mental health too, especially being in an industry dealing with rejection and being constantly scrutinised?

 Yes I’ve been trained in Wushu for almost 5 years now, my trainer is Daniel Wu, he played opposite me in Badlands, we trained a lot for that show and also for Ms. Marvel.

I think physical activity in general makes me feel much better mentally. I’m a huge basketball player and it can often be like my soundboard and where I can take my frustrations out. I think as a young actor, a lot of times your self-worth mirrors your career, so sometimes if you’re not working, then you don’t feel so good about yourself if you’re used to working all the time. I try and stay up on things I’m really passionate about, like martial arts and I have an 80s camper van and I go camping a lot – having all these side hobbies gives you other reasons to be really proud of yourself. It can be really hard when you’re only an actor and that’s the only thing you see yourself as, you have to expand your horizons and have other things you’re passionate about.

 I read there were also hours of dialect training and you had to learn Urdu for your Ms. Marvel character. Do you love roles that challenge you in that way, learning something new for character development?

 Yes absolutely. I’m super thankful to have a job where it’s never the same, and I always look for new roles that challenge me where I can learn new things. For Ms. Marvel it was dialect, I learned drill and ceremony on another movie, I went to space camp, have trained in martial arts. It seems like with every new project there’s something new to learn and I like that.

 As an actor of colour, were you like, it’s about time, a Pakistani superhero at last, because it’s important for everyone to have a superhero they can relate to and look up to, right?

 Absolutely, this is the first time in my career that I’m playing a character that’s authentic to my heritage, which is pretty crazy considering I’ve been working for the last 16 years or so. It’s definitely few and far between to play a Pakistani character, let alone a superhero.

With Ms. Marvel the show is really authentic as our show runner was raised in a Muslim household, so it all ran through her, and we definitely wanted to be very respectful of the culture and wanted to get the Pakistani-American character right. It’s interesting when I’ve watched the show with my parents, as my Mom is white and my Dad is Pakistani-Indian raised in a Muslim household, and I can tell that my Dad understands every joke, whereas my Mom doesn’t quite understand, she’ll still laugh, but she doesn’t quite get what it’s like to be raised in a Pakistani household.

 

So in terms of diversity and representation, what type of roles would you like to play next, to continue that cultural conversation about pride and identity?

 I think diversity is super important, but I’m not always in control of the roles that I want to play, but next I want to do something that’s quite shocking, that’s way out of the box, that’s not like me at all, I think I have some characters in me that I haven’t let loose yet, that I want to.

My character Kareem [in Ms. Marvel] might be a superhero, but he’s still just a kid from Karachi, so I think I would like to play more quirky characters in the future.

 

Who did you look up to as a child yourself? Any acting heroes you would love to work with?

 I’m a huge Brando fan, he’s probably the best of all time. Also Denzel Washington, Christoph Waltz, Christian Bale, they’re all the greats.

 

What role in an iconic movie do you wish that you could have played?

 I would have loved to play Gary Oldman’s character, Drexl, in True Romance. I love Gary Oldman, he’s definitely one I look up to as well.

 

Can you tell me about any new projects you’re working on?

 There’s a few projects going on, the one I can tell you about is Baby Blue, which is a horror movie I produced and starred in, I’ve been wanting to get behind the camera more for creative control, which is a lot more fun. It was a special experience to put a project together as I have a very business-orientated brain as well as creative, so being able to do both of those things at once was a really good experience. Down the line I definitely see myself as a director too, I’m doing it on a small scale now, but I would love to direct a big feature.

 Looking ahead then, is there a story you’ve always loved that you would like to adapt for the big screen then?

 Man… an adaptation? That’s a really good question, I’ve not thought about adaptations, I’ve always had original ideas, but I’m big into psychological thrillers so I would start there, and I’m friends with a lot of the next gen of up-coming actors, so I would want to work with them.

 

Is there another dream passion you would love to fulfil alongside the movie career?

 The ultimate dream is to open a chic hotel in NorCal and make it a dog shelter too, and brand it around the hotel so people come to experience it but ultimately, they’re there to meet and adopt dogs, and I could use the revenue from that to fund saving dogs, as I’m a huge dog person!

 

According to your Insta, you’re also a huge outdoorsy fan too, or as you like to call yourself, ‘a forest gangster’?

 Haha! I’m actually sitting in my camper van now talking to you, it’s a 1980s ChevyG20 Starcraft  in immaculate condition, and I got it with only 20,000 miles on it from this guy called Arnie, shout out to Arnie for selling me his van!

 What tunes are you singing around the camp fire?

 Well I have a camp playlist with everything from jazz music to Kid Cudi to Led Zeppelin, and Kanye and Frank Ocean, anything that’s wavy. I call it my ‘peanut butter’ music, you know when you eat it, and it just sticks in your mouth.

 

Ok, so if you could choose someone to be sat around the camp fire with, who would it be?

 Keira Knightley, circa 2005.

 

Interesting, why, because you would really enjoy “talking” to her?

 Exactly! Haha!

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Hadar Pitchon

Grommer Sophia Portern using Danessa Myrick and Unite Hair.

MERGING INTO THE FAST LANE

Elias Kacavas is the breakout heartthrob from Euphoria, who studied at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and trained to be a method actor at the Strasberg studio, before landing the role of high school-era Cal Jacobs in the teen drama. This year he’ll play Greg, in another cult small screen series, the Pretty Little Liars spin-off on HBO Max, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. Kacavas is of Greek heritage, and also has genes so nice they made him twice, with an identical twin called Niko, one of two siblings.

We caught up with him on Zoom to say YAH-soo! and talk about cup-a-soups, impressing Zendaya and Harry Styles’ wardrobe.  

T-Shirt The Society Archive, pants Prada & sneakers Adidas x Wales Bonner

[On Euphoria]: “I owe my career so far to that role, as it pulled me out of nothing and put me in front of an audience of millions, and the fans of the show are incredible.”

What were you doing before Euphoria launched you and the rest of its galaxy of stars into fame orbit?

 I bounced around with a lot of ideas and didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I had a passion for business but then I decided to shadow an orthopaedic surgeon for a while, because I was good at anatomy and physiology, and I ended up getting into a University in the US for pre-med. Then I got cold feet, so my Dad suggested I took a year out and I used all the money I made from a commercial I did, and slept on a couch in Brooklyn and did the hustle for a while drinking cup-a-soups to save the budget, and then ended up getting into NYU to study acting!

 

Did that hustle set you up for where you are now?

 100 percent. I started out doing accents and impressions for my parents and loved performing for people, so it was always my passion, and thankfully I was lucky enough to realise that and pursue it eventually.

 

What were your first auditions or roles you got?

