Michael Marson

February 7, 2021

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WISHING UPON A LONE STAR

Michael Marson

February 7, 2021

last, Portrait

Ever since he first discovered the thrill of the stage in his junior year of high school (thank you, unnamed guidance counselor who encouraged him to try!), Ronen Rubinstein has been lighting up the characters he portrays with a cocktail of passion, enthusiasm, and humility. Oh, and the smoldering good looks don’t hurt, either, especially in his role as T.K. Strand in 9-1-1: Lone Star.

Los Angeles, February 2021

Captured by Alex La Cruz

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Behind the Blinds catches up with TV’s hottest firefighter (sorry Rob Lowe) between shifts for a chat.

If your house was on fire, what’s the one thing you’d grab? All living creatures big and small being safe, of course.

What would I grab… Oh my god. That’s something I’ve never been asked before!

Seriously? You’re on a show about firemen!

No, really, you’re the first one. Ok, but not to sound like a hero or anything, but I’d just make sure the living creatures were out. Everything else is replaceable. But I would really hope I had insurance!

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What are you up to on your day off, other than talking to strangers on the phone?

You know, I’m used to it at this point. Whenever I get a day off, I take it easy to recover because our jobs are demanding physically. I try to take care of myself – sleep if I can, drink lots of water, eat something good for me. And then just focusing on not doing much, just laying out in the back yard or watching [movies].

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Isn’t that the hardest task you’ve ever had?

It is! I have a hard time sitting around, so I really have to focus on just doing nothing. But I know I need to do it.

What’s it like being T.K. Strand? Was it one of those roles that you have to think about picking up?

How could I not accept the role? It’s like winning the lottery, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with a TV show that is so gigantic, so epic. You’re almost guaranteed a massive audience, thanks to who is making the show and the network it’s on. One of the beautiful sides of T.K. is the family aspect. He's a very relatable character, someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, loves his job, and puts his family before anything. So, a lot of people have connected to him as a family member – a brother, a son or even (chuckles.) a prospective boyfriend – because he’s a really good kid.

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Does the TV format factor in this connection?

Being allowed into the living room of our viewers creates this very intimate relationship, where you go through the experiences [that T.K. is living] together. That’s what special about TV. With movies, you go to a movie theatre with strangers and then you leave. For a series, you get cozy and you let these characters enter your life. So how can you say no to someone like T.K.?

So who are you letting into your living room?

There’s “The Little Things” on HBO with Denzel Washington. And then catching up with all the Oscar-nominated movies of this year. Music-wise, it’ll be cycling through old favorites, like Kings of Leon and Frank Ocean.

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Which one will it be today?

It’s really sunny so it’s a Frank Ocean kind of day, where I’ll probably lay by the pool and relax.

Sunny day, lucky you! It’s a miserable rainy evening here in Paris.

Well, I’d gladly trade places with you. I would love to see [a place] outside of American right now. You know what, it’s funny because I’ve been invited to a convention in Paris in June. I’m really hoping it happens because it’ll be my first trip there as an adult. The one time I went, I was about 6 years old. We went to Disneyland Paris and the Eiffel Tower, but beyond that, it’s very minimal flashes of memories. What I do know is that it’s a magical place and I think I’d lose myself there for sure.

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Anywhere else?

Portofino! Por. To. Fi. No. (Wistful sigh.)

How very Alexei-the-Russian-oligarch of you, Ronen.

(Laughs.) More like Roman Emperor. I’m obsessed with Europe. Italy, France and Portugal are my favorite places in the world right now. But when I visited Portofino a few years ago… Have you ever had that feeling where you feel at home in a place you’d never been to before? In my mind and body, Portofino felt very right. It might be because it’s by the sea and I’m a big ocean person. But there’s also the culture and history. So I’m putting it out there as much as I can, so that it may happen one day: I’d love a little house where I can look at the ocean, drink my coffee and then walk down to the stores. Maybe learn some Italian. Just a beautiful, simple life.

…

Interviewed by Lily Templeton

Production & cast by IMAGEMACHINE CS

All clothes Erl

Michael Marson

October 31, 2020

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DEREK_by Alex La Cruz

Michael Marson

October 31, 2020

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Derek Chadwick by Alex La Cruz

Michael Marson

September 20, 2020

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BLUE SCREEN OF LIFE

Michael Marson

September 20, 2020

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Anson Boon on learning life skills, whether to build shelves or a career

If acting had not called Anson Boon’s name, you might have found the British actor delivering your mail as a postman, a job he sees as “peaceful, bar the occasional run-in with rabid dogs”, he said. Instead, his daily route means facing down German soldiers in Sam Mendes’ World War I epic 1917, end-of-life issues in Blackbird and rabid journalists on press junkets. Before he embarks on his next project, he gives a peek behind the blinds, or rather, behind the blue screen he has in his garden shed.

