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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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TEENAGE DREAMS

Mace Coronel has been building out his resume since the age of seven years old, from indie film shorts to bagging himself a role on Nickelodeon’s Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn at nine years old. He later starred as the lead in the 2019 coming-of-age short film Pocket, followed by the Netflix series Colin in Black and White. He’s racking up screen time in one project after another, and next up he’s heading back in time to the 1990s for new Netflix series That '90s Show!

I wanted to ask first about your obvious passion for photography, how did that all start, as you’ve put together a photo series called ALSAMO comprising of shots taken when you were in your early teens. Have you always carried a camera with you to document life around you?

 Around the age of 12, I was gifted my first 35mm film camera from a good friend and legendary cinematographer/photographer John Simmons, ASC. He inspired me to start taking photos of what caught my eye and introduced me to the art of street photography. 

 

What inspires you most to pick up a camera and shoot?

 A gut feeling, the unknown. 

 

Maybe a cinematographer is next on your to-do list?

 If you are asking what filmmakers I want to work with, it would be a Gaspar Noé, Safdie Brothers, Daniels, or a David Lynch project. But if you are asking if BEING a cinematographer is on my to-do list, when I was 16, I made a short film (Gibson), that I shot, wrote, and edited myself. When I was 14, my talented friends Mishka Kornai and Zack Wechter, also cast me as the lead in their coming-of-age movie Pocket, where I was not only the actor but by way of the story, was also the cameraman. 

Jacket Gucci & denim Balenciaga

 You write poetry too, and I love the fact you do it on an old-fashioned typewriter. You come across like an old soul Mace! What drives those passions?

 What drives me to make art and try out different avenues of self-expression is just a gut feeling.

 

Speaking of gut feelings, you started your acting career at just 7 years old. What made you want to chase your dreams at such a young age – were there films you saw as a kid that made you want to do this?

 I loved improvisation and intuitively creating and expressing myself as a kid. I was inspired by life and the different ways to express myself.

 

Is there something you haven’t done yet as an actor that you really want to do? 

 The best is yet to come, I really enjoy film, and trust I will work with more independent experimental filmmakers with raw movie ideas in the future.

 

Your true love is really an Indie film. What kind of stuff do you find yourself looking for? Is it escapist stuff, or movies where you’re feeling feelings

 I am drawn to authentic-surreal storytelling and would love to portray a complex or eccentric character. 

Full look Dior X Erl

“I loved improvisation and intuitively creating and expressing myself as a kid. I was inspired by life and the different ways to express myself.”

 Aside from the short film Gibson you created, are there any other stories you’re really keen to take to the big screen, or other creative outlets you would like to try? 

 My journey as an artist has only just begun, I have dreams that exceed a big screen.

 

What about combining acting with your love of music too? Would you ever make playlists to help you get into character for a role? 

 I really keep an open ear and have an appreciation for all types of music. However, I will always appreciate the genius of pianists and thinkers such as Ahmad Jamal, Thelonious, and Bill Evans.  What helps me get into character for a role is purely just studying or creating the psychology of a character's mind and personal truth, not really music. For me, acting is being.  Although, if the characters' taste in music was a huge determining factor in personality, I would definitely use music to get into the role.

 

Let’s discuss your latest project, That ‘90s show. What can you share about the new Netflix series and your role in it?  

 My character's name is Jay, he’s a film buff, aspiring screenplay writer, and martial artist.  

Nostalgia for '90s classic show revivals are at an all-time high, and this one is set in 1995. Did you have to familiarise yourself with the nostalgic novelties and clothing, music of the era for the show?

 I didn’t have to familiarise myself with that era, I have friends and family who lived in the 90s and I grew up appreciating all types of art and forms of expression from different eras before my time. 

 One thing about the 90s though…. there was no Instagram, shock! With so much emphasis now on actors being on social media – what do you keep to yourself, what don’t we know about you that you don’t mind telling us here, as someone that’s grown up in the public eye?

 I didn’t grow up in the public eye, my profession was viewed publicly, and to be frank, no one knows me and most likely never will, because getting to know oneself is a lifelong journey.  I do not put an emphasis on social media. People only share what they want you to see. As far as anything I feel inspired to say or share with the world will be said. 

…

Discover the full story in our upcoming SS23 WILDSIDE Issue - End March release.

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by Jake Sammis

Grooming by Zaheer Sukhandan

Casting by Imaginemachine cs

Stylist’s assistant Ariel Leon Couer

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Australian-born Felix Mallard returns as Marcus, the troubled neighbour of Ginny in Netflix’s murderous mother-daughter hit Ginny and Georgia. Making room for conversations about mental health and more diversity in the industry, Felix describes the show as the portrayal of honest storylines which delves into race, disability and self-harm, without emphasising tokenism. “The biggest thing we wanted was audiences to feel represented and feel seen, and the fact that that many people watched the show just meant that we achieved what we set out to do,” says Mallard. As overwhelming as the response to Ginny and Georgia was - with his Instagram blowing up during the mandatory isolation - Felix comforted himself from the instant attention by putting his phone down and choosing to be present in his surroundings. “After all, I can go outside and get in the Ocean, you know?”

Full look Miu Miu

How has this year been for you so far?

 I’ve had the best year! I’ve been so lucky and privileged to tell this story and revisit and reconnect with all my mates shooting Ginny and Georgia - that was such an amazing way to start the year. And as soon as we wrapped, I got to go over and film a movie called Turtles All the Way Down.

 

Turtles All the Way Down is an adaptation of a John Green novel - can you tell us anything about that project? How was your experience filming?

 TAWD is this beautiful book that John Green has written that is so eloquent and really describes this journey of mental health and self-discovery in such a raw, respectful and honest way. On film, you have the time and the ability to really make more nuanced choices because you have a lot more time on scenes - you can sit with the stillness, which is such a great exercise, in acting, in storytelling. I feel like drama lives in those moments in between.

Vintage top & necklace, pants Kenzo

 Ginny and Georgia’s first season premiered back in 2021. How did you prepare to get back into the role?

 To get into Marcus as a character, I have a bunch of playlists that suit whatever mood he is in. Season 2 feels like you’re trying to force two magnets together, the truth is gonna come out no matter what and it's how these characters deal with it. For Marcus, to be able to live openly and honestly in this relationship, is such a sign of growth and change, for him to be able to be that vulnerable. But as with Marcus and with a lot of young men, all of those emotions become too much to deal with. He doesn’t know how or isn’t equipped to handle things when they get dark.

 

I was going to say that! There were all the clues pointing to Marcus not being okay, but he didn’t have the necessary tools to talk about it. It’s interesting to see the evolution of the characters - to see the parallels between Ginny and Marcus’ relationship versus Ginny and Georgia’s relationship. It’s very refreshing to watch a show that can go in this deep in just 10 episodes.

 I know! They cram in a lot. And I think the irony with Marcus and Ginny is that the reason they’re together and the reason their love is so strong is because they see themselves in each other. They share all these vulnerabilities and these insecurities. To Marcus, she’s the only thing that makes sense which is just exactly the reason he feels he needs to let her go. He wants to be the one supporting her, the one helping her through these hard times because he knows exactly how hard she’s struggling and for him, the journey of season 2 is that he doesn’t believe that anyone else should be burdened with his problems. He doesn’t think that Ginny deserves that, he thinks she needs someone who loves himself enough to love other people.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 Another important theme was the tumultuous relationship between teens and parents, which is interesting to see from different perspectives. How did you feel portraying these themes which I think give a voice to teens?

 What I love about this show is we want to make audiences feel seen - we want to reflect honest and truthful stories on screen, and that means we want to reflect an honest and truthful experience of what it is to be a parent and how hard that is. And also how hard it is to grow up and where those two things meet is where our show lives.

 

Okay, let’s be honest: Marcus often says the wrong things and slows down the eventual love story. What relationship advice would you give to him?

 Communication is the key to everything else, which is why it’s so hard because it's so difficult to communicate when you’re feeling a certain way, or even articulate, or even recognise. For Marcus, that’s his learning journey - he is learning how to recognise in himself what is going on and how to communicate it in a healthy way instead of what most young men do which is bottle it up, ignore it or push it away. Because it will always come out in different ways, it will come out in ways that damage other people.

Full look Dior Men

  You grew up in Australia - how does it compare to Hollywood?

 America was always in the back of my mind and it was always something that I wanted to work towards. Ironically, I felt like it would be a little bit easier to break out here than in Australia, because there’s less stuff being made [there] and by that virtue, less possibilities to be hired. In Australia, they like to hire the same ten/fifteen people for every project. I wanted to see what America was about and tell a bit more diverse stories. I think the industry is shifting as a whole, but it's just very slow.

 

We’ve seen the amazing lead roles played by Australians such as Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and more recently Margot Robbie and the Hemsworth brothers. How does it feel to see fellow Aussies succeed and follow in their footsteps?

 I’d love to follow in their footsteps. You know, growing up as an Aussie artist, we are so far removed from the rest of the world that you can kind of subscribe to the tall poppy syndrome which is where you feel that if somebody is getting too ambitious, you cut them down. Growing up to have seen these people go overseas, to achieve the insurmountable, seeing Heath Ledger go and destroy every single role he went for in such a beautiful, honest and raw way, it communicated to me at least that it's possible. But more broadly that Australians have the capacity to tell stories with such innate depth and care, and this beautiful intimate quality which hopefully the world falls in love with.

Vintage top, shoes & necklace, pants Kenzo

…

Discover the full story in our upcoming SS23 WILDSIDE Issue - End March release.

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Shane McCauley

Fashion by Jake Sammis

Grooming by Candice Birns

Casting by Imaginemachine cs

ME, MYSELF AND I

 Under many aliases, whether Jung Jin Hyeong, Angelo or Jay_thewhimsical, K-RnB singer Jey retains his mellow voice that leaves fans wrecked. After quitting idol life, to become an independent soloist, the artist blesses his listeners’ ears in both Korean and English tunes, each of his songs showcasing his many personas. Releasing his most emotional project, Algorithm, last fall, Jey tells us about his latest EP, his collaborations and his perspective on South Korean music becoming popular overseas.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

If you had to describe the concept of your EP the Algorithm in three words?

Me myself and I

 What message did you want your listeners to take away from the EP?

I wanted this project to be a true form of self-expression, rather than just communicating to an audience. I wanted to make something that is truly representative of my emotions and the emotional baggage I carry, and release those through this project. I felt a sense of relief above anything else when the EP came out. I don’t think I’ll make an album like this ever again.

Full look Maison Margiela

 What were your influences for this EP?

The starting point of the song writing process for this EP was choosing a subject and thinking about the immediate thoughts or emotions that came to mind, more so than focusing on my own personal story. Honestly, it was a pretty emotionally draining process trying to translate all the different thoughts into lyrics and melodies.

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Jacket & pants Loewe, jumper Moncler

 You have a huge international fan-base, can we expect an international tour soon, this year maybe?

I’m planning on it. Thinking about touring always makes me excited. You can expect to hear more about that in the near future.

 If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing?

I don’t have a lot of other interests besides music, but if I were to pinpoint one, furniture design maybe?

Left Full look Maison Margiela

Right Full look Givenchy

Tell us more about ALFHA, which you and Goopy are involved in?

I don’t think ALFHA is something you can define into a single mould. Both Goopy and I are spontaneous people, so we’re just planning to do what we want at our own pace. I get very excited whenever I think about ALFHA.

Left Jacket, pants & shoes Loewe, jumper Moncler

Right Full look Post Archive Faction (paf)

Shirts & pants Zadig&Voltaire, shoes stylist’s own

 Do you think participating in a survival show helped you navigate the industry better?

Yes, definitely. Through the show, I got a clearer picture of my goals and what kind of person I wanted to become. However, I don't think this experience is always necessary. It was a cruel reality to face.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 How do you feel about Korean music becoming more and more popular in the West?

I think it’s a natural occurrence. It’s also a great opportunity for Korean artists. It surprises me every time when a foreign crowd sings along to my songs in Korean, and I think this moment was when I realised that I don’t need to set my boundaries to Korea only.

 

What is your guilty pleasure artist, to listen to? Korean or Western.

I listen to Lonely by Akon a lot these days. 

Denim jacket and pants Acne Studios

You stated that you like to keep mystery as an artist, but is there anything you can tell us about your upcoming projects?

These days, I realised there are a lot of personas within me, and I’ve been trying to be more expressive of these different sides of my identity. If my persona in the past was that of an emotional youth, for my next project, I plan on returning as a more mature and stoic adult.

…

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Hyun Kukseon

Grooming by Koo Hyunmi

Casting & Production by Mi Kim

Stylist’s assistant Jo Mikyung

Production assistant Kio Seol

REBELLIOUS SPIRIT

Jaden Smith’s powerhouse brand MSFTSrep is impacting in ways beyond measure, reflecting just how youth activism has pushed to the forefront of fashion, political and social discussion. Forge your own path and break boundaries using your mind as a tool through which to think, to inform, to dream, to connect with someone else’s reality, drawing from the past, reimaging the present and building a new future.

The label’s FW22 collection entitled Mystery School, traces its origins back to the sacred teachings of ancient Egypt, hidden from the masses, aiming to illuminate the mind. History, philosophy, maths, and science have informed the artfully curated unisex line which includes tailoring, hoodies, trousers, T-shirts, denim, skirts, bags and more, with all-over graphic prints. 

