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Hanna Pallot
PULLED BY THE MOON

In conversation with CORY MICHAEL SMITH

PULLED BY THE MOON
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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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CHAMELEONIC CHARM

Zac Burgess isn’t interested in being an actor— he wants to be a chameleon. Rather than simply play people, he aims to embody them fully, to completely immerse himself in someone else and access parts of himself he never knew existed. This desire isn’t born of artistic impulse alone—it’s rooted in something deeper. For the young actor, each role is an opportunity to unearth a new fragment of himself, to explore a corner of his mind previously uninhabited. His latest endeavor? Lucien Belmont in the Cruel Intentions series, based on the cult classic film of the same name. If the goal was to step as far away from himself as possible, Burgess struck gold with this character: a loving sociopath whose charm masks his venom. But Lucien is much more than a caricature. Even with a character this extreme, the actor manages to find something real—something human. To channel Lucien’s attitude, he sought confidence that felt earned, not performed. For Burgess, acting has always been more than a craft—it’s therapy. We catch up with the young actor just as he’s returned home after an intense press tour, still catching his breath from a whirlwind couple of weeks.

Hi, how are you? I’m sorry to have you wake up so early.

 No, it’s good, I’ve been up for a while now, I’m still readjusting to jet lag.

 

How long have you been back home in Australia?

 I got in about 3 or 4 days ago. It’s been a whirlwind but it’s good to be home. I was in LA doing the press junket, then we had the premiere, but I managed to make my way back.

 It must be hard to go back and forth between the two. But I’ve heard you say you would never leave. What keeps you tethered there?

 I grew up in the countryside, so away from all the major cities. The peace that being back home brings is next to nothing. It almost feels funny, but I grew up with a river in my backyard. I’ve always been close to the water, with animals always around. I’ve got wonderful friends and family who can keep me humble.

 

Growing up so far away from a city, how did you feel the magnetic pull of acting?

 My dad was an actor in Australia, and he passed away in 2016 and I was quite young. I was only 13 years old, and I didn't really know much about his life. I wanted to get a deeper understanding of who he was, and that's why I gave acting a go. I wanted to understand what his career was like and what drew him to acting. I also had all these different emotions that I was feeling at the time, and acting was one of the best ways to be able to move through them, picking up different pieces and expressing some of the deep pain I was going through at the time and turning it into something more tangible.

 It's interesting hearing you talk of acting as a sort of therapy or a way to process emotions. Do you still feel that way now?

 Definitely. There are times when I feel disconnected or unsure of what’s happening around me because it’s such a chaotic industry. There are all sorts of things happening all the time and being able to jump into scenes with other actors. It allows me to come back into myself, feel my body and respond to those around me. It’s therapy.

 

Having that said, how do you pick roles? Do you tend to choose characters that feel closest to you?

 Oh, absolutely no. I think everything I want to do is stretch myself and have major versatility. I guess my ultimate goal is to become sort of a chameleon, to disappear within roles. I think that is such a gift to be able to work towards. Yeah, something the next thing I do, I hope it's completely different from anything else.

 Is that what attracted you to Cruel Intentions? Lucien seems so different from everything else you’ve done.

 Absolutely, I think that’s probably the best part of what I got to explore with him. The other characters I've played in the past have been sort of younger teenagers who are going through troubles in their lives—most of them Australian characters too. So being able to find Lucien and play with the American accent dive into, like, the nitty gritty, juicy, raunchy… fun stuff that Lucien represents. I think that’s what drew me to play with those things I haven’t had the chance to do before.

 

I read that you never actually watched the Cruel Intentions original movie because you didn’t want it to bleed into your performance. How did you find him?

 I started with his voice. It was an interesting process. I had never done an American accent before, so it started in a high-pitched octave. But then I saw a clip of Gossip Girl on YouTube—I’ve never actually watched the show, but I think the character’s name is Chuck Bass...

 Oh, that’s a great place to start.

 Yeah, I really liked the way he sounds. I took inspiration from him in the way he portrayed his confidence. I guess I was trying to find this part of myself I hadn’t experienced yet. I tend to find myself not being super confident in some aspects of life. Something freeing about Lucien was being able to step into pushing myself to find that confidence. Then I was fortunate to be able to sit down with Sara (Goodman) and Phoebe (Fisher), our showrunners, and pull apart who Lucien really was. I had to see his behavioral patterns and the choices he made throughout his life in a different way. I think a lot of it comes down to the trauma he had to endure as a young man. I think the final step into being him was the clothes. Being able to jump into the costume room and pick out this crazy vibrant stuff—which in so many ways act as his cover—was key.

 

Was the accent part of your character work?

 I was fortunate it became second nature, so it wasn’t inhibiting me unless I was stuck on a line. Other than that, it definitely helped inform the character and step into him every time we were on set.

Have you seen the movie now?

 I still have not. I think if the series is ever concluded I’ll give it a watch. It’ll be like a parting gift.

 

You mentioned that you think so much of his actions come from trauma. Do you need to find a level of empathy between you and a character before you play them?

 Oh absolutely, I definitely have to. You can never judge a character because it makes it almost impossible to play them. You have to find a way to empathize with what they’re feeling. You’re playing a real person with real feelings. Also, in any relationship in life you need to have empathy, this is just another example of that.

 He is human but he is also quite villainous. How did you feel knowing you were about to play a role many people might dislike?

 It’s gold as an actor to be able to dive into a character that isn’t necessarily always good because it creates a conversation. It makes people question their morals and ethics.

 

One of the best parts of the show is the dynamic you have with Sarah and Savannah. How did you develop that chemistry?

 We hit it off from the get-go. We really did understand each other from the beginning. We are also quite fortunate because we got to have sessions with an intimacy coordinator. He allowed us to work in intimate spaces and control breath work. That was a big part of understanding intimacy without physical touch.

 There’s something about the cult following of Cruel Intentions that attracts so much attention. How has the response been?

 I’ve been very fortunate with close people around me who guided me through the process. Let’s say I have felt some nice reactions and tried to avoid others. At the end of the day, I’m incredibly proud of what the cast and crew created. I worked with such amazing people who have creative outlooks and insights that I appreciate so much. I’m incredibly thankful for the whole process.

 You mentioned you’re interested in expanding your repertoire. What would be your next step?

 I’d love a Western, I think it would be a fun blending of the country I grew up in and what I do. It would be a dream come true. Let me put some muscle on and some fake tattoos. Do an Irish accent. Just something completely different. 

Interview by Pedro Vasconcelos

Photography by Lauren Withrow

Fashion by Yuval Ozery

All clothes Celine Homme

Grooming by Destiny Venice

Photographer’s assistant Cameron Lee Phan

A DARK DEBUT

NICHOLAS ALEXANDER CHAVEZ HAS ENTERED THE ZEITGEIST GUNS BLAZING — BUT ENOUGH ABOUT HIS ARMS. FROM TINY RED SPEEDOS TO LEATHER CHAPS, THE YOUNG ACTOR HAS MADE HIMSELF A MODERN SEX SYMBOL. THIS WAS, OF COURSE, NOT HIS INTENTION— IT’S JUST WHAT HE DESCRIBES AS A “FUN” BONUS. CHAVEZ IS INCREDIBLY SERIOUS ABOUT HIS CRAFT, BUT THERE’S NO WAY HE COULDN’T BE. TASKED WITH PLAYING HALF OF THE INFAMOUS DUO IN MONSTERS: THE LYLE AND ERIK MENENDEZ STORY, HIS PERFORMANCE DELIVERS AN INCREDIBLY NUANCED PORTRAYAL OF AN EQUALLY COMPLEX PERSON. THAT IS HOW NICHOLAS LOOKS AT LYLE: NOT AS A CHARACTER, BUT AS A HUMAN BEING HE HAD TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE PORTRAYING. FORTUNATELY, THE ACTOR HAD THE ADVANTAGE OF A FRESH PERSPECTIVE—HE ONLY LEARNED ABOUT THE CASE WHEN HE FIRST AUDITIONED FOR WHAT HAS BECOME THE SHOW OF THE SEASON. THE ONLY COMPETITION THE SERIES FACES IS IN A PROJECT THAT, COINCIDENTALLY, IS ALSO DIRECTED BY RYAN MURPHY AND FEATURES CHAVEZ. IN GROTESQUERIE, THE ACTOR HAS THE FREEDOM TO EXPLORE THE RELIGIOUS UNCANNY VALLEY OF MIDDLE AMERICA. UNSURPRISINGLY, HIS PORTRAYAL THREADS THE FINE LINE BETWEEN TERRIFYING AND COMEDICALLY UNPREDICTABLE. PLUS, HE PLAYS A HOT PRIEST. NO, NOT IN THE PG FLEABAG WAY, IN THE HELLFIRE-BURNING, LEATHER CHAP-WEARING WAY — IT’S CHAVEZ’S WORLD, WE’RE JUST HAPPY TO WATCH.

Left Top Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, coat Emporio Armani

Right Coat Brunello Cucinelli, tank top stylist’s own, pants Fendi, boots Dolce&Gabbana, belt Tom Ford, gloves and sunglasses Lanvin

Hi! How are you?

I’m good!

You look better than good. I wish I was in a hammock in the sun right now. 

Yeah, I had the choice between taking this call sitting at a desk, or laying outside. I think I made the right one.

Left Tank top stylist’s own, pants Fendi, belt Tom Ford, gloves Lanvin

Right Jacket Fendi, turtleneck and boots Tom Ford, pants Brunello Cucinelli

.I would agree. I wish I could do the same… If I lay outside, I’d freeze. 

You’re based in London, right? I’ve been a few times but mostly did super touristy things. I definitely need to go back.


I’ll give you some pointers when you come. But before I do, I want to congratulate you on Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, it’s been such a success. I find that the Menendez brothers' story can be so polarizing. When were you first made aware of it?

Right after I got the audition. It seemed like such an interesting project and I’ve been wanting to work with Ryan Murphy for a long time. He’s incredibly creative. But as soon as I got it, I researched the brothers and what they went through. I had to familiarize myself with the culture of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. I watched everything I could and that continued through until we finished the project. 

Top Dolce&Gabbana, leather coat, boots, jewellery Celine Homme

I get that, it feels like a character that would require constant attention. How do you prepare yourself for something like that?

For anything you’re tackling with a real human being, research is necessary. But then, at the same time, as an actor, you’re led first and foremost by the script and the story you’re being asked to portray. There’s an aspect of dramaturgy to it. But even then, it was important to me to distil the core truths of this character and make sure I was empathizing with him rather than judging him. Even though I was tasked with playing someone whose presence in this series can be erratic or impulsive at times, I knew that underneath all of it was a core pain that came from a dark and hurt place. They say anger is a secondary emotion, it’s usually there to cover up hurt. 

Right Coat Brunello Cucinelli, tank top stylist’s own, pants Fendi, boots Dolce&Gabbana, belt Tom Ford, gloves and sunglasses Lanvin

I’ve heard you in an interview talk about how playing a character is about finding the Venn diagram intersection between their emotional spectrum and yours. How do you go about protecting your mental well-being while committing to your technique?

I think that’s the job. In some ways, there’s no getting around that. Ultimately, only you the actor need to know what the crossover is between you and the character. How you’re empathizing with the character—how you find your way in as an actor— is an incredibly personal thing. That introspective process can sometimes be enlightening in ways you didn’t expect it to be. I certainly surprised myself several times throughout this process, both in good and bad ways. But you can’t play a character as complex as this without learning a few things about yourself along the way. 

Tank top stylist’s own, pants Fendi, belt Tom Ford, gloves Lanvin

Your co-star Cooper Koch recently spoke to us about a visit he paid to Erik Menendez. Would you like to do something similar or do you find that you need some separation as an actor?

I think that art is inherently political. It’s always been and it always will be. But the political commentary that I have to make is in the art itself. And so, any contribution that I could make to the conversation I’ve already made.


Is that also your stance when it comes to the conversation that’s spawned from the airing of Monsters?

My performance is one aspect of the whole. This show is the culmination of a lot of different artistic perspectives. We are also portraying so many different points of view. We are telling the parent’s side of the story, and the brothers’, and Dominick’s, and everyone else’s. It’s impossible to say that my point of view of who I perceived Lyle to be as a human being is portrayed within the show. What I can tell you is that I’ve developed a strong point of view of who I perceived Lyle to be while still working within the limitations of the script that I was given. But I definitely tried to bring as much truth and humanity as I possibly could to the role. And, more than anything, I view Lyle Menendez as a deeply wounded human being. 

Jacket, shirts, tie, pants and bel Prada, boots Celine Homme, glasses stylist’s own

On this project, you’re acting with juggernauts. What did working with Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny so closely teach you?

I think the most important takeaway for me is to lead with kindness in all things. I thought that Javier and Chloë displayed exemplary leadership. Throughout the entire project, they were warm and incredibly professional but still brought a sense of play. When you’re a younger actor, you want to be looking towards the veterans to see how to do it. They set an incredible example for both Cooper and myself. It was so inspiring to be around people who are both serious and dropped in while on camera and such warm human beings when the cameras are off. 

Jacket, shirts, tie, pants and bel Prada, boots Celine Homme, glasses stylist’s own


You’re also participating in another exciting Ryan Murphy project, Grotesquerie. How does your approach differ from playing a real character and a fictional one?

Well, with Monsters, you have a set context. You’re covering the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, and it covers something that’s based on real-life events—you have a prescribed context. With Grotesquerie, there’s nothing of the sort. The sky's the limit, the only boundaries you have are set by Ryan Murphy’s imagination, which is boundless. You are free to explore anything. You can afford to be an incredibly impulsive actor in a story that has looser parameters. It can be an incredibly specific world but everything is up to interpretation because it explores a setting of hell. I got to exercise my interpretation of hell in this project.

You’re playing an objectively sexy priest— an incredibly popular trope online. How have you found the perception of the character?

For me, it’s honestly all about the work. But it’s fun. Occasionally I’ll get sent a tweet by a friend of mine. I’ll laugh about it. More than anything, I’m just glad people are enjoying the show and that people like it. TV is such a fun medium because everyone gets to decide their way to enjoy it. But I feel like number one, it’s impossible to listen to all of it, and, number two, if you tried to listen to all of it, you’d probably drive yourself crazy at the end of the day. I think it’s important to have the confidence and discipline to stand by your artistic decisions and ethics. The reception will be what the reception will be. Valuing your artistic perspective and point of view enough to not depend on what other people are saying to validate it. Of course, I want it to be entertaining and received positively but, at the end of the day, it’s a feeling that comes from inside, and if you don’t have it, no amount of validation is ever going to be able to compensate for it. 

Left Tank top stylist’s own, pants Fendi, belt Tom Ford, gloves Lanvin

Right Jacket Fendi, turtleneck and boots Tom Ford, pants Brunello Cucinelli

You’ve mentioned the joys of working with Ryan Murphy. How has collaborating with him changed your perception of the industry?

Ryan is always learning. I think that’s the most impressive thing about him. He’s constantly educating himself and finding new things to be obsessed with. He operates with such tenacious curiosity and you can’t help but admire it and want to emulate it. I think that has to be the quality of Ryan’s that I want to take with me in the future, that of always remaining a student.

What’s interesting in both of these roles is that they’re darker than some of your previous work. Is that a path you think you’d like to keep trailing?

I think the world is a lot more dynamic than just light and dark. There are a lot of different shades and palettes to play in. I’m deeply fascinated by both. I think there’s comedy in tragedy and tragedy in comedy. The idea of doing complex projects that have both feels more honest to me because my life has both. The truest projects feel like some kind of hybrid. 

Left Top Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Top Dolce&Gabbana, leather coat, boots, jewellery and sunglasses Celine Homme

Interview by Pedro Vasconcelos

Photography by Sam Ramirez

Fashion by Nico Amarca

Casting by Imagmachine cs

Creative direction by Ton Aguilar

Grooming by Christine Nelli

Stylist’s assistants Jackie Reyes and Jake Johnson

THRILLS AND CHILLS

YOUNGER KHOBE CLARKE SPENT DAYS RECITING MONOLOGUES AS A RADIO BROADCASTER, FIGHTING ALIENS ON THE GOLDEN DESERT PLAINS OF TATOOINE, TRIUMPHANTLY SKATING TOWARD A STANLEY CUP WIN, AND RIDING MOTORCYCLES ACROSS MONGOLIA FOR A MONTH WITH HIS DAD—YES, HE REALLY DID THAT ONE! HE’S INSPIRED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN, WHO ONCE WROTE, “I WANTED THE KIND OF MELODRAMATIC THRILLS AND CHILLS I’D YEARNED FOR SINCE CHILDHOOD. I WANTED TO SEE THE WORLD—AND I WANTED THE WORLD TO BE JUST LIKE THE MOVIES.” WE THINK KHOBE WANTS THE SAME. HE TALKS ABOUT THE CINEMATIC MOMENT HE FELT “ALL WAS RIGHT IN THE WORLD” WHILE TRICK-OR-TREATING FOR THE FIRST TIME. AMONG COSTUME, HE FOUND THE UNMASKED AUTHENTICITY OF COMMUNITY. AGAIN AND AGAIN. 

WE ALSO DISCUSS HOW IMPORTANT CAMARADERIE IS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY GIVEN ITS DISCOMFORT AND FEAR—BOTH FEELINGS BEING PRESENT WHILE PLAYING SCOTT IN PRIME VIDEO’S CRUEL INTENTIONS. BUT KHOBE LIKES BEING A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE, WHETHER IT’S SLEEPING ON THE GROUND IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY OR STEPPING INTO A CHARACTER’S SHOES THAT MAKE HIS HEELS BLISTER RED. 

AN ACTOR’S ADVENTURE ALWAYS AWAITS.

Cardigan, bracelet & ring Celine Homme, jeans & belt Isabel Marant, tank Tom Ford, necklace Tom Wood, sunglasses Gentle Monster

Hi Khobe! How are you feeling now that Cruel Intentions has been released? 

It’s definitely scary and exciting. I feel super lucky to be a part of something like this, but the internet is so mean. [Laughs] I think staying away from reviews and comments has been challenging because it’s my first big project. It’s all positive things though. I’m glad it’s out and I get to stop doing all the anticipating. 


Do you feel a sense of relief or are there still more nerves related to you thinking about audience reactions? 

The majority [of it] is a relief, but there are definitely nerves. Sometimes I have these moments at night when I can’t sleep because I think, “Ugh my friends and family might not like my work.” There's always this fear. 


If my opinion matters, I thought you did such a great job, genuinely. I watched all of the episodes in one night. 

Thank you, Tessa. I appreciate that. 

Right Shirt Dior Men, watch & ring Cartier, vintage pants Yves Saint Laurent at The Smoking Archive

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, jewelry Cartier

Since you’re talking about fears, did you have any fears going into playing Scott in Cruel Intentions?  