 They were mostly like Tic Tac or Tylenol commercials, but my third audition ever was an AT&T commercial with Mark Wahlberg which was intense, as I had lines and they put me through loads of improv and I had a sister in the ad too, so I thought I was going to be the star when I got the part! It wasn’t until I got on set that I realised I was just standing next to Mark, and that was pretty much it, but hey, it was great to meet him.

Left Shirt and pants Kenzo & tank top Calvin Klein

Right T-Shirt The Society Archive & jeans Levi’s

 Who are the actors you’ve admired and watched and thought, I could do that?

 I think Jim Carey is great, and also Jamie Foxx because he’s really versatile as an actor and musician, and Christian Bale, Sean Penn and Alec Baldwin, they’ve all inspired me.

 

When you took on the role of Cal Jacobs, did you expect the character, and by proxy, you, to develop such a big following?

 No, that was insane, I look back and I’m just so thankful I got the part, because it’s got to be one of the most hard-hitting guest spots ever. I owe my career so far to that role, as it pulled me out of nothing and put me in front of an audience of millions, and the fans of the show are incredible.

 

How did you prepare for the role?

 I had Eric Dane’s scenes to watch and I made notes on how the younger Cal might be, and when I got the part, I also called a friend who was a wrestler at my high school, and we went into an abandoned building that his Dad owned, threw a mattress down and for a few hours he basically showed me all the wrestling moves. So through those things I got to piece together a kind of childhood for Cal, and then we I got on set for the more emotional stuff, I chose moments in my own life that I thought would parallel the heartbreak in Cal’s, so they really hit deep with me.

Left Sweater Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello & jeans Levi’s

Right Overalls Kenzo & T-Shirt The Society Archive

“I love getting dressed up and styled, as it’s a new form of self-expression that I’m really getting into.”

 What did you take away from the show and do you have a favourite memory from being on set?

 I realise I like attention, that’s for sure!. There was a specific moment in my green room waiting to go on set, and the intimacy coordinator came in and she had been watching all my accents and impressions online, and was really impressed. So she showed Sam Levinson the Director, and he was impressed too, and then an hour later, Sam comes on set and asked me to show Zendaya my impressions, so I gave her my phone and my hand was literally shaking, and she gave me so many compliments, it was amazing!

 

Now you’re in the spin-off of another cult series, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. Were you a fan of the original?

 I can’t say I was, because as a guy growing up it wasn’t a show I really watched or would admit to, [laughs], but once I was cast, I watched a few episodes and realised why it has such a cult following, and I think the show I’m now in is going to be a little edgier and appeal to a male audience more. My character Greg is like the ultimate athletic douchebag, and guys can look at him and laugh and relate to him, because we all knew someone like that at college!

One of the things I learned at NYU in method acting about building a character, is to find a role model, and so I read the script and I knew exactly who Greg was.

 

Fashion played such a huge part of the original show, are you into style? Like maybe Harry Styles’ look?

 I’m not sure I’m cool enough to pull off that Harry look! But I have got into fashion more in the last few years, because I’ve been wearing hand-me-downs from my older twin brother for so long. I love getting dressed up and styled, it’s a new form of self-expression that I’m really getting into.

 

You mentioned your twin, and your family are of Greek heritage, are you very connected to your roots?

 It’s the thing I identify most with, I’m extremely passionate and proud to be Greek. When I was growing up, the two things I watched the most with my Yia-Yia (Grandmother), were Disney’s Hercules and My Big Fat Greek Wedding! 

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Aside from acting, you’re also in a band, is music another passion then?

 Well, acting helps pay the bills, and music is just my way of exploring other areas of artistry and enjoying the sound, I love both, they’re pretty equal right now passion-wise.

 So what’s next for you?

 I have an indie project lined up and a really big project I’m so excited about, which I’ll be filming for this Summer, but I can’t mention it right now!

 

Things are moving so fast for you. When you’re able to look back at your body of work, years from now, what will you have wanted to achieve?

 I would love to do a biopic of a musician one day, and if I could make it happen, the pinnacle would be doing a Scorsese film, that would be a dream come true.

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Rafael Martinez

Fashion by Marti Arcucci 

Casting by ImagineMachine cs

Groomer Kristan Serafino 

Stylist’s assistant Flor Traversaro

WHAT SUKI DID NEXT

The London born model-actor-singer Suki Waterhouse has released her debut album, 'I Can't Let Go’, a project that’s been some time in the making, which is only a testament to its brilliant beauty. It’s a body of work indebted to all the emotional layers buried inside her, brewing into a soulfully delivered lo-fi alt-pop journey of melodically painfuland playful storytelling, with a stylish self-indulgence that we can all relate to, as a generation living inside our heads. Here we catch up with her on Zoom for a chat while she’s boiling eggs for breakfast, even though it’s 5pm in London, she’s still on LA time. “I’m like morning, it’s 5pm [she laughs], I just haven’t been able to get myself time-adjusted yet.”

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So let’s talk music Suki, you’re full steam ahead with that now, tell me everything?

 Music has always been a constant to me, but it was something I developed more in private, and I’ve been releasing the odd record myself since 2016 which has been really fulfilling, but what changed in the last year or two was getting to the point where I really wanted to release a full record. I’ve also learnt more about what’s involved in that process, and the more courage I had the more I decided the time was right to do this. I surprised myself that it ended up happening, but internally I’ve been yearning to do this for ages.

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Were you nervous to share your personal songwriting with the world?

 When you’re writing songs you’re still very much inside of the experience, but you’re searching for a new perception of that experience — like being really frustrated with yourself for still feeling really strongly about a person, and you’ve tired out all your friends talking about it, but you’re frustrated with that feeling still knocking around — so you put it into a song. I was nervous, but excited, because when the record came out it’s almost like you understand yourself more, and can get further away from being totally wrapped up inside of where you were, and then that perception of it widens when you share it with everyone. I feel like being able to release this record has tied up a whole era for me.

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 Did you find it difficult at times to reflect back on certain experiences, or was it quite cathartic re-living and expressing them in this way?

 For a long time, I’ve had my own blues and depressions and feelings of shame, and I was inside of quite intense periods in my life for the last 10 years. So those times are definitely reflected in the record, but by putting everything together in this way, made me have more feelings of empathy towards myself, which is a good thing!

Full look Givenchy

 The record has that ‘listening in your bedroom alone’ kind of vibe. What relatable and atmosphere-weaving music has inspired you and your own sound over the years?

 I love that bedroom sound, like someone is talking to you, it’s more conversational and I love singers like Ani DiFranco and Lucinda Williams, they’re both amazing storytellers in that kind of way. I also love ‘Crush Songs’ by Karen O because they’re like whispers of songs she wrote in her bedroom about missing someone really immensely and having a giant crush, and I can listen to songs like that every day. With this record I had time to write the music, there was never any pressure on me other than in myself, so I got to sit with the songs for a long time and a lot of the lyrics were something I remembered I had heard someone say at a party, or something I recall that seismically shifted the way I felt about something, or a feeling that’s come around — it was all about the ruminating on desires and relationships and that all unfolding into my own storytelling.