We spoke with the 24-year-old designer and activist about the streetwear-infused and ethically made label that he co-founded alongside sister Willow, Moises Arias and his brother, Mateo aka Téo, in 2015. Imagine Smith as your teacher, seeking to cultivate inclusion and unity by rebelling against the status quo, and evolving the consciousness of humanity with positive insightful information, making the world a better place to live - one eco-friendly puffer jacket at a time.

Shirt & tie MSFTSrep, pants Acne Studios, shoes Louis Vuitton

Who does the brand represent?

 Well, you know, we just want to put positive information into people’s spheres, because so much of mainstream stuff is just putting junk into people’s heads all the time, undirected information that’s not really moving them or the rest of the world in a positive direction. We should all be moving towards a collective goal of making the world better and it’s hard to find a place in life, and easy to feel alone, and to feel like a misfit, where you don’t fit in anywhere. That’s who the brand is for, those people who have been overstimulated by the nonsense and are looking for some kernel of something to believe in that’s real, true, and moving them in the direction that is better for the world.

 

The label draws on philosophical theories, history and science books, technology, spirituality, and education.  What inspired this positive path and the trajectory that you’re on? You’re wise beyond your years!

 Thank you, that means the world! I really think what inspired it is being a student of the world and realising that there’s so much information out there, so much history that you can look at from the perspective of thousands of different people and hear all their stories. To see different sides of history, and the history of physics, and mathematics and art too. There’s so much to learn in this world that we live in, and I just feel like so much of the mainstream is just trying to pull us in one direction, when there’s a whole world of possibilities out there. There are other things we could be learning about, talking about, representing. People in history have made insane technological impacts, and in art and architecture and philosophy too, you know, things that can’t be forgotten. Science and technology and art and mathematics are the most insane tools of creating and manifesting things in the world, and I think that if we learn to use all those tools correctly, we can transform the world into a much more harmonised, beautiful, interconnected place.

I want to represent that type of world and future in my clothes, and the brand is for those types of people who feel the same and want to represent that in their clothes too. There needs to be a movement that really represents the future of the preservation of information, specifically for the youth and thinks about the capability of the human mind and spirit.

Full look MSFTSrep, shoes Louis Vuitton

“There needs to be a movement that really represents the future of the preservation of information, specifically for the youth and thinks about the capability of the human mind and spirit.”


 The latest Fall/Winter 22 collection is heavily inspired by the mystery schools of ancient Egypt, and your interest in their sacred teachings and hidden knowledge. How do you all as a collective bring your ideas to the table when you’re deciding on a theme for a new collection?

 We start with what I like to call “The Lowest Hanging Fruit”, and as we get deeper and deeper into the conversations, things become more complicated, so we just start with the simplest things that we know people can understand and that are obvious. Like the pyramids, people know about them, they know about the scientific struggles surrounding the pyramids. Then the next one was cymatics, and how sound vibrations affect physical molecules, and how you can manipulate matter with sound frequency. People can understand sound frequency, like when they go to a concert, the bass moves their clothes, and they feel the vibrations in their bodies. So that’s how we pick our topics for the collections, it’s about what we’re learning, what we’re talking about, what’s always been in our heads.

 

Do you have any philosophers you often cite from in terms of inspiration too?

 I can’t choose just one person, and that’s the thing about Mystery School, in that we’re learning about new people who inspire us every day, so let’s get out there and learn about as many philosophers as we can. I mean, I love mathematics, so I’m into Pythagoras, but someone might love someone else and it’s important to have all these different ideas in the pot.


 The graphic prints in the collection range from pyramids and UFOs to symbolic scientific or mathematical equations too. How did you decide on the visual process?

 I’ll sit down with the design team and start to create logos, then hoodies, then maybe skateboards. Basically, we start with one piece and then extrapolate that design over multiple pieces so we can make sets that go together that people can collect.

Full look MSFTSrep, shoes Louis Vuitton

 What are your favourite pieces from the collections, and do you love seeing people wearing and styling up your designs their own way?

 I think maybe the Anti Federal Reserve puffer jacket is my favourite piece, and the UFO denim pants and the Jekyll Island hoodie. I love watching the way people customise the pieces and style it on their own and edit it all. Seeing people wear the clothes is amazing because I feel the messages are so important.

 

Your Sister Willow is one of the co-founders of the label. You have such a great sibling dynamic, have you always been so close and in-tune with one another?

 Yes, Will and I have always been really close, she inspires me and she’s amazing.

 

If some of your peers came to you and asked for recommendations on authors or books to enlighten them, what would you tell them to be reading right now?

 Well, we have a Mystery School platform on the website with educational videos about the science of consciousness, history, health, mathematics, technology, and there’s a list of books there so people can find out whatever they want. But one book I would suggest people reading right now, is Atomic Habits [by James Clear], because we fully start to realise that our personality and the type of life that we build, and the parts that we love or hate about it, are based off our habits.  So, if we can become better at building specific habits for the type of person you want to be, then that’s a way of getting you to where you want to be. Building habits in your life means you don’t have to consciously think about doing those things, you just get used to doing them, it’s like being an architect for your life, to be good at the specific things you want to be good at. I think our MSFTSrep clothes can be triggers for people’s habits.

Shirt, hoodie, pants MSFTSrep, leather shorts JW Anderson & shoes Louis Vuitton

“I love watching the way people customise the pieces and style it on their own and edit it all. Seeing people wear the clothes is amazing because I feel the messages are so important.”

 Where do you see the brand in terms of the future of sustainable and digital fashion? Such as metaverse-related AR/VR experiences?

 I think that AR/VR is really cool, and I think MSFTSrep will eventually find a way to do it in our own way, because those things are so amazing. When it comes to sustainable fashion – besides trying to innovate with vegan materials and animal-based products and getting away from leather - I think that we’re rolling in a heavy direction with recycling collections. So, taking old clothes that already exist and reorganising them and then putting them back into the market. Now that we have our store here in Calabasas in Los Angeles, we’re going to make old/new collections, because I think it should be totally acceptable to release a new collection of completely old existing clothes from other brands and vintage stuff, reimagined clothes. It’s about pushing the needle forward in sustainable fashion, and that’s what MSFTSrep is here to do.

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Cameron McCool

Fashion by Jonathan Huguet

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Production by Sink or Swim Creative

Stylist’s assistant Rocksanne Ramirez 

Groomers Christopher LeNeo & Pircilla Pae at A-Frame Agency

Production designer Rickey Ramirez 

Art Team Thrift Shop Studios

Location Thrift Shop Studios

THE ACTOR AS AN ARTIST

After joining James Cameron’s Avatar universe at age 16, Jamie Flatters has had a long time to prepare for his career to take off. Now 22, the actor has settled into a new role as a true multi-hyphenate artist. Having had a taste of big Hollywood alongside self-directed projects and European cinema in ‘The Forgotten Battle’, each piece of experience down multiple paths has solidified his dedication to staying firmly on his own. Entering the release cycle of the film that started it all; at the end of the full circle moment, we land on Jamie now – an actor-writer-director-musician who is contemplating his next steps.

 

On Zoom from opposite ends of London, we discussed all the nostalgia, anticipation and frustration he’s feeling at the moment.

Jacket and pants Gucci, badges Contemporary Wardrobe, T-Shirt Attika, necklace Slim Barrett  

It must feel strange to be talking about Avatar again as you filmed it so long ago?

 I auditioned in 2016 so a long time ago. I’d say it was the main blessing of working on the production is that you got to have this mad, larger-than-life experience but also have it as yours. You don’t need to film it and then a year later promote it and have it become the world's property – It’s really refreshing.

Left Jumper Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, necklace Slim Barrett  

Right Tank top Calvin Klein, shorts Attika

 After playing that character for 3 years, does that make the thought of the release scary? Almost like you’re still with the character as the world hasn’t met him yet…

 I'm definitely no longer with the character, the character dies the day I leave set.  I think when actors say ‘I keep the character with me’, it’s all mysticism to try and make them look like they're doing a hyperintelligent thing that actually doesn't exist. Honestly, I think that's absolute bullshit and anybody who says that is not appreciating the fact that you are the thing that's doing it. You’re coming into work and doing a task, a skill, and then you’re going to go home and live with yourself, not the character. Dealing with the self is the hardest task for everyone.

Left Scarf Acne Studios, vest Givenchy, broach Slim Barrett, denims JW Anderson

Right Jumper Kiko Kostadinov, vest Goldsmiths Vintage , necklace and key Slim Barrett, badge Contemporary Wardrobe , pants Trussardi, shoes Acne Studios

Left Vest and badges Contemporary Wardrobe, denim JW Anderson
,shoes MM6

Right Jumper Prada, badges Slim Barrett and Judy Blame

 I think you hit on something interesting there! There's a lot of talk about method acting lately and whether it downgrades acting as a skill…

 I worry about lines between fantasy and reality blurring too much. You should never have to manipulate other people's realities in order for you to gain your fantasy. It’s no longer fun and it's no longer acting. You have to keep yourself mentally stable on set and find a line after cut – it’s so important. It's hard sometimes feeling like you have to justify what you as the actor are doing, especially in an industry full of different skills, but no overcompensating is worth risking your sanity. That’s an important lesson I had to learn, as this is an industry which all too often glorifies the ‘suffering artist’, and I was very keen to suffer for my art.

Left  T-shirt Goldsmiths , scarf Acne Studios

Right Jumper Kiko Kostadinov, vest Goldsmiths Vintage , necklace and key Slim Barrett, badge Contemporary Wardrobe , pants Trussardi, shoes Acne Studios

Left Jumper Prada, badges Slim Barrett and Judy Blame, shorts Contemporary Wardrobe

Right Vest and badges Contemporary Wardrobe, denim JW Anderson
, shoesMM6

 Where do you see own writing and directing sitting in your future career?

 I definitely want to carry on writing scripts, I think I need it. As you can probably tell, I'm a bit frustrated with the modern-day actor. I think we originally were a group of people fascinated by psychology and philosophy, rather than just an attachment to celebrity. I think the fact that I'm interested in directing and writing could be my saving, in a way. My protection, because I have something that’s mine and comes from myself and I think that is needed to not get swept up in the possible successes that may come, and keep both feet grounded in an artistic pursuit.

 Jacket Zadig&Voltaire, T-shirt and belt Goldsmiths vintage, pants Marni 

 Does that interest change how you look at prospective jobs and future roles?

 Having the time after Avatar wrapped to write and really work out what I want to do was the biggest blessing. I do now think I would sacrifice the idea of just another role for my own work if it’s not something I deeply care about. I really love people like Tilda Swinton who looks out for directors and interesting characters above all else – I think that’s something to mimic. I hope to have the scope to pick paths I care about, but if not, writing and directing will be there to save me.

Left Jumper Prada, badges Slim Barrett and Judy Blame, shorts Contemporary Wardrobe

Right Jumper Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, necklace Slim Barrett, shorts Attika

Interview by Lucy Harbron

Photography by Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by Nathan Henry

Casting by Imagemachine Cs

Production by Fern


Hair & Make-Up by Josh Knight at Caren

Stylist’s assistant Katya Vistiak

THE E-BOMB

Reviving the iconic role of Elora Danan from the 1988 George Lucas sensation Willow, at just 25, Ellie Bamber is the newest addition to the British it girl cohort.

Following her work in The Serpent and in Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals alongside Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal, the budding actress is now leading the latest Disney+ release. From her early days in the theatre, to becoming the face of Chanel, and gracing the British Fashion Awards wearing custom Vivienne Westwood, Bamber has established herself as an all-rounder and she’s not going anywhere, anytime soon.

We caught Ellie on a day off, when she’s not wielding her powers to save her “prince in distress”, trading fantasy costumes for sweatpants, and asked for the 411 on her most recent project and the much-anticipated sequel.

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

How’s life now that everything’s finally out and how hard was it to keep everything a secret?

You know life’s good, I feel so lucky and so honoured. Most of that has to do with the people around me, hanging out with friends and family. As for the secret, it was very hard not to drop the E-bomb.

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

 How would you describe Willow to a first-time viewer?

Willow throws the fantasy tropes that you usually see on its head. It's about this group of unlikely heroes who don’t have strong relationships to begin with, but they set out on this quest together, learning a lot about each other and themselves in doing so.

Left Dress N21

Right Coat Zadig&Voltaire

 What drew you to Elora, the character you played? And how did you prepare for this role, in comparison to previous roles?

I think what drew me to Elora is that she’s so unafraid to be herself, to voice her opinion and is determined beyond belief. I just loved her character arc, to be honest. There’s something really interesting about having to reconcile with the fact that you have magical abilities. And to me, it was a huge metaphor around creativity and coming into your power as a woman, figuring out who you are and where you land in the world. So that’s why I was really excited to take on the role I think, and also cause it’s Elora fucking Danan, and I was like, ‘Shit, yeah I’m down!’ We had a four-week boot camp before we started and it was just really epic. It also gave us the choice to really get to know each other and we formed this beautiful bond as a cast.

Dress Fendi

 Definitely! I was gonna mention that you could see that you were very close, in your friendship with Tony for example, and I heard that your cast mate Dempsey played a prank on you about spoilers being leaked to The Sun. How did it feel to work with such a tight-knit cast?

It definitely made the project more enjoyable, it made it such a laugh. And you know, when Dempsey, the one who played a prank on me, whenever he writes stuff on the group chat now I’m like, ‘Are you pranking me?!’ It's so interesting because we’re all really close but we all have very different friendships with each other. I feel like they’re gonna be people who will be in my life for a long time.