Yes, of course. For my ego, it was difficult because he is kind of the butt of the joke. His type of character isn’t one that I would usually audition for.  So I think going to work every day knowing you’re not one of the cool kids and you’re this goofy, comedic relief where we’re often laughing at him, not with him…that was a fear of mine. It’s a selfish fear that comes from ego probably but it was nice to overcome that and recognise how important a character like Scott is to that story. 

Right. The first impression you get of him is that he’s a “no thoughts behind those eyes” character, but it changes. His relationship with control was really interesting. At first, you think he doesn’t need control, but as he struggles with his sexuality, you find he is trying to control that perception of him. How did you feel reading through his arc? 

Oh man, I felt great. I wanted more. I still long for that scene that didn’t exist where he tells his dad that he’s gay. I think that would’ve been such a beautiful moment for Scott. There’s so much more to explore with his battle with [his sexuality]. There’s such turmoil in that for him. I think we only cracked the surface of what time he had. Phoebe [Fisher] and Sara [Goodman] did a great job at developing him and I was glad to see that he got some redemption. I feel like every scene was just beating down on him, which got tiring as the actor. 

It is interesting because he is a very separate entity compared to everyone else and functions as the pawn in many ways. You hear a lot about Scott through conversations other people have about him, rather than what he’s saying about himself. Did that affect the way you played him? 

That’s a great question. People ask me about my “prep” and I’m fairly new to this so I can’t give some veteran answer. When I got the scripts, I read them, but I tried my best to not know what they were shooting on any given day. I didn’t want to have a scene in the morning with Blaise where I was signing fraudulent checks for the frat and know that after lunch that day he and Sarah Catherine [Hook] were talking about manipulating him into presidency. Since he is so in the dark, I wanted to have some aspect of that where I also separated myself from it.

Left Jewelry & watch Cartier

Right Vintage coat Giorgio Armani Le Collezioni at The Smoking Archive, vintage pants Yves Saint Laurent at The Smoking Archive, necklace & watch Cartier

That’s really interesting! I didn’t even think of it that way in trying to live in that “ignorance is bliss” mindset on set too. 

Thank you! I mean, it was easy, it’s not like it was difficult to not know. I just didn’t look. [Laughs] It just made it feel a little easier to be blind to it. 

On that “ignorance is bliss” topic, sometimes in creative fields, I think it’s easier to feel more creative freedom the less you know about the workings of the industry. I know you’re very green in a way, but have you felt that? 

Definitely! When you start doing this, your ceiling is so high because it’s a pipe dream. Then you get the ball rolling and it’s getting close to a job in the audition process. That’s what kind of created this cynical being in me. You can go audition for this big job that could set your career up for life and then not get it and you just have to be okay with that as if you did one audition. I think starting, I would see an audition come through my inbox and think, “I have a high chance of getting it.” It was this blind optimism that got me to this spot in the first place. But now that I’ve reached this next tier, I know the system more. So now, when I get an audition or a callback, I'm like, “They still have ten guys, then they have to eliminate five, and then they're gonna do another round and then there’s a chemistry test…” So the more I know, the less confident I feel about getting the call that I got the gig. 

It’s also a form of rejection that I bet must be so difficult. And that’s just the name of the game. Do you feel that will eventually be something you feel more at peace with? 

Rejection is so hard. It’s thickened my skin tremendously in all aspects of life. I used to take it so personally. But I realised that none of this is personal. There’s a great line in one of my favourite books by Mathew McConaughey called Greenlights where he talks about his journey in the industry. He writes, “They will pick you up in a limousine and send you home in a taxi.” That’s so true to this. It’s not because you did badly or they don’t like you, it’s just that your moment shines brightest when it is your moment, and then when it isn’t, it’s someone else’s. They’re not rejecting you, you’re just not the solution to their problem. 

Full Loro Piana, jewelry Cartier


Right. It’s good to work towards not taking it personally. It could have to do with someone’s mood on a certain day too. You really can't control it in any way. What is your relationship with control in the acting industry? 

As an actor, you control very little, even down to your performance. There are scenes in Cruel Intentions where I finish the scene and I’m like, “Oh I did a really good job.” They're on my coverage which means they're shooting over my scene partner’s shoulder onto me and I think, “Man, that’s gonna play so well.”  And then they decided that my scene partner listening was a better moment than me talking. I’m watching it and think, “Why wouldn’t they show me when I’m speaking?” It’s very trivial because the audience doesn’t know the difference, but you control very little. You don’t control what you say, you don’t control what you wear, and you don’t control the edits. The more you serve the story as a whole and less yourself as the performer, the happier you’ll be. That’s really your job—to serve the story. 

Absolutely. I really liked the way you played Scott’s mannerisms. That’s the first thing I noted when I was watching it. The way he moves brought me into the frat environment. Can you tell me more about physically embodying Scott? 

Honestly, I let my inner monologue guide me. I thought a lot about how he felt. I think confusion is very telling and when someone’s confused, you see it on their face. It’s the same for excitement especially for Scott being so animated and goofy. I didn’t have to hold anything back. The reins were loose in terms of my physical choices. I remember this one scene where I signed over a check for a really big pig to Blaise, and the director didn’t yell cut. [Laughs] I was walking around the room and I saw a baseball bat and just decided to swing it as if I hit a home run and threw my hands in the air. That’s not something I ever expected to make the final cut but they left it in. They let me find that freedom with him. 


I remember that scene! It felt so authentic, I’ve seen many imaginary golf swings in real life. [Laughs] A lot of the show is about first impressions so what do you think is the first impression you give off? How do you differ from that? 

Oh, man. I think my first impression is that I seem very extroverted. When I meet new people or I’m in a new group, I want everyone to feel like they’re heard and engaged. So I like to ask a lot of questions and get to know people. But as much as I love doing that, I think it drains my battery. I honestly prefer not to say anything. In reality, I think I’m quite introverted. 

Left Jewelry & watch Cartier

Right Cardigan, bracelet & ring Celine Homme, jeans & belt Isabel Marant, tank Tom Ford, necklace Tom Wood


I can relate, I ask people questions all the time as you see, but I am quite introverted too. On a set, do you feel more energised after the day or drained? 

It depends on what we’re shooting, for sure. But most of the time, I’m energised. A set is my favourite place to be—it feels like a home. In the green room, I try not to say anything. I have the Calm app. Are you familiar with it?

Yes! 

I’m from Alberta in Canada so I spend a lot of my summers fly fishing with my dad. On the app, there’s an audio of this dude, a flowing river, and the sound of a fly fishing rod. I would just put that in my earbuds and try to read and not say anything. So, there is a social aspect that exhausts me on set because there’s so much downtime between scenes so you’re in the green room just chatting away. There are often five to fifteen people in there. I like saving my energy for the work and kind of separating myself. But if I feel good with my work by the end of the day, I am so amped. It’s one of the greatest feelings.

Your talking about going fly fishing with your dad just made me think of a memory-related question. Cruel Intentions is a remake, so if you could think of a memory to relive in the present, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

That’s good! I remember so vividly the first time my dad took me trick-or-treating. Obviously, I was dressed for Halloween, but I didn’t understand the idea of trick-or-treating. He took me around my neighbourhood and said, “Go knock on that person’s door and say ‘Trick or Treat.’” When I said it and they opened the door and gave me candy, I was like, wow! It felt like everything was right in the world. [Laughs] It was the first time I believed in people and felt this sense of community, camaraderie, and friendship in strangers. That was a very powerful moment for me, as trivial as it is. I would relive that shock and wonderful surprise of trick-or-treating. 


That’s such a good answer! I don’t know how you thought of that so quickly! [Laughs]

[Laughs] I haven’t even thought of that in I don’t even know how long. 


I love that answer because that says a lot about you too in terms of a want for community, maybe. It's so important to have people who support you in any creative field. 

Community in the film industry is everything. My long-term goal is to write and direct my own projects. I can’t do that by myself. It takes more than one person. It takes a village. When you have a close-knit group of creatives working towards one project, it’s a magical thing. It’s a very dog-eat-dog world and it’s super competitive. Having a group of people who have your back is a really nice feeling and relieves some of the daunting nature of it. 

Left Jewelry Cartier

Right Vintage coat Giorgio Armani Le Collezioni at The Smoking Archive, vintage pants Yves Saint Laurent at The Smoking Archive, necklace & watch Cartier


That makes me think of one line I wrote down from the beginning of the show during the hazing incident — “so young, so supple, so eager to be tortured.”  When you’re young,  you’re so eager for that community too to be a part of something. Do you relate to that in any way, to a lesser extent? 

Yeah, when you want something so bad you’re kind of blind to the negative consequences of something. I’m willing to let this torture happen to get to a place I want to be in. It’s a great line. I think John Harlan Kim said that. 


I think so! I wanted to get back to you having a hard time with Scott being the butt of the joke. There are so many goofy lines where I can’t imagine how you had to be totally serious saying them. Were there any lines you could barely get out? 

Yeah, you nailed it on the head with that. Scott’s very funny on the page—Sara and Phoebe did a great job at writing jokes that are so dumb and funny. I had to take a very simple question that I would have a very simple time answering, and then say something so ridiculous. For that to be funny, I had to deliver it with the utmost sincerity. Scott needs to believe it, so a portion of me has to believe it for it to land. There's a scene where the fraternity gets audited and they come in and say, “We need to take a look at your records,” and I’m like, “Well, we just use Spotify.” And that’s so ridiculous to me but I had to say it in the same tone as I would say, “Yeah the financial records are in the basement. We reported them last week.” I had to know how I would say that and just use the same tone to say something so ridiculous. I didn’t work with everyone else a ton, but John [Harlan Kim], Zeke [Goodman], and I had some times when we could not keep it together! 


You said in a past interview that you really want projects to take you out of your comfort zone. Do you feel like Cruel Intentions took you out of your comfort zone in any way? 

Yeah, I did. With acting, I seek to explore people that are far away from me. With Scott, there are many aspects—practising his sexuality was out of my comfort zone. Like I said earlier, it was kind of an ego check for me to be okay with being the dumb, comedic relief. Every day I was on set I felt out of my comfort zone and just a bit on edge about it. There’s a fulfilling nature to that. I would like to explore an unrecognisable place that’s so far from me. 


What would you consider an unrecognisable character for you?

[A character who is] challenged and haunted in different ways or gifted in different ways. Stories about people and their struggles are ones we find most entertaining. In my opinion, it lets us forget about our own stuff. The more raw of a nerve you can hit, the more interesting it is. 

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, jewelry Cartier

Right Cardigan, bracelet & ring Celine Homme, jeans & belt Isabel Marant, tank Tom Ford, necklace Tom Wood, sunglasses Gentle Monster

What’s something that you have watched recently that hit a nerve with you? 

I just watched Anora, Sean Baker’s new film. Mikey Madison was amazing but what I found the most incredible is how accurate it felt. The dialogue felt so researched and natural. It was mind-blowing to me how realistic it felt for it being such a narrative story. I also watched a documentary called, Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond. It’s about Jim Carrey playing Andy Kaufman in a movie called Man on the Moon. He went deep into method acting in this project, to the point where it was a problem for the people he worked with. He made people call him Andy and it was insane. Respecting the craft that much and trying to honour this character and going that deep is something I found mind-blowing. 


Wow, I want to watch that, it sounds really interesting. 

You should! You got to! 


Outside of acting, what fulfils you the most? 

I like spending time with my family and my friends. I love to travel. I’m a big Anthony Bourdain fan, and his philosophy with travel was to never go to the big resort. Go embed yourself in a culture that you've never experienced before and probably never will again. I like travelling to the point where it’s almost uncomfortable and I’m so out of my element. I never regret it afterwards. 


What’s the best travel memory you have? 

Me and my dad rode motorcycles across Mongolia.


Woah! 

Yeah, it was nuts! We slept on the ground every day for a month. We climbed Mongolia’s tallest mountain at the end of it. The development there is so few and far between. There’s this one city that everyone lives in and then some along the way but you could go a day and a half without seeing a town. It kind of felt like being on a different planet. Untouched nature is so bizarre nowadays. 


And you live in Calgary? 

Calgary and Alberta are on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains so there’s a ton of open space. I live on an acreage with my family. I can’t see my neighbours out my back window. I can just look at the mountains. 

Left Jewelry Cartier

Right Full Loro Piana, jewelry Cartier


Speaking of home, I read that you used to do plays in your living room for your parents when you were younger. Can you remember a specific play you thought up?

This comedian, talk show, and radio host named Stuart McLean would get on the radioand have this thing called The Vinyl Cafeand he would just tell stories. They manifested into these monologues. I would make up my own stories in front of my parents and do my own Vinyl Cafe. He passed away a couple of years ago but he had a wonderful cadence and beautiful voice that I would copy. But other than that I was a huge Star Wars fan. I had a lovely backyard in the home I grew up in and when I was seven or eight, I would go back there and pretend to be fighting aliens on Tatooine with a big stick I found. Or I’d be winning the Stanley Cup. That was the birth of my wild imagination—and those plays. Once I got tired of them, I retired to the backyard to entertain myself.

And you live in Calgary? 

Calgary and Alberta are on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains so there’s a ton of open space. I live on an acreage with my family. I can’t see my neighbours out my back window. I can just look at the mountains. 

Speaking of home, I read that you used to do plays in your living room for your parents when you were younger. Can you remember a specific play you thought up?

This comedian, talk show, and radio host named Stuart McLean would get on the radioand have this thing called The Vinyl Cafeand he would just tell stories. They manifested into these monologues. I would make up my own stories in front of my parents and do my own Vinyl Cafe. He passed away a couple of years ago but he had a wonderful cadence and beautiful voice that I would copy. But other than that I was a huge Star Wars fan. I had a lovely backyard in the home I grew up in and when I was seven or eight, I would go back there and pretend to be fighting aliens on Tatooine with a big stick I found. Or I’d be winning the Stanley Cup. That was the birth of my wild imagination—and those plays. Once I got tired of them, I retired to the backyard to entertain myself.

Interview by  Tessa Swantek

Photography by Shane McCauley

Fashion by Nausheen Shah

Hair by Candice Birns

RV Eric Johnson - Soho Coaches

THE ARCHITECT

AIDAN BISSETT IS NOT JUST A MUSICIAN; HE’S AN ARTIST. THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE TWO, IF SUBTLE FOR SOME, IS CLEAR FOR THE YOUNG STAR—IT'S ALL ABOUT WORLD-BUILDING. FOR HIM, TO TRANSCEND THE TEST OF TIME, A PERSON MUST CREATE A REALITY THEIR AUDIENCE CAN LIVE IN. BISSETT’S WORLD IS INTIMATE, A PERSONAL REFLECTION OF HIS INNER THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS. THE HONESTY IN HIS ART ISN’T JUST THERAPEUTIC; IT’S THE WAY HE HAS FOUND TO CREATE A LEGACY IN A SATURATED INDUSTRY. HIS MUSIC IS HOW HE CONNECTS WITH PEOPLE AND, HE HOPES, A CATALYST FOR OTHERS TO RELATE TO EACH OTHER. WHETHER THROUGH TOURING OR MAKING WHAT WILL BE HIS FULL-LENGTH ALBUM, BISSETT IS LEARNING WHAT IT TAKES TO FULFIL HIS AMBITION. BUT THERE’S NO RUSH TO GROW, IT TAKES A LOT OF TIME TO BUILD THE WORLD YOU WANT TO SEE.

Hi! How’s your day going?

It’s off to a good start! How about yours? 

Mine is already ending. But it’s been great, I’ve been listening to your records all day. Your music is very intimate. How do you decide what makes it into your music and what you keep private?

I always try to find a balance between giving too much and not giving enough. I have a friend who has always told me that, when it comes to writing music, what you give is what you take out of it. So, I try to give it as much as possible. Having said that, there are some topics that I’m not ready to write about. But I’m working on having a filter, I like to be personal. People want to hear what you’re feeling, I think they can relate to it on a deeper level.

 Do you find that writing about your feelings helps you process them?

100%. I think music is my form of therapy. I had a friend reach out who was telling me how, as a man, it’s hard for him to be in touch with his emotions. I got to tell him that writing is talking about your emotions almost every day. Learning how to do that – how to look inside – it’s such a beautiful process. I recommend it to everybody because even if you’re not a musician, it makes you work through shit.

 

What I always find interesting about the music industry is the dissonance between the emotional pace of writing music and the non-organic rhythm of label demands. Do you feel that tension?

For sure. I feel all my deadlines. Thankfully, my label is great with that. I’ve never been pushed against a wall. I’m more so hard on myself. I’ll set deadlines for my writing and that’s when that dissonance is created. With the project I’m working on now, I tried to make it as free-flowing as possible and let things when they come. I think for artists nowadays, we need to live some life. There was a period a couple of months back when I wasn’t allowing myself to be social and live. Music comes from experience. Allowing myself to be social is important for what I do.

 Making art is so organic, but there is an expectation of artists nowadays to enter and explore different “eras”. How do you go about evolving your creative vision?

I think the transition from this project to my last EP felt like I was solidifying who I was as an artist and the sound I wanted to explore. I am working on that exploration, how to allow myself to do different things but still making sure everything sounds cohesive. It’s hard to pinpoint yourself when there are so many sides to us. I love listening to a lot of different shit. So, I’m working on exploring and expanding, especially on this new record.

 As you said, music is so much about self-discovery. Do you consider your audience when creating?

For sure. Again, you need balance. I don’t think an artist should be 100% focused on that. If you are, you’ll be creating music for other people, and I believe the music should come from the artists. That’s why people listen to you, it’s your creation. It’s what you’re living in the world. But I do believe it’s important to keep listeners in mind, they’re the ones fuelling you. It’s always on the side of my mind, the people keep me centred on who I am. You can have fun and you can stray off, but you have to remember people fell in love with you for a reason. They can grow with you, but you have to stay true to yourself.  

 I was reading an interview you did recently, and you made a very important distinction between an artist and a musician. Could you elaborate on that difference?

It can be a very polarizing topic; I think some people violently agree with me and some people violently disagree with me. I’m fine with that. I don’t mind being polarizing. I truly believe that in this day and age, there are two facets of music. Now that everything is available on social media, everything is very fast, there’s so much validation that can be accessed quickly. But I do think that allows people to bypass that world-building factor that separates a musician from a generational artist. I think the greats are the ones who create an entire world around their music so that a fan can get lost. There are of course songs that transcend time, but rare are the artists that do. That’s where world-building comes in. I think of people like Charli XCX, she’s done such an incredible job building up Brat. It’s one of the best rollouts of all time. It’s not just good music, you can see she cares about it, and she’s put so much effort into building the world around it. It’s not just “It’s an album, please spend money on it,” it’s, “Here’s all the things you can be, all the friends you can make if you’re part of this.” Not to discredit musicians, but the ones that put the same amount of effort into the other side of it are different. Sorry if it's a long answer [Laughs], I feel very passionate about it.

 There’s no need to apologize, your point of view is extremely interesting. How do you translate these people you’re inspired by into your world?