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“Music has always been a constant to me.”

 Are there any songs on the album you’re particularly proud of?

 I love the song ‘Blessed’, it’s more like an interlude than a real song, and I do have a more written version of it, but it’s musically stunning and I wanted it to be something you could listen to in the darkness of your bedroom, and kind of go into your own personal orbit.

Tank top, leather jacket Zadig&Voltaire & pants Celine by Hedi Slimane

 What about the track ‘Moves’, I’m really intrigued by why someone would say you looked like Glam rocker Suzi Quatro. Were you dressed in a leather jump suit with a big bass guitar at the time?

 No!! That was actually something I wrote down years ago that Jack White said to me after a White Stripes concert, and I was quite young at the time, walking backstage when he said it. So I went home and googled her and then became quite fascinated with her and the music, and really went down a Suzi Quatro hole just from what he said to me! 

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

 Speaking of music legends, you worked with producer Brad Cook on the album, what was that experience like?

 He’s played in Sharon Van Etten’s band and she’s one of my favourite people, and also works with Hiss Golden Messenger and when I heard their track 'Cat’s Eye Blue’, I couldn’t stop listening to it, so even though we had never met pre-working on my album, I felt kind of connected to him. Then after we spoke on the phone, it was like a crazy blind date getting on a flight to meet him in North Carolina where we recorded it, and at first we rented this church but then got kicked out and ended up in a bridesmaids room in a wedding hall, and it was the most magical time!

I had no plans with how this record on how it would be released and if any label would be behind it, I just thought initially it would be self-release like my other stuff. So everything really just came from this desire to complete a fullrecord, and do that with Brad.

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

 Are you excited to perform the songs live? Does another side of you come alive on stage?

 I started doing shows a few months before the record came out and that was really like being thrown into the deep end, and my boyfriend took me to the Bottlerock Festival [in the US], and he was like ‘what on earth are you thinking, this is terrifying?!'

I do feel really at home on stage though, it’s a chance to be myself with all the things I’ve written about and thought about, they all rise to the top and come out and then morph into something different with an audience, it’s an energy that comes through. I’m totally addicted to performing live now! 

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Full look Zadig&Voltaire

 You’re touring with Father John Misty on his North American tour this year, what about Glastonbury next year? 

 I would love to do Glastonbury! I’m so exited to be supporting Father John Misty this year though, being able to play consecutive nights and the different energy from the audience on each night, and the adrenalin of the performance, then getting on the bus, waking up somewhere new and doing it all again — I’ve never experienced anything like this before and I’m really excited about going around the States too.

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

“I’m totally addicted to performing live now!”

Are you hoping for longevity in terms of making music that people want to find glimmers of themselves within — will there be another album?

 I wrote this record out of necessity, a desperation in myself to write the songs and I have to find that again. I can feel it creeping around inside of me, but after something’s been released, I need to have the space to see who and where I am now, and what’s around me, to find out if I can write more songs about something else, and be able to do that all the time. I think for me it has to be quite particular, I have to feel that “something”, whatever it is, that has to be said.

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Shane McCauley

Fashion by Carolina Orrico

Casting by ImagineMachine cs

Hair by Candice Birns

Make-Up by Cedric Jolivet

HELLO TALIA RYDER, GOODBYE ANONYMITY

Talia Ryder has already appeared on Broadway, starred in an Olivia Rodrigo music video, and performed in acclaimed movies including Eliza Hittman’s 2020 indie, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, and Steven Spielberg’s epic cinematic adaptation of West Side Story. Now she’s landed the lead opposite Jordan Fisher in Netflix’s teen rom-com Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between.

Tank top Chloe, leather short Miu Miu & Talia’s own boots

Did you meet Jordan Fisher first in your screen test for Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between, to see if there was chemistry there?

 No, we met for the first time after I had been offered the role. I auditioned and was cast during the pandemic so screen tests were impossible. Luckily, we had a lot in common both coming from a Broadway background and became friends quickly. 

 

It’s a story that really covers various aspects of relationships, from vulnerability to loyalty, and possibly regret. What did you love most about the script, what made you want to take the role?

 While I was reading the script it just seemed like a movie I would really want to watch. Falling in love at an age where your life is just starting is a universal experience that I haven’t seen depicted in a film like this before. It’s unique because it explores attachment styles and communication in a healthy and beautiful way. While Claire and Aiden have their flaws and hurt each other plenty, you get to watch the development of a really beautiful and loving relationship at a time in their lives where so much is undecided and changing.  

Dress Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello & pearl necklace Loren Stewart

“Falling in love at an age where your life is just starting is a universal experience that I haven’t seen depicted in a film like this before.””


Were you able to relate and empathise with any parts of your character?

 I immediately saw myself in Claire. She and I are both extremely driven, and I think for that reason are hesitant when it comes to love out of fear of losing ourselves in a relationship.

 

How do you think the computer age, being online and social media have changed romance?

 I think that social media and the times we’re living in have changed romance. Not only is it a whole new way to meet people but it’s also a whole other side of a relationship you have to manage. We communicate so much through texting and social media and there’s more opportunity for things to be misinterpreted.


Do you have a movie crush?

 I just saw Elvis, so I have an acting crush on Austin Butler, he was such a compelling performer, and his dancing blew me away. But my forever movie crush is Angelina Jolie in Girl, Interrupted, which was one of my favourite performances of all time. 

Full look Louis Vuitton

When you get the chance to meet an actor or performer you really admire, what do you say? Have you ever been starstruck?

 I'm not really shy about that stuff. I’ll always tell people when I'm a fan of their work. I always get starstruck by my friends though. It’s so crazy seeing people you know perform. It's like no waayyy! that's actually you?!


When did you know you wanted to be an actor, as you started off as a dancer in Matilda on Broadway, is that right?

 Before doing Matilda, I had dreams of being a professional dancer and auditioned for the show just for the experience, never expecting to be cast. Being on Broadway and getting to move to New York completely changed my outlook on life, and I realised I had the opportunity to really make a career out of this. I had to learn how to act and sing for my role in the show and realised how intertwined dancing and acting are to authentically tell a story. I got an agent through being in the show and just decided to go for it with acting.

 

You went on to play in Never Rarely Sometimes Always, and then joined Steven Spielberg’s epic cinematic version of West Side Story. Did it all feel a bit unreal going from quite an intimate set to this massive production and cast?

 I knew going into them both that the processes would look very different. It was cool getting to see two very different films being made and see the same level of passion and creativity in two different environments. 

Full look Gucci

 

“I just saw Elvis, so I have an acting crush on Austin Butler, he was such a compelling performer, and his dancing blew me away.”


I imagine the dancing was full on too, having to learn all that choreography? Did you come away with all the songs going round in your head for hours, days, like even when you were sleeping?