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 How was it working on something that was so highly anticipated? Did you feel any pressure or expectations from the Willow fandom?

There was definitely pressure. I went into this thinking that not only did we have to do the fans justice but also how well Jon Kasdan wrote the characters - we were having to do him justice as well because he’s the most incredible writer. Maybe it's because I started in theatre but I see nerves and excitement as quite close together, so I hopefully managed to translate one into the other. Also, we had such great support… The amazing team and producers made me really feel like I was in safe hands.

Left Jacket & bag Zadig&Voltaire, shirt Acne Studios

Right All Zadig&Voltaire

 And this was such a huge project! Which one of your projects that would you say has challenged you the most?

I would say the upcoming project with Oorlagh George, The Sniper’s Daughter,  about a young American girl who comes back to Northern Ireland and slowly unravels her family’s involvement within the IRA. She is dealing with complex trauma and PTSD and that was a really interesting thing to showcase. It was [very] challenging because I had to figure out the headspace of this young woman.

Dress N21

 And which character would you say you relate to the most as Ellie?

I think because I’ve been thinking about Elora a lot [lately], it would have to be Elora. And not because I think that I have magical powers or anything. But I relate to her journey and how she tends to have major impostor syndrome within her journey. That’s a thing we all wrestle with and I’m definitely still trying to figure that out, my path, my journey, and how that relates to the world around me as a woman.

All Zadig&Voltaire

 What do you feel you want to see more of in the industry?

I feel like we’re maybe heading in the right direction but of course, more could always be done. To see such unique storylines within Willow is really special and to have 3 well-rounded female characters, who are strong in their own right, is really great.

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Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Gregory Derkenne

Fashion by Marco Drammis

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Hair by Bjorn Krischker at The Wall Group

Make-Up by Neil Young at Premier Hair & Make-Up using 111SKIN

THE JOYS OF VILLAINHOOD

Hunter Doohan has had crazy two weeks. Ever since the premiere of his Netflix show, Wednesday - which instantly took over the platform and is already one of the top three most viewed series in its history - the Arkansas-born actor has been receiving an outpouring of love from fans all around the world. In the latest imaging on the story of the Addams Family's macabre-obsessed offspring, Hunter portrays the role of a ‘normie’ barista Tyler who tries to connect with new-in-town Wednesday (played by the wickedly funny Jenna Ortega). With his puppy eyes and seemingly shy demeanour, Tyler successfully tricks us to believe he’s a good guy up until the season’s drama-filled finale when, without spoiling too much, his monstrous nature comes out in full swing. For Hunter, this brief introduction to villainhood has been an experience that he would like to push further in the show’s very possible season two.  “As I only got to play the evil Tyler for a couple of scenes, I’m really hoping that I get to explore more of that side of him in the future,” he says. “It would be really fun to delve into who he really is, having these two sides wrestling within him, and see if he’s gonna go after Wednesday!”

For Wednesday, you got to work with director Tim Burton who is not only a visionary but also has a larger-than-life personality. What surprised you the most about him once the two of you met?

 I was surprised at how sweet he was! [Laughs] I expected him to be this wild character, in the best way, but he is also just a lovely human. When I first got to Romania for filming, he called me just to check in and see how I was doing. Also, one night, he told us that he hires actors that he likes and trusts for the role, so he doesn’t feel the need to nitpick them too much. Hearing that and realising that Tim Burton believes in me has filled me with a lot of confidence [while on set]!

 

You said previously that you were a big fan of the Addams Family movies from the ‘90s. Who was your favourite character in those movies?

 I absolutely love Christina Ricci in them! But I also have to say that in Addams Family Values, Joan Cusack’s Debbie is so funny to me. I’m obsessed with her and I think that’s like the best villain performance of all time. Not that we’re anything alike, but to be a villain in the Addams Family story and be able to follow in her footsteps was really fun to me. [Laughs]

 It’s actually so crazy that you got to work with Christina Ricci on this!

 Yeah, it was awesome because it felt like the show got a stamp of approval from Wednesday from my childhood years. My first time getting to work with her was during the school dance scene, so I was just literally in between the two Wednesdays, looking back and forth.

 

Speaking of modern-day Wednesday, you and Jenna Ortega have many fun interactions in your scenes. Which one of Wednesday’s comebacks to Tyler is most stuck in your head?

 There’s a few, she doesn’t really let Tyler in too much! [Laughs] I’ve actually been loving seeing people online making fun of the scene where Tyler’s like, ‘You keep giving me all these signals.’ And everyone’s like, ‘She didn’t give you anything!’ But I mean, at that moment, Tyler is gaslighting her to win her over.

 Yeah, that makes a lot of sense – he’s trying to mess with her head! Tyler is a secret villain of the series and we only get to realise what he’s up to towards the very end – what did you find most useful in trying to channel this hidden dark energy? Who were the villains from the past that helped you get into this mentality?

 First of all, I read the novel Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The detail that I thought was really interesting was that the more times he turned into Mr Hyde, the lines would become more blurred. And similarly, throughout the course of the season, each time Tyler would kill someone, he would be slipping more and more into the Hyde side. Then, I looked at a couple of films – the show creators, Alfred [Gough] and Miles [Millar] encouraged me to see Ed Norton’s performance in Primal Fear, and I also rewatched Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs. Also, the first Scream movie – I love when the character of Billy turns evil and I thought it was a fun, more campy example to look at as well.

 Let’s talk a bit more about the school dance moment - would you say that was one of the most memorable scenes to shoot?

 Yeah, I mean, the dance was crazy, and that blood rain was freezing! In the script, it said that at first, Wednesday starts to dance, then Tyler starts to copy her, and then everyone joins in. But when Jenna showed up and did that iconic dance that she came up with herself, I looked at Tim and I was like, ‘All I can do is stand here and be in awe of her – I definitely can’t replicate that!’

 

Yeah, I don’t think anyone can! [Laughs]

 But it’s fun to watch people on Tik Tok try! [Laughs] There’s a trend now where they do it to a Lady Gaga song, and even Gaga has tweeted about it – honestly, the show has just been insane!

 I would say it’s more than likely that the show will be given a second season. If that’s the case, where would you like to see Tyler go next?

 As I only got to play the evil Tyler for a couple of scenes, I’m really hoping that I get to explore more of that side of him in the future. But I’m also just really curious to see what he’s gonna be like now that he’s no longer serving Christina Ricci’s character and the Hyde doesn’t have a master. It would be really fun to delve into who he really is, having these two sides wrestling within him, and see if he’s gonna go after Wednesday!

 

Having this amazing experience on the show, what are the types of roles that you want to play in the future?

 I really would like to play an adult! [Laughs]

 

Fair enough! Finally, what’s one thing about you that not many people know about? Do you have any party tricks up your sleeve?

 Well, I used to be a gymnast in high school… 

Oh wow - do you still remember any moves?

 Yeah, a couple! Actually, during our small wrap party with the cast, Moosa, who plays Eugene, posted a video of me doing a Back Handspring there. However, I do not remember doing it at all – I was drunk!

 

Maybe that was your other, evil persona…

 Exactly! [Laughs]

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by Jake Sammis

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Zaheer Sukhnandan

SEDUCTION AND SURVIVAL

The name on everyone’s lips is Kosar Ali. After stealing the show as ‘Sumaya’ in the coming-of-age drama Rocks, which earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting actress and two British Independent Film Awards – she’s now landed the role of Victoire in Dangerous Liaisons, Harriet Warner’s seductive small screen prequel to Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s 18th-century classic about feuding ex-lovers, the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont. Here she talks to us about diversity on screen, womanhood, and her passion for horror flicks.

You play Victoire in Dangerous Liaisons, who is the Marquise’s close friend and ally. Can you tell me more about her character in this prequel?

 Well in this prequel we define her role more as the catalyst of the plot, as she’s really a bit of a detective and has this niche to find everything out. Also, in this adaptation she’s a Muslim character in France, so it’s a great privilege to represent that because these people, these characters did exist, we’re just not taught that in our history books, and it’s not told on screen. So, there are a lot more layers to Victoire now, she’s a pivotal part of the series, and very powerful and humorous, and fun.

 We know that in the story, the Marquise was really a trailblazer in navigating her way through male dominated 18th-century society, wielding secrets to gain power. As her trusty sidekick, does this prequel further highlight that empowerment angle and shared girl power?

 Definitely, as it tells the story through a female gaze, and through the female-led character you really get the sense of more of a womanhood in this.

 

Did you watch the original 1988 movie with Glenn Close and John Malkovich, or the 1999 adaptation, Cruel Intentions, with Sarah Michelle Gellar and Ryan Phillippe, to get any tips?

 Well, when I got the role, I ordered the book to read and downloaded all the films to watch, but then later I decided I wanted to have my own take on the role, and not mimic any of the others, and just play it my way.

“In every job I do it’s very important that it’s true to my reality, and diversity is the world I live in, so it’s natural to me to want to be a part of those stories that reflect my world.”

 The sets, wigs and gowns are so lavish. Can you tell me more about Victoire’s costume?

 I really enjoyed working on the development of Victoire’s costume, as originally, I wear modest clothing, so her costume started off very different to what it became. It was fun to build on that with the designer Andrea Flesch, with all the materials and the colours, which were all primary colours, and all the power and symbolism associated with that.

 

It's got such a great ensemble cast, and I imagine yourself and Paloma Faith, (who plays fiery noblewoman Florence de Régnier) bonded, as you’re both East End girls born and bred?

 Yes, we really bonded over East London and our accents because everyone was making fun of me for a while! Then Paloma turned up and I was like, omg, you totally understand me! She was honestly just a ball of fun, she reminded me of a glittery snowglobe, such fun!

 

Speaking of East London, how has your hometown influenced you and will its diversity maybe influence some of the roles that you choose in the future, or maybe you’ll write stories yourself to bring to the screen?

 East London is all I’ve known, it’s me, and in every job I do it’s very important that it’s true to my reality, and diversity is the world I live in, so it’s natural to me to want to be a part of those stories that reflect my world. With writing, I like to write stuff about the people I grew up looking at, and people like me, so that’s important. As for other roles, I’m open to everything, but I love independent films, that’s where my heart is. I wouldn’t mind doing an action movie too, like Blank Panther!

 I read that you’re also obsessed with horror films. Is there one favourite movie that you watch every Halloween with friends and just scream?

 Well, none of my friends will watch horror films with me, so my horror partner is my sister, and we’re big critics because nothing really scares us! So, I can’t really choose one, we usually just watch like 10 in a row. When I can’t sleep, I also watch serial killer documentaries.

 

Like True Crime stuff, what, on your own, at night?

 Yes!

 

Ok, now I’m seeing a little connection between you and Dangerous Liaisons! All that cruel deceit and manipulation and crimes of the heart!

 Haha! As you watch on you might just see a little connection there! I’m interested in anything that challenges me really or makes me feel a little bit of adrenalin!

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Gregory Derkenne

Fashion by Steven Huang

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Make-Up by Yoi Wan

All clothes Trussardi

FRENCH NEW WAVE

To most of us, 28-year-old French actress Mathilde Ollivier is known as either the epic stunt-performing Chloe in 2018’s WW2 action horror movie Overlord, or, for less zombie-like tastes, as a model in the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar US. But over the past few years, Ollivier has become a future icon of cinema, both in front of and behind the camera, starring in the sci-fi film Boss Level, and playing Clemence in the comedy movie Sister of the Groom, while also finding time to produce the documentary The Upright Woman, about the women of Burkina Faso. The Paris-based beauty is now playing another Clémence, this time in the Netflix multilingual mystery thriller, 1899, and enjoying her acting reign over France and soon, the world. Vive la reine!

Were you raised on theatre, film and literature? Where did your passion for acting start?

 I was raised with films and music. My mom used to show my sister and I lots of films, and for me it was amazing to dive into a story and live in this world for 2 hours.

I think my passion really started when I realised I could make the audience dream and escape their reality during a film, and I could become a different person every time.

 You spent your childhood and teenage years studying theatre at the conservatoire and the famous Cours Simon and professionally dancing classical and contemporary ballet at Paris’s International Academy of Dance. Do you still dance every day, and what really gets you moving?

 Yes, I still dance every day, not like I used to though, now it’s in my living room and in the bathroom when I get ready!  My job, music, my family, my husband, and my friends are what gets me moving. And of course, good funky music!

 You seem very drawn to character-driven narratives in terms of the roles you choose. The female characters you’ve played from Chloe in Overlord to Clémence in 1899, seem powerful, at least on the surface. Do you feel that way personally?

 I think it’s important to tell a story, and to tell a good story you need to have great characters. A character that defends something. I come from a family of only women, from my grandmother to my mom, to my sister, every one of them is really strong, and that’s inspired me since I was a child. I have my moments of ups and downs, but I try to stay strong and positive.

 I would imagine that strong female empowered mindset and women’s rights was what led to you producing the Upright Woman documentary, about the enslavement and forced marriage of women in Burkina Faso. When was the first time you saw the completed film, and what was that experience like?

 It was in New York when we saw the completed film, with music, colours grading, subtitles and it felt so amazing. We worked really hard on this project; I was very proud to have had the chance to be part of such a story. It was fantastic to start producing on such a project too, I learned so much. We were a small crew, and when we went to Burkina Faso everything was fascinating, seeing behind the scenes and experiencing the job of a producer, it really taught me so much as an actress too.