Building a world is no easy feat. I don’t want to ever come across like, “Oh, everyone should do it, it’s so easy.” It’s the most difficult thing for so many of us. You’re breaking out of your comfort zone. It’s not just music anymore, it’s music videos, it’s pop-ups, it’s building a community. It’s scary, there are a lot of definitive decisions that you have to make. You have to do it because you believe in it. You have to allow yourself to be that confident, to believe in yourself.

 

It’s interesting hearing you talk about it. I think nowadays being an artist is more so about being a creative director than an executor…

Definitely. I have a binder for each project, filled with references.

 What kind of stuff is in those folders?

I have them sitting on my desk. They’re kind of like the “bible” of each project. It’s the first thing that’s getting created. It has everything down to the colours that are going to be featured. There’s graphic design, video inspiration, movie scenes… It’s truly anything that looks like it could be a piece of that world. For this new phase, I’m excited to go bigger. I wanted to build an entire world – it’s all story-driven. They’re also good because you can look back on that project, “Ok, so here’s where I started,” and see the progression from there.

 Even though you’re the one making those decisions, you’re also working with other people. Building a world is a big task. Are you good at letting go of some of your creative control?

It’s so important to be able to let go of it a little bit. I’m a firm believer that there are only so many great ideas that a person can have. You need people to help you see your vision through. Whether that’s a creative director, a videographer, a photographer, whatever it may be. It’s essential to build a team around you. I’m very team-driven. Even when I have definitive ideas, I like to bring them to a room of people I can trust to see if it’s within the vision. Teamwork is key.

 You mentioned social media a bit ago, it’s such a great tool to communicate directly to your audience. What is your relationship with it?

I think it ebbs and flows. It’s changed very much over the past couple of years. We had a moment a couple of months ago when all our music was taken off these platforms. It was weird, that was something I never experienced. I had always been able to post and not think about it. It was a scary time.  A lot of music rides on social media, it’s a marketing tool. At the same time, it allowed me to disassociate and learn to not put so much emphasis on it, and just to focus on the music. I’m a firm believer that if music is good, people will find it naturally. Learning how to have a healthy relationship that’s not a dependency takes time. For a long time, I was dependent on it. If a song doesn’t do well on social media, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad song. There was Myspace and YouTube before, but this kind of short-form world is very different.   

You’re very much a touring artist. What do you like about being on stage?

Tours are such an important and integral part of an artist’s career. Ever since COVID, we’ve all been full-speed ahead. Everyone’s touring now. But, especially for developing artists, getting on the road, paying your dues, being an opening act, that’s where you learn about being a performer. You also learn so much about the music you make. It’s paying your dues; you’re not sleeping much. As an artist, it does pose the question: “How bad do you want it?” Tour is difficult in a beautiful way. I love it though; I love it as much as I can. It can be daunting; it shows you how much work you have to put in to make it in an industry like this.

 How do fan interactions register differently in person rather than online?

Well, it’s hard. Online, it can be constant validation. It’s hard to dictate what’s real and what’s not. When you post music online it can become an instant dopamine surge of gratification. In person, it doesn’t really feel real either though. I’m so grateful to anybody who comes to the shows. People coming to experience music in that way is so special. It’s a dream for me. When I had my first concert, I remember feeling like, “Oh, this is what I want to do.” Being in a room full of people who are all experiencing the same thing is great. People break their walls down in a shared space. Witnessing people allowing themselves to connect on such a deep level is so beautiful to me.

Interview by Pedro Vasconcelos

Photography by Hadar Pitchon

Fashion by Gorge Villalpando

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Sonie Lee at Exclusive Artists using using Talika Skincare

All clothes Celine Homme

A NEW REALM

SINCE HIS BREAKOUT ROLE OPPOSITE STEVE BUSCEMI AND CHLOË SEVIGNY IN 2017’S LEAN ON PETE, CHARLIE PLUMMER HAS SWIFTLY ESTABLISHED HIS POSITION AS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING YOUNG TALENTS TO WATCH. RECENTLY, THE AMERICAN ACTOR HAS WON US OVER WITH HIS RICH-IN-SENSITIVITY PERFORMANCE IN LUKE GILFORD’S NATIONAL ANTHEM – PLAYING AN INTROVERTED CONSTRUCTION WORKER WHO GOES ON A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY AFTER MEETING A QUEER RODEO COMMUNITY. NOW, PLUMMER IS STEPPING OUTSIDE OF HIS INDIE COMFORT ZONE IN THE RETURN, AN EPIC TALE OF ODYSSEUS’ HOMECOMING FOLLOWING THE TROJAN WAR. FROM ACTING WITH CINEMA LEGENDS RALPH FIENNES AND JULIETTE BINOCHE (WHO REUNITE ON SCREEN FOR THE THIRD TIME!) TO MASTERING HIS CHARACTER’S DIALECT AND GETTING CONFIDENT IN WEARING THE PERIOD’S UNIFORM (A SLINKY WHITE SHEET, OF COURSE), PLUMMER SAYS THAT THE EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN ONE OF HIS MOST CHALLENGING YET – AND ONE THAT HE’S INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR.

Left Jacket, top & pants Fendi, necklace Charlie’s own, shoes Marsell

Right Suit Prada & tie Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

I recently watched your film National Anthem and I found it very touching! I’ve been a big fan of Luke Gilford’s work and the aesthetic he has so clearly defined over the past couple of years. What made you want to work with him on this film?

I’d done a photo shoot with Luke when I was around 18 in Venice, and I vividly remember the experience of connecting with him. If you get to meet Luke, you’ll see within 10 seconds that he is one of the warmest and most genuine people [out there]. And so, even though we only had probably three or four hours together that day, I have been very aware of his work since and admired what he’s been doing. When he published the National Anthem book, I remember seeing some of the photos and being really taken by them. Then, these producers who I’ve worked with on a different film reached out to me with the script for National Anthem. And I read it and was equally taken by it. I was in the moment in my life when the concept of a chosen family and having friends with whom you share a deep sense of spiritual connection was something that I felt really strongly about. Then, I had a three-and-a-half-hour-long phone call with Luke, and after this conversation, it was clear that we gotta do this. You know, this was Luke’s story from the beginning – there are aspects of my character in this story that connect to his own life. And for me as an actor, having someone that I feel has real closeness to the energy that we’re embodying makes me really want to make a point to exist with them and try to find a kinship with them. And with Luke, I didn’t even have to try.

Left Suit Prada & tie Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Jacket Lemaire, shirt Brunello Cucinelli, jeans Levi’s, sunglasses Jacques Marie Mage

Shirt Brunello Cucinelli

There is a very strong sense of community in the film. Was shooting the movie a similar experience? Did you stay at a ranch while being in production?

That would actually be very cool. I should just say that that’s true. But no. [Laughs] National Anthem was unlike anything I’d done because we were shooting on film. And, you know, shooting on film in a small independent production is definitely a luxury, so we only had 17 or 18 days to shoot. I think that in itself created this bubble and bond for everyone, even though we stayed in different houses. For me, I knew that as far as my character, Dylan, goes, he’s coming into this world with open arms and open eyes. Growing up in New York and having this fantasy of what the American West and being a cowboy is like, the whole thing felt like a dream that I was getting to step into. And I’m so grateful to Luke that he set it up for me in that way and allowed it to be that – he really just built this world [around us]. My favourite directors know how to build a world in a way that just brings you in and lets you get lost.

Left Sunglasses Jacques Marie Mage, jeans Levi’s, shirt Brunello Cucinelli, belt Artemis Quibble, boots Marsell

Right Jacket & pants Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, loafers  JM Weston

Jacket, top & pants Fendi, necklace Charlie’s own, shoes Marsell

Now, you’re part of a completely different universe with The Return, which is something that you probably really enjoy as an actor. What has it been like to star in a project of such epic proportions?

It was crazy, as far as just getting to be a part of it all. Also, getting to work closely with two of my acting heroes – Ralph [Fiennes] and Juliette [Binoche] are actors that I’ve looked up to deeply and I’ve watched their work since I was a little kid.  And that’s always jarring. [Laughs] As you pointed out, doing something where I sound as different as I’ve ever sounded and I look as different as I’ve ever looked, you just go, “Oh my god, how can I ever step into this?” It was genuinely the first time I felt like I needed to get over that in myself to do my job. And I was so unbelievably grateful to Ralph and Juliette for helping me with that. It’s not like they held my hand through it, it was a very subtle thing that they gave me throughout the experience. Watching them work with each other, seeing their work ethic, seeing how they approach a day or a scene, or even just how they spoke with me… There was just so much that I was able to learn from them. They were like my spiritual acting chiropractors and they just cracked my back into place. They’re very different actors but they have such a history together. They have such trust in one another. And they’ve been doing this for so long that it’s just a part of them in a way that I really see and respect. And as we were shooting, I not only had the sense of admiration but also confidence, as far as like, okay, this what it’s like for great athletes or great musicians – when you’re up close and watching them try to find their best work, it gives you a lot.

Left Jacket & pants Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, loafers  JM Weston

Right Coat Loewe

Left Jacket & pants Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, belt Miu Miu, loafers  JM Weston, henley Zadig&Voltaire

Right Henley Zadig&Voltaire, pants Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, belt Miu Miu, loafers  JM Weston

You said that you found the voice and the look of your character to be a big challenge to tap into – how did you get comfortable with both of these facets of Telemachus?

With the voice, at the beginning, the director wanted everyone to speak in their own accent, but as we got closer to the shoot, it became clear that most of the actors on the project were European and British. And of course, Ralph is British, the text is this classic text, and like Shakespeare, it sounds better with a British accent behind it, objectively speaking. Not to shade Americans, but I am shading Americans. [Laughs] And so I started working with this dialect coach and she totally saved me! You know, the director wanted me to model my voice after Ralph’s… And this was the first time when I had to really think about how I position my jaw, my mouth, how my tongue operates, all of this was changing because the dialect was so wildly different from how I naturally speak. 

Look-wise, I was in a kilt, a skirt essentially. And the director’s concept was to make all of the clothing not feel like it was stitched – it was just fabric that was just basically tied around. And the shoes were as bare-minimum as you could get. So I was working out before the shoot because I was trying to match what the environment would be. But from the comfort zone place, it was like, I’m not wearing any clothes pretty much all day, I’ve got this full beard, I look as pale as one could get, and I’m standing in front of my two heroes and I’m supposed to sound like them. And I was just like, “You’re so full of shit, man.” And then this incredible thing happened on my birthday. Ralph took me aside in the spur of the moment and he said to me, “The reason we want you here is because you’ve got something that we want you to bring to this character, and you are the only one who knows what that is.”

Left shirt Brunello Cucinelli, jeans Levi’s, boots Marsell, sunglasses Jacques Marie Mage

Right Suit Prada, tie Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, sunglasses Jacques Marie Mage

Left Sweater Celine Homme, jeans Levi’s, boots Marsell

Right Suit Prada

And what was the effect that this moment had on you?

I think that Ralph saying that, it was like something snapped into my body with it. And after that, I gained an understanding of how this character felt. You know, Telemachus has never known his dad, right? And his only trusted person in his life and friend is really his mom. And being 18 years old and feeling like the only person you can talk to is your mom is kind of an intense thing. And so, for the lack of a better word, the energy was very angsty, it was self-righteous and aggressive, which are not things that I would normally consider myself. [Laughs] But after I had my moment with Ralph, I really felt it.

I think that staying in the voice all day long helped me a lot as well because then, I didn’t think like I was putting it on, it didn’t feel like this foreign thing that I was trying to do. But yeah, essentially, it took a village to get me there. [Laughs]

Left Coat Loewe

Right Jacket Lemaire, shirt Brunello Cucinelli, boots Marsell, sunglasses Jacques Marie Mage

Left Suit Prada & tie Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

It sounds like an immersion therapy of sorts. 

Exactly. You know, this stuff can serve as a therapy of some kind. I don’t think it’s great to go into it with that expectation, but sometimes you will recognize it in the process, and it’s really moving and cathartic.

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Ritchie Jo Espenilla

Fashion by Kristi Kruser

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Mark Alan Esparza

Stylist’s assistant Chloe Taylor

MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT

YOU MIGHT RECOGNISE JESSICA BARDEN FOR HER SHARP WIT AND UNMISTAKABLE NORTHERN ACCENT IN THE BBC SMASH HIT THE END OF THE F**ING WORLD. ACTING SINCE THE AGE OF SEVEN, SHE FONDLY RECALLS BEING A PRECOCIOUS KID SURROUNDED BY ADULTS, FINDING JOY IN THE UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT. NOW NEARING THE END OF HER SECOND PREGNANCY, JESSICA REFLECTS ON HER CAREER, REVEALING SHE’S ALWAYS PREFERRED A STEADY PACE—ESCHEWING THE PRESSURE TO HIT MILESTONES BY 25 OR 30—BECAUSE ACTING IS A LIFELONG PASSION FOR HER.

BARDEN IS BACK, BRINGING HER DISTINCTIVE VOICE AND LAYERED PERFORMANCES TO NEW HEIGHTS AS YOUNG VALYA IN DUNE: PROPHECY. WITH THE FIRST TWO EPISODES RECENTLY DEBUTING ON HBO, FANS OF THE DUNE UNIVERSE ARE ALREADY CAPTIVATED. PLAYING A TRUTH-SAYER ON SCREEN, JESSICA EMBODIES THE ROLE OFF-SCREEN TOO, DELIVERING AN UNFILTERED CONVERSATION ABOUT EMBRACING ANOTHER COMPLEX, NOT-SO-LIKABLE CHARACTER AND NAVIGATING THE NEXT CHAPTERS OF HER LIFE AND CAREER.

Cardigan N°21, Earrings California Dirt

I first saw you in The End of the F**ing World. After the success of the show, how did you stay grounded amidst the pressures of public attention and fame?

Having already been an actor for such a long time, I guess this was the only thing I hadn’t experienced yet. I had been to Cannes twice by then, I'd been in a soap opera. I'd done so many different things. And then to suddenly experience overnight fame, it really was such an amazing and unique experience. I think that I've come out of the other side of it now so grateful that I get to have this role that will always connect with people in some way. It really is so important for actors to have a role that stays in people's minds. I love that I'm kind of always connected to my generation in a way as well, through Alyssa and James. I get to have all these cool conversations with people and I genuinely like the fact that people feel like they know Alyssa as well. Like, when I go places, I can be in the middle of nowhere, and someone will have a really deep conversation with me about this TV show, and it's really interesting. Ultimately, I kinda realised that then you have to regenerate from it and reinvent. And I feel like I'm in that phase now where you have to really slowly and politely close the door on it and then find a way of figuring out what you're gonna do next, and that just requires a lot of patience.

Blazer and skirt Prada, shoes N°21, Earrings California Dirt

You play the role of young Valya in Dune: Prophecy. This is my first Dune experience. Can you maybe situate the series for the Dune universe virgins like me? 

Well, the show takes place 10,000 years before the movies. So you definitely don't need to have seen the movies before because we tell you everything, we provide context for the movies. Dune is set in the same universe as Earth, but it's just in the future. And now we've moved on from Earth, and we're on different planets. In our show, Dune: Prophecy, we follow the sisterhood, which is the schooling for the Bene Gesserit. And we basically are, for lack of a better word, space nuns. We tell the truth. We mind control. We control all of the powerful houses in the universe. It's almost like, you know, the president or the royal family having somebody that stands behind them and tells people if they're telling the truth or not.

If you were a truth-sayer, who is the first person you'd use those powers on?

Who do you think? I'm in America right now, and I'm an immigrant. You know? So, like, who do you think I would use the truth saying on?

Coat Armani, dress Prada

What I took away from this show was that it explores the intricacies of kin, whether that be through sibling dynamics or within the sisterhood. I read that you grew up with 2 brothers, what was your experience growing up like?

I've been thinking about this a lot. I'm really glad that that's what you got from the four episodes because that is a huge part of it. With Tula and Valya, I had no idea this was how sisters lived. And because I'm also about to have another girl, people are suddenly having these conversations with me where they're like, “My sister is the most important person,” or “My sister ruined my life.” And I never knew. It is completely different from having brothers. I find men very easy to be honest with. What you see is what you get. I've never had huge arguments with them where it's not resolved within an hour. But now suddenly people are like, “I haven't spoken to my sister for 15 years,” and I'm like, it feels like such a different life. But, growing up with brothers, especially being the only girl, a lot of it was survival. Emma Canning, who plays younger Tula, has a brother as well. Olivia and Emily both have sisters. So, I mean, me and Emma were just kinda making it up. But I've just been brought in on the fact that having a sister is, a completely different existence than you could ever understand if you don't have one.


There's a powerful moment—I won’t spoil anything—but when someone dies, Valya says, “I don’t want to mourn.” It feels like she takes on the role of the strong, stoic sister in the family, suppressing her emotions to keep moving forward. How did you and Emma, who plays Tula, work together to develop that sisterly chemistry?

She has such a thankless role in the family and she's misunderstood by everybody. And she's ultimately misunderstood by Tula as well. Even though I think Tula is obsessed with her. I think she really loves her older sister. But for various reasons, Valya has been made to feel unlovable in her family. I mean, honestly, as is always the case with TV shows, there just isn't the time [to develop chemistry]. TV moves so fast that you don't have this rehearsal time. We did get to spend more days together than usual, though. We did a Bene Gesserit boot camp for 2 days where we learned how to march and stuff. But honestly, in TV, you're meeting people 24 hours before, and people are so nice so it’s easy to make friends. That was the case with Emma, Charithra and Yaron who were in our little foursome.

Blazer and skirt Prada, shoes N°21, Earrings California Dirt

You describe the people you play as very unlikable. What attracts you to those types of characters?

Because they're the best roles. If I'm gonna get out of bed at 4:45 am, I want it to be good. Obviously, I do try to play likeable people, but I find them quite boring. And there's probably just somebody else way better for the part. It just seems to be a natural decision where I play really complicated people, and I enjoy it.

How do you balance staying true to the character and bringing parts of yourself in, without overstepping boundaries?

I actually have very good boundaries with work. But in saying that, I think the majority of the time, the roles that I find or the jobs that find me, usually, it's kind of half and half. I'm kind of a little bit like this person. I've never really taken on a job that is completely opposite from me or completely me because that just wouldn't be very interesting for me personally. But I would never be deep into it. It's never been asked of me. I've always wondered how people go really deep and change their appearance. Like, I would do it honestly. Method acting. It would be really interesting to see if I could concentrate.

Dress and jacket N°21, earrings California Dirt

Do you have a character or celebrity in mind that you would wanna method act with?

Seriously, if I'm gonna do it, I'd love to work with Daniel Day-Lewis. And be the one person that cracks him, and he's like, “I can't work with her.” Like, she's unbelievable. I would love that. I've always said that my dream role would be playing a real person. So that probably would require a certain amount of method acting. A lot of how I discovered that I wanted to be an actor was actually impersonating people. So I'd love to do something really immersive and play a real person. And see how much of them you keep and what you bring to it. Yeah. I'll play a real person with Daniel Day-Lewis. I think he's retired though.