 It was pretty full on but getting to work with Justin Peck was incredible. I had steps stuck in my head more than the music, I think. I’d always be marking the choreography around the house or waiting for the train. 


Which of Spielberg’s movies is your favourite or would you have loved to star in?

 I grew up watching so many of his movies. While ET is my favourite, I think Ready Player One would’ve been so much fun to shoot. 


Who are your acting or director heroes? Who else would you love to work with?

 I would just really love to work with Steven [Spielberg] again. He’s the definition of a true legend to me. He approaches everything he does with detail and care as well as making everyone on his set feel valued and respected. Working on West Side Story changed the way I look at filmmaking and collaboration and I would just love the chance to witness him make magic like that again. 

 

Are you attracted to playing a certain type of character or a genre, what do you look for in a role?

 I wouldn’t say I’m attracted to any specific character or genre. It really comes down to believing in the script as well as the director's vision for the story. It’s important to me to feel inspired and challenged by the characters I’m playing, but it really comes down to the story that’s being told. 

 

What’s next for you? Can you tell me about your projects Do Revenge and Joika?

 Do Revenge will be out in September! It looks really amazing. Jennifer Robinson who wrote and directed the film is truly a genius. The film pays homage to the ‘90s teen movie’ while being super funny and relevant to today’s culture. Joika is a very intense film that shines a light on both the toxicity and beauty of the ballet world. It’s the most demanding role I’ve ever played, but it was so amazing getting to combine my love of dance and acting for the part. 

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Lorenz Schmidl

Fashion by Elissa Santisi

Casting by ImageMachine cs

Make-Up by Misha Shahzada for Chanel Beauty

Hair by Tsuki for Bumble and bumble

Stylist Assistant Morgan Lipsiner

Producer Veronica Sharon at Maanifest Agency

Production Assistant Samantha Betti

COMING OF AGE

Natalia Dyer is drawn to characters who are still figuring it out. This Spring, she returns to her biggest role to date as precocious big sister Nancy Wheeler in Season 4 of Netflix’s hit supernatural thriller Stranger Things. The 27-year-old promises that the next season will be bigger than ever. But whether she’s playing Nancy, fiercely taking on the Demogorgon, or Alice in Yes, God, Yes, discovering female pleasure for the first time, Dyer’s teenage characters are in a state of flux. She likes playing girls and young women who are allowed to grow and be messy and have flaws. Meanwhile, fame is the biggest adjustment Dyer herself has had to make as she navigates her 20s. Negotiating boundaries has been a learning process, but one that she seems to be taking in her stride.

 We caught up with her to talk about Stranger Things, female stories and coming of age.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Season 4 of Stranger Things came out in May. It's been a while since you started filming before the pandemic. What are you most excited for people to see when it comes out?

 I am really excited about the new cast members we have this season. I think they do such an excellent job. I feel like I say this every season, but I think this one is our biggest, darkest, scariest season so far. The scale of it is bigger. It feels more all-encompassing. This season, there are lots of different storylines going on. It really stretches what we're familiar with. I hope people like it.

You must have grown quite close to your character, Nancy, over the years. I read that you relish the moments in the script where you get to see inside her character's mind. Do we learn anything new about Nancy in season 4? Are there any moments where we see a new side to her or a new depth of character?

 I think so. She's definitely still Nancy. She's still curious. There are some soft moments as well. It is a crazy season with lots of things going on, but I always get to know her a little bit better. I hope that comes across as well despite all the madness that a show like ours can do.

Full look Miu Miu

Over the course of all the seasons is there a particular scene or episode that has been most memorable to shoot?

 I think back to season 1 a lot because it was so new. It was very memorable. I always talk about the scene in the woods with Nancy going through the trees. For me, filming that scene was so wild at the time. Shooting the crazy, chaotic upside down. I think back to season 1 a lot. Every season has its moments, but I think that one's the most indelible because it was so exciting and new. I hadn't been in this world before.

 

We see Nancy transform throughout the seasons. In your view, what are the inner conflicts in her mind?

 I think she's quite determined to find things out to the point where she can be blindsided. She has flaws. She can really focus on something and neglect other things. She's a little righteous maybe at times, but that's what I love about her. I like characters who have flaws.

 Do you relate to Nancy in any ways?

 I do. She's curious and pretty studious. I wanted to be a journalist when I first went to college. That felt really natural to me, finding the story. She's very brave whereas I'm a big over-thinker. I think Nancy is more headstrong.

 

How did you initially prepare for the role? What research did you do?

 I talked to my mum a bit about what the 80s were like. I watched a lot of 80s movies. I'd never seen A Nightmare on Elm Street before and there's a Nancy in that too. A different character, but sometimes she could be used as inspiration. That was fun. I'm not really a horror movie person, but I like 80s horror. Then I also bought this really awful popular perfume from the 80s. I was like, oh perfect, but it was terrible. I couldn't do it. 

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Are you decisive about your roles? Do you instinctively know whether it's a character you want to play

Sometimes, yes. Sometimes I get it in my head, and I feel it in my bones, but sometimes I can't quite figure the character out and I think there's something interesting about that as well. I love a good story and being a part of that is a gift. It's a very collaborative world. When it's good, it's amazing to be a part of that and to help tell the story.

 

In Yes, God, Yes you play Alice, a teenage girl growing up in a strict religious environment, coming to terms with her desires. It's a really refreshing representation of female sexuality. Do you feel like you ever saw that represented growing up? Would representation like that have made growing up easier?

 I don't remember seeing much representation of female pleasure. I think when I was growing up it was always about female characters who get the guy, or the guy gets the girl. That's why when I read the script for Yes, God, Yes, I was like, I absolutely want to be a part of this. I think it's so important. Film and TV can be a reflection of society, but it also shapes society. We get a lot of comfort, acknowledgement and validation when we see people doing relatable things on screen. I do think there are more films like that now, but I certainly didn't have that when I was growing up. I was definitely passionate about it.  

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I rewatched Yes, God, Yes the other day with my housemates and we ended up having a really refreshing and open conversation about masturbation and the shame we felt as teenagers. Did you hope that the film would help facilitate these kinds of conversations?

 Yeah, I think so. I wasn't trying to change anybody's mind, necessarily. I wanted to open up questions and make people feel more comfortable. There's nothing glamorous about Alice. It's very real and messy. I wanted to keep the conversation going.

 

You recently starred in Chestnut which has just finished production and tells the story of a queer love triangle. Do you feel like that also has a refreshing take on sexuality?

 I think so. I think that film is about loving who you love. Any kind of relationship with anybody is going to involve feelings that are complicated. It's a really lovely, human relationship story. I really enjoyed working with a female writer/director again too. I don't know if that will open up conversations as well. I always hope that people think about things differently or from a different perspective after watching it. I would like to be a part of that.

 

I read that you ask yourself what matters when you're reading a script. What issues and causes are you most passionate about and why?