 What kind of challenges did you face as a producer?

 I understand now why producers can be so stressed out! Having a permit to shoot on a street, the locations, the times on each location, all the rental cameras, and everything really, from finding a studio for the colour, to finding a distributor to make sure that the story is as honest as possible.

 What kind of stories really drive you and might inspire you to explore them for future production projects?

 As I said earlier, the drive to tell a story is actually telling a story, with a narrative and for it to be character driven. I would like to produce all the scripts that are gathering dust on top of a shelf that nobody picks up, but it is very hard to make people read scripts and to trust you with it - which is a shame because most of the time those are the very good ones!

 

Who are your cinematic idols, both actors and producers / directors?

 Oh, I love some many! I love Jean-Luc Godard, Jacques Audiard, Yorgos Lanthimos, Christopher Nolan, Lynne Ramsay, Ruben Ostlund, Mia Hansen/Love, Thomas Vinterberg, Julia Ducournau.  Actors include Mads Mikkelsen, Florence Pugh, Anna Karina, Olivia Colman, Lea Seydoux, Emmanuelle Bercot and Catherine Deneuve.

 Speaking of Catherine Deneuve, she, like many great French actresses before you, including Brigitte Bardot, have spent their lives making up their own rules. Do you admire them for doing things their own way, will you follow in their footsteps?

 Yes of course! I think this is so important, it shows that you know what you want! I will definitely try!

 

Is there a role that you haven’t played yet that you’d like to?

 Yes, there is! And I hope we will be doing more interviews together to talk about them!

 Ha! Ok, let’s talk about where you grew up in the beautiful Montparnasse in France. What are your favourite memories of growing up there, is that where your references, musical tastes, style etc comes from?

 I think everything about the left bank is gorgeous, it feels like a movie set. My school was nearby, so were my friends. It felt like a little village. Not all my references come from there, but some do, that’s for sure!

 

You lived in the US for a while too – what was it like being a French girl in New York?

Living in New York was just incredible. I had an amazing time, every day was so special, I felt like everything was possible!

 

So, what’s next for you?

 I just finished shooting a series called Mrs Davis directed by Owen Harris for Warner Bros, which was fun, we filmed in Spain and now I am obsessed with Spain. I am also starting a film by a Spanish director; it’s his first film and I am very excited to be part of the project. It’s going to be a challenge because I will need to speak Argentinian Spanish which as of today, I’ve started learning. But I am confident and very happy!

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Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Yves Borgwardt

Fashion by Yael Quint

Make-Up by Victoria Reuter

Hair by Bronwyn De Kock

Stylist’s assistant Afra Ugurlu

Mathilde is wearing dress & coat Chloe, shoes & orange bag Hermes, jewelery Ina Beissner and black bag with gold handle Bulgari

WORLDLINESS AND WONDER

 At just 16-years-old, McKenna Grace has all the stuff that makes film and tv studio exec’s drool: talent far beyond her years, beauty, an ease for expressiveness which can convey both worldliness and wonder, enthusiasm, and a widely popular Instagram account. She can play that poster child of bright, funny, wise-beyond-her-years teenage girl, but also take on mature roles that resonate with adults as well as teens, even when she’s playing younger versions of onscreen characters (something she’s quite used to).

She’s booked a string of roles including Mrs. Keyes in The Handmaid’s Tale – which earned her an Emmy nomination – and appeared in movies like I, Tonya, Gifted, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and chilling TV dramas including Haunting of Hill House and A Friend of the Family, based on a true story, in which she played a young Jan Broberg who was kidnapped multiple times in the 1970s.  Next up is the equally hard-hitting film Spider and Jessie, dealing with themes of addiction, playing one half of two sisters, battling separation after their mother fatally overdoses – and on a lighter note, she’s also bagged herself a lead character in Disney+'s new coming-of-age film, Crater. Acting aside, Grace has also taken a strong interest in writing and recording music, and as her rise to stardom continues, it’s clear to see she has all the makings of a very big future.

Left Full look Louis Vuitton

Right Full look Alexander McQueen

You’ve got the Ghostbusters Afterlife sequel coming in 2023, what can we expect for Phoebe Spengler in this next chapter?

 My lips are sealed. Ha-ha! I CAN’T say anything! I did an interview for my last show, A Friend of the Familyand the interviewer asked me a casual question about the sequel, and I can't even remember what I said...next thing I knew there were all these articles saying that I officially confirmed that I would be in the sequel, which was absolutely not true! So, I am not saying a thing! Ha-ha...this is NOT me confirming anything. I know nothing!

Coat Zadig&Voltaire, sweater N21

 Ok, but did you ever see the female-led reboot, which starred Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig in 2016? Do you have a favourite kick-ass woman film character?

 Yes! I loved it! I love Captain marvel, Lara Croft, and especially love Ripley from Alien, she’s so cool!! 

 

And talking of female powerhouses, you’ve starred alongside Sigourney Weaver, Margot Robbie and Elisabeth Moss among others – what do you think you learned most from watching them on set?

 I’ve learned so much from watching these amazing women, but I really learned a lot from Elisabeth Moss. I've spent the most time with her. I think she’s just one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever worked with, I really mean that. I totally look up to her and her work. She has this incredible work ethic and brings such powerhouse performances in everything she does. I would get so excited when she was directing me on Handmaid's Tale. I'm such a huge fan of hers!

Full look Isabel Marant

 You’re not afraid to tackle complex roles, such as playing the child bride Esther in The Handmaid’s Tale – and your role in A Friend of the Family. Do you take roles based on what you believe in and that will challenge you, rather than choosing roles that might be, quote-unquote, career choices?

 I really do try to do projects that matter to me and tell stories I think are important. I’m honoured to be a part of The Handmaids Tale and A Friend of The Family because they’re projects that don’t shy away from the uncomfortable subjects and help open up conversations. I love being challenged and will never take on a role that I know I can't give my all to. I'm lucky enough to not have to choose my jobs based on money because I'm still a teenager and live with my parents, ha-ha! So as far as career choices, I just read a script and if it speaks to me, I give it my best shot to get to play the role.

 With A Friend of the Family, how was it portraying a non-fictional character on-screen? You had chats with the real-life Jan too, right?

 It felt like a lot of pressure and really scary, but then after speaking to Ms. Jan I felt a lot more at ease. I tried my best to do her story justice. I did as much research as I could!

Full look Miu Miu

 Which character that you’ve played has taught you the most about yourself?

 I’d say playing Jan Broberg, I learned a lot about acting, and grew a lot both as an actor and hopefully as a person.  

Left Coat Zadig&Voltaire

Right Dress Alexander McQueen

You’ve been working on TV and film sets since you were five years old. Do you think acting is nature or nurture for you? Were you born an actor? Or were you nurtured to become one?

 I guess it might be a little bit of both. I begged my parents to do acting when I was 5 after watching Shirley Temple videos and the Pee-Wee Herman show, but I begged to do a lot of things! I wanted to be a gymnast, a dancer, a cheerleader, I even told my parents I was going to be a Ghostbuster when I grew up. I'm an only child, so they let me try a lot of things. I was horrible at dance and gymnastics! But my teacher pulled my Mom outside after my first acting class and told her that I was doing things naturally at 5 years-old that she teaches in adult classes, and that my parents should really consider getting me an agent. Memorising scripts and taking direction came easily to me and I remember it being a lot of fun. I couldn't have done all of that without my parents help. I have always really felt like I'm doing what I was born to do, like I wouldn't rather be doing anything else, and I am happiest when I am creating.

Full look Isabel Marant

 Is there a level of performance that you’re chasing as an actor, and have you reached it to your own satisfaction yet at this stage? I mean you’ve already achieved an Emmy nominee for your part in The Handmaid’s Tale?

 I don't think I will ever be completely satisfied with my work. It's a blessing and a curse and something I've had to come to terms with, especially over the past couple years as I've got older. It's a blessing because I always want to be better, but it's a curse because I'll go back and pick apart my performances. While I was filming A Friend of the Family, I was really happy with my performance, then I did a film afterwards that I feel like I grew so much on as an actor. Now, I look back at AFOF and I feel like I could've done so much better! I guess I just want to keep out-doing myself. I could say I don't want the accolades or that they aren't important to me, but I would be lying. Of course, as an actor it would be nice to have recognition for my acting from my peers or the public, but I can’t, and don’t work for that. If I did, I would be a mess. As I've grown up in this business, I've learned not to have any expectations when it comes to people or projects. I work and do my best for the directors/studios that hire me and for myself and all I can do is hope people appreciate and like what I do. However, if I'm being 100% honest, my biggest dream is to win an Oscar or an Emmy someday.

Dress Alexander McQueen

 Acting aside, music is another creative passion for you. What are you currently listening to, and do you make playlists?

 I’m listening to a lot of Carol Ades, DJO, Lovejoy (in preparation for their concert!) and lots of love songs ha-ha! I love making playlists! I have a ton that I’ve posted on Spotify!

 

Do you ever listen to music when you need to get into character for a role?

 I always listen to music to get into character. I learned that from Elisabeth Moss. It's funny how certain songs bring me back to different characters. Just this morning on my way to work, I was listening to Savior Complex by Phoebe Bridgers, and it brought me back to this past summer. I listened to it to get emotional for my scenes on Spider and Jessie. 

Full look Louis Vuitton

  You’re releasing your next single soon, Self-Dysmorphia. Can you tell me more about the meaning behind the title? Is it in any way a reference to selfie dysmorphia and social media, and the way so many young people are so obsessed with this pursuit for perfection, with things like filters etc?  

 I wrote the song during a time in my life where I was really struggling with not liking myself. On my socials, I'm sure I looked happy and confident, but I was having a hard time in my personal life and with my self-image and worth. I would sometimes read mean comments on my Instagram, and it would spiral me. I have a lyric "don't be critical, I'm so miserable" because that was exactly how I was feeling. I had been hiding my struggle with scoliosis for so long. I had written the song to express my feelings because I was afraid to express how I was feeling out loud. I didn't think people would understand, and that I would look like a whiny person who didn't appreciate the things I do have. And while I am so grateful for my life, this song was just how I was feeling at the time. Just a way of saying that it doesn't matter what someone may look like on the outside, we all have battles and struggles internally.

 

So, I imagine you obviously stand with other actors and female stars like Zendaya, Kate Winslet and Priyanka Chopra, who have slammed society and Hollywood’s unrealistic beauty standards and especially the prevalence of digitally altered photos in fashion shoots and on social media. Are you against airbrushing, because as women, shouldn’t we be inspiring other women to be confident in themselves and make the most of their natural good looks?

 Speaking of powerhouse women… Zendaya is incredible! I really look up to her! Of course, I hate how society has placed these ridiculous expectations on people. I think if a woman wants to wear lots of makeup because it makes her feel pretty, then she should, and if she wants to wear no makeup because she feels better doing that, she should! We all have different things that help us look pretty and feel pretty! I have noticed over the last year though that when I'm working on making my heart happy and prettier, that reflects on the outside. It sounds super cheesy, but I truly mean it. Taking care of our minds and hearts should be top priority.

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Hadar Pitchon

Fashion by Michael Rosenberg

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Hair by Ledora Francis

Make-Up by Ayaka Nihei

BLOODY AMAZING!

Since starring in It’s a Sin, Callum Scott Howells has been gravitating towards opportunities that will challenge him just as much as the queer series. “I yearn for roles that will get my blood going and my adrenaline pumping,” says the Welsh actor. This year, he’s starring in two such projects, the first one being Netflix’s The Beautiful Game. In the film, Callum is portraying an English football team player participating in the Homeless World Cup, for whom the sport becomes a powerful tool in fighting his drug addiction. In October, the actor also began his stint on the West End stage as the naughty Emcee in the incredible adaptation of the classic musical Cabaret. What intrigues him about this story? “It shows a country, and the underground scene and its community, on the verge of war,” answers Callum. “I think it’s super interesting to look at how that moment affected people, and this rendition explores that on a deep level.”

Full look Prada

How did the experience of starring in It’s A Sin affect the types of roles that you are looking for right now?

 The show really threw me into the deep end in terms of topics I dealt with as an actor, and the physical and mental challenges I faced. Now, when I look at potential roles, I yearn for projects that really get my blood going and my adrenaline pumping. I want to play characters that have a lot of backstories and be a part of things that challenge people’s ideas.

Left Full look Salvatore Ferragamo

Right Full look Gucci

 The series has really resonated with the audience at the time of its release  - what have been some of the interactions with the viewers that will always stay with you?

 I still think about moments from the past couple of years when people would approach me on the street while I’m walking my dog and share with me their personal stories about living with HIV and how the show made a big change in their lives. Those are the interactions that I tell my parents about because they’re the most special thing. I remember them all so vividly.

Left Knit Fendi, shorts JW Anderson

Right Full look Gucci

 This Autumn, you’re taking over the Playhouse Theatre stage in London as the Emcee in Cabaret. How are the rehearsals going?

 The role of the Emcee is so iconic and there’s a lot of pressure that I’ve put on myself about it, but I’m being allowed to do my own thing which is really fun! I’m having the time of my life during the rehearsals – it’s one of the most fun roles I’ve ever played and I’m excited to get my teeth into it properly.

Full look JW Anderson

 Cabaret is such a timeless musical! What do you find most interesting about the story that the show is telling?