You'll just grab him back in just for that one last role.

Yeah, it’s do or die time, Dan, let’s go.


And, if you could impersonate anyone in the Dune cast, like, a favorite character that isn't your own, who would it be?

Shai Hulud, The giant worm. No, I'm kidding. Well obviously, Emily Watson. To impersonate Emily, I would be terrified. Emily is the nicest, warmest person, and then she can flip into being the scariest person that you've ever met. She knows it. It's fine. I'm not saying anything she hasn't said about herself. But I really admire it because I don't think that I have that skill. I don't think that she would wanna see my impression of it. I would love to be more like Emily. She's always in control.

Top and skirt Tigra Tigra, shoes Tod’s, earrings California Dirt

Is there anything unexpected that you learned from this role?

Loads. I mean, I was playing somebody who was genuinely powerful and was kind of arrogant in their idea of how they wanna live, and what they wanna achieve. Who was selfish in their goals. Obviously, it's not realistic to live like that, and I wouldn't want to. But it was really effective playing somebody who only believed in themselves. It was so fun to be playing somebody who everybody's always slightly intimidated by and who everybody listens to.

You grew up in North Yorkshire and people fell in love with your accent on The End of the F***ing World. How has your accent helped you and also disserviced you in your career?

With jobs in England, it 100% dictated my work there because it's a working class accent. So it very much was always trying to pigeonhole me into something. I wanted way more possibilities than just playing working class roles. Even though they're amazing and often the best roles, I wanted more diversity in my career. And then in America, I experienced the complete opposite where everybody is genuinely fascinated by my accent, and I find them so interested in it. And I'm not pigeonholed in any way because of how I talk in a room. So it's always been a really interesting part of my career, the way that I talk and where I'm from. At the end of the day, I'm an actress, and I know I can learn to do different accents and play different people, and there's always gonna be somebody somewhere that wants to give me a chance to act outside of the preconceived idea of me. And, when I get that chance, I'm gonna do the best that I can.

Dress Prada, earrings Cartier

What would you say this next phase is for you?

What I'm working on next is obviously just growing up. I've always been very heavily associated with playing teenagers and people in their early twenties, which is amazing. But I would love to, as I go into my thirties, play relationships, and play a parent. It would be great to play a mom, and just kind of move into things which make sense for my life that I'm experiencing in real time. But it all takes time. My main goal is I just wanna keep regenerating and keep doing something different. Once somebody thinks that they know a type of role that I can do, I wanna move on and do something else. I wanna stay a creative person that is learning new skills, working with new people. I don't wanna be locked into maintaining status. 


You’re expecting your second child, was there any negative pressure as a woman in Hollywood when you broke the news?

For the last three years, it's been a very interesting experience as a woman. Once you have a kid, everywhere you go, people are like, “So are you still acting? Are you still gonna work?” And you're like, “Yeah.” Everybody has an opinion on everything and you feel like you're some 1950s housewife. It's crazy. And I think it's especially crazy for our generation now because no other part of our life has ever reflected that very domestic, stereotypical male-female thing. But in something like motherhood, you can't get away from it. It's always gonna be trapped in this very domesticated stereotypical thing. And so you get these questions, and you're like, “Woah. I've never been asked a question like this before.” I mean, everybody has an opinion of everything when you have a kid. And it just gets better over time. 

Left Coat Armani, dress Prada

Right Dress Prada, shoes Acne Studios, earrings Cartier

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Chris Llerins

Fashion by Gemma Ferri

Casting by ImageMachine CS

Production by Juan Diego Calvo

Hair by Lexy Medgaus

Make-Up by Ciara Maccaro

Photographer’s assistant Franco Zulueta

EP Richie Dandan 

OUT OF THIS WORLD

DUNE FEVER IS RAGING ON, AS A NEW NARRATIVE IN THE SCI-FI EPIC’S UNIVERSE BRINGS A POWERFUL MYSTIC SISTERHOOD, ONCE HIDING IN THE SHADOWS, TO ITS FORE, AND THE SMALL SCREEN. THE HOTLY ANTICIPATED PREQUEL SERIES DUNE: PROPHECY WILL NO DOUBT SPAWN SOME OTHERWORLDLY FASHION AND GIVE RISE TO A SLEW OF NEW HOUSEHOLD NAMES TOO. ONE SUCH NAME IS SARAH-SOFIE BOUSSNINA, WHO PLAYS PRINCESS YNEZ, HEIR TO THE GOLDEN LION THRONE. THE DANISH ACTRESS IS GIVING NOTHING AWAY AS THE SERIES PLOT IS TIGHTLY UNDER WRAPS, BUT WE CAN REVEAL THAT THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF A LIFE-ALTERING RISE FOR THE YOUNG TALENT.

Did you ever find the idea of working as a Danish actor outside of Denmark daunting until The Killing and Borgen became such hits, and suddenly, the scenery changed, and it was a different landscape for foreign actors?

Those shows got so much attention globally, so that made me think that I could have a career outside the borders of my country, which has always been my dream because Denmark is very small; there’s only a small number of films being made every year.

When you act in Danish, is something different? Is it easier?

Yes, especially if I’m away filming and there are jokes within the cast and I find I can’t respond to those jokes as quickly because they’re not in my native tongue. [Laughs] There’s more work when I’m doing English projects though and I work with a dialect coach which helps me in finding a character too.

So, once you started working on other projects, how did your goals shift? Are you still finding your way, your process, or does it change every time?

I think it shifts from each project, as each time I learn something new that I can use in my next role.

Well, you’re about to go global, playing Princess Ynez in the much-anticipated Dune: Prophecy series. How did you get involved with the project and did you read The Dune Encyclopedia to understand just how vast this universe is?

I’ve never done anything on this scale in my career, and it was quite unusual as I only did one self-tape and audition for this role, so the process was quite fast. When I auditioned, I didn’t know it was for this show, I found out just before a meeting with the whole creative team. Then I obviously watched the film, [Laughs] and checked out the online version of the encyclopedia to get more information on the different characters and the whole universe of Dune!

The series adapts Frank Herbert’s spin-off novel Sisterhood of Dune and focuses on the powerful order of women, the Bene Gesserit. Did that excite you as a narrative?

Yes, totally. I find them to be the most interesting characters and I’m so fascinated by that side of the universe – it’s the first time their story is being told on the screen which is so exciting to be part of. I think there are so many great female characters of all ages in the show too, so it’s inspiring and relevant for all those reasons.

I know at the time of writing this, you can’t tell me anything at all about your character, but tell me something about your character… [Laughs]

Haha! Well, she’s the princess of the universe and she’s the heir to the Golden Throne, and for me, she’s my favourite character I’ve ever played!

Are you allowed to tell us anything about your costumes?

Well, what I will say is that I was blown away by how much detail goes into the costumes, they’re all handmade and what the costume department creates is just truly amazing.


The costume is always essential in helping to inform and find a character, but what’s your process when preparing for a role, do you make playlists or do YouTube deep dives?

It varies, costume is a big help because once you put whatever you’re wearing on, you feel like you’re stepping into that person, and I instantly feel the fit, in the sense of embodying the character. When I’m preparing, I use music a lot, and I like to go through the script and break down the scenes. I work with an acting coach, as it’s good to bounce ideas off someone and have fun and play around with the script before you step on set for real.

What was it like to make the jump into such a huge franchise with this series, and what was your favourite part of filming with the rest of the cast, was there a good camaraderie on set?

It can be very intimidating stepping onto a set of this magnitude with so many people, and you feel lucky to be part of it, so yes, having a good relationship with the rest of the cast is so important. I loved working with Josh Heuston, who plays my brother Constantine Corrino, and those of us younger ones in the cast got on so well and hung out a lot, as we’re in similar places, in that this is the biggest project we’ve done in our careers. But I have to say, the well-established actors were just such beautiful people too, and it made the experience wonderful for me.

I think this show is destined to introduce you to a new audience and launch you into the next phase of your career. Are you excited and prepared for what’s to come?

I’m so excited! I’ve never been part of something that has such a huge fanbase with the book and films, it’s quite scary too, but I’m just so happy to be a part of it all.

You’re obviously going to be on everyone’s style radar now, so are you looking forward to working with a stylist and getting creative with your looks?

Definitely! I’ve always been very interested in fashion and interiors and aesthetics overall; I don’t know if that’s maybe the Scandi in me! [Laughs]. I’m into labels like Acne and Cecilie Bahnsen, anything dreamy and feminine but still a little bit rock’n’roll.

So, what’s coming next? You’re also appearing in Terrence Malick’s epic biblical movie, The Way of the Wind. Do you like changing it up every time, switching genres, and what would you love to do next, a dream role you’re craving?

I would love to do a film, and with genres I’m very open, I just like good stories and storytellers. I love Tim Burton; I would jump at the chance to work with him. The film Edward Scissorhands still resonates with me ever since the first time I saw it when I was young, as my brothers and I used to hire a movie from Blockbuster Videos every Saturday! It was the first time a film made me think how aesthetically cool it is and how it’s a story about being different and that’s ok, which is just so beautiful. It’s an evergreen as it’s a tale of how humans can be to each other, so it transcends generations.


Is there a creative, be it musician, artist, author, actor, or anyone who inspires you every day?

Tracy Chapman, her music centres me and makes me feel present. Patti Smith too, I’m reading M Train right now, and she’s the whole package. I’m very inspired by women in general, just so many different, beautiful and talented women!

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by Barbara Gullstein

All clothes Chanel

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Hair & Make-Up by Mette Schou

Video by Anna Sorrig

Photographer’s assistant David Sizemore

Stylist’s assistant Pernille Andersen

HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE

JAY LYCURGO HAS BEEN WEARING MANY HATS, BOTH ON SET AND OFF. FROM PRACTICING FOOTBALL BEFORE PURSUING ACTING TO RECENT EXPERIMENTATIONS WITH WRITING MUSIC (PRIVATE, FOR NOW), LYCURGO IS LOOKING INTO ALL THE WAYS HE CAN EXPRESS HIMSELF FULLY. TODAY, HOWEVER, THE LONDON-BORN ACTOR IS FOCUSING ON WORKING ON MOVIE AND TV PRODUCTIONS – AND DOING QUITE WELL AT IT! WHETHER IT’S GENERATION Z – A CHANNEL 4 ZOMBIE EXTRAVAGANZA – OR STEVE AND PEAKY BLINDERS, HIS BACK-TO-BACK COLLABORATIONS WITH LIVING LEGEND CILLIAN MURPHY, LYCURGO IS IN THE SWEET SPOT OF GETTING TO DO VERY DIVERSE PROJECTS THAT SHOWCASE HIS IMPRESSIVE RANGE. FOR BTB, WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM WHILE FILMING THE LATTER (IN VARIOUS HEADPIECES, AS HE MYSTERIOUSLY TEASES) TO CHAT ABOUT NOT BEING AFRAID OF THE GORY, HIS SPIRIT ANIMALS, AND MURPHY’S OH-SO-MESMERIZING OCEAN EYES.

Left Full look Hermès

Right Full look Dior Men

Hi Jay! Are you in London right now?

Hey, I’m actually in Birmingham at the moment.

 

What are you doing there?

I’ve been travelling for Peaky Blinders. I’ve been here, there and everywhere. Hotel to hotel. The life of an actor.

 

The life of a busy one! [Laughs] Before we get into PB, I wanted to talk about Generation Z, the zombie extravaganza that you’re a part of. What drew you to taking on this project?

Well, first of all, the shows that Channel 4 has on are always so iconic, and the prestige that they have was a big tick for me. Also, I had heard incredible things about Ben Wheatley, I had watched Sightseers, and thought, “This man is mental, I love him.” I think he nailed this fine line between fantasy and British culture [in Generation Z]. Another thing is that I felt like the teenagers in the show had this great three-dimensional quality to them. And then specifically with my character, Charlie, I found it really fascinating to explore his background of being from a broken family and the trauma that’s related to that.

Full look Prada

 What’s your favourite disgusting thing you’ve done? Do you get disgusted easily?

In Gen Z? 

 

Yeah.

Or in my personal life? [Laughs]

 

[Laughs] We can stick to Gen Z.

I think seeing the fake half-eaten dog for the first time. It looked very real, it was very intense. But generally, I don’t get very disgusted.

You’re better than me! I hate the gory stuff.

You know what’s funny as well? Ben didn’t do this on purpose, but everyone he cast was dealing pretty well with all that stuff. And throughout the process, I just got very used to it.

Left Top Courrèges, pants A.V Vattev, shoes Paul Smith

Right Full look Loewe

 You’re jaded now. [Laughs] Okay, let’s attempt to talk about the upcoming Peaky Blinders feature. Were you a fan of the show before being on board for the film?

I love that, seeing you trying to work out how to get some answers from me [about the film]. I actually haven’t watched it. When I was doing Steve with Cillian [Murphy], he said, “I’m doing Peaky Blinders in October.” And I was like, “I have not watched it. That’s the one with the flat caps, right?” And now I’m doing it!

 

Are you wearing a flat cap yourself in the movie?

There are many hats that feature in this story. [Laughs] All from the period that the film is set in.

 

Okay. [Laughs] This is now your second project with Cillian. Is it because you guys got along so well on the set of Steve?

I guess so, man. I’m sure he wouldn’t have known that I auditioned for it at some point, but I guess that’s what it is because we worked very closely on Steve and we got to know each other very well.  And now I just send him memes. So he has no choice but to have me stay in his head.

What was the last meme you sent him?

It was of this cartoonish drawing of a cat outside of a bath. It was hilarious to me and I was like, “Well, Cillian Murphy definitely needs to see this right now.”

Left Full look Hermès

Right Full look MM6

What’s it like to work with Cillian?

He has an aura and his eyes are beautiful, this is what I can confirm. I was in this workshop with him and there was this moment when I looked into his eyes and I thought, “Wow, that’s powerful.” I’m under his spell now. 

 

Ocean eyes. [Laughs]

Ocean eyes, man. For real. 

 

In Steve, you’re playing a troubled teen who struggles with his violent side. How did you approach playing this character? 

It was a story that is very close to home for me, as it takes place within the alternative educational units. And yes, there is a violent side to him, but there’s a violent side in all of us – some people just don’t know how to guide it. This is what Steve conveys, that you just need guidance, you need teachers, mentors, role models. Also, how important it is to always check on your friends and family. There’s something very wholesome about this story, and I think by the end of the film, violence is the last thing that you will be thinking about.


Looking back, who’s someone that you really looked up to and made you want to step into the realm of acting?

For me, it’s actually more about having different spirit animals, people who made you who you are. Of course, my mom and dad are two, but I also remember being 15 years old and discovering the work of Tyler the Creator for the first time. He was just such a weird, authentic dude and I thought to myself, “Oh my god, I can be like this. I don’t have to follow the conventional lane [in life].” I like rebels, people like John Lennon and George Harrison, these people who were just so raw in the way that they performed. So mostly it’s not individuals from my industry. It’s all about, how can I bring these different versions of people and their personalities into what I do. Because there’s just so much expression in the world.

Left Full look Prada

Right Jacket and shorts Sacai, top Lacoste

 I read that before pursuing acting, you used to practice football. What team are you supporting and why?

Tottenham. Why am I supporting them? That’s a good question. They just lost to Ipswich and I feel like I’m still on a comedown from that. I support them because of my cousins and my brothers. Also, Gareth Bale was brilliant [back in the day]. Do you support someone?

 

I have to be honest, I don’t watch football. Sorry!

You know what? You’re better off. My habits have actually changed these days, I like to play fantasy football [more]. Also, I’ve been playing guitar recently…

 

You’re learning?

I’ve been playing for the last year and a half. I love it!

 

Do you write songs?

 I write a lot now. I would love to release music at some point. It’s one of those things you can’t help, as an actor, you just want to express yourself in so many different lanes. And acting is sometimes not enough. I love music so much and it would be great to be able to release an EP…


Okay, to be continued then!

Yeah. [Laughs] TBC.

Left Full look MM6

Right Full look Hermès

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Diego Hernández

Fashion by Steven Huang

Grooming by Tarik Bennafla at Stella Creative Artists using Horace

Photographer’s assistant Amy Beasley

Stylist’s assistant Aaishah Perager

GOING BEYOND LIMITS

EREN M. GÜVERCIN DOESN’T QUESTION WHY HE CHOSE TO PURSUE ACTING AS A CAREER – HE PREFERS TO PURELY FOLLOW HIS INSTINCTS. THE 22-YEAR-OLD BERLINER HAS ALREADY TWO BIG PROJECTS UNDER HIS BELT: A COMING-OF-AGE TV SERIES DRUCK AND ELDORADO: EVERYTHING THE NAZIS HATE – A POWERFUL NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY EXPLORING BERLIN’S FLOURISHING QUEER SCENE OF THE 1920S AND 1930S, AND ITS DESTRUCTION THROUGHOUT THE SECOND WORLD WAR. FOR BTB, EREN TALKS ABOUT WAYS IN WHICH BEING ON SET CONNECTS HIM WITH HIS CHILDHOOD SELF AND THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING OUR HISTORY.

Left Full look Louis Vuitton

Right Full look Celine Homme

You got your first big role on the German TV show Druck. How do you look back on the series and your character?

I don't know if I can look back on it because it still haunts me to this day – I mean that in a good way. The love I received from all the fans, who were already excited about the new season and still follow my work, was unbelievable and overwhelming. Especially because it was also my first project in front of the camera. But that also came with its challenges, which I can now manage better, so I can focus solely on my work and forget everything else.

You also participated in the production of the brilliant documentary Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate. How did this project come your way, and why was it important for you to be a part of it?

What the directors of that movie, Benjamin Cantu and Matt Lambert, created was not only a radical and beautifully honest depiction of the truth they meticulously analysed to create. I consider this film to be one of the most important I’ve seen in a while, both artistically and politically, especially in times when the intersection of discriminatory acts is increasingly blinded by the populism used by ascending right-wing parties like the AfD. The parallels in the rhetoric and political strategies between Nazi Germany and the AfD are frightening and, at the same time, important to recognize. We need to know our history so it doesn’t repeat itself.

Left Full look Ludovic De Saint Sernin

Right Full look Louis Vuitton

When did you first realise that acting was something you wanted to pursue? What influenced your decision?

I’ve never intentionally pursued it. I was kinda dragged along that path while having fun working in theatre as a kid, how I came about that is kind of a complicated story. I can only recall moments in my life, during rehearsals or on stage, where I felt something almost metaphysical. Maybe a bit esoteric but it's about the fun and the people. Being a little kid. And going beyond my limits. To stay and breathe in the discomfort, maybe. Never really thinking about why I am doing this that much.

Who are the actors you look up to the most, and why them?