 I like telling female stories. There are a lot of stories from the male perspective and through male gaze. There's nothing wrong with that, but in my experience, it's different to hear women talk and tell stories and get the attention and respect. It's interesting to explore what the female narrative looks like and how it is different. I think it sometimes has a different structure. There's more than one way to tell a story. I like making sure that women see themselves on screen and that they feel real and grounded and flawed and messy in their own way. That's something I feel passionate about.

Full look Givenchy

 Your biggest roles to date have been teenage girls. Is coming of age a subject you feel drawn to you?

 I do, yeah. There are so many versions of that story. Just that transformation, coming into yourself in a new way. A lot of teenage stuff is emotional and it's a visceral time in your life. You're still trying to figure things out and you're trying out different paths. It's such a good time for self-exploration and drama and that transition into a new version of yourself.

 

What were you like as a teenager?

 I was good. I didn't go to parties that often. I went to theatre a lot. I did community theatre. I wasn't a nerd exactly, but I was pretty focused on school and theatre. I was quite shy and studious. It's funny to think back to that person who's still you, but different in little ways.

 

Do you feel like your roles make you reflect on that time?

 For sure, yeah. It's only natural to process your own feelings and dive into your memory bank.

 

You have a lot of young fans. A lot of teenagers can have an obsessive relationship with the celebrities they look up to. Who were you obsessed with as a teenager?

 I don't think I had ever really had this crazy celebrity idol. I didn't really have social media or a lot of access to that for years. I listened to a lot of music, for sure, but I was never really a person who asked for autographs or photos, but I think we're living in a very different world today. Nowadays, the industry is geared towards that. 

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You've spoken about having boundaries with fans and your personal privacy. Do you think that because you're in a relationship with your on-screen boyfriend, Charlie Heaton, that some fans feel like they're entitled to details of that relationship more so than if you were dating someone not in the show?

 I can understand that curiosity. It's intense curiosity. Some people are ok with that. It's a learning process as well about what kind of boundaries I need. I completely understand where that curiosity comes from and why, but I think that's what's made it necessary to put boundaries in place about my private life and ask myself what I need. 

 Lastly, what do you have planned for the rest of the year?

 I just got an apartment so I'm very excited about the nesting process. I want to drag it out and take it slow. I keep dreaming about travelling. I keep manifesting that. Something I missed so much during the pandemic was being challenged and seeing different things and making vibrant memories. In this industry, you have to stay open and see what happens.

…

Interview by Sophie Lou Wilson

Photography by César Buitrago

Fashion by Carolina Orrico

Casting by ImagineMachine cs

Make-Up by Jezz Hill at The Wall Group

Hair by Erol Karadag

Photographer’s assistant Adam Kenner

Stylist’s assistant Maria Montane


MEET YOUR NEW CRUSH

It’s finally Nico Greetham’s moment. The half-Colombian, half-Scottish actor, who’s also a highly accomplished dancer, was a finalist on Fox's ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, and made his Broadway debut in Disney's ‘Newsies’, before he was cast in Netflix's Ryan Murphy-directed film ‘The Prom’ opposite acting heavyweights like Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman.

You might also recognise him as Calvin the Yellow Power Ranger, and as the magnetic Oscar, in the coming-of-age film ‘Dramarama’. This year he’s landed new small screen roles on ‘Love, Victor’ on Hulu and Disney+ and ‘American Horror Stories’.

While he’s on the cusp of mega stardom, we caught up with him for a quick chat about sweaty costumes, working with Meryl and why Dexy’s Midnight Runners are his guilty pleasure.

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Who or what inspired you to dance, was it always a dream of yours?

 The dream was always acting but dance and gymnastics kind of naturally found their way into my life. I was a gymnast first and injured myself then decided to follow my older sister’s footsteps in dance. I watched the tv show 'So You Think You Can Dance’ and saw that it was possible to be on tv AND dance at the same time. That quickly became my reason for dancing.

 

What was it like going from reality TV to making your Broadway debut in Disney's Newsies and the power of musical theatre?

 Broadway was the most incredible ’surprise’ of my life. I never expected to end up in New York… let alone singing, dancing, and acting! It turned out to be one of my most cherished experiences in my life. Every time I watch a musical theatre show I am in awe of the fact that the performers are the best of the best in dancing, singing, and acting.. and then have to repeat the show eight times a week!! I think they are the hardest working people in the world. My hat tips to the theatre!

 What then pivoted you into acting? What were your first auditions?

 Funny enough, my first acting audition in LA was Power Rangers. But not the season I booked, it was Dino Charge. And the irresponsible not yet fully formed actor, and professional dancer in me, slept in and was too late for my callback. I got a call from my manager, JC Gutierrez, asking how my audition went.. and I was still in bed. Everything is meant to be huh?! 

Top N°21, underwear Dsquared2 and vintage pants

Well Ryan Murphy’s ‘The Prom’ was a breakout moment for you. You played Nick Boomer, who was basically a good looking high school bully! Was it fun playing a bad boy, did you draw on any personal asshole experiences for the role?

 I find it really interesting to discover the world and mindset of someone who views the world in a completely different eye than I do. To validate the thought-process of someone who is so cruel brings the little-artist-actor-boy in me so much joy. Though for Nick, it was all upbringing and surroundings, which I could relate to coming from a rural area in Virginia. I’ve experienced people not understand the openness and progressiveness of other parts of the world, and it challenged me as a person, but informed my artist.

Left Demin pants Calvin Klein

 It had such an all-star cast, including Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman. What was it like working alongside that calibre of actor, I bet there were lots of pinch-me moments for you on set?

 Oh gosh are you kidding!  To walk onto set and see my chair next to MERYL'S??? Every day was a ‘pinch me’ moment. Nicole Kidman and Kerry Washington sang me “Happy Birthday” on set… and not only that but I got to watch them all act. It was a full master class on being alive in the scene even when you aren’t the focus of the scene. I’ll remember those days forever.

 

Everything Ryan Murphy touches turns to gold right?

 Ryan Murphy is the man, I owe so much to him. I’ve been fortunate to work with Ryan on multiple projects of his. 'Prom' being my first, then getting a call from him with an offer to be in 'American Horror Story', followed by another call to star in the spin-off 'American Horror Stories’. A dream come true for me, as AHS was a show I’ve watched religiously since the SYTYCD Tour! I am grateful to be any part of Ryan’s universe.

Left Vintage overalls, underwear Calvin Klein & cap Carharrt

Right Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 You were also the Yellow Power Ranger in Power Rangers Ninja Steel. Did you keep any wardrobe from the show, like your costume?

 I was indeed the Yellow Ranger and what a trip it was!! Unfortunately, I didn’t keep my suit or helmet (as they were like $15k helmets!) because they may need them for future projects or references. But what I did keep was the memories of the sweat in the suits…

 

Is your personal wardrobe ever influenced by the characters that you play, like for instance, a Power Ranger?