 I find it really intriguing how the play shows a country, and also more specifically, the underground scene and community around it, on the verge of war. I think it’s super interesting to explore how that moment affected and changed people, and I think this production really explores that on a deep level.

Full look Salvatore Ferragamo

 Up next, you’re also starring in The Beautiful Game on Netflix. What made you want to be a part of this project and who are you playing in the film?

 I’m portraying Nathan, a player of the England football team in the Homeless World Cup who’s coming off heroin and is dealing with a very complicated situation at home. The film is all about people forgetting the troubles they face in their day-to-day lives and channelling their energy into something they love, which I hope will resonate with a lot of people.

Full look Celine Homme

 I read somewhere that you really like to play FIFA - how’s that going and which team do you most often play with?

 Yes, I love it! My housemates and I have the career mode with Wimbledon, because that’s where we live, and we are doing quite well. We’ve got them up to the Premier League, which is quite a big achievement for us!

Full look Alexander McQueen

 So you’re a great actor and FIFA player - are there any other talents that we should know about?

 I’m biased and people may disagree, but I think I’m bloody good at cooking! If you give me some ingredients and tell me to make a dish, I’ll usually be able to muster something up – the reason that I’m saying this is because a lot of my friends would say that I’m shit at it. But you know what? Give me my own cooking show and I’ll show the bloody world!

Left Top JW Anderson, brooch Faberge

Right Full look JW Anderson

 Lastly, what’s a film that shaped you growing up or was just really important to you at that time?

 High School Musical had a huge impact on me! When it first came out, I remember really seeing myself in the character of Ryan and also relating to Troy’s storyline about wanting to play basketball and act at the same time, because I really loved football growing up. It sounds so cliché, but it was such a bloody amazing film!

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by Michael Miller

Casting by Imagemachine Cs

Production by Dominic Holroyd

Grooming by Nadia Altinbas

SWEET REVENGE

You might not know Nicholas Denton just yet, but that’s sure about to change! The Australian actor’s charming portrayal of Pascal Valmont – a young mapmaker working on regaining his social status in 18th century French society – is one of the shining points of the opulent new series Dangerous Liaisons, inspired by the classic book with the same title. The funny and often very naughty production (out now on Starz) acts as an origin story of the deliciously manipulative duo known from the novel – presenting them as villains-to-be who are slowly finding their feet in the art of seduction and blackmail. For Nicholas, the story he gets to show on the screen in many ways feels incredibly modern despite its historic surroundings. “You get to meet these cats when they’re at a young age and they’re vulnerable and they’re confused and they’re trying to both figure out the world they’re in and themselves,” he explains. “ And I think that gives it a contemporary flair.”

The first episode of the series came out last week – did you do anything to celebrate the premiere?

 Yeah! The day before the show premiered, I did a screening party with 16 of my friends – we were all crammed into one bedroom and watched it on a shitty projector. The quality was quite rough, but it was fun! [Laughs]

 Amazing! Was there anything that surprised you when you were watching it?

 I didn’t think it would be so charming, that it would be a show that felt like a storybook that I’d want to read when I was younger! That’s the thing about the show – it doesn’t take away from the films made about this story before and the book itself. What we’re seeing are not the evil characters that people know so well from the novel or the Stephen Frears version. The characters that me and Alice [Englert] are playing are baby villains, they are slowly finding their feet. And I was most happy that we caught that – it was like capturing something very sweet in a bottle. That’s the really important part: to show the vulnerability, show why they are the way they are and give the audience the context to what those two will end up being, which is these conniving jerks.

 Have the previous adaptations of this story that show your character at an older age influenced in any way the way you approached Pascal?

 Well, I love John Malkovich and I knew that it was a very big job in terms of setting up this character that people know very well and love to hate. That said, I never watched the film – I didn’t want to see it because I would’ve ended up copying John. I remember actually that Leo Lonsdale, the director of the first block of the show, said to me that one of the reasons I got the job is because I didn’t come into the casting trying to mimic John’s version. So I’m quite proud that I was able to bring in something unique to this character.

 Despite being set hundreds of years back, the show feels very modern…

 Yeah, it’s the modern version of this story and at the same time, it's just a nice starting point – it’s their origin story. You get to meet these cats when they’re at a young age and they’re vulnerable and they’re confused and they’re trying to both figure out the world they’re in and themselves. So I think that gives it a contemporary flair.

 What do you like the most about Valmont?

 I like the fact that he’s incredibly inconsistent. [Laughs] For me, to play a character like that is really a blessing because I can kind of just do whatever I want. And in a way, it also makes a lot of sense for him to be that way because he has so many different kinds of attitudes and faces that he takes into the world. He’s a snake, but he’s also a deeply sad young man. He’s got some rage in him. He’s lonely. I find him deeply conflicted as a human being because he’s so willing to use anything he can to manipulate and get what he wants. But that’s such a human thing – people do that all the time! They’re like, ‘If I have something taken away from me, I feel that it is my right to get it back and I’ll do everything I can to do so.’ So that’s a super strong anchor for me as an actor to go, ‘Alright, this is what he wants, and he’ll do anything to get that.’ It’s very fun, but also quite morally distorting for me. I don’t respect this guy, but I do admire his rambunctiousness in going to get what he wants. I’m not like that, I’m quite a passive person…

 That actually reminds me of this quote from the interview you and Alice did for The New York Times, where you said that you guys are ‘betas pretending to be alphas.’ What did you find most helpful in your preparations for the role to enter this ‘alpha’ state?

 I do a lot of fencing and love-making in the show, so I was very aware that Pascal had to have a sense of a quite strong physique to be both able to have a bit of this bull-like quality to him and also hold people up. I did a lot of training to get some sort of a [muscular] body out of the pickle-like body that I have. Also, the costumes were incredibly helpful in terms of just getting a bit more posture and stature.

 The show has been already renewed for its second season. Where do you hope to see this story evolve? Do you have any insight on what’s happening next?

 I don’t, actually! But I know that the revolution is coming and things are definitely heating up. Also, the war between Camille and Valmont will be very apparent in the second season, so it will get a lot darker. Which I’m all about! Also, I hope I get to do some more sword fighting and some dancing. [Laughs]

…

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Hadar Pitchon

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Laila Hayani at Forwards Artists

All clothes Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

HEY, I'M ZACKARY, WANNA PLAY?

Imagine two queer kids in love dealing with a serial-killing doll, and not just any doll, but the most well-known slasher doll in cinema history EVER, Chucky.

Rising acting talent, Zackary Arthur, plays the lead as teen Jake wheeler in the latest small screen incarnation of Don Mancini’s possessed doll from the Child’s Play film franchise, complete with freshly rebooted swivelling eyes, missing knives, jump scares and the urge to get behind a sofa and check the little murderous maniac with a bad haircut isn’t behind you. Before you binge the show so far this weekend, which has been applauded for its inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters and tackling themes about bullying – you ought to get familiar with LA native Zackary, the young horror-genre trailblazer who still sleeps with the light on after watching scary movies. Here’s all the need-to-know details, and then some.

Full look Fendi

Were you familiar with the unruly horror icon Chucky, from the 1988 slasher movie, Child’s Play, before joining this series? 

After I auditioned, I watched all the films with my family. My mom and dad didn’t let me watch a lot of that because I used to be really scared of horror movies. Now, I really like them, although I must admit I sleep with the light on after I watch scary films. I don’t usually tell people that!

Left Full Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Tanktop JW Anderson, shorts & belt Moschino

 The series progressively and positively resonates with our own times, embracing queer main characters and representing the LGBTQ+ community, while also tackling themes of bullying.  When you got the script, how did you prepare for the role?

 In preparing for the part of Jake Wheeler, I had many talks with the brilliant Don Mancini, and the character was based on Don’s experience to a large degree, so I knew he would be helpful. He lets us bring what we have into the character, which is a great thing because it helped me put myself in Jake’s headspace. He deals with so much, but he’s really brave and I admire him for that, and I think many people can relate to him because he has a big heart and is very forgiving. I think it was interesting to see the development of the friendship between him and Lexy, as there was a lot of forgiveness there on Jake’s part. That’s not easy, but it was so valuable and brought the three of them together. The one thing about this series that makes it work is there’s so much love in it. That’s Don Mancini though. He’s such a caring person with a big heart. 

Jacket Louis Vuitton

“The one thing about this series that makes it work is there’s so much love in it. That’s Don Mancini though. He’s such a caring person with a big heart.”

 Have you had a lot of positive feedback from fans who see themselves in your character, and how does it feel to be a horror-genre trailblazer?

I would love the chance to get to know the fans and find out how Jake has helped them. Some comments on social media have come through and it means so much to me, and I’ve received a few letters too. They really inspire me to keep doing my best. Sharing stories about other experiences is so important as it makes it easier for other people to get through the challenges. It helps them know that they’re not alone. 

Left Full look Alexander McQueen

Right Full look Fendi

 It's interesting that there’s no CGI in this series, it’s all done with puppetry. How was it playing opposite a puppet then, did you learn any new acting skills or techniques?

It gave me a deep respect for all the puppeteers. They are so much fun to work with and bring so much life into the characters. I can’t even tell you how amazing they are because you just must see it to believe it. Working with Chucky means there are more takes to do, but they’re all experts so it’s easier than it could be. 

Full look Kenzo

 We’re into the next season now, so how does Chucky handle the relationship with your love-interest Devon? It’s also set in a Catholic school, just to make things even more challenging!? 

Oh, watch the show and you will see. It is crazy!! I think it’s an amazing plot and good to see if, or how, Jake and Devon get through it. Together or not? You’ll see. It’s a mystery at this point.

Left Jumper Fendi, shoes JW Anderson

Right Full look Dolce&Gabbana

 Ok, some quick-fire questions now…...

  

What’s the one film you wish you’d played the lead in…? 

 Batman, but hopefully I will get a chance one day.

  

Your dream role is…?

 There are so many. I want to be in all types of films!

 

The one thing you always have in your trailer on-set is…?

 Listerine Strips. Haha!

 

Your choice for cinema’s most terrifying toy…? 

 CHUCKY!!! Definitely!!! 

Left Full look Alexander McQueen

Right Tanktop JW Anderson, shorts & belt Moschino, boots Prada

The actor who’s left you the most starstruck…?

 Jim Carey! I met him a few times on the show Kidding and we had really good talks. He’s a cool person. I’ll always remember the good advice he shared with me. He’s a caring person and a great actor.

 

When you’re not acting, you’re…?

 Hanging out with my family, my dogs, and my friends. I make music and like sports. Also, I really like watching films and shows to see good content and good acting. 

Left Full look Fendi

Right Full look Louis Vuitton

The one thing you wish you’d known about being an actor is...? 

 How long it takes and how much of a journey it is. There are lots of times you have to be patient, it’s not a fast process, but it’s a fast-paced business. I’m very lucky to have a great team behind me and a close family, they’re always brutally honest with me. That’s what an actor needs. It’s not always easy, but it keeps me in touch with what’s important. Thank you all so much for reading this, and for asking me to be in Behind The Blinds!

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Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Dorien Jimenez

Fashion by Wojiech Christopher Nowak

Casting by Imaginemachine cs

Grooming by Davey Matthew

Stylist’s assistant Annette Gaitan

Photographer’s assistant Joey Whitley

DIGGING DEEP

With his chill and super friendly demeanour, Malte Gårdinger could not have been more different from the character that he plays on Netflix’s queer show Young Royals. In the series, the up-and-coming Swedish actor does a wonderful job of portraying August - a seemingly overtly-confident royal family member and school prefect who on the inside deals with a ton of insecurities. Although August's attempts to remain in power can be only described as despicable, for Malte, it’s important to understand the basis of his actions. “His behaviour comes from the fact that he’s just really scared to lose everything that he has and his way of dealing with that makes him really impulsive,” he explains. “Everything that August does is a reaction to his terrified state.” A couple of days before the series' season two premiere, we spoke to Malte about going back on set and the challenges of portraying a villain.

What did it feel like to go back on set for the second season? Did you feel there was more pressure surrounding the project now that the show has been a hit?

 No, not really! I felt like it was easier to reprise the role that I’ve already done before and work again with people that I’ve gotten to know over the past couple of years. I knew what to expect, so I definitely felt more comfortable [this time around].

 

I feel like the second season of the show definitely has a darker and more grown-up tone. In your opinion, what are the biggest differences between this season and the previous one?

 In the second season, every character gets another layer to them – we’re digging more and you can get deeper into every person on the show.

 Yeah, that’s definitely the case with the character that you’re playing, August. This year, we get to see more of the insecurities that he’s facing, and understand a little bit more the basis of his behaviour. What would you say are the biggest challenges with portraying a dark character like him?

 I would say that the biggest one was showing August in a completely different set of circumstances. He’s definitely so much more vulnerable now. I had to find that dark place inside me and I did the best that I could to not bring myself down too much [while doing it]. Some of the harder scenes for me this season were the ones where he’s in a state of panic on the inside and trying to push it down.

 Do you in any way empathize with what he’s going through?

 Yeah, of course! I feel like I have to get the reasonings [behind his actions] to be able to stand for it in the moment. For me, his behaviour comes from the fact that he’s just really scared to lose everything that he has and his way of dealing with that makes him really impulsive. Everything that he does is a reaction to his terrified state.

 Once you saw the scripts for the second season, what were the aspects of August’s storyline that you were most surprised to see or most excited about getting to play on screen?