Tough question. I'm a Henry Fonda fan and even more so of Tilda Swinton. But right now, I’m fangirling over Lamin Leroy Gibba and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Oh, and I have to mention Michaela Coel. There’s something about their urgency to tell a story in such an honest and captivating way, coming from a place of love and fragility. It’s culture.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

What’s your dream genre to be a part of in the future?

I don't have a specific genre I'm dreaming of. It's more about the story, I think. But I’m really craving to do a horror movie.

What’s the last film that made you laugh?

Cow by Andrea Arnold.

What’s the last film that made you cry?

Also Cow by Andrea Arnold.

Full look Magliano

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Full look Balenciaga 

Left Full look Magliano

Right Full look Celine Homme

Full look Louis Vuitton

Full look Magliano

Left and top right Full look Louis Vuitton

Bottom right Full look Our Legacy 

Left Full look Louis Vuitton

Right Full look Ludovic De Saint Sernin

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Jingxiong Qiao

Fashion by Max Katt

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Featuring Eren M. Güvercin at Nest Model Management

Grooming by Melanie Hoppe using Dior Beauty

Movement Direction by Leonardo D’Aquino

Stylist’s assistant Dayana Arrieta Batista

DISCIPLINE IS KEY

DALLAS LIU, CONTRARY TO WHAT HIS NAME SUGGESTS, IS A LA-BORN AND RAISED ACTOR WHO PLAYS THE MOODY FIRE PRINCE ZUKO IN NETFLIX’S LIVE-ACTION AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER SERIES. HE GREW UP DOING MARTIAL ARTS FROM THE AGES OF 5 TO 13 AND WAS DISCOVERED ON YOUTUBE BY HIS MANAGER. WHEN HE ISN’T OUT DOING CRAZY STUNTS WHILE SHOOTING THE SHOW IN VANCOUVER, HE SPENDS TIME WITH HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, WHO HE DISCERNS HIS HUMILITY TO, AND IS GRATEFUL TO HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM AS LOYAL AS THEM. AS THE SHOW WAS  RENEWED FOR A SECOND AND THIRD SEASON, WE REFLECTED WITH DALLAS LIU ON THE FIRST SEASON THAT CAME OUT IN APRIL, AND HOW HE WANTS TO WORK ON HIS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENTS.

Left Full look Diesel

Right Full look Kenzo

You grew up doing martial arts. What have they taught you in life?

Martial arts gave me a lot of discipline in the things that I take on. Whether it's in school or doing acting, martial arts taught me how to remain calm, to really think out my process and to have the discipline to focus and practice. I always felt like it helped me develop my own way of doing things. 

 

How did you get into martial arts? Do you have any idols whose careers you admire?

I wish it was that serious, but it was the Power Rangers, Avatar: The Last Airbender and a few different animes. There was one sports athlete who went by the name of Sugar Shane Moseley, my friend’s dad who was a boxer, and when we saw him on TV, I got really invested in combat sports.

Full look Yohji Yamamoto

 How did you juggle being a kid with having to be professionally present at competitions and on film production sets?

Martial arts is just like any other sport: you go to tournaments, you go to practices and then you go do your homework after school. And I think with acting, because I live far from Los Angeles, I'm like an hour’s drive out, and you would be surprised by how much it changes just by driving an hour out of the city. The world where I live is nothing like the online portrayal of what Los Angeles is. The people here, my friends and family, they kept me grounded so I don't think there's a real change in my lifestyle. I did treat it like something that I loved, so it didn't feel like work. I was still going to school, I was still hanging out with my friends on the weekends, it wasn't something that I moved across the world for. This was something that I cared for and that my parents were willing to support me in. But I wasn't working either, I was auditioning, don’t get me wrong, but I wasn’t like, “Yeah, man, just booked 5 seasons of a show and my parents are signing contracts for me.” It was nothing like that. I was very much a newbie actor. I think it wasn’t until PEN15 that I felt like I matured.

Speaking of PEN15, did you get what the show was about when you booked the role?

When I auditioned I had no idea that it was gonna be that funny, because with a concept like that, you really don’t know how it’s gonna turn out until the day of the shoot. But Maya and Anna are such comedic geniuses that they already knew, “Oh yeah, this is what we're doing,” and so seeing their confidence every day on set gave me a lot of comfort. When I was on set, I knew what was going on but it was weird because I was also the oldest of the actual teenagers, so they were making fun of me too. I was so confused, I was like, “Why do I feel old here too?”

Left Pants and belt Prada, jewellery The Diamond Plug

Right Hat Heurueh, top Lohavete, jewellery The Diamond Plug

 Your role in PEN15 is quite different to the other roles in your acting career, what would you say that role taught you?

I would say comedic improvisation. There were some times when Anna and Maya would just let a take keep on going and I was in the scene. I would think, “Oh my gosh, we're still going? Okay then, you kind of just have to figure out how to roll along with it.”  But it was really watching them do their thing that helped me develop my own particular way of going about comedy. I became comfortable with the unexpected.

You were inspired to start martial arts because of Avatar: The Last Airbender and now fast-forward a few years you play Prince Zuko in the Netflix live-action remake. Were you excited to portray Zuko?

When I got the job, it really was just worlds colliding because I think Zuko is one of the best fictional and animated characters of all time, and I think that his character arc is up there with some of the best character arcs in TV history. So when I found out that it was this role, I was stoked. Also knowing that I would be able to use my martial arts background in the series, that's why it felt like I was able to combine my present and my past, just because I spent so much time doing martial arts. I’d done it from the ages of 5 to 13, and now I'm 22, so it felt like a long time for me, and I'm glad that I was able to you know use both of my skills for something that I love. They tried to hide the identity of the characters in the script. They gave us fake character names. So for example, Zuko’s fake name was Juno. But with the way the script was written, it was very clearly his character –  nobody else has daddy issues as bad as Zuko, in my opinion. But I think because I knew that it was Zuko, it definitely helped that I understood Zuko already so strongly because I favoured him so much as a child.

Left Full look Amiri

Right Hat Heurueh, top Lohavete, pants Ashton Michael, jewellery The Diamond Plug

This is a long-awaited remake of a beloved animated series. How did you feel at the time it came out?

I was definitely more nervous than I had ever been in my entire life. This is certainly the biggest project I’ve ever done and also my first time being a series regular. I was terrified just because you carry a huge part of how people view the show and I am not sure I was ready for that. Leading up to that point, my character was always there for the other characters, to support the other characters, whereas then,  people were really going to be watching me. I was scared of being under a microscope for a very long time. It also didn’t help that the executives of our show didn't give us a sneak peek until like 2 weeks out. So we had no idea what our show was gonna look like for three years. We hadn't seen any playback footage. I was terrified, but knowing everyone else was also terrified, you know, me and the cast members really bonded and spent a lot of time with each other, finding comfort in those relationships that we had and also looking back at our hard work and effort. I started shooting the show when I was 19 and at the time of the release, I was 22. So not only did I feel like I had developed as an actor but I had just grown into a different person. I think I was scared but that pressure was a privilege in itself. I also knew that not many people would have the opportunity to feel responsible for the next generation of Avatar: The Last Airbender viewers that's why I felt also really excited for people to see my take on Zuko.

 

People often criticize remakes, specifically live-action ones. But as you said, when you’re doing a remake, you’re reintroducing characters to a newer generation, and that’s important to consider because kids nowadays maybe weren’t as affected and influenced by Avatar: The Last Airbender because it wasn’t an integral part of their childhood.

I was really excited for the new viewers. And with the original voice actor being so supportive of my take on the character, we just had a talk like a human being to human being and he told me…The words that he used were, “It’s your turn,” and it was sort of permission to make Zuko the way I see fit. Because some of the relationships might not be the same therefore that might change the character – he definitely has a little more attitude in our show, he’s a spoiled teenager. But that was also one thing that I had no idea how it was going to turn out. I was like, “Are we sure we like this version of Zuko?”

Left Full look Celine Homme

Right Full look Yohji Yamamoto

 Zuko is quite a complex and hard-to-embrace character. Where did you draw inspiration from to portray the role?

To prepare, I obviously rewatched the show a bunch of times, but I only stuck to the first season because that’s what we were shooting. And then a lot of research online. There are so many character analysis videos and essays that you can find on the internet about Zuko, about his past and about the way he thinks. I just lived with that every day, there was always something new I was learning about him. For example, which side of his head he likes to sleep on. Because his scar is on the left side of his eye, he would sleep on his scar so he could hear better out of the other ear when he was with people he wasn’t comfortable around. But when it was people he was comfortable with, he didn’t mind sleeping on his other side and having his scar out. That was something super unique to Zuko. A performance I drew from was probably Adam Driver’s Ky Loren. 

 

Wait, the way he chooses to sleep, was that in the script or the original screenplay?

It’s a fan theory, it’s never explicitly stated but it’s something the viewers paid attention to when he’d go to bed. When you truly love a series, you pay attention to so many of those small scenes and that's what it was for me growing up. From Zuko’s facial expressions to his mannerisms, those were all things that I thought about with a lot of intention, especially when I was working with some of my co-stars.

Full look Amiri

What do you want people to take away from watching the series?

As cliché as this might be, I hope that this gives them a lot of hope in the adventure that they take on in life, the adventure that is life. And I think enjoying the adventure is all about the friendships and bonds that you create along the way, whether they are there forever or not. Our show has many different elements, you've got the heroes and you've got the questionable villains, and there are so many characters that you can relate to.

 

You’ve played in dramedies, crime series, Marvel movies and Netflix remakes. In what direction do you hope to go next?

I’m drawn to anime remakes. Have you heard of Death Note?

 

Of course! Who would you play though?

I love Death Note, I would be ok with Light or L, they’re both great characters. I think another genre I’d be interested in would be a dark thriller. I really love the film Oldboy.

Left Full look Prada

Right Hat Heurueh, top Lohavete, pants Ashton Michael, jewellery The Diamond Plug

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by Donna Lisa

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Tammy Yi

Stylist’s assistants Alex Levey and Sophie

INCOMPARABLE VIBRANCY

SOMETIMES A TRAUMATIC EVENT CAN BE A CATALYST FOR ENGAGING ART. THIS HAS CERTAINLY BEEN THE CASE WITH ISAAC DUNBAR, WHO AFTER GETTING HIT BY A CAR ON A NEW YORK NIGHT WROTE A RECORD INSPIRED BY THE LUST FOR LIFE HE GAINED FOLLOWING THE CRASH. IN HIS EP BEEP BEEP REPEAT, THE AMERICAN ARTIST MIXES THE EUPHORIA OF THE 2010S POP (DUNBAR IS A LADY GAGA STAN AFTER ALL) AND THE SOULFUL SONGWRITING OF THE 1970S AND 1980S. WHILE WORKING ON THE DELUXE EDITION OF THE RECORD, ISAAC CAUGHT UP WITH US TO CHAT ABOUT HIS NEW SINGLE TAKE IT SLOW, CRYING TO STEVIE NICKS AND ROCKSTAR’S GIRLFRIEND FANTASIES.

Left Vintage leather jacket and pants, shirt and tie Hugo Boss

Right Full look Yves Saint Laurent Archives

Last spring, you released your EP Beep Beep Repeat and you’re currently working on its deluxe edition. I read that the record has been inspired by the time you spent living in New York – how did the city’s energy influence your sound and lyrics?

The whole record is actually inspired by a time when I got hit by a car in New York and the lust for life that this event gave me. I was leaving the studio around 5 am and riding a City bike back to my apartment in the rain, and ironically enough, I was also listening to Outside the Rain by Stevie Nicks. Then, I felt a bang and it turned out to be a grey SUV. My afro saved my life, I think it took some of the impact. I couldn’t walk for three days and I was really sad and depressed. But as I looked outside my window, I saw people continue to go about their lives and I found that really inspiring, this idea that life goes on. It was a moment when I really had to choose happiness, as cliché as that might sound. It sparked my interest to be more of an extrovert and meet people and go dancing, go to parties and DJ sets. It lit a fire under my ass. 

Left Full look Celine Homme

Right Trench coat and pants Laquan Smith, shirt, tie and sunglasses Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, gloves stylist’s own

 So, as you’re working on the re-edition of the EP, did you notice any shifts in the narratives you’re drawn to?

Things have definitely shifted. I think that there’s a lot more to the story that needs to be told, especially when it comes to the after-effects of leaving New York and how a lot of its soul stuck with me even though I’m in LA right now. I feel like I really needed that time in NYC, as it was so healing for me. I’m from a really small town and the vibrancy of the city is incomparable.  

Left Full look Yves Saint Laurent Archives

Right Full look Amiri

Your new single Take It Slow talks about a man who gets too clingy too fast on a night out - what do you think is the appropriate way of courting someone at a club?

Well, I don’t have too much experience with romance in the club because I’m scared of people. But I think the best way is to walk up to the person, be upfront and say, “How are you feeling? I think that you’re sexy and I want to kiss you.” [Laughs] Something not serious. You can’t be doing too much.

Left Full look Yves Saint Laurent Archives

Right Full look Celine Homme

 Yeah, it brings up the question of, “Why are you being so pushy?”

Exactly. It’s terrifying. Some people adore being love-bombed but I instantly freak out and would rather stay in my apartment and paint my nails. [Laughs]

 

In both your sound and look you are inspired by the 1970s. What do you find fascinating about that era?

I love the ‘70s! It was definitely a moment when people could be free in their artistic expression. The decade was pure glamour. Personally, I feel like I’ve always been drawn to it on a more musical level. The chord progressions were beautiful, the melodies were gorgeous and there were such incredible singers and songwriters – my favourites are Fleetwood Mac and Queen. Stevie Nicks has been somebody that I’ve been really inspired by for the past 4-5 years. There was a lot of purpose behind what was being done [back then]. But honestly, in my recent studio outings, I have been a lot more inspired by the ‘80s. 

Jacket Adidas, vintage pants and scarf, sunglasses stylist’s own

 You’re progressing into the next decade. [Laughs] Have you ever seen Stevie Nicks live?

Yes, a few months ago. I went by myself when I first moved to LA. I was surrounded by many people who were much older than me, and I cried my eyes out like a baby. The first song that she played was actually Outside the Rain! Which is my favourite of hers and the song to which I got floored by that SUV.

Left Jacket Heowhan Simulation, shirt Ernest W Baker, tie Ralph Lauren, Pants MM6, boots Celine Homme

Right Coat, shirt and tie Ernest W Baker, vest Neil Barrett

Wow! It’s definitely some sort of sign. If you could transport yourself to the ‘70s or ‘80s, what would you want to experience first-hand?

There’s a sentiment that Gaga used to say back in the early 2010s about the whole rockstar’s girlfriend trope. So, I think I would like to be a rockstar’s girlfriend, a groupie, and travel the world with a really troubled band. And then in my seventies, I would put out a tell-all.

Left top Full look Celine Homme

Left bottom Coat, shirt and tie Ernest W Baker, vest and pants Neil Barrett, boots Celine Homme

Right Trench coat and pants Laquan Smith, shirt, tie and sunglasses Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, gloves stylist’s own

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by Jake Sammis

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Candice Birns at A-Frame Agency

Stylist’s assistant Natalie O’Campo

Special thanks to Jack at Stone Studio

QUIET THOUGHTS

K-RNB’S FAVOURITE SHY BOY JEY IS BACK, PREPARING TO RELEASE HIS BRAND NEW ALBUM POV. AS THE NAME SUGGESTS, THIS TIME AROUND, HE WILL BE SHARING MOMENTS OF HIS LIFE AND WHAT THE FUTURE MAY HOLD. HOPING THAT HIS SONGS REACH LISTENERS FAR AND NEAR WHO MAYBE AREN’T ALREADY FAMILIAR WITH KOREAN MUSIC, JEY ALREADY HAS A STRONG, DEVOTED FAN BASE WHO ALLOW HIS QUIET NATURE TO DISAPPEAR AS SOON AS HE PERFORMS FOR THEM. ALTHOUGH HE DESCRIBES HIS PERSONALITY AS RESERVED, HE WISHES TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP MORE AND DISCUSS HIS THOUGHTS FREELY WITH OTHERS, AS HE CONTINUES TO GROW AS A PERFORMER.

Left Full look Prada

Right Leather shirt Zadig&Voltaire, shirt and pants Lacoste

We last spoke a year ago, what have you been up to since? You released another EP Contact last year, how did that project come about?

I had a strong desire to create emotional R&B music. Without overthinking, I wanted to make music that was very relaxed and had a soft vibe. That naturally led to the creation and release of the Contact album. Since then, I’ve been working on my upcoming record POV for the past year and a half. Of course, I’ve been touring as well.

When you were a child, how did you first discover that you could sing? Do you think training as an idol helped your growth as an artist?

Honestly, I was more interested in rapping than singing, but I started singing when someone suggested I try it. Since then, I’ve been doing it without much thought, and it turned out to be a great opportunity. Instead of the training as an idol helping me, I think it’s the fact that I’ve experienced such a variety of worlds that has been beneficial.

Coat and necklace Givenchy, pants Zadig&Voltaire, shoes stylist’s own

You were touring this year around Europe – what was the energy like during this time?

My usual energy level is quite low. I prefer quiet environments and don’t move around much. But when I’m performing, I tend to shout louder and move more energetically. The rush I get from performing is immense, and I naturally become more energetic.

Your performances go viral, I always see them on my social media and I feel like your fans love watching you perform so much. What goes into the preparation for a performance? Do you ever get stage fright?

I actually get very nervous before going on stage. I have to keep reminding myself to act like there’s no tomorrow. But as soon as I step on stage, everything feels fine, and I’m not nervous at all.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Recently, you released a few new tracks like Juicy and Close2U.  What goes into creating a track, are you actively participating in the production, sampling and writing? And do you have a favourite part of making music?

I mainly handle the melody and lyrics, while the rest of the composition and musical aspects are left to my producer, M/N. It’s like telling them what I want to wear, and they graciously dress me in something that fits perfectly.

Full look Lacoste

How do you film your visuals for songs? Who do you enjoy working with and where do you get inspired for the clips?

There isn’t a clear process for how I shoot visuals. I tend to go with whatever draws me in. Life itself is my inspiration, whether it’s my life or someone else’s.

Leather shirt Zadig&Voltaire, shirt and pants Lacoste

You've publicly posted some pics of your relationship online, which is something that is becoming more and more democratised in the industry. Was sharing that side of your life something complicated for you?

There wasn’t anything complicated about posting everyday moments with someone I love. The real consideration is in how I choose to share them.

What’s your favourite thing about Mayu Kitazawa, and what has your relationship taught you?

I love everything about her and cherish every moment. I’ve learned almost everything, and she’s the only person I want to experience everything with.

Coat and necklace Givenchy, pants Zadig&Voltaire

You’re quite a fashion icon, from your bleached eyebrows to various hairstyles that you change up every couple of months. Do you have a favourite look of all time?

Rather than focusing on what I’ve worn so far, I’m more excited about my future style, which is unpredictable but already something I love.