 Haha! I would absolutely wear my Power Ranger outfit to the gym to get an extra sweat. Though I do believe there are times where my wardrobe on set reflects my every day wear. I shot a wonderful indie called ‘Dramarama’ that was set in the ‘90s and I realised every outfit I wore to set could have easily been in the movie. The Fila’s and Converse and loud corduroy shirts were very reflective of my character.

 

“Ryan Murphy is the man, I owe so much to him.”

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 Speaking of style, are you into fashion? Would you steal Harry Styles’ dress sense?

 I think Harry Styles can do no wrong. He’s just one of those people that everybody is on board with. Me included. And you, don’t act like you’re not. But I would love to be more into fashion. The last few years I’ve been looking at campaigns from brands like YSL, Dior, Gucci and want to take part in them. I may or may not have splurged on some items.. but that doesn’t make me fashionable! I’m the most basic outfit wear-er ever, he said with pride!

 

What acting genre would you like to try next? Would you rather do a romantic scene, death scene or a killing scene?

 All those options tickle my fancy. I think less about the genre and desire well-rounded projects with character driven stories and plots that are both interesting and impactful. I love to feel romantic with well written chemistry to back it up, I am also so down for a death scene that earns the audiences’ care for the character’s loss, and ABSOLUTELY let me kill someone with validity that the character has genuine purpose for doing so! That’s what is so exciting about acting! 

Vintage overalls, underwear Calvin Klein & cap Carharrt

Do you have any dream directors? Or actors that are your heroes?

 Directors like Chris Nolan, Luca Guadagnino, Damien Chazelle, Jordan Peele, and actors include Brad Pitt, Jake Gyllenhaal, Andrew Garfield. Let me work with them all dear lord.

 

What’s next for you project-wise, what can fans look forward to?

 There are a few things in the fire at this point, hopefully some news I can share soon. Movies are in my eye site! But for now, I am happy to say a wonderful series I got to be a part of, ‘Love, Victor’ just came out on Hulu and Disney+. I am so honoured to be involved with such an impactful show! I also have ‘American Horror Stories’ coming out later this summer which will be very fun. A new character type I haven’t played in the franchise before, which is exciting!

Left Shirt Dsquared2

Right Jumper N°21

 Okay, final question. If you could only dance to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

 Okay.. The song ‘Come On Eileen' by Dexy’s Midnight Runners is my favourite song of all time. It simply makes me a happy dancing jelly bean every time I hear it. I can’t promise good, technical dancing but I can insure a good time!!

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Doug Inglish

Fashion by Gorge Villalpando

Casting by ImagineMachine cs

Grooming by Anna Bernabe at The Wall Group

Digital Mayfield Hegedus

Photographer’s assistant Ryan Moraga

Fashion Market by Anissa Silvas

Production assistant Denise Solis

STORIES TOLD OUR WAY

Johnny Sibilly, star of Peacock’s ‘Queer as Folk’, vividly recalls seeing the wonderfully explicit show that the series is based on for the first time as a teen - ‘When it initially came out, I was pretty young, so I definitely had this feeling of fascination about it,’ says the American actor. ‘I remember thinking, “I can’t believe this exists, I feel like I’m gonna get in trouble just for knowing it exists.”’

For Sibilly, also known for his roles on the revered series ‘Pose’ and comedic masterpiece ‘Hacks’, the new iteration of ‘Queer as Folk’ has that same quality of fearless storytelling that made its predecessor a classic of LGBTQ+ representation. ‘I think our version is doing exactly what the original did by showing unabashed queer stories without teaching the ABCs to our cis-heterosexual counterparts while they’re watching it,’ explains Sibilly. ‘It’s kind of like, “If you don’t know what this means, you have to Google it.” And I’m really excited about that because I think we deserve to have our stories told in this way.’

Prior to the show’s big premiere, we spoke to Johnny (who, by the way, is hilarious!) about the similarities between him and his character Noah, nights out in New Orleans, and how ‘The Real World’ helped him embrace his queerness growing up.

The new ‘Queer as Folk’ is based on a classic show from the late 90s. Were you a fan of the original series?

 I feel like there was no choice for me but to be a fan because that was the first entry point into what queer life could be like, so I gravitated towards it. When it initially came out, I was pretty young, so I definitely had this feeling of fascination about it and I remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe this exists, I feel like I’m gonna get in trouble just for knowing it exists.’ But I was definitely a fan of ‘QAF’ from the moment I saw two men kissing on screen.

What was the most shocking scene you remember seeing as a teen?

 I remember that while watching the American version on Showtime, I saw Brian going down on Justin – he was eating him out from the back. I was like, ‘Waaaait a second!’ [laughs] I was very young so I didn’t even think about how gay men had sex, I just knew that I thought boys were attractive – seeing that was a little too much for me at that age, so I remember being floored at what I was watching. I actually didn’t think it was a TV show, I thought it was pornography when I first saw it. [laughs]

 Aside from ‘QAF’, were there any other shows or films that you remember watching growing up that helped you with embracing your queerness?

 I always think back to ‘The Real World’. People like Pedro Zamora and Danny Roberts were my first understanding of what gay people looked like in real life – watching their lives on TV made me think that I could also possibly find someone to call my own one day. At the time, we were being vilified in the media for being ourselves, so turning on the TV and seeing what good people they were was a real turning point for me as a kid.

How would you say the new ‘Queer as Folk’ differs from the original series?

It’s different because it’s not on an island by itself. The original ‘QAF’ was leading the charge, whereas now we have a lot more representation - not as much as we should - but we have a lot of good representation [in the media] when it comes to queer characters and storylines. That said, we didn’t have an explicitly queer show like ‘QAF’. I think the new version is doing exactly what the original did by showing unabashed queer stories without teaching the ABCs to our cis-heterosexual counterparts while they’re watching it - it’s kind of like, ‘If you don’t know what this means, you have to Google it.’ And I’m really excited about that because I think we deserve to have our stories told in this way. Another thing is that the cast is more diverse this time and we’re telling nuanced stories of non-binary, Black and Latinx characters. The new ‘QAF’ feels very current, but it’s still falling in line with what the old one meant to so many people [back in the day].

 What do you like the most about your character, Noah? And what are some things that you think he definitely needs to work on?

 One of my favourite traits of Noah is that he’s a pretty selfless person – I feel that he puts others’ needs before his own a lot of the time. I also like that he’s a lover of love and gravitates toward the romantic. That said, the things I love about Noah are also the things that drive me crazy about him! For example, his selflessness – when you put other people’s feelings before yours, you negate whatever’s going on in your own personal life. He also does things to feel good in the moment that he doesn’t realize he might regret later on, which feels like a very relatable response to a lot of things that go on in our lives. We reach out to the feel-good feeling because we don’t want to have to deal with the bad feeling. So yeah, Noah’s escapism is definitely something I would like to change about him.