 I was quite excited for him to not be as on top as he was in the first one. It was interesting to see how he would react and handle the position that he’s in now. I was really pumped about trying to showcase that! 

Young Royals is for many young people a show that definitely has a big impact on them growing up, for example when it comes to exploring their identities. What would you say were the films or shows that were really important to you when you were younger?

 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was a big one for me! Also, Little Miss Sunshine and The Tree of Life. They all bring that [warm] feeling when I think about them.

 

Who is an actor that you look up to?

 Daniel Day-Lewis. He’s such an interesting person and an amazing actor.

 

Yeah, back when he was still acting, he was the master of transformations! Which one of his roles were you most impressed with?

 I would say his role in Gangs of New York, where he puts on that 19th century accent - that was the first time I realized just how much research he does for every role!

 Let’s switch gears a little bit: outside of acting, what’s something that you're good at that not many people know about? Do you have any secret talents?

 Well, I write music and play both piano and guitar, but I feel like most people might know that already. [Laughs] I can also do a breakdance move where I spin around on my shoulders called the windmill – I learned how to breakdance as a kid and now it’s my party trick!

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Marco van Rijt

Fashion by Hilda Sandström

Casting Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Martin Sundqvist

All clothes Prada

GEEKING OUT

Russell Tovey knows a lot about a lot. Meeting me for this interview whilst working out on a treadmill, the English actor and self-proclaimed ‘art geek’ has the impressive ability to simultaneously discuss - in a very animated manner - the abundance of film, theatre, literature and art references that he comes across in his daily research (far too many to mention in this piece!). It’s no surprise then how excited he was to become part of American Horror Story: NYC, the latest instalment of the classic camp horror show, which this season is rich in citations to the burgeoning queer art and nightlife scenes of 1980s New York. In our digital cover story, Russell talks about the thrill of telling nuanced stories on screen and the buzz he gets from working on his popular podcast Talk Art, which breaks through the intimidating nature of the contemporary art world.

Full look Miu Miu & glasses Oliver Peoples

The new season of American Horror Story is full of references to the queer art and nightlife scenes of 1980s New York - the film Cruising, singer Klaus Nomi, the relationship between Robert Mapplethorpe and Sam Wagstaff, or Bette Midler performing at the bathhouses are just a couple of examples. Which of these references were you most excited to see in the script?

 All of them because they are reference points that have meant so much to me in my personal existence, and also in my career as inspiration. You know, hearing the stories about Bette Midler and Barry Manilow singing at a gay bathhouse just doesn’t make any sense [laughs], but it happened! And it happened in a lounge where guys would chill out in their towels, while others were hooking up [in different rooms]. So now we have Patti LuPone playing a homage to this story in the show. Cruising is another great example – it’s an incredible movie, and when you watch it now, it is a historical document. It’s a movie that was made in the very, very early stages of the AIDS epidemic in New York, and everybody who is in the background was part of that gay scene depicted in the film – they went to all the fetish leather clubs in the city, and many of them died within years of this movie being released. And now, when you watch that movie, there’s that unfathomable realization of what was just around the corner. Also, at the time, the film was very controversial within the community – the queer people didn’t like it, there was a lot of friction surrounding its release, and no one’s touched it since. So for Ryan Murphy to look at it, reference it and make a homage to it feels incredibly exciting. It’s something that he does [so well] – he takes risks, he charters uncharted territories, and I think that’s really thrilling.

Left Top and skirt Dolce&Gabbana , belt Jil Sander

Right Jacket Louis Vuitton

 Was Crusing one of your main references while you were getting into the role you’re playing in the show?

 Yes – when Ryan offered me the role, he said that my character was in some ways like the Al Pacino character in the film. He was playing an undercover cop who wasn’t gay, but the guys that were being killed in the city looked like him, so the police force decided to use him as bait. However, what we’ve done with my character, Patrick, is that we’re meeting him at a point where he’s left his wife for a man – a character inspired by Larry Kramer, someone who’s completely proud and confident in his identity - but he’s still closeted within the force because it’s an incredibly homophobic environment at the time. And that makes me think of another character I played, Joe Pitt in Angels in America, who was a closeted Mormon that was having an affair and leaving his wife – for me, Patrick is an extension or a partner to Joe Pitt’s journey, and now, I can use all of that angst, that pain, that turmoil that I had with Joe to create this new character.

 

Throughout the course of the series, we are slowly introduced to Patrick’s darker side. What do you find most fascinating about him as a character to play?

 Well, I think that as an actor, you want to play complicated, nuanced and dark roles. The scripts for the show were getting written as we were starting to shoot, so in some ways, I hadn’t fully realized exactly what was at stake for Patrick – it all started to unravel even more as we went along. But yeah, I’ve always been drawn to characters that are multifaceted and complicated, and who don’t always mean what they say.

Left Full look Dior Men by Kim Jones

Right Top Versace

 Stepping into the AHS universe for the first time, what impressed you the most about the way in which Ryan [Murphy] is running this ship?

 I’m really amazed by his attention to detail and his ability to hold so many stories in his head at once – there are so many themes, so many references. He’s like Stephen Fry when it comes to pop history, queer history, horror history, or the history of serial killers of the world. He’s an incredibly inspiring and fascinating man. His achievements are beyond, and he continues to reinvent, challenge and make work that is fresh. He creates the zeitgeist.

 

Early next year, you will be also starring in Richard Eyre’s film adaptation of Alan Bennett’s play Allelujah - why is it a story that you wanted to tell?

 Alan Bennett and I have had a strong connection. I was in the original cast of The History Boys, which changed my life, and I also did a small part in the film The Lady in the Van. I mean, it’s Alan Bennett, why would you not want to do it? He’s a British Arthur Miller, he tells our stories. It’s a project that is a love letter to the NHS, a funny and joyful movie with national treasures like Judi Dench and Jennifer Saunders! I think it’s a really important story and what we did is nuanced and special.

Jacket & pants Gucci, sweater Prada, shoes J.W.Anderson

 A couple of years ago, you started your own very successful podcast Talk Art, which has just recently hit 5 million downloads. Congratulations!

 Thank you very much! Yeah, it’s been one of my biggest joys and one of my proudest achievements. It’s something that’s come out of pure enthusiasm and being a complete geek – me and my friend Rob [Diament, co-host] wanted to create a space where we could nerd out about something that we are both obsessed with.


You’ve spoken to many great artists, curators and collectors over the years - which of the guests were you most nervous about interviewing?

 Weirdly, I get nervous for every guest because I want to make sure they feel comfortable, happy and not under pressure. Some people are incredibly shy, some are incredibly confident, but that’s the human condition and no interview’s going to be the same. I always go into it making sure that I’m prepared – I do all my research, Rob does his research, and we never share notes so that we can have a balanced conversation. Whether it’s an emerging artist, a celebrity or a gallerist, we always want to do our best and facilitate an experience where they can feel like they can be open, honest and happy. So I get nervous with every single one, but I also get such a buzz after we’ve finished every episode. They’re never a chore. 

Left Full look Miu Miu

Right Pants Prada, shoes Tod’s

Who’s someone that you’re dreaming of interviewing, but haven’t yet?

 David Hockney! I think we would make it a two-episode special because he’s so masterful and such a big part of history. He’s so inspiring and has lived through everything – he lost loads of friends to AIDS, experienced what it was like to be queer when it had to be coded, he lived in London and Los Angeles, but he also knows what it’s like to be from the north of England. His colloquialism is so accessible, and yet he’s an absolute art history and world history icon!

 

I know that you are currently working on your second Talk Art book - what are the themes that you want to explore in this publication?  

 The second Talk Art book is all about the interviews – we’ve curated an incredible selection of conversations that changed us, showcased important voices and connected with the audience. We’ve compiled them all, and also, we’ve put in hints, tips and references that will make it very clear for people who want to go on this art adventure. For me, it’s something that you can have next to your bed or carry around with you while on a train or bus – you pick it up, you read one interview, you put it down and you think about it. We want to make people feel like they can get in [into this world]. They might not feel like they can go in the front, but we are opening a little side door and going, ‘Come in this side here, we’re gonna show you what it’s like!’

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Alvin Kean Wong at Seen Artists

Fashion & production Alexey Kazakov

Grooming by Thomas Dunkin at Art Department

Location Scouting by Andy Butthol

Photographer’s assistant Yo-yo

Location Toya Horiuchi' artist studio

ALTERNATE WORLDS

Singer-slash-actress Elektra Kilbey is one part of the twin sis’ duo Say Lou Lou, the band that fashion fell in love with, fronting ads for Gucci and H&M, while making us fall in love with their sonic universe of mood music and videos fused with a visually cinematic sensuality. Speaking of the big screen, Elektra’s now pursuing a life-long-acting passion, having appeared in the indie movie Odd Man Rush, and the Amazon TV series, Tales from the Loop.

Her latest role sees her play Lisa Carter in Apple TV+’s new offering, Shantaram, which is based on a best-selling 2003 novel of the same name. Here she shares her thoughts on how acting and music inform one another, and making playlists for everything!

I know that you’re a musician as well as an actor. Does one come before the other? 

Right now, my main focus is acting but I’d like to think that I don’t have to choose one over the other… I love them both.

 

Do you write songs when you’re on set?

No. When I’m working on a project, whether film or music, I am totally consumed with where I am and what I’m doing. I have to feel totally immersed, or I get too distracted or stressed. 

 Was acting your original goal, as you were in the film Gossip back in 2000, before you formed the band Say Lou Lou with your twin sister?

Since childhood, acting has always been a passion and a dream, something I’ve felt drawn to, I always had a surplus of emotions and feelings that had nowhere to go until I figured out it could be expressed in embodying different characters in alternate worlds. 

My identical twin sister and I had a brief stint as the token twin actors when we were kids, doing TV shows, movies and commercial work until we hit our teens and started wanting to be anything but identical! 

 Do you find that your acting and music inform one another? Has acting changed for you because of music?

Yes. All art forms and expressions inform each other. But at the end of the day, it’s about storytelling, which transcends choice of medium. 

 Do you make playlists for your characters, or has any character inspired your music?

Yes, definitely. I made one for Lisa [my character on Shantaram], trying to get into her head, her memories, her triggers...Tim Buckley, The Doors, Zombies, Kinks, Bowie, CAN, Iggy, NEU!

I make playlists for everything, whether it’s a new album I’m working on, a road trip, autumn, winter, summer, spring, a party – they’re sonic moodboards! 

 Music was obviously important in your house when you were growing up, with both your parents being singers. You spent time in Sydney with your dad and in Stockholm with your mum. I’m interested to know if the duality of that upbringing informed a kind of longing or dislocation in yourself, and has that impacted the music and the characters you’re attracted to in acting projects?

Growing up between two places forced me to become a social chameleon, having to learn how to fit in and play different roles, which made me pretty sensitive and aware of dynamics and contexts from a young age. All of that is helpful both in the process of creation itself, but also in all the practicalities around it. 

 Do you feel more vulnerable as an actor playing a character or as a musician performing?

 As an actor, the vulnerability is more present after the performance. As a musician, the vulnerability is before the performance. 

 How do you wind down after filming, in comparison with how you wind down after a show or tour?

After a show or tour, you get hooked on the adrenaline rush from each night’s performance and winding down from that can be difficult, leaving you with “post tour depression” and this strange feeling of emptiness. After filming, I immediately miss being on set and the creative environment, wondering when I will have the privilege to do it again. But in terms of winding down, it’s way more dependent on the scenes that were shot on the day. In Shantaram, there were many harrowing moments for my character, high stakes and dramatic interactions and coming back to myself could be challenging at times. 

 When you first learned that you got the roles in Tales from the Loop and Odd Man Rush, how did you feel, and how did you prepare for them?

I mean… I’m still pinching myself for getting to do what I do. I do not take it for granted, ever.  So far, I’ve prepared for characters the same way each time by dreaming up their life story based on the material given and my intuition. Excavating their fears, hopes, dreams, triggers.  Preparation is so integral to being able to let the character live through you, I think. 

 

When you’re on set, has it been interesting finding that relationship between you and your character?

Yes. But I do need a trigger to get me there. On Shantaram it was by listening to Once I Was by Tim Buckley. It was like a door opening to Lisa each time. 

So how did Shantaram come about, and can you tell me more about the character you play?

The process was normal, but the experience for me at that time was very new and riveting. I’d only been acting for a few months, and every opportunity I had to do an audition was so mega for me.  I play Lisa Carter, an American girl on a quest for beauty, adoration, belonging, escape. I think the zeitgeist of 70’s rock n roll led her to India to find enlightenment and awakening, like many of her idols at the time. Only Lisa quickly falls into brown sugar, and subsequently into sex work to support her habit. She’s a dream character to inhabit, childlike but wise, vulnerable and naive yet so experienced. There’s so much to work and play with. And throughout the season you’ll see her develop a sense of agency and confidence she doesn’t have in the beginning. It’s a lovely arc. 

 

Who are some of your favourite actors of all time?

Where do I start… off the top of my head.... Isabelle Huppert, Charlotte Rampling, Nina Hoss, Juliette Binoche, Bibi Andersson, Andrea Riseborough.

 

Are you more self-aware about how people perceive you when you’re doing the solo stuff like acting?

It’s very different. As an actor you’re practically yourself off screen, but with our band we were always conscious about reinforcing the style of the record we were releasing at the time as if the perception of us was meant to embody the mood of the music. 

 Speaking of the band, are you planning any new music? 