Left Full look Dior Men

Right Leather shirt Zadig&Voltaire, shirt and pants Lacoste

I admire you, I’ve always wanted to be fully bleached – wasn’t it hard to maintain your bleached eyebrows and hair?

Of course, it’s difficult, but sometimes when you stop worrying about the hard stuff, it actually becomes easier.

Left Full look Prada

Right Coat and necklace Givenchy, pants Zadig&Voltaire, shoes stylist’s own

You also post a lot of great outfits online, is there a fashion brand that you currently love? And a brand that you’d love to work with in the future?

I like brands like EgonLab and Alexander Digenova, and I’d love to collaborate with them in the future.

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Full look Dior Men

Where do you hope to go with your sound in the future? Do you have any dream collaborations?

I want my sound to reach someone on the other side of the world who doesn’t even know what Korean is. If that happens, it means we share similar thoughts. There are always artists I want to work with. I’m always open and ready to reach out. Right now, I’m listening [a lot] to Tame Impala’s The Less I Know The Better.

Left Full look Prada

Right Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

There are few interviews of you online, why do you choose to keep information about yourself as an individual but also as an artist private? Do you think that also allows you to detach yourself from interpretation and perception?

I’d love to do more interviews and openly share everything, but I think it’s just due to my personality that it hasn’t happened. I’m just living according to my nature. I’m not trying to separate my life as an artist from my personal life. The way others see me and the way I see myself aren’t all that different.

Coat and necklace Givenchy, pants Zadig&Voltaire

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Jingxiong Qiao

Fashion by Simon Dae Dissing Bacher

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Bastien Zorzetto

RIDING THE RIDE

D’PHARAOH WOON-A-TAI IS FOLLOWING HIS DREAMS. AFTER AN INCREDIBLY SUCCESSFUL RUN AS BEAR IN THE GROUNDBREAKING RESERVATION DOGS, FOR WHICH HE JUST RECEIVED HIS FIRST EMMY NOMINATION, THE YOUNG ACTOR MAKES IT CLEAR THAT HIS PERFORMANCE WASN’T FUELLED BY A DESIRE TO WIN AWARDS, BUT BY THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ACCURATELY REPRESENT NATIVE AMERICAN LIFE. HE VIEWS THAT RESPONSIBILITY NOT AS EXTERNAL PRESSURE BUT AS A SOURCE OF UNMITIGATED JOY—HE’S EXCITED TO BE PART OF HOLLYWOOD’S LONG-AWAITED CHANGE. WITH A STARRING ROLE IN THE UPCOMING A24 FILM WARFARE, IT’S CLEAR WOON-A-TAI IS ENJOYING THE MOMENTUM OF HIS CONTINUED SUCCESS. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE YOUNG ACTOR TO DISCUSS THE POWER OF ACCURATE REPRESENTATION, WHY ACTING IS THE COOLEST JOB IN THE WORLD, AND OUR DIVERGING OPINIONS ON HIS NEW HAIRCUT.

Left and right Full looks Emporio Armani

How are you? How’s LA?

Yeah, it’s all good man. Everything is lovely.

 

I was reading about you, and it struck me that you started quite young. Where did the acting instinct come in?

Yeah, I started when I was 15. I was attending a native community centre in downtown Toronto called Council Fire. I usually went there to practice drumming and singing. They had a bulletin board ad that was looking for Indigenous youth for a project… I don’t even remember what project it was; it was a long time ago. I was with my mother, and she said, “You know you’re not doing anything with your life, you should try it.” [Laughs] And then I fell in love with it.

Left Full look Emporio Armani

Right Full look Prada

 [Laughs] Damn, that’s the age to not do anything… I mean, I’m glad she pushed you in that direction.

Exactly. I mean at first, I was so nervous. It can be embarrassing. Acting is sometimes so embarrassing.

 

It’s interesting you mention that. I was listening to someone talking about how you need to break free of the fear of cringe to be successful in the entertainment industry…

Every single time I go on set I feel the same way I did the first time I went to set. There’s a sense of nervousness that never disappears. I feel that what separates actors apart from each other is how they push past that fear. Some let that stop them from continuing this path.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 I really want to touch on Reservation Dogs. That to me has been one of the most special projects out in the last few years. How did you initially get signed on to it?

[Laughs] I wish I had a cool story. I just auditioned. I had two four pages, two pages for each scene. I just fell in love with Bear. It was strange actually. That was my first time reading a script and immediately feeling connected to the character. I found out about the project in late 2019 and I got to fly to California… That was my first time coming here. They had all of us for the last round of auditions in a big room together. I had been used to a small sense of competition in acting, the more Western approach to the craft - the “Oh, these guys are my competitors, don’t talk to anyone.” But that’s not what that experience was at all. I would be happy if any other of these Native kids got the role. That was my first time feeling anything like that.

 

As you said, you immediately connected to Bear, what did it feel like to have to say goodbye to the character?

dw: It’s definitely bittersweet. I remember the exact day they told us the show would be ending. It felt like we were all in an amusement park having the best time of our lives and, just as we were about to go down the rollercoaster our father told us, “We have to go.” And so, we were all so excited to go down the rollercoaster, but we also knew it was the last time riding the ride.

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Full look Loewe

 I always think a project should have a graceful end rather than stretching it out, it always feels like a much more painful death…

dw: Yeah, and the ending was beautiful, with everyone helping each other out and putting their differences aside.  When I hopped on the project, it was supposed to be a limited series. It was COVID when we began, so the fact that we even got to shoot two more seasons after that just makes me so grateful. I knew it was supposed to come to an end, I know the writers behind this, it wasn’t a cash grab.

Left Full look Loewe

Right Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 Bear’s parting gift to you was quite nice though, you got your first Emmy nomination for the last season. How do you feel about those kinds of accolades?

I don’t want to be like oh, “I don’t give a shit,” but I usually don’t take them too personally. But for Reservation Dogs, it’s very important to me. I never expected it to get picked up from the pilot. I knew it would be very important across Turtle Island, the native community across North and South America. I knew Native people would be able to hold on to this. It was the first time in Hollywood’s history that we’ve had a full Native writer’s room, directors, and main cast.  That was long overdue. I didn’t know how well the masses would respond to it, which is pretty stupid honestly. In telling our story truthfully, we’re telling a human story, and everyone can relate to that. So, when it comes to any award, including the Emmys, I’m grateful. But I want to acknowledge that the opinion I most cared about was the Muscogee Creek community, the people I was representing. I wanted to make them proud - that was my goal rather than, “I need to get awards.”

Left Full look Prada

Right Full look Dior Men

 It’s clear that you make constant efforts to highlight the Indigenous community in whatever you do. How do you go about picking the projects you’ll be involved in?

That’s a good question. Well, when it comes to projects in general, I aim to tell important stories that are not commonly heard. That was why I loved working on Reservation Dogs, we always brought out important issues that left non-Indigenous people with the knowledge of our lives. I pick projects that have meaning behind them. When it comes to Indigenous storytelling, and that’s something Reservation Dogs taught me, we can create our own stories and be successful. Anytime that I’m now moving forward on an Indigenous lead project, I feel like it’s mandatory to have a Native writer’s room, directors, and cast. 

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Full look Emporio Armani

 I feel like Reservation Dogs changed the game in that way…

Yeah but, I mean, if we want to give credit it has to be where it’s due. These executives didn’t just think that the audience would love listening to our stories from thin air. The African-American community in the film industry led the way. They had success in telling their truth, so they wiggled in a chance for us.

Full look Givenchy

 You’re playing Ray Mendoza in the upcoming A24 movie Warfare. Does it feel any different playing a real person versus a fictional character?

I honestly saw Bear as a real person. I understand what you’re asking, and since Ray was behind the camera, there was an added element there, especially when he would give me notes after every take. [Laughs] But it’s not too far off from what Bear felt like. I’m half Native American, half Guyanese, Oklahoma is thousands of miles away. There are hundreds of different types of Native American tribes in North America alone, each with their culture, religion and customs. For me to play someone that’s not Anishinaabe, it’s a lot of pressure. I was telling the personal story of thousands of kids. I was telling the writers’ stories that, on our behalf, were telling the stories of so many others. I felt the same pressure working on both projects. But Ray is a crazy guy, he’s funny. I had to cut my hair off for that. I know I can rock short hair, but I prefer it long…

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Full look Dior Men

 I think it suits you. How do you feel about having to undergo physical changes for your job?

I fucking love it. This is the coolest job in the world. I don’t know of any other industries that you can go off and find a hobby and it can contribute to your career. That’s what’s beautiful about being an actor. When I started out, I craved being tired from it, I wanted the biggest experiences and the biggest struggles. I want to feel like I deserve to relax. I’ve chased that high since my first job. I would never replace it for anything.

Full look Emporio Armani

Interview by Pedro Vasconcelos

Photography by Sam Ramirez

Fashion by Andrew T. Vottero

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Creative Direction by Ton Aguilar

Grooming by Martha Phela

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

NOAH BECK IS SPREADING HIS WINGS. WHETHER THROUGH HIS ACTING ENDEAVOURS OR FOUNDING HIS BRAND, THE INTERNET STAR IS REACHING NEW HEIGHTS. DESPITE HIS ACHIEVEMENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA, HE TAKES IT SURPRISINGLY LIGHTLY. PERHAPS THAT IS THE SECRET TO HIS SUCCESS: BECK MANAGES TO STAY UNPRETENTIOUS, AVOIDING THE PRESUMPTUOUS ATTITUDE ONE MIGHT EXPECT FROM SOMEONE OF HIS STATURE. INSTEAD, HE VIEWS EACH OPPORTUNITY AS A DOOR, A CHANCE TO BREAK NEW GROUND. TAKE HIS ACTING CAREER, FOR EXAMPLE. AFTER YEARS OF BECOMING COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA THROUGH HIS WILDLY POPULAR TIKTOKS, THE INTERNET SENSATION IS NOW DIPPING HIS TOES INTO THE COOL WATERS OF HOLLYWOOD. WE CATCH UP WITH BECK JUST AFTER HE FINISHED HIS FIRST MOVIE, THE EXPERIENCE STILL BUZZING IN HIS MIND. FROM THE SILVER SCREEN TO HIS ROLE AS THE CEO - WHAT THE INFLUENCER HAS ACHIEVED HAS REDEFINED WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

Left and right Full looks Brunello Cucinelli

What is your relationship with social media today?

My relationship with social media hasn't changed much. I still have fun with it and view it as a way to express myself and showcase my various passions. I try to not put too much pressure on my output and to just go with the flow. All my platforms showcase "me" in a different way. TikTok is a silly me. Instagram is more of a curated aesthetic. Honestly, I just use social media as a way to express how I'm feeling in an unfiltered way. If I'm having a bad day, I let my viewers know, but I try to keep it on the light side.

Left and right Full looks Brunello Cucinelli

You’ve just wrapped the shooting for your first film. How was it?

It was genuinely such an amazing experience. Almost too good to be true. The cast and crew were amazing to work with. Just for the plot, I feel like I now have to experience the horror stories of Hollywood that everyone talks about. But in all honesty, every expectation was met and exceeded, and I am so thankful to have worked with the cast and crew that I did for my first movie.

Left Full look Gucci

Right Full look Brunello Cucinelli

What interests you in acting?

I grew up always going to the theatre. My family is not in any creative industry at all... but we all have such a deep appreciation for the ability to take yourself out of the real world and be immersed in someone else's for an hour or two. I just want to create something bigger than myself and to be a part of that experience for other people. I feel like I'm a creative person and love to help bring other people's visions to life. I have grown really fond of the craft myself. Due to social media, I have become very comfortable in front of the camera, and weirdly, it prepared me for my first movie. I have become very passionate about this space and want to give other people that experience. I want others to feel how I felt when I watched a movie that changed my life. I want to make things that could have a lasting effect on someone.

Left Full look Brunello Cucinelli

Right Full look Miu Miu 

Social media is often presented as a platform to grow into other creative realms, like fashion, acting, or reality TV, of which you’ve dabbled in quite a few. Did you have that perception when you first started posting on social media?

Oh my god, not at all. It was all kind of out of boredom, because of COVID. It was truly to pass the time, while I did soccer training and school. It wasn't until I saw that I started to have an impact on social media, that I realised I could try to dip my toes in creative adventures.

Full looks Brunello Cucinelli

Do you enjoy the creative freedom that social media gives you?

The creative freedom, yes. But the overall freedom kind of drives me insane sometimes. I like structure and routine. I have things in my life that are constant… Like working out and morning coffee. So yes and no.

Full look Brunello Cucinelli

When you started posting I assume you weren’t expecting such rapid success. What was it like mentally to have the whole world watching you at 19?

I didn't know for the longest time, it just felt like a number on a screen. It didn't feel real. It almost felt like a glitch in my phone. There wasn't a crazy reaction until I started getting DMs and emails from people. I don't take anything personally, especially if you don't know me personally. I don't put too much emphasis on what other people think about me. I was just posting what I was doing in my day-to-day life. I was just being myself. I had a really good support system, so it happened too quickly for me to think about it even really.

Left Full look Gucci

Right Top Fendi

You’ve become quite present in the fashion industry. What do you enjoy about fashion?

I like how it bridges the gap between artists, athletes, and personalities. Whatever career you are in, you can be sitting at one of these shows. The overall "creative" of the show is genuinely like seeing art in real life. When you immerse yourself in it and think about it deeper, it's really fascinating. I like dressing up and believe when you look good, you feel good. When you put on a certain look, it’s almost like playing a character and I find that very appealing.

Left Full look Prada

Right Full look Brunello Cucinelli

You founded your underwear brand IPHIS last year, what was the purpose behind this launch?

I knew I wanted to try something entrepreneurial that not only engaged my passion in fashion but would have a true sense of community to it too. After years of being a walking billboard and creating EMV [Earned Media Value] for other brands, underwear was the natural place to start, with the added challenge of going about it in a new, inclusive format. It's been an incredible learning experience. Having people come up to me on the street and show me their waistbands – true story – and now we are branching out into apparel with socks, hoodies, and tanks just in time for summer.

Full look Brunello Cucinelli

I’m curious, you started posting on social media because of quarantine. What would you be doing in an alternate reality where the pandemic never happened?

That's easy... I would still be playing soccer. In a perfect world, in England.

Left Right Full look Brunello Cucinelli

Right Shirt Miu Miu

You’ve already done so much at such a young age. Do you struggle to find new ambitions?

Yes, I do. That's honestly a great question because that's something I've been thinking about lately. I’m a sentimental person and like to look at my past and see the things I've done. Sometimes, it scares me to think I've already peaked in a sense. It's a balance of finding what the next best thing is and being present with my current life and finding the joy in that. I always try to find joy in the little things regardless of what I'm doing.

Right Full look Brunello Cucinelli

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would say, happy. With whatever I'm doing, I hope I'm happy, still creating, and at that point maybe in the early phases of starting a family. Overall, I just want to be happy doing something I love.

Left and right Full looks Brunello Cucinelli

Interview by Pedro Vasconcelos

Photography by Sam Ramirez

Fashion by Andrew T.Vottero

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Ramsell Martinez at Home Agency

Photographer’s assistant Brandon Young

TRUTHFUL SELF

AYAKA MIYOSHI CHARMS US AS ANN – THE WISE, INTUITIVE AND PUZZLE-SAVVY CHARACTER SHE PLAYS IN ALICE IN BORDERLAND ON NETFLIX. WHILE SHE FIRST BURST ONTO THE SCENE SINGING IN THE JAPANESE IDOL GROUP SAKURA GAKUIN, MIYOSHI ROSE TO FAME AS A MODEL FOR JAPAN’S FASHION MAGAZINE SEVENTEEN, A PRACTICE SHE CONTINUES TO NURTURE TO THIS DAY.  WHEN SHE ISN’T TRAINING FOR HER TIME-CONSUMING AND PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING LEAD ROLES, OR MODELLING FOR BIG NAMES, SHE IS MOST LIKELY OUT FOR DINNER ENJOYING HER FAVOURITE ASIAN CUISINE, WHICH SHE AVIDLY SHARES ON HER INSTA STORIES!

Left Full look Zadig&Voltaire

Right Full look Fendi

Hi Ayaka, how are you doing?

Hello!! It’s been very hot but I'm managing it well. I've been horseback riding and enjoying spending time with animals. I don't think I'll be able to travel this summer but I'm looking forward to going to Europe for the next season.

Left Top and skirt Chloé, socks stylist’s own

Right Coat Msgm, dress, tights, earrings and shoes Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

You started modelling at a young age. What was it like being a child in an industry that is dictated by and for adults?

It was very difficult, but I believe that the experience was something that resonates with a lot of people, not just in this particular job. As an only child, I was very good at spending time alone which encouraged me to develop a wide range of interests to engage in by myself. I think this contributed to the personality I have today.

Left Top and skirt Msgm, jewellery Zadig&Voltaire

Right Coat Msgm, dress, tights and earrings Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 We first discovered you in Alice in Borderland, a fantastic show that currently has two seasons on Netflix and gained a huge international reach. What was it like working on that show?

It’s the most important and meaningful project of my career. I am truly grateful to everyone involved in its production and for the opportunity to be a part of the show. From the action scenes to the story of Shibuya being transformed and the drama that unfolds there, I hope people enjoyed it as much as I did.

 

How did you physically and mentally prepare for your Alice in Borderland role?

Ann is a very intelligent character, so I focused on her thought processes and her situational judgement and what she would prioritise doing in various spaces. I also took a look at anatomy books to better understand how she functioned.

Left Full look Ann Demeulemeester

Right Full look Zadig&Voltaire

 The series has been renewed for a third season, is that already in preparation? What can we expect from your character in the upcoming storylines?

It’s in preparation…Things still remain a mystery...What does the Joker mean? Stay tuned. 

Left Top and skirt Chloé, socks stylist’s own

Right Jacket and skirt N°21, shoes Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

You often play strong female lead roles, whether that be as Ran in Knuckle Girl or Ann in Alice in Borderland. Why is it important for you to pick roles that showcase your strength and empower you as a woman? What would you like people to take away from the characters you play?

Since childhood, I have always wanted to be just that: a strong woman. It was both an aspiration and a way to protect myself from what was around me. I am drawn to roles in movies and dramas where women face challenges with strong will, which leads me to want to embody a unique kind of strength.

I hope that from the characters I portray, people can sense the various thoughts and feelings my characters hold. But that they also understand that what is shown is just a small part and that inside each person, there are vulnerabilities, fragilities, and sometimes even apathy—multiple facets that make up each character.

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

 You’re also a big foodie!! What's a dish you would recommend to someone travelling to Japan for the first time? And do you prefer a home-cooked meal or a restaurant meal?

I would recommend Warabimochi and matcha. I just simply love Japanese sweets... For a casual and delicious lunch, I suggest soba. Generally, I prefer home-cooked meals, but I also enjoy travelling to discover delicious food.