When the original ‘QAF’ first came out, I definitely had this feeling of fascination and I remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe this exists, I feel like I’m gonna get in trouble just for knowing it exists.’

.

 Which one of Noah’s traits would you say you relate to the most?

 Letting men walk all over me is something that I’ve definitely done before! [laughs] I would say the tendency to romanticize other people in your life: failing to see the red flags and falling in love quickly is something that gets us both in trouble.

 

You shot the series in New Orleans, a city known for its nightlife. What’s the best place to go out there?

 There’s this area called The Fruit Loop where all the gay bars are – they were really great! I feel like the New Orleans people really welcomed us with open arms: we got to meet a lot of the locals, flirt with a lot of the locals… [laughs] We had times during shooting where we didn’t do anything and times when we did a little too much, but that’s part of the journey down there in New Orleans.  

Throughout the course of the series, Noah falls in love with Julian, played by the brilliant Ryan O’Connell. What was it like to work with him?

 Ryan’s like my favourite person ever - whenever I’m around him, I’m always smiling and laughing. We filmed a lot of the scenes together, so we became each other’s security blanket – it was just like being with a lifelong friend, creating and having a good time. It’s funny because our relationship on screen is so different from our relationship in real life: on screen, we’re so lovey-dovey, and when the cameras are not rolling, we’re always making fun of each other. Also, I admire how hard he works. He was finishing his book and working on a few other projects while shooting, being a co-executive producer and writer on ‘QAF’. I’m such a Ryan O’Connell fan! [laughs] 

My last question has nothing to do with the show. What’s one thing that you’re good at that people don’t know about?

 This is going to sound so boring and so Virgo of me, but I am so good at cleaning and it brings me so much joy! It’s like a puzzle or Tetris – making sure that everything’s clean is my go-to ever since I was a kid. My grandma used to be a cleaning lady and I remember going with her to clean the mansions and being like, ‘One day, I’m gonna live here, but for now, we are gonna make sure this is Windexed!’ So I can confidently say that I would clean the shit out of anyone’s house! [laughs]

…

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photographe by JJ Geiger

Fashion by Jensen Edmondson

Grooming by Annette Chaisson


SENSUAL MELANCHOLIA

If dancers are the messengers of the gods, as famed US choreographer Martha Graham once said, then Toon Lobach is simply divine, as the softly uplifting yet stirring melancholia of his performances transcend to a supernatural place. Having trained and studied at the Dutch National Ballet Academy and The Nederlands Dans Theater 2, the 25-year-old Amsterdam native has appeared in Juliano Nunes’ Synergy and COR, Paul Lightfoot’s Selvportraet and Alexander Ekman’s Cacti — while also making dance more Instagram-able. Here he tells us how a stage musical about cats in furry leg warmers first inspired him, and how he really loves letting go when nobody’s watching.

Has your whole life been dance - what first inspired you to it?

 Cats! [the Andrew Lloyd Webber show] I just watched it so much, that really made me fall in love with dance, I wanted to be Magical Mister Mistoffelees! My Mom booked me into a little class, when I was younger, but I didn’t really start to take dance seriously until I was about 15 years-old, because then I saw this company called the NDT [Netherlands Dance Theatre] and I was like, ‘Holy shit, this is what I want to do’. So I started going to dance training.

 After being in a dance company for quite some time, you went solo in 2020, why was that?

 I knew I didn’t want to be in a dance company anymore, it’s just so intense and you don’t have time for anything else, and you do so many shows that it becomes exhausting. I stopped enjoying dance and was getting injured a lot, so I made the decision to leave and not long after that I was offered some freelance jobs, and since then I’ve been really enjoying dance much more. I aspire to keep the quality from my dance company in my freelance life, that’s my biggest goal, but also to grow artistically myself and grow my own voice.

 You’re a contemporary dancer, so does the gender fluidity of the style appeal to you, as with ballet the male and female roles are very rigid and strictly binary?

 You can dare to be more elegant, or feminine or vulnerable in contemporary dance. There’s still quite a lot of male and female partnering, but not as much or as strict as with ballet.

 So what makes a good dance partnership work?

 Communication is key, asking and listening to what the other person needs, and it really depends on the person’s body - if they’re lighter, or leaner or more muscular, all those differences make it fun. Partnering work is one of my most favourite things, as it doesn’t matter who you lift or are lifted by, there’s so much collaboration that needs to happen, and you need to be agile and able to switch really quick and connect to the weight of someone - that makes it interesting.

 Do you have any dance icons?

 Marco Goecke, the German choreographer, has influenced me a lot. I’ve danced to his work and I’m always blown away by it because of the intensity and anxiety, it’s always really dark but still so hopeful, and I think there’s something so beautiful about that. It’s also super fast, with big arm movements and it mentally overloads almost, but I get it, I understand it.

 Is narrative important in dance?

 In contemporary dance most of the time there isn’t always a narrative, just movement is really beautiful, and then maybe the choreographer can have an idea of what it means. I can just listen to beautiful music and watch the movement and that’s enough for me, so I’m more interested in the physicality of a dancer on stage or the communication between dancers. The focus on the physical movement brings the clarity to a piece. I also love the exhaustion of dance, that’s where the beauty lies.

 If you could choose one scene from a film that describes your dance style, what would it be?

 I think the last scene in the film “Summer 1993”, where the little orphan girl [Frida], is playing with her Aunt and Uncle, and she can’t stop crying, and they ask her what’s wrong, and she doesn’t know. It’s like she’s so full of trauma, or the world is just too much for her. There’s so much melancholy and yet warmth in that scene at the same time.

In my style I try to be numb, like quite sober almost, no bullshit, and I listen to a lot of sad Indie music, that gets me going! I do see myself as a happy person, but I love being in the studio and listening to singers like Phoebe Bridgers, and classical or instrumental guitar music too - it all triggers the melancholy in me which helps create an atmosphere.

I do love any type of dance though too, like I’ll do some hip hop in the studio, or ballet - I want to be as versatile as possible, that’s the ultimate goal.

 Besides dance, what else inspires your movement?

 I like going out in nature and going on a bike ride if I need to blow off some steam, and also the shapes you see, and the feeling of the breeze influences me, like you’re a little leaf just blowing in the wind!

 Do you ever go clubbing and steal the spotlight, or do you prefer to shimmy around handbags with your friends?

 Ha! Oh my god, I don’t think I’ve ever danced around a handbag! Usually when I go to a club, I go to the side of the floor where I have some space and can just dance the way I want to, so nobody has to look at me. Sometimes I go out alone without my friends and just dance somewhere in the corner living my best life, and also when I’m in a trashy gay bar too!

 So what’s next for you?