We’re releasing a new EP in the beginning of November. I think it’s our most sincere music thus far and I’m excited to share it with the world. 

 

Ok, finally, give me one album and one film that are your forever go-to’s?

Brian Eno – Apollo, Kieslowski - Three Colours, Blue

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Marc Eram

Make-Up by Cedric Jolivet

Hair by Lauren Palmer Smith at Forward Artists using Oribe

Video directed by Dana Boulos

Produced by BRAINFREEZE

Edited by Kevin Luna

All clothes SAINT LAURENT by ANTHONY VACCARELLO

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

Alfie Allen fits into an enviable niche of actors. He works consistently between film, TV and theatre, and always in high-quality projects. His credits include Equus, Flashbacks of a Fool, John Wick, Pandemic, Close to the Enemy, How to Build a Girl, Jojo Rabbit and most notably, his eight seasons as Theon Greyjoy on Game of Thrones. After a recent stint on Broadway in the thriller Hangmen, he’s back in front of the camera in Steven Knight’s SAS: Rogue Heroes, a World War II action series in which he plays Jock Lewes, the founding principal training officer of the SAS. We recently caught up with him to discuss inner resilience, fatherhood, and retiring with cheese and wine.

Jacket Frame, shirt, tie & shoes Dunhill, pants Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, socks Uniqlo

You didn’t take the usual drama school route into acting, and I read that you referred to your time on stage in Equus (when you took over from Daniel Radcliffe in 2008), as essentially your drama school. I guess it was the ultimate role in which to lay yourself bare and learn the ropes, so to speak!?

 Doing Equus was definitely like a drama school for me. Learning from one of the greats, Simon Callow, was amazing. He gave me sound advice on how to approach the career of acting, and it was a real treat to be able to act with him, but also just be able to go out to dinner with him all the time. It is something I will always remember. 

 You were recently in Hangmen. What’s your sense of Broadway? How do you reckon it compares to what we’re used to in London?

 I loved being on Broadway. There was a real welcoming atmosphere for us when we arrived. Hangmen had been off Broadway already pre-covid, and then its run on Broadway was stopped from Covid, so when everyone was coming back, it was a really beautiful thing to be a part of that whole community getting back on its feet again. I will never forget it. 

Coat & shoes Valentino, suit Louis Vuitton

 Have you ever had any shockers onstage? Have you ever blanked? I think audiences love mistakes, don’t they? Because they feel part of it?

 I have definitely blanked on stage. I had a really bad one during Hangmen. It only happened once, but it was a real dry moment where I just totally forgot what I was going to say in quite an important moment for the audience to understand the plot. Thankfully, my castmate Andy Nyman was the one who thought on his feet and saved me in that moment. I was very thankful to him. I think audiences do like mistakes. You kind of ask them afterwards “did you notice?” and either they are being totally polite, which is very possible, and just trying to make you feel better, but most of the time they don’t even notice, which is one of the great things about being on stage – its ability to constantly change at any moment. When I was a kid growing up and doing pantomime on stage, I loved it when things went wrong, I got a real buzz off that. Maybe not being a part of the action that went wrong, but seeing it happen and having the audience laugh at it. 

Full look Celine Homme

Knit, brooch & shoes Hermes, pants Giorgio Armani

 Aside from theatre, you do television and movies — you’ve paid attention to trying to remain versatile. Is that something you’ve taken advice on? Has your father (actor, Keith Allen) been helpful in that?

 Yes, I have always wanted to be versatile in doing tv, theatre and films. They are all different in their own way. Being on Broadway was terrifying at first, but it was good terror. My father has always been helpful in giving me advice about acting. I don’t really reach out to him for those types of things anymore, but he gave me some sound advice at the beginning. 

Knit Prada, pants Valentino

 You’re a father yourself. Do you think there will ever come a time when you’ll enter dadland roles, when you’ll just play dads – different kinds of dads. Dressed-up dads. Dads with beards. Drunk dads in Vegas?!

 Yes, I am a father to my gorgeous daughter Arrow. I would love to play a dad at some point. Maybe an animated dad. I would love to be able to play a cartoon character that she would know I was doing the voice for. It puts a smile on my face to think that could be a possibility. 

 

How do you think you would feel if she wanted to become an actor, with this constant push for gender equality in Hollywood – what changes would you most like to see in the world for her?

 I would like to see equal pay for my daughter if she were in the entertainment industry – in any industry. That is one thing I would like to see if she were to choose to become an actor.

Full look Celine Homme

 Let’s discuss your latest TV project, SAS Rogue Heroes, which explores the founding of the British Army’s Special Air Service during World War II. You play Jock Lewes, tell me more about him?

 He’s instrumental in the formation of the SAS from its origins. He was a disciplinarian and a quite uptight man. He was respected by his soldiers, but quite an aloof and distant man, so many felt like they did not really know him. Being surrounded by a bunch of psychotic drunkards, I guess he was the balance that they needed to keep them in line. That was quite fun to play. He was a pioneer in new methods that were tried and tested even if they failed a lot of the time. It was kind of his idea to parachute into the desert and attack from behind enemy lines, which was unheard of at the time.

 

What was the audition process like?

 I had a chat with the director Tom Shankland over zoom, and thankfully he decided that he wanted me to play Jock.

Left Full look Prada

Right Coat Valentino, suit Louis Vuitton

 How was it working with the series creator Steven Knight?

 Working with Steven was amazing. He managed to bring humour into some moments where you really wouldn’t think it would apply, but then jolt you back into the sense that what these men were going through was pretty horrific. 

 

 You filmed in both Morocco and the UK, what was it like being in the desert, I imagine it could be quite challenging and demanding?

 Filming in the desert was extremely demanding. Both emotionally and physically. It was very isolating at times being out there for three months. The desert was beautiful, but it was also all we had. We were always making sure to check in with each other and checking to see if everyone was doing okay. It eradicated any egos that were likely to arise. We were all equals out there. It was great, I enjoyed it immensely. 

Left Jacket Frame, shirt & tie Dunhill, pants Golden Goose Deluxe Brand

Right Full look Prada

 So, years from now, when you’re finished with all the dadland roles(!), where do you want to retire? Or maybe you’ll pursue another passion?

 I’d like to retire and go to live in Italy with my daughter and my grandchildren and eat cheese and make bread. That is what I would like to do!

…

Interview by Kate Lawson


Photography by Zeb Daemen 

Fashion by Michael Miller 

Grooming by Nadia Altinbas at A-Frame Agency Using Bumble and Bumble, Tom Ford Beauty & Wahlpro

Set design by Joshua Stovell 

Photographer’s assistant Jack Snell


Styling’s assistant Lacie Gittins

INELUCTABLE CHARISMA

It’s time to get into Ismael Cruz Córdova. It’s been a tough journey to the top as a Puerto Rican-born actor, struggling to find his space and voice in a Hollywood which still has a long way to go in terms of representation of Latinos on screen, particularly in stories that reflect their experiences.

Already deep into a stage, TV and film career, wowing with his charisma and craft, he’s just stepped into the shoes of Silvan Elf Arondir for Amazon’s billion-dollar epic saga The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. With his sights set on a world beyond stereotypes, it’s finally Ismael's moment and it couldn’t feel more right.

Left Jacket N21 & jewelry Ismael’s own

Right Full Calvin Klein

You’re playing Arondir, a silvan elf, which is great casting for the Tolkien universe, as Middle-Earth finally becomes more diverse. When you learned that you got the role, what was the first thing you did?

 Funnily enough it was such a long process to get the role, over 6 or 7 months, doing in-person tapes from different parts of the world, including one during the final stretch when I was in the desert in South Africa, which was quite hectic. I had received two or three rejections at this point for the role, and the stakes were so high, and the journey had been so long, and I hadn’t heard back from my last audition, and I was really stressed and so anxious to hear back. So, I decided to do some self-care and got a room in a nice hotel in New York and ordered some champagne and was just going to take a nice relaxing bath, and then as I was checking into the room, I got the call that I got the role! So, the first thing I did was to scream loudly in front of the concierge, haha! and ran outside and did a little happy dance!

 

Were you nervous about taking on such a big role? What can we expect from your character’s story arc?

 A resounding no! I was excited, grateful, anxious, but in all quite prepared from not only my professional experience, but I would say this is a role that my life has prepared me for, and the circumstances with which I’ve gone into this industry. My life has made me feel extremely ready to take on these roles and perform to the best of my abilities, so that I could not only bring this incredible character into this outstanding fantasy world and give it its full life; but also, be able to dignify and elevate this being that we know by bringing so much meaning as the first elf of colour in this massive classic work.

I grew up very poor and fought for opportunities, and through blood, sweat and tears I made my way to NYC through many obstacles, and like me, my character Arondir is a warrior, with a quiet force behind his eyes that sets him and his journey of curiosity apart, and I feel very familiar with that and his emotional soul. Expect resilience, strength, a depth of empathy but also ferocity and vulnerability from him – both emotional and physical. I hope that all those qualities that come from the character, but also the soul and meaning that I’ve put into bringing him to life, touches people as much as the character has touched and transformed me.

Left Full look Givenchy, crown Ismael’s own

Right Sweater Zadig&Voltaire, jewelry Ismael’s own

 What about how you’ll look? Did you have to sit through layers of makeup and prosthetics, like getting the elf ears on?

 My costume is not as flashy and elegant as the high elves, as Arondir is a soldier, but it’s still such a beautiful and elaborate costume and everything in it has meaning. The designer [Kate Hawley], is just incredible and she’s gracious enough to let you have an opinion here and there like with the movement and comfort of it. Arondir is also a short-haired elf which is a departure from the usual aesthetic in the movies, and it’s pretty distinct, and yes those pointy ears took around 2 hours to do the transformation from tired Ismael in the mornings to Arondir!

 How did you prepare? Did you have to learn any new skills for the role, like learning to speak elvish?

 Yes, I learned a lot of skills, and it was important to me that I was able to bring a different message in the way the character moved, thought and experienced the world as he’s a character with a lot of action, and I wanted to ground that in the mythology of the woodland elves – but then again Arondir is a different kind of elf as it’s the first time you see one like myself, of Afro descent.

So, I trained in Wushu kung fu and Taekwondo martial arts and also in Capoeira which is an Afro-Brazilian martial art which is very appropriate as it’s close to the ground and feels very of the earth and the environment with a different flow, and it’s also an Afro-diasporic martial art so that’s part of my message and part of my contribution to this world too.

I also learned archery, wirework, and did about 95% of my stunts, I was really involved in this process training every day for months and months. Arondir lives and experiences the world through his physicality for the most part, so for me that was his language. I also had a dialect coach [Leith McPherson] who I worked with daily and weekly to learn to speak Elvish, and the bigger challenge was that I had to learn a received pronounciation British accent for the role. I’m not a native English speaker but Leith has an incredible depth of knowledge with Tolkien and Shakespeare, and really guided me by the hand technically, spiritually, and emotionally through the process.

Full Calvin Klein

 What was it like being in middle earth, filming in New Zealand, did you have any pinch me moments where you were like, this is so surreal, I’m really here?

 New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in my life, and I’ve had a lot of great opportunities to travel in my work. It’s a breathtaking place that’s very humbling and it recalibrates you and makes you understand a lot about yourself, humanity, nature, and spirituality. I had a great connection with the Māori culture, my brothers and sisters who brought me into their villages and families and welcomed me, and I gained their respect and it’s been one of the most important experiences of my life. Every day was a pinch me moment in Middle Earth, the way the artists, designers and builders all created these sets and worlds that were so interesting and beautiful with such a depth of detail, so incredibly surreal.

Left Full Prada

Right Tank top Calvin Klein, jeans Givenchy, jewelry Ismael’s own

 I read that you often show up in character to an audition, that’s dedication! What did you do for Lord of the Rings?

 I didn’t even know I was auditioning for an elf for a long time, so as it progressed more and more, and I experienced the rejections for the role, I became more ferocious about getting the part and I didn’t want to take no for an answer! So while I was working on a movie called Settlers in South Africa, the AD and make up team there were huge LOTR fans and when they heard I had to make another tape, I told them what the scene was and the setting, and they did all this post-battle make up for me and let me use the costume I was wearing and lighting gave me a sky panel and I went and did the whole scene in this tent with the feeling and look and atmosphere. I kind of went full out and I think when you’re committed to something, you have to make those choices!

 You’ve had such an eclectic mix of roles in your career so far. From Sesame Street, to playing a boxing champion, then an Italian renaissance violinist to Mary Queen of Scots and now an Elf. Why those choices, and what other genres would you like to try, maybe the next James Bond?

 Looking for a voice is what got me into acting. I was always on a quest to find those opportunities in which me and people like myself, could enter spaces where our voices were heard, and considered and have a seat at the table, and for my words to mean something and to matter. I think the visibility aspect and occupying spaces is important and changing in perception, so I’ve worked really hard to say no to certain things and craft and build a body of work that serves a purpose and it’s taken time for that purpose to be clear so people can see and connect the dots.

This mix of roles have often not been open to other ethnicities and people of colour when I started  20 years ago. We’ve moved further on in this journey but we’re definitely not where we should be. That’s part of my crusade, to work on these roles and give a message that we can do it all and occupy these spaces and deserve to shape the image and stereotypes that everyone puts on us, and it’s important for people to rewire themselves and playing different roles helps that. I’m still looking for my superhero, I would love to play one, he’s still out there! Also maybe a romcom, but I heard there is a superstition that you shouldn’t say you want to be the next James Bond, so I won’t!