 

What’s your favourite food outside of your local cuisine?

I love Asian cuisines like Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese, and I often cook them myself.

Left and right Full looks Zadig&Voltaire

 What advice would you give to your past self? And to anybody else who wants to get into the industry?

Be more true to yourself – it's your life. Every industry has its glamorous sides, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows. However, the honour of living someone else's life as an actor, or expressing something beyond yourself as a model or performer, is an irreplaceable privilege.

Left Full look Zadig&Voltaire

Right Top and skirt Msgm, jewellery Zadig&Voltaire

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Midori Oiwa

Casting by Shimana Casting

Production by Momoko Ikeda

Hair & Make-Up Yudai Makino

Photographer’s assistant Takuya Aono

Production assistant Rin Nagamoto

MEETING YOUR HEROES

FROM LAYING IN A POOL OF BLOOD AND BROKEN GLASS (SEEMINGLY DEAD) TO FRANTICALLY RUNNING AROUND TOWN IN JUST A PAIR OF WHITE BRIEFS A FEW MINUTES LATER, AUSTIN ABRAMS IS A TRUE FORCE IN HIS LATEST MOVIE, WOLFS. IN THE APPLE TV ACTION-THRILLER PRODUCTION, THE FLORIDA-NATIVE SHARES THE SCREEN WITH THE TOP-OF-THE-TOP OF THE ACTING LEAGUE, BRAD PITT AND GEORGE CLOONEY. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THERE WAS A LOT OF PRESSURE INVOLVED. SEEING THE FILM, HOWEVER, IT’S CLEAR THAT ABRAMS NOT ONLY MATCHES THE UNIQUE ENERGY OF THE A-LIST OLD PALS BUT IN MANY MOMENTS MANAGES TO STEAL THEIR SPOTLIGHT. FOR BTB, WE SPOKE TO ABRAMS ABOUT GETTING A FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THE BRAD AND GEORGE SHOW, WISHING HE DID MORE PHYSICAL TRAINING BEFORE THE SHOOT, AND DIVING INTO THE HORROR GENRE NEXT.

Cardigan,shirt & tie Bottega Veneta, shorts Random Identities, belt Youths In Balaclava

Hi Austin! Congratulations on your movie – you were a brilliant anchor of comedy in Wolfs. The role must have been a great challenge for you, considering you’re starring opposite Brad and George. What was your process like for this film? When did you begin to feel confident, or comfortable, in your performance?

I think that happened about two days before we wrapped. [Laughs] I’m not sure if I was ever exactly comfortable, but I got closer to it throughout the shoot. For me, the motel room scene was an important moment – usually [as actors] you have one scene in your mind that you’re really thinking about. And I think after that was wrapped, there was a sense of relief and it took some of the pressure out. But it took a minute to get to know them and feel out the dynamic between the three of us.

Left Shirt & pants Dior Men, tie Bottega Veneta

Right Full look MM6 Maison Margiela

 You got to do pretty much everything in this film — from being seemingly dead to running around town in briefs to giving a hilarious monologue. Which scene was the most enjoyable to shoot for you? 

There were a lot of enjoyable moments. For example, towards the end, when I’m trying to figure out where to put the drugs and set the crime scene. It was really fun and kinda felt like being a little kid, but with bricks of heroin, trying to make up a little game for myself. Also, all the stuff in underwear was just ridiculous.

Coat, pants & shoes Alexander McQueen, zip henley Dior Men, gloves Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

It’s a very physical role. Did you do any sort of training to prepare for it?

You would think that I did, huh? [Laughs]

Left Cardigan,shirt & tie Bottega Veneta, shorts Random Identities, belt Youths In Balaclava

Right Coat,jacket & pants Dior Men, shirt Maison Margiela, tie Prada

 Well, depends on how many of those stunts you did yourself.

I was doing it all myself because it’s kind of hard to fake that it’s me, considering I’m not wearing clothes. I didn’t really understand how long we would be shooting those running scenes, so I did a bit of training but not enough. I think we shot that scene for three/four weeks. And so, I was on set sprinting for my life every day. I definitely know now for the future [to prepare more]. 

Full look Thom Browne

 What was it like to meet Brad and George for the first time? Was it everything that you hoped it would be?

 I didn’t really know what to expect. I didn’t know if I’d be getting a call from a blocked number or what would happen. [Laughs] But I actually met George a day before we started and Brad on set when we were filming our first scene together. They are both very charming guys and they go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, probably partly because they know how disarming they can be. That said, I was certainly nervous because I’ve grown up watching their movies over and over like everybody else. And then to really see these faces that you’ve seen so much before [on screen], talk to them and answer questions that they are asking you, it’s a really crazy experience. 

Coat,jacket & pants Dior Men, shirt Maison Margiela, tie Prada, shoes Christian Louboutin

 They’ve known each other for decades. What did you notice about their dynamic, both as friends and actors?

They work off each other in a super unique way that you only can really see from two lifelong friends, it almost feels like they are two old college buddies. I think that a lot of what we love to see on screen from them is very similar to what their actual dynamic is in real life. They both have an energy that you just want to be around. And then to combine both of them, it’s just amazing. They are so witty and they bounce so quickly off of each other.

Jacket MM6 Maison Margiela

 You said that you grew up watching and loving their movies. Which ones stick out in your mind as your favourites?

Well, first off, Batman & Robin. I think George would probably hate me saying that, but I really loved it as a kid. There are so many! The Ocean’s movies, Burn After Reading, Fight Club, Michael Clayton, The Descendants. It’s pretty ridiculous how many inspiring things they have done!

Jacket, shirt & pants Dior Men, tie Bottega Veneta

 

Up next, you will be starring in Weapons by Zach Cregger. Are you a fan of the horror genre?

I love horror movies. I love the feeling that they create. Also, I think it’s really interesting to look at why we love it, why we love to be scared. And I feel like horrors are, in a way, a safe place to express our fears.

Full look Thom Browne

 Personally, I’m not a huge fan of getting scared. What is a horror you would recommend for me to see and face my fears?

I love Hereditary. It’s kind of a family drama, but all the “drama” is heightened and expressed in a horrific way. It feels operatic. 

I’ve seen Ari Aster’s other films but this one freaks me out for some reason. That said, I will attempt to watch it and get back to you!

Suit Random Identities, shirt & tie Bottega Veneta, shoes Christian Louboutin

Jacket, pants & belt Bottega Veneta, cardigan Comme Des Garçons

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photographs by Sam Ramirez

Fashion by Douglas VanLaningham

Casting by Imagemachine CS

Grooming by Jamie Taylor

Photographer’s assistant Andrzej Lawnik

READY TO CONFESS

YOU MAY REMEMBER GRACE VANDERWAAL AS THE BREAKTHROUGH UKULELE-PLAYING 12-YEAR-OLD WHO WON HEARTS AND AMERICA’S GOT TALENT IN 2016, BEFORE GOING ON TO RELEASE HER DEBUT EP, PERFECTLY IMPERFECT. NOW THE 20-YEAR-OLD MULTI-HYPHENATE IS FINDING FREEDOM IN REINVENTING HERSELF, WORKING ON A NEW ALBUM, AND APPEARING AS VIRGINAL TEEN POP SENSATION VESTA STREETWATER, IN FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA’S SCI-FI EPIC, MEGALOPOLIS. SHE HOPPED ON ZOOM WITH US TO TALK ABOUT HER ATTITUDE TO ARTISTIC SUCCESS, FAME AND VULNERABILITY. SHE ALSO REALLY LOVES HER CAT.

Dress and boots Zadig&Voltaire, jewelry Chanel

So firstly, let’s talk about Megalopolis, what drew you to working on the film with Coppola?

Well, I’m a big believer in things happen for a reason, and usually when my life brings me something I’m not expecting, it ends up becoming something I deeply appreciate and become passionate about. I gravitate towards people who celebrate what they don’t know, and Francis is one of those people, in that, he explores everything he wants to.

When he described my character Vesta, she sounded like me, but obviously in a very exaggerated way. The pledge of a musical virginity, this budding pop princess and it just made me think of this transitional point in my life, where I knew I was so cherished as a child star, but I felt awkward and pressured to stay this caricature of my youthfulness. I felt so inspired working with Coppola, and he really gave me so much freedom in this role to develop Vesta.

Coat Zadig&Voltaire, jewelry Dries Criel 

Acting and music are both equally vulnerable professions, as you’re putting yourself out there for others to judge. Have you found it hard navigating it all from such a young age?

I feel that so much of my life was screaming at me to explore the freedom I have and just be who I am. I’ve lived such a constricted life, and I feel everyone in the industry I’m in, just wants to be the person who knows the most, which is the epitome of limiting your knowledge and your learning. I know how fragile my feelings are, and I’ve waited a long time to lean into them personally, these untapped traumatic feelings inside and I was never ready until now to confront them. I just knew it was the right time to tell my story in my music, and it’s liberating to reveal a lot of pain, and I’ve worked a lot for someone my age, so now I’m doing this for myself, which gives me an invincibility to any fear of what people might think or say.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello 

You say this is the right time to release new music, but as a songwriter, is there a moment when you just know it’s time to turn an experience into a song?

Well, an experience and song can fester within me for a while and the greater the feeling, the longer it festers! I’m very disconnected from myself for someone who is a songwriter [laughs], but then that’s why I like writing, because it’s the only time when I can fully connect with my emotions.

Left Suit Zadig&Voltaire, jewelry Dries Criel 

Right Full Look Prada 

So, we’re seeing a reinvention of you as an artist, but an emotional evolvement of you personally. How will that play out in the new music, and the album?

I’m calling this album a project, rather than an album, because I want everything that’s gone into it, to feel like performance art and tell a story, and one of the central themes of the project is the pain of girlhood to womanhood, and the romanticising of girlhood into the resentment of womanhood.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

What form will that take visually, in terms of the storytelling, as it sounds like you’re moving away from the traditional standing up on a stage and touring live?

Well I’m imagining it as an art exposition, so it will have a title, the theme and each song is an art piece around the room, and that format will make up the spirit of the album, like you’re walking through a story, and there will be mixed mediums, from imagery and dancing, to my love of colours and colour theory, a lot of stuff I’ve never done before.

Left Suit Zadig&Voltaire, jewelry Dries Criel 

Right Dress Prada, jewelry Dries Criel 

Where did you take visual references from, were you making mood boards?

I’ve been exposed to so many different visual expressions and inspirations in my life, from art and painting, to acting, architecture, interior design, poetry and strong symbolism. I wanted to look within and deconstruct why things were impactful to me, like, when I read a poem, was it the words, or the flow that drew me in? Or looking at fashion and the juxtaposition in an Alexander McQueen dress, that feminine silhouette fighting against a restrictive material like leather or corsetry. I wanted to take that dagger of honesty behind everything and work out how I can bring that same intensity into a song, and that’s what’s really driven me in this project. I love Pinterest, I’m a very visual person, so it was great for making collages and finding the “that”, whatever “that” is [laughs], but you know it when you find it, it just happens, and it’s about trying to express that inside the performance.

Left Coat Zadig&Voltaire, shoes Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccerello 

Right Fur Zadig&Voltaire, jewelry Dries Criel 

Well, you’ve teased us with a couple of single releases already, and we can hear the new direction in your sound, so when can we expect the rest of the project to launch?

Early next year, that’s all the teaser you’re getting for now!

Left Right Fur Zadig&Voltaire, jewelry Dries Criel 

Dress and boots Zadig&Voltaire, jewelry Chanel

And will you be doing a Taylor Swift and taking your beloved cat with you for the performances, I know you two are inseparable!

We really are! I can’t do sleepovers with anyone or meet friends for more than 5 hours because we just can’t bear to be apart [laughs]. She’s such a coward though, she’s scared of everything and gets really overwhelmed, so I want to take her on tour, but I’ve got to work out how we can make this happen, how she can adapt, because I was away from her visiting family for two days, and I cried so hard!

Left Suit Zadig&Voltaire, jewelry Dries Criel 

Right Full look Chanel

I’m already seeing a cat with her own tour manager and security…

That is soooo going to happen!

Interview by Kate lawson

Photography by Menelik Puryear

Fashion by Aryeh Lappin

Hair by Gonn Kinoshita

Make-Up by Olivia Barad

Nails by Lolly Koon

Production by Home Agency - Luke Perron & Chloe Yang

Photographer’s assistants Chase Elliott & Nico Daniels

Stylist’s assistant Paris Perry

REBEL REBEL

RULE BREAKER, RISK TAKER. DANIEL MILLAR HAS NEVER BEEN SHY. IT'S NOT JUST HIS MOUTH THAT ASSERTS HIS REBELLIOUS STANCE ON LIFE; THE YOUNG STAR HAS ALWAYS USED CLOTHES TO SPEAK VOLUMES. FOR HIM, FASHION IS FAR MORE THAN A TOOL FOR SELF-EXPRESSION TO HIS LEGIONS OF FOLLOWERS; IT’S AN IMPORTANT MEANS OF COMMUNICATION. SO, WHAT IS THE actor and it-boy muse TRYING TO TELL US? WELL, FOR ONCE, HE’S READY TO GROW UP IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. DESPITE HIS OMNIPRESENT LOVE FOR FASHION, HE’S LOOKING TO EXPAND HIS RANGE. EVER SINCE HE WAS A KID, MILLAR HAS LOVED THE CRAFT OF ACTING, AND NOW HE’S COMMITTED TO DIPPING HIS TOES INTO THE WORLD HE’S ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A PART OF. AND HE’S NOT DREAMING SMALL—AFTER ALL, WHAT’S THE POINT OF DREAMING IF YOU DON’T DO IT BIG? MILLAR WANTS THE WORLD, AND THE WORLD WANTS HIM.

Left Full look Celine Homme

Right Dress Stefan Cooke, bag charm Prada Archives

Hi! How are you?

I’m good! Where are you based? Are you in Paris?

No, no, I believe we’re both in London.

Nice, we’re having a good day today, it hasn't been this sunny for a while.

Full look Loewe

I’m a bit fearful because we haven’t seen this much sun in a while. I feel like I don’t want to get my hopes up. Anyway, there are more hopeful things to talk about, fashion for example. When did you first realize you love fashion?

In school. We had uniforms up until the last two years of school. Those two years were the first time that I started dressing myself and feeling like myself every day. We were meant to dress smartly but I would always try and find the most farfetched way to circumvent the rules. I would wear leather suits. All the other boys would be in normal suits, and I would be in leather head to toe. It was a Christian school; I was using fashion as a tool to be rebellious. That was when I started caring about what I wore. I realized what you choose to wear says something about you.

Did you get in trouble for that?

Well, they didn’t love it. [Laughs] In that first year, I got a few detentions because of my outfits. But I think by the end, the teachers found it quite funny that I just refused to wear what I was being told to. I got progressively more aggressive with it. I was coming in crop tops while everyone was wearing suits. It pushed my centre of fashion further really. I realized that they wouldn’t kick me out for it because they never did, so I just kept going. I have gotten an email from one of the teachers who told me that since I left, they have changed the uniform requirements to make them more specific.

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Full look Prada

Your legacy lives on…

[Laughs] My legacy is that now all the other students have to dress more strictly than I did. I don’t know if it’s an amazing legacy, but it’s something.

When did fashion become a desirable career option for you?

I was modelling throughout school. I started doing it when I was like 15 so I had seen a little bit of what fashion could do in terms of a career. Because of modelling, I got to see all the other jobs that come with that world. I was aware of the job of a stylist or a creative director, these are things that I have to do in my daily life when I’m making content. When you’re at school they talk to you about careers all day. Doctors, lawyers… but there’s this entire world of freelance creative careers that don’t get mentioned. I think because of the work I was doing as a model I got to open my eyes to what my future could be.

Coat Lacoste, pants and shoes Gucci

How has your relationship with fashion changed as it went from a passion to a full-blown career?

I think I’ve become more appreciative of the power fashion truly has. I’ve become a lot more conscious of its impact. Before I was just wearing stuff to be rebellious. When I wear something casual to a fancy event or vice versa, the impact of that decision is something that I’m aware of, there’s power in going against the status quo. And, of course, fashion history, the more I get to work in the industry and meet the people behind these brands, the more I understand this world.

You’re a product of the London fashion scene. Do you think it affects your sense of style?

You know, I don’t know if I’m particularly aware of the way London has affected me, even though it did, it’s undoubtedly that it would have done. I think, like in all big cities, there’s a degree of openness and expression. If you live in the middle of nowhere, you just can’t have the same exposure you have in a fashion capital. The amount of freedom is something we don’t even think about. When you see someone walking down the street wearing something crazy that subconsciously tells you you’re allowed to do that too.

Left Coat Givenchy, jeans Natasha Zinko, glasses Saint Laurent by Anthony Vacarello

Right Jacket Celine Homme

Left Coat Givenchy, earring Daniel’s own

Right Jacket, polo and skirt Fendi, boots Miu Miu

Speaking of fashion capitals, London is such a specific city in the circuit, it’s known as the incubator for so many of the industry’s legends. Is there anyone right now that’s catching your attention?

That’s a good point, such a big part of the [London] fashion calendar is new brands. There are a lot of experimental people trying to do something new. The New Gen program is the heart of the schedule, in my opinion. Names like Dilara Fındıkoğlu are so exciting… She reminds me so much of Lee McQueen, there’s so much gory experimentalism. Ahluwalia is also doing some super exciting things when it comes to brand ethos, she’s such a champion of sustainability and diversity. I was initially on track to go study politics at uni so that side of the industry is super exciting as well. CSM (Central Saint Martins) always has a beautiful rollout each year. I just wore Maximilian Raynor to the McQueen show. I saw it at the CSM show and wore it straight away.

The red look, right? I remember seeing that and loving it. It made so much sense with Seán McGirr’s direction for his debut show.

My stylist gets all the credit. She had spoken to Maximilian before and he previously worked under Sean, he did an internship under his supervision, so it felt like everything just fell into place.

Full look Dior Men

That’s amazing. Going to the other spectrum of the industry. You’ve talked openly of your respect for Saint Laurent. Where does that appreciation come from?

They were the first show I ever went to. It was the Marrakesh show in the desert. It was my first-ever fashion show. I was so overwhelmed and starstruck by the whole thing. It’s become a very important core memory. It was my first time being around celebrities, it was crazy, a very famous person let me hit their bong. People were treating me like I was someone when I so truly wasn’t. I feel an extreme sense of loyalty towards them because of it. They took a risk by inviting me, they trusted me to represent the brand, that’s something I’ll never forget. I owe them so much; they’ve opened so many doors for me.

How do you see your kind of career in fashion progressing?

Well, I’m moving into acting. I’ll always love fashion, but I want to make that transition my focus. It’s what I get up to do every day. But I would love to mix both passions. I was just talking to my stylist, and we were dreaming of the possibility of a red carpet for a movie. I admire the work Zendaya and Law (Roach) do in terms of method dressing. I think fashion will move more to being strategic, it will be about crafting an image. I see that being a lot more prevalent in menswear, I would like to be a part of that.