 There’s a top secret project which I’m really excited about, but I can’t tell you anything! I’ll be dancing at the Sadlers Wells in London in October in a new piece by Magnus Westwell, and also in the Roberto Bolle and Friends gala in Italy in June and July. Then I’m performing in Copenhagen again this Summer.

 That’s full on, do you ever worry about burn out?

 Oh yes, I had a full mental breakdown last week! Most of the time you’re in your own bubble, going from place to place, and you have to travel and arrange everything yourself, and it’s not like I’m super famous where I have someone doing everything for me. I have to do a lot of shit, like planning, and working out flights, and making sure the costumes are where they should be. I’m just trying to find a way of not burning out!

 You need an assistant….

 I do!! Can you put a little sidenote, like *looking for an assistant* in your piece?

 Sure, I’ll make it the headline…

 Ha! Purleasssssse yes!

 

Btw, what’s the chicken in your Insta bio about?

 I was on tour with a company in 2017 in Brazil, and as well as Brahma beer there, they have these huge beautiful Brahma chickens, and I was playing that game where you stick a piece of paper on your head and have to guess who you are. So I got called a Brahma chicken, and it’s stayed with me ever since. I made myself a chicken and I haven’t looked back, ha!

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Hadar Pitchon

HONEST LIBERTY

Fin Argus, star of Peacock’s new show ‘Queer as Folk’, says that taking on the role of Mingus has been a way to relive their adolescent years as their true self. ‘It was liberating to play a character who was already self-assured and self-actualized at such a young age,’ explains the American actor and musician.  ‘Mingus is who I wish I was in high school – I wish I had the gumption to be that girl.’ 

The show - based on a classic series with the same name from the late 90s celebrated for its groundbreaking representation of the LGBTQ+ community - kept that same focus on exploring nuanced storytelling on screen and portraying the modern queer experience, centring its narrative around a diverse group of gay, trans and non-binary characters. Furthermore, the new ‘QAF’ is created by an all-queer crew working behind the scenes: ‘There are queer people telling queer stories on every level of the making of the series,’ says Argus. ‘I’m super proud of what we’ve done together and it was a real gift to work with a full team of queer folks because I’ve never done that before!’

To celebrate the show’s big premiere, we collaborated with Fin on an intimate booklet shot by their close friend Nino Munoz (available for pre-order now) and spoke to them about learning to do drag, becoming part of the queer skate scene and their new music album which is coming out later this year.

Your new show ‘Queer as Folk’ is based on a classic series from the late 90s that was one of the first to openly show the everyday realities of the queer community. Why did you think it’s a format that should be discovered by a new generation of viewers and in what ways is this version different from the original?

 I think that the legacy of the original ‘Queer as Folk’ is its groundbreaking representation: in the late 90s/early 00s, the show creators achieved that by having unapologetically and explicitly queer love stories on screen – I think that was probably the first time we’d ever seen queer people depicted in a way that wasn’t tokenistic or just a coming out story: it was a cast full of queer characters and the show took a deep dive into the nuances of their relationships. Our new iteration of the show takes a similar approach, but it’s a modern telling of the queer experience, which includes trans and non-binary stories – it shows a wider array of queerness that’s represented on screen. Also, on every level of the making of the series, there are queer people telling queer stories – our showrunner and production team are all queer. I’m super proud of what we’ve done together and it was a real gift to work with a full team of queer folks because I’ve never done that before!


What are Mingus’ traits that you relate to the most?

 I think that we are quite different but the thing that I really relate to is their punk attitude. I think Mingus represents a version of myself. I can’t imagine what my life would’ve been like if I were openly queer from such a young age and that’s what’s really refreshing about Mingus’ storyline – in my mind, they never had a moment where they were in the closet, they never had a moment where they second-guessed who they were. It was liberating to play a character who was already self-assured and self-actualized at such a young age. Mingus is who I wish I was in high school – I wish I had the gumption to be that girl. [laughs]

 

Which scenes from the show were the most memorable to shoot for you?

 The drag performances, for sure! I’m no stranger to performing – I play music and I get on stage with my band to put on shows – but drag was something that I’ve never dabbled in before. It was a little nerve-racking to hold this space in the drag community, but I’ve become so passionate about it, and since filming the show, I’ve started to do drag in my personal life.


Mingus is doing a lot of skating on the show. Was that something you learned for the role or have you been a skater before ‘QAF’?

 I’d already been a skater prior to filming. I think that’s why they actually wrote it into the show – when I first got the part, Mingus wasn’t a skater [laughs]. That’s the cool thing about this show – Stephen Dunn, the creator, really took inspiration from the people that he cast in the roles. That’s why a lot of these characters feel so lived-in and natural because he used a lot of our real-life experiences and wove them throughout the fabric of the story.

 

When did you first start skating?

 I’ve always been a longboarder – I like cruising and I’ve been doing that since I was a kid. I’ve only gotten into trying to do tricks and transition skating within the last couple of years. I’m quite new to it and wouldn’t say that I’m the most amazing skater, but there’s just something really thrilling about it. The reason I got so into it recently is because I started to go to these queer skate meetups where there is just so much encouragement. Often, skate parks can be a pretty intimidating environment – it’s very machismo and there isn’t a lot of queerness there usually, or at least you wouldn’t see it automatically. But I’ve learned about these queer skate meetups in LA and New Orleans (where we were filming the show) and got to know this really strong queer skate scene – going there gave me the space to feel empowered in a skate park, which was a new feeling. And it made it very fun for me – it was like an exploration and I learned a lot about skating and community through that.

 

You’ve mentioned playing music with your band – are you working on any music right now?

 I took a long break from releasing music because I needed to find my voice. I was writing a lot of metaphorical songs, which felt really good [at the time] and I’ve always been interested in fantasy, but what has progressively become important to me is explicit storytelling. I’ve realized that this metaphorical approach felt almost like a hindrance to my storytelling, so I wanted to figure out my voice and figure out what I wanted to say. And I feel like I’ve really found that over the past few years and written so much music that I’m so proud of. The concept for the body of music that I’m planning to release this year is a queer coming-of-age story. It’s very indie rock and West Coast. I’m excited to put it out!


Our shoot for the booklet has a very intimate feel. Have you always been comfortable in your body?

 No, it’s definitely been a process. I grew up in a pretty conservative environment, so being comfortable with my body and showing skin was not always something that I was used to. I feel that really coming into my queerness and feeling more self-assured in my self-expression and gender identity in the last couple of years has made me feel more confident about my body. Also, ‘Queer as Folk’ has played a big part in this feeling – there’s a lot of nudity and a lot of sex on the show, which is true to the queer experience, and I found it liberating to bare it all. I think it’s empowering for me, both in terms of my gender and as an artist, to not have anything left to hide anymore and it’s been a gift [ to be able] to capture that. I look at the photos and I feel so confident and excited because they feel like me in the most raw and vulnerable state - they feel honest.

…

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Nino Muñoz

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