 There have been many Latino’s who’ve made history at the Oscars, from José Ferrer and Rita Moreno, to Benicio del Toro and more recently Ariana DeBose. Being rightly so proud of your Afro-Puerto Rican roots, are you also ready for your big Hollywood moment?

 Yes, I’m ready for this moment, everything in my life has taken me to this place and I just feel grateful, and I have given everything to this craft, and sacrificed everything, leaving home, my family, my country, my people and culture, and have just had to work and work as I’ve come from nothing, to make my way. I’ve slept in a bathtub, the train and a park bench, you know there are volumes of a book I could write about my struggle to get where I am. There’s been plenty of backlash so far about me playing an elf of colour, and when there are waves of hatred directed at any human being it can affect you, but it’s also made me feel stronger and prouder because this is the exact type of space I want to disrupt and occupy, and I want to go even further after this! 

Left Jewelry Ismael’s own

Right Full look Fendi

So, if your life were a TV show or movie, what would be the theme song?

 Oh no….wait a second, that’s hard! You got me on this one! I don’t know, but there is this one song that’s lived rent-free in my head for like 15 years, don’t ask me why, but it’s Age of Aquarius

from the musical Hairspray. I actually think it would be quite funny to have a montage of me just coming through a door to that song, for no damn reason, haha!

 

Mine would be “Je Ne Regrette Rien” by Edith Piaf. Speaking of regrets, any career-wise so far?

 I don’t usually have regrets, but recently I’ve had this dream of making an album because I love singing and writing music, I love melodies, and music is just the friggin best thing there is, so I do regret not having made an album yet, and I’m looking forward to doing that!

…

See the full feature in our FW22 Issue - out now.

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Hadar Pitchon

Fashion by Michael Rosenberg

Grooming by Laila Hayani

GOOD, EVIL, AND PRINCESS DRESSES

In the film The School for Good and Evil, Sofia Wylie and Sophia Anne Caruso play best friends put to the test when they’re whisked away to a magical school for future fairytale heroes and villains. Based on Soman Chainani’s fantasy book series, the movie ratchets up the tension as the duo find themselves on opposing sides of an epic battle to protect the balance between good and evil. But in real life, the actors became fast friends while shooting the Netflix flick, Wylie’s latest project, having also starred in High School Musical: The Musical, the series Andi Mac, and Disney’s danceathon Shook. A model, dancer and singer too, it seems there’s nothing this shining talent can’t do. Here she tells us about female bonds, fan-girling and wish fishes.

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

You’re playing the role of Agatha in Netflix's The School for Good and Evil. She seems to have many layers. Do you relate to her in real life at all, and do you pick certain roles because you identify with or feel more passionate about the character? 

 I really enjoy playing characters that have enough depth to truly feel human to me. I think any multi-dimensional character can be relatable in some way. While Agatha’s interests/demeanor is different from mine, I think our thoughts and hearts are similar. I can relate to the struggles that come from feeling different or like you don’t belong.  I find the chapter or season of my life frequently mirrors my characters if we are close to age as well!

 

Which school would you put yourself in, in real life? 

 I would definitely put myself in the School for Good! I’ve always loved princesses and fairytales. I am very routined and particular, which definitely fits in with the organisation within the School for Good!

Full looks Zadig&Voltaire

 The film explores themes of friendship, the question of fate and the complexities of good vs evil. Agatha even says it in the movie, 'You're not evil, you're just human.' How do you think it speaks to the way that the world is right now? 

 I think it is unfair to place people in boxes. We are ever-changing beings with complexities that cannot be defined in one word! When we realise that the world isn’t so black-and-white, it definitely becomes much easier to have empathy for others. 

 The movie is a great example of how Sophie, Agatha, Professor Dovey and Lady Lesso are these strong, independent women. Their stories are about them, and not identified by their relationships to men, which is so important in how women are portrayed in film today, don’t you think? 

 Yes, I completely agree! In past fairytale narratives, it is so common to see a prince saving a princess. However, the School for Good and Evil showcases the power and strength that comes from female friendships. Friendships can be so underrated and represented, especially in film and television. But a bond between two girls/women is like no other!

 How did the chemistry between yourself and Sophia develop over the course of filming, and had you both made a point to get to know each other before even landing on set?

 Sophia Anne and I didn’t know each other before auditioning for the movie, but once we started pre-production, we met up a couple of times to go over the script and get to know each other. When you’re filming a movie, there is a natural bond that grows between you and your co-stars. Because Sophia Anne and I were together all the time on set, I think we just naturally grew a bond similar to our characters.

Full looks Zadig&Voltaire

 What was it like to work alongside Michelle Yeoh, Charlize Theron, and Kerry Washington too. Were you fan-girling?

 I was totally fan-girling! I’ve been watching them since I was a little girl, so being able to work beside them felt like a true fairytale. I learned so much just through different observation each day on set!

 What do you feel like you’ve learned from them, collectively?

 How to treat yourself AND others with the utmost respect. They all carried themselves with so much confidence in their abilities and what they were bringing to each scene. This confidence was never confused with cockiness though. Even though they are all so accomplished, they always showed so much respect and kindness to everyone else on set. Whether it was your first day on a set, or thousandth, they did not treat you any differently!

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 What did you all do for fun in Belfast when you weren’t shooting?

 Our hotel was right outside of Belfast, so whenever I had time, I would go into the city with my parents! We would walk around the botanical gardens, grab food or shop. I was still in high school at the time, so A LOT of my free time was taken up by school. To be completely honest, I think my favourite thing on my off time was SLEEP!

 What do you think of the costumes in the movie by designer Renée Ehrlich Kalfus?

 The costumes are one of my favourite elements of the movie. Renée was so incredibly collaborative and receptive. She allowed me to have such a large say in my wardrobe. Whether that had to do with comfortability or just simply my own preference, she was always open to hearing my thoughts. Her eye is so sharp, and she just knows how to make things look good! We are all so blessed to have worked with her!

 

Can you tell me about any specific memorable scenes or anecdotes from filming that really encapsulate the project to you?

 Without giving away any spoilers, I think one of the last scenes Sophie and Agatha have in the School Masters Tower is a really powerful one. At this point in the movie, they’ve been through so much together and individually. But at the end of the day, their love and friendship are the most important thing to both of them. If people only take one thing away from this movie, I hope that it’s the importance of the people you love rather than success, power, or beauty. 

Full looks Zadig&Voltaire

 Who is your favourite fantasy fairytale goodie or villain – and do you have a fairytale book that you loved as a child, that still resonates with you today?

 I always have and always will love Ariel from The Little Mermaid. I wanted to be a mermaid soooo badly when I was a little girl, and I’d be lying if I said I still wasn’t dying to be one. The music is also so incredible in that movie!

 

Aside from acting, you’ve also been a backup dancer for Justin Bieber in the past, and I read that you love K-pop too! Do you listen to stuff and dance like nobody’s watching on your days off at home?!

 Of course! Dancing was my first passion, and it will forever hold such a special place in my heart. Even though I am focusing on acting right now, I feel so lucky to be able to incorporate dancing and singing into some of the projects I do. I hope that I’ll always dance like no one’s watching, because the freedom of movement to music is like no other.

 

What kind of doors are opening up for you now, and what do you have planned for the future?

 Working within film is something I’ve always wanted to do! This is the second film I’ve ever done, and I hope that I can do many more in the future. I want to keep testing and challenging myself as an actress, so I am open to what’s to come! 

Full looks Zadig&Voltaire

“I’ve noticed how important representation has been to me growing up, and how important it has been for other young girls and boys to see someone like them on screen.”

We must also talk about your production company, AIFOS Entertainment, which aims to spotlight female voices and storylines. You’ve optioned various Young Adult novels and screenplays. Can you tell me about any of them, and what you’re most excited to see? 

 I’m really excited to see projects that are made by the same people who wanna watch them. I’ve noticed how important representation has been to me growing up, and how important it has been for other young girls and boys to see someone like them on screen. I think a lot of people underestimate how impactful the stories we see and hear through the media can be. Shining a beautiful and bright light on people who have been in the dark for too long is something I feel very passionate about. I’m so happy that I get to have the opportunity to give a voice to those who haven’t been heard and I have so many wonderful stories coming… but I’ll leave it at that. No spoilers just yet!

 

Finally, let’s return to The School for Good and Evil. In the movie, in her first lesson, Agatha learns that wish fishes can show what your soul really desires. What would the fishes see when they look into your soul right now?  

 Oh I love this question! I think it would show me, my parents, my sister and our two dogs at the beach eating tacos and Acai! There’s nothing more that I want than for my family and I to always be together!

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Sharon Chitrit

Casting by ImageMachine cs

Hair by Vernon François

Make-Up by Robert Bryan

DARING TO DREAM

Since she burst on to the fashion scene in 2011, as the gender-free Swedish model the industry couldn’t get enough of – booking gigs for men’s campaigns including Tom Ford and being cast as a young Leonardo DiCaprio – Erika Linder’s life has undergone significant, self-motivated changes. Most notably, she's focusing less on the catwalk and more on the big screen, with a string of diverse acting projects including her film debut in Below Her Mouth and the upcoming neo-noir haute couture meets murder movie thriller Cover, in which she ironically plays a supermodel called Justine, struggling in the battle for ego over self-identity. It’s little surprise that the camera still loves Erika, and here she tells us about childhood dreams and pursuing her own path.

Did you grow up watching movies and ever actually think you would be in one?

 I think story telling for me, in any capacity, was something I wanted to do. Whether through pictures, films, music or just playing as a kid, I always knew I wanted to be a performer from a very early age. I remember my grandma would put on Elvis Presley films, and I would think, that’s what I wanna do! The thought was always there, but to make it happen was surreal, although I think I always knew that there was going to come a time and a chance for me to prove myself.

 

Has it been difficult to break free of modelling and for people to consider you as an actor?

 In the beginning, yes. I don’t necessarily have the same approach and view on it as I used to have. I promised myself when I started in the fashion industry doing men’s and women’s fashion, that I wanted to do it all because otherwise it would bore me. I don’t see myself as an actor or a model now. I just see myself as an artist, as just doing one thing out of the two would bore me. I want to constantly expand and dare to dream.

 

You’re not theatrically trained, so you’ve obviously had an organic approach to acting. Did nerves get the better of you at first?

 No, when I did the auditioning process for Below Her Mouth, I wasn’t even considering acting at all. The script got sent to my agents and it all went from there. When I finally booked the part, the producers didn’t want me to take any acting classes, and it wasn’t until later I started working with a coach. I guess I have an organic approach to a lot of things, and it’s interesting to learn and to get the tools needed. I think you could do as much preparation as possible before you make a film, but when you’re finally on set, you just kind of let everything go with the flow and just respond.

“I don’t see myself as an actor or a model now. I just see myself as an artist.”

 Like modelling, it’s such an uncertain business, were you emotionally ready when the opportunity came with the 2016 movie Below Her Mouth?

 I was very ready. I think because it came out of nowhere, it made it so much easier. I don’t think you’re given the opportunity if you’re not ready for it. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.  But true, it is an uncertain business and you’re not shooting the film until you’re physically on set. I’ve had films fall apart multiple times and it can be devastating. You have to be mad enough to believe in yourself and that you can do it, and that there’s no other option than “this”.

 

After that film, you then got a part in a TV series. Is that when the spark really ignited for you to then pursue it as a career?

 I’m not sure if it really sparked anything in me to pursue an acting career, but I think what it did was to make me realise there was a whole other industry to play in. With it being shot in Portugal it opened my mind to the European market, which I find a little bit more up my alley. If anything, I felt creative after it, because everyone involved was filming it during the day, and would go and do a play right after, that same evening or night. It awoke a creativeness in me that I hadn’t seen before. Something that wasn’t driven by career or the next big thing but driven by love.

 

A lot of other actors I’ve spoken to say that they’ve learned a lot about their own flaws through becoming other characters. Is that something you can relate to so far?

 

Absolutely! Realising that my mistakes are opportunities to learn. Portraying the flaws is what makes for great acting, but it can be the most challenging. I think it’s hard for people to see and admit their own flaws. To share them with others.

 

It must be quite liberating to have the opportunity to be in this other body though, and not in your own reality, and just totally forget who you are for a second?

 Yes. I felt it especially when I was shooting Blue Lisbon. I played a taoist character named Tommy and for the first time in my life, I practiced it so heavily that nothing phased me. I was just ok with everything that was going on around me. I can get anxious but didn’t on that set. I had a solid two weeks of feeling unbothered by everything around me, haha!

 Looking ahead, what would be the dream role for you?

 I find it hard to say what kind of dream role I want, but for now I think it’s my dream to play a role in something which a director that I admire sees me in. I would love to do a medieval character.

 

Well, your next movie project takes you back into fashion again, can you tell me more about it?

 I have a couple of films on the radar for the near future, and the one I’m doing next is going to be the most fun, yet scary, but also the most challenging role I’ve played to date. It’s a story within the fashion world about a young woman who struggles for her existence and visibility, gradually losing her mind. It’s about self-denial, loss of identity and isolation.

 

On this new path of yours, is there an actor who inspires the journey, or speaks to your mindset?

 I have always admired Tilda Swinton. Words can’t describe it. Other than that, I’m trying to create my own journey and follow my own path.

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Amanda Demme

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