Dress Stefan Cooke, shoes Maison Margiela

Left Top Dior Men, earring Daniel’s own

Right Sweater Shushu Tong, shirt and shorts Eric, shoes Prada, socks Falke

What sparked your interest in acting?

I started acting when I was seven. I obviously had to stop with school and then modelling. Missing one day of school for a modelling gig is not the end of the world, but missing months at a time for a role wasn’t possible. Now that I’ve left school, it’s possible. It always comes down to me being an expressive kid, I needed an outlet to be creative. And, realistically, I can’t sing, I can’t dance, so I never had another option.

Do you have any actors in the industry that you look up to?

I don’t really have that with male actors, I aspire to have something closer to the career of an actress because I find they don’t get bottlenecked and are allowed to do different things. People like Viola Davis, Jessica Lange, Cate Blanchett… All the legends that have been doing it for a long time. They’ve progressed with the times at such an impressive speed. That’s what I want - I want a career that can adapt to whatever changes happen in the industry. Above all, a varied career. Even though I am fascinated by people who are known for a genre.

Left Full look Gucci

Right Full look Dior Men

Top Miu Miu

If you had to be known for a genre, what would it be?

If other people’s opinions didn’t matter, I’d probably say horror. I think horror gets a bad rep as something that isn’t academic or highbrow. You never see horror films nominated at the Oscars. But I disagree with that. I think horror is the furthest you can push your emotions - it’s the peak of human fear. Of course, I couldn’t do it forever, I need to win an Oscar and that’s not going to happen if I just do that. But whatever would be in that realm would be great. It pushes you to go somewhere else entirely different than yourself.

You’re setting up some big goals for yourself. What are some of the things you’d like to achieve in the industry?

 [Laughs] Well, if you don’t have big goals, what’s the point? So many people live in a state of ambivalence. If you’re not going to live aggressively towards life, then there’s no point. I want to be the youngest male actor to win Leading Man at the Oscars. I have until I’m 28 so I have some time to get there. I also want to be a guest editor at a major fashion magazine. I want to buy a house in a fashion capital so I can just make fashion week easier - that’s another one. Oh, and I want a cat and a dog: a black Doberman called Dante and a black cat called Diego. So then, we’ll be Daniel, Dante and Diego. Those are all my goals. Easy.

Sweater Shushu Tong, shirt and shorts Eric, shoes Prada, socks Falke

Left Coat Givenchy, earring Daniel’s own

Right Full look Celine Homme

Interview by Pedro Vasconcelos

Photography by Gregory Derkenne

Fashion by Steven Huang

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Hair by Terri Capon at Stella Creative Artists

Make-Up by Stèfan Jemeel at Stella Creative Artists using Rodial

Stylist’s assistant Aaisha Perager

A PLACE IN THE SUN

DANIEL SEAVEY IS AN INTUITIVE ARTIST. IN AN INDUSTRY OFTEN CHARACTERIZED BY SUBTLE YET INTENSE PUPPETEERING, THE YOUNG SINGER BRINGS A REFRESHING PERSPECTIVE. FOR HIM, MUSIC ISN’T JUST A SKILL TO MONETISE, BUT A GIFT TO NURTURE. SEAVEY FIRST REALIZED THE IMPACT HIS MUSIC COULD HAVE ON OTHERS WHILE BUSKING ON THE STREETS OF HIS HOMETOWN, PORTLAND. EVER SINCE HIS FIRST PERFORMANCE, HE’S BEEN CHASING THAT SAME HIGH. FROM AMERICAN IDOL TO HIS TIME IN A BOY BAND, SEAVEY HAS BEEN ORBITING THE MUSIC INDUSTRY FOR MOST OF HIS LIFE. NOW, AFTER NEARLY A DECADE IN THE GAME, HE’S RELEASING HIS SOLO DEBUT ALBUM, A PROJECT HE DESCRIBES AS THE PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO HIMSELF AND TO WHAT HE’S BEEN THROUGH OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS. WE CATCH UP WITH THE SUNNY-DISPOSITIONED SINGER ON AN EQUALLY BRIGHT LA MORNING – HE IS, AFTER ALL, ENJOYING HIS MOMENT IN THE SUN.

Left Jewellery Dries Criel

Right Top, pants, and shoes Lacoste, earrings Dries Criel

Hey, how’s it going?

I’m good, I’m having a silly morning, leaving an allergy appointment…

 

How was it? Any good news?

Well, it was good because I got some clarity, but I did just find out that I’m allergic to all the trees and grass that exist. [Laughs]

 

[Laughs] Well, at least you don’t discriminate… It’s so sunny in LA, I’m so jealous.

[Laughs] You said you were in London, right?

 

Yeah, how long have you been in LA?

Well, I’m originally from Portland, Oregon… So I’m familiar with the rain, I know all about it… I love the sun a lot more, so I’m happy to be here. I’ve been here for six years now, so I call it home at this point. But growing up in Portland was fun, it has a quirky charm, and it was super fun being an artist there.

Top Adidas, pants Dasquared2, earrings Dries Criel

 What is the Portland music scene like?

You know, it’s funny I feel like, through my whole career, I’ve never found myself intentionally inserting myself into any situation. Things just fall out of the sky, or I just walk into them. Not to say I haven’t worked hard, but I’m thankful for everything that comes my way so I work my ass off in whatever direction I’m going. A lot of my opportunities have been this weird breadcrumb trail that I wake up to every day and follow. The first opportunity I had to play music in front of people was on the streets of Portland when I was nine years old. My dad was a pastor while I was growing up, so he managed to take the piano out of the church onto the main street in Portland. I performed like that on the street for about five years. I just fell in love with the effect music had on people. I think I understood, even at that age, that this was a gift of mine, something I wanted to protect and nurture. I will never forget the first time I was zoning out looking at the piano because I was so nervous. When I did, there were hundreds of people in the street. There’s a photo of that moment on my Instagram somewhere. My dad saw that, and he found other things for me in terms of opportunity… That’s when he found American [Idol]. We flew to San Francisco and stayed in a cheap hotel. I made it to the top nine but came out of that and thought that was the end of the road. I was trying to be realistic about it, I was applying for PacSun to have my first real job at 15. Then I got a call from my friend Jack Avery saying to me, “Do you want to come to LA and hang out with some cool guys?“ A week later, I was hanging out with these four guys, and we just made a band. Those years are some of the best memories of my life. But all good things come to an end. I felt like a fish out of water, all I knew was that I wanted to make people feel good about my music. Next thing I know, I’m opening for Benson Boone, then for Dean Lewis… I don’t know what’s going on but I’m enjoying it.

 

That’s very refreshing to hear, I sometimes have this feeling that the music industry works in such a calculated manner…

Yeah, I mean there’s nothing bad about forcing your way into success. That’s just not something I can do. Whether it’s a weakness or a strength, I can’t fake it. I think my approach resonates in my music. I wear my heart on my sleeve, for better and for worse.

Left Full look Prada

Right Jeans Dior Men, boxers Erl, jewellery Dries Criel

 I think that translates into your work. The music you make is incredibly personal, there’s a real sense of you in the music you write. Does your art have therapeutic value to you?

Absolutely. For me, music has always been about fun and escape. I think people can sometimes lose sight of how much fun music can be. It’s like this wild world where you can just let go completely. The best kind of music, in my opinion, is the kind that lets you not care about anything for a moment, you know? That’s what it’s always been for me, even from the beginning. Music was my escape, as cliché as it sounds. My mom used to call it "flow". I’d get into this state where I’d lose track of time and where I was completely locked into whatever I was creating. It’s honestly such a blessing to have this understanding of music and to hear it the way I do. I feel so grateful for that gift, and I also feel a responsibility to use it in the right way, with good intentions.

 

It sounds like your solo work was a very personal project for you, especially compared to being in a band. Can you talk about how that transition felt?

While I was in the band, I was also making personal music on the side. The band’s music is something I love and cherish, but it’s a collective effort - I'm only one voice in the conversation. So, naturally, the messages we put out are broader. I think that’s the right approach for a group, but the music I was creating on my own was different. It was just a hobby at first, something I did purely for the love of it, without any business mindset. For example, my first solo song, Can We Pretend That We’re Good? was sitting on my computer for a year before I released it. I made it while I was still with the band, not knowing if I’d ever put it out. When the band eventually broke up, I was like, "Well, I have this song, so why not release it?" It felt like I was putting out something so personal, and I wasn’t confident it would do anything big. But seeing how it has changed my life has been unbelievably validating and exciting. It’s lit a new spark in me to chase bigger things.

Left Top and pants Lacoste, earrings Dries Criel

Right Full look Emporio Armani

 It’s an exciting time in pop music right now, with a lot of artists who’ve been working for years finally getting recognized. How does it feel to be part of that movement?

Oh my gosh, it’s so exciting. I’m honestly honoured that you’d even place me in that category. It’s hard to put into words, but I’m just so grateful to have an opportunity to keep doing what I love. I never expected to find myself in a position where people would still talk about me in the current pop scene. I just wanted to keep making music. So for people to resonate with my work in this way, it’s really special. I feel more validated than ever that I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

 

I read somewhere that your mom was a writer. Given how personal your work is, do you think her writing influenced your music?

Yeah, my mom writes here and there. She had a blog for a while, and she’s working on some books. I think her influence is there, not just in how I write but in who she is as a person. She’s like this beacon of light for me – a role model for how to be the best person you can be. My parents raised me well, and I think a lot of who I am is because of them. My dad, for example, was a preacher, and even if you’re not religious, there’s a lot of wisdom there. So I had this amazing upbringing that shaped me. But when it comes to music, that part definitely didn’t come from them. My dad’s nickname in high school was "Tone Deaf Jeff", he couldn’t hold a tune to save his life. And while my mom can sing, she’s so shy about it that she won’t even sing in front of me. So yeah, the musical talent kind of fell out of the sky for me.

Left Shirt, belt and pants Givenchy, boots Dsquared2, sunglasses Jacques Marie Mage, jewellery Dries Criel

Right Top and pants Lacoste, earrings Dries Criel

 It seems like you’re riding a wave of momentum in your career right now. How does that feel, especially with your debut album on the horizon?

I can’t wait for people to hear what I’ve been working on. It feels so special and so authentically me, which is what I always strive for with my music. Even though I have all these cool tools and instruments at my disposal, I want to make something that genuinely resonates and feels true to who I am. I’ve been working hard to make sure this music matters and that it’s doing all the things I want it to do. It’s really exciting, and it feels like just the beginning of a long creative journey. I don’t think I’ll stop making music anytime soon, this feels like the start of something ongoing.

 

Without giving too much away, what would you say is the central theme or message of the album?

I’d say it’s about a boy who’s being forced by life to grow up but is holding on to all the good aspects of being young. It’s been a pretty wild five years for me, with so many stories to tell, and this album reflects that. There’s a wide range of stories and sounds, but when you put them all together, it feels like me, like Daniel. I’m excited for everyone to hear it and get to know me on that level.

 

I’m looking forward to it!

Thank you, Pedro. I appreciate it. And by the way, you have a great moustache, I'm so jealous.

 

Thanks, you should grow one too, we could match.

You know what, I might.

Left Jeans Dior Men, boxers Erl, jewellery Dries Criel

Right Shirt, belt and pants Givenchy, boots Dsquared2, sunglasses Jacques Marie Mage, jewellery Dries Criel

Left Full look Prada

Right Top Adidas, pants and boots Dsquared2, jockstrap Rough Trade NYC, earrings Dries Criel

Interview by Pedro Vasconcelos

Photography by Richie Lee Davis

Fashion by Jake Sammis

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Hair by Cameron Rains

Make-Up by Aurora De Leon

Stylist’s assistant Cole Norton

OUT OF BODY, OUT OF MIND

ALYCIA DEBNAM-CAREY, THE ACTRESS BEST KNOWN FOR HER CAREER-MAKING TURN AS ALICIA CLARK IN THE AMC SERIES FEAR THE WALKING DEAD AND AS LEXA IN THE DYSTOPIAN SCI-FI DRAMA THE 100, NOW STARS AS NIKKI, A SELF-ABSORBED YET SAVVY SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER IN THE NETFLIX MOVIE THRILLER, IT'S WHAT'S INSIDE. WE ASKED THE AUSTRALIAN-NATIVE TO TAKE THE ZOOM HOT SEAT, TO SPILL THE BEANS ON BODY SWAPPING, FIERCE FEMALES AND TRIGGERS OF HOME.

Left Coat & shoes Fforme, necklace Loren Stewart

Right Jacket Acne Studios, necklace Alizee Quitman

So, you play Nikki, a glammed-up social media influencer in the movie It’s What’s Inside. Did you lean into any real-life influencer content to help build up your character?

Well, it didn’t feel difficult to understand Nikki’s world, it was seamless and unfortunately innate to be a part of it, because I’ve grown up with Instagram and it’s become this barometer for what our lives are supposed to look like, a gauge of an ideal of something.

Greg Jardin, our director, let me take the reins with Nikki, in terms of her style and attitude and how savvy and self-absorbed she is; she’s an opportunist and exploits what she can and has somewhat good intentions but is misguided. I even created her IG page, so I looked to other influencers in more of a macro sense, for a sense of tone, or style and colour palette, and it’s all so controlled, but people like Hailey Bieber or Matilda Djerf were interesting, not that I would describe either like Nikki, but I love how they curate and what they share of their worlds.


Speaking of influencers, how does it feel to be Dior’s first Australian brand ambassador, and has that influenced your own IG look content-wise?

I’m so excited and proud to work with Dior, and I try to be intentional with what I post on social media, I use it as a tool that goes hand in hand with my work, and my life, to express what’s meaningful to me. I think it also needs distance, it’s healthy to do that.

Left Coat & shoes Fforme, necklace Loren Stewart

Right Dress & shoes Proenza Schouler, necklace Loren Stewart

It’s interesting, because Dior’s S/S 24 show celebrated another kind of influencer, in that it chose rebellious and fearless women as its theme. Who inspires you?

I wouldn’t say one person comes to mind, there’s always been an amalgamation of different people as I’ve grown up, but I’m always inspired by female directors, like Sofia Coppola. I remember reading once, how she chose to wear very feminine clothes to set, because she wanted to make a point that she could direct and still embrace her femininity, and neither needed to cancel each other out.

I also love that one of Georgia O’Keeffe’s works is the most expensive painting by a female artist ever sold at auction, that’s mind-blowing. Then there is Angelina Jolie, an actress turned UN ambassador and amazing humanitarian. Like all of them, I want to be able to do what I do well, and look good doing it, that pioneering feminine spirit!

And how will your pioneering spirit shape the work you want to do going forwards?

I’m in this nice pocket of my life right now having worked in the apocalyptic worlds for so long, and genre-bending, that I want to explore everything in the opposite direction, like dramedy or a period piece, as it’s a world that’s so nuanced and the stories have held up for ages. I was on shows that were their own commercial giants, so what’s been appealing is doing something unique and different and working with visionaries. It’s about a director’s vision or a script’s point of view for me moving forwards.

Dress Acne Studios

What about body swapping with someone for a day, just to see what might suit you, project-wise or even career-wise? I’m asking obviously, as there is quite a bit of body swapping going on in It’s What’s Inside.

Oh, Rihanna for sure, so I can release her next album which she just never seems to want to do! [laughs]. I would just get in the studio and be like, let’s do this!


Yes, Rihanna if you’re reading this, we’re waiting! Ok, well, we’re staying with influencers, because you’re playing another one in the new series, Apple Cider Vinegar, about the rise of the wellness influencer.

Yes, it’s the story of disgraced Australian wellness influencer, Belle Gibson, who scammed her way into the industry claiming she had cured herself of cancer which was untrue. I play Milla, and her character is fictional but inspired by Jess Ainscough, the first Australian alternative medicine influencer or ‘wellness warrior’. It’s a heartbreaking story of the damage they both caused with what they led people to believe, but an extraordinary insight into how some people profiteered from the industry. It's punchy, showing the balanced influencer culture we saw in the 2010s, but then the dark underbelly of it all.


And still we see these influencers use the backdrop of aesthetically pleasing, pastel-coloured posts to weave together conspiracy theories with calls for users to buy their supplements or services.

Exactly, and while there might be more guardrails for influencers now, with the rise in A.I. and misinformation, you worry about what images can be doctored and proliferated.

It’s alarming and pushing towards certain demographics, so we seem to be going through a new iteration of it all, and it’s concerning.

Left Coat & shoes Fforme, necklace Loren Stewart

Right Dress Chloé

On a more pleasant note, the series is shot on location in Australia where you were born. What are the triggers of home, the moment you know you’re back on Aussie soil?

The cockatoos near my parents’ home, they’re like Jurassic and they squawk like mad! The smell of the eucalyptus, and the damp soil and the salty ocean, the freshness in the air, and the coffee. I go back there quite often, and I have very fond memories of home, like every time I go there, my Mum will put out a vase of Jonquil flowers in my bedroom, and that’s the first smell that hits me.

What about writing or directing some homegrown Australian stories yourself, to celebrate the diverse culture and landscapes of the country we don’t always see on screen?

One hundred percent! It’s something I’m actively trying to do. I grew up with a version of Australia that felt very stuck in the 1980s, like some stereotype on TV, and then this Americana of culture took over in the 1990s, all about sitcoms and movies and cartoons, and none of it explored the other side of modern or young Australia.

I’ve started writing things myself and want to bring some projects there as we have such an amazing industry there, and crews and locations. For me it’s about finding the right stories that aren’t overdone, as I grew up in an urban inner-city environment that was incredibly diverse and full of life, and that’s what I want to share.

Left Jacket Acne Studios, necklace Alizee Quitman

Right Dress & shoes Proenza Schouler, necklace Loren Stewart

How about sharing some other inspirations in your life, are you artsy at all, or into books or a real muso?

I like watching movies and documentaries, and reading non-fiction, and I also draw a lot as I find it calms me. I love interiors too, I live in a Spanish style bungalow in LA, with lots of feminine curves, because I’m such a visual person, it’s all about the sensory, experience. I really enjoy music, and I go through phases of what I listen to during different times, and honestly… I would love to be that person who goes to art galleries more.

You don’t have time for galleries, you’re too busy body-swapping with Rihanna, so you can release her new album.

Haha! Exactly, it’s a full-time job trying to get that off the ground you know!


Maybe next time we speak, you can tell me all about the new album then?

Obviously, you’re welcome, Rihanna, it was all me!

Left Coat & shoes Fforme, necklace Loren Stewart

Right Jacket Coperni

Left Fill look Chloé

Right Jacket Coperni

Coat Fforme, necklace Loren Stewart

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Shane McCauley

Fashion by Heather Rest

Hair by Candice Birns

Make-Up by Miriam Nichterlein

Nails by Stephanie Ida

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