Left Shirt QASIMI and necklace SWEET LIME JUICE Right Full look SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO — Left Shirt QASIMI and necklace SWEET LIME JUICE
Right Full look SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

What’s that blue screen behind you? Are you on set?

This is the background I did the Blackbird audition in front of, actually. This is what I use from auditions. I’ve got this weird sort of wallpaper behind me in the garden shed and I’m recording myself doing acting things in front of it.

Lucky color then.

Yeah, I need to touch it before I do every audition. (Laughs)

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Right Full look BOTEGGA VENETA

Where are you really, though? Because with that, you could tell us you’re anywhere, secret MI6 bunker, Mars...

I am about an hour north of London. As for what I’m up to… Well. I feel like a bit of a secret agent saying that, but I was working on something highly confidential and top secret before lockdown. Now, I am someone at home, auditioning, doing Zoom calls and trying to do everything remotely in this strange new world we live in. And I've kind of I've been picking up all sorts of new hobbies since lockdown so you can find me on the golf course a lot – something I never imagined I'd do, fishing or hanging out with my brother.

Golfing, fishing, that’s very 1917 English countryside gentry. When’s the grouse shooting?

(Laughs) That's definitely not my thing.

“Doing manual things keeps me grounded and reminds where I come from; regardless of how many cool places I visit in the world.”

So life of locked down leisure?

My grandfather is a potato farmer and I’ve been lucky to spend a lot of time with him during lockdown. Because I’ve spent so much time traveling or on set, I kind of felt like a hopeless person that had no manual skills. So when it was safe to go and see my grandfather, who is a potato farmer, outdoors at his farm, I leaned all these manual skills. I could now fix things around my house, in the car and build stuff with wood. I feel like I’m now better equipped to go forward in life. Doing manual things keeps me grounded and reminds where I come from; regardless of how many cool places I visit in the world.

And where DID you come from? Because how does one manage to be — at just 19 years old — at once a rising name on the big screen and at the National Theatre? Who did you bribe?

Well, funnily enough without money, I did kind of bribe my agents take me on. The agent I had at the time was the one who’d come off the little local drama school I did when I was little. I’d done an open audition for this Netflix series called The Alienist, where I was supposed to be an extra. But I got on really well with the director and he decided to keep me on for seven months, as a background character, giving me lines and incredible stuff like that. And so I decided it would be a good idea to email all the top agents in London and tell them that I was playing a lead role in this Netflix series, which was a complete lie… Clearly some idiots believed me and took me on. (Laughs.) I did a bunch of tests for a bunch of agents and this wonderful lady who is now my agent took me on, finding me all these weird and wonderful projects.

“Fake it ‘til you make it” strikes again.

Exactly. You've got to find your way in there somehow. My parents definitely aren't actors and I didn't grow up in London, so I had no way into this in and I didn't go to drama school over so... Yeah, I had to lie at some point. (Laughs)

“It’s about living what you’re doing. It’s not about performing what you’re doing. ”

How have Blackbird and 1917 changed the way you see your profession?

First, because it was the first time I worked every single day on a production. Before, I’d played smaller parts. So I went into Blackbird being used to slotting into a story that was already made. Here, I was building the story from the very start, helping create what you see on screen. And funnily enough for 1917, while I wasn’t one of the roles all the way through, Sam Mendes asked me to come in and help him, so I played every single role in the film during rehearsals. It was me, George [MacKay], Dean [-Charles Chapman] and another actor called Tommy. We’d come in every day, at the studios or at the location near Stonehenge, where in order for them to build the right meters of trenches, we would have to walk through these fields. I’d play Colin Firth or Benedict Cumberbatch or Mark Strong. So that was also an experience of being part of the creative process.

Then, you know, I've been lucky enough that 1917, The Alienist or Blackbird were all incredible detailed in the production design. So it was not about acting, it was about being and that's certainly something that those jobs taught me about my profession. It's about living what you're doing. It's not about performing what you're doing.

Shirt QASIMI, necklace SWEET LIME JUICE and pants HERMES

Did 1917 feel like your family history was coming full circle?

Yes. When I was growing up, my granddad hung his dad’s medals on the wall and would tell me stories about him. His own father was a bicycle courier in World War I. He used to carry messages for different posts along the trenches, like George MacKay’s character Lance Corporal Schofield. I actually wear his signet ring, and because it was relevant to the time period, they let me wear it in the film as well, which was a really nice touch for my granddad. It was really nice to give something back to my grandparents, who along with the rest of my family, have been incredibly supporting of what I’ve wanted to do since I was little.

Both 1917 and Blackbird seem quite dark when you read the synopsis, but ultimately end up feeling like a beyond-all-odds celebration of life.

That's what I would love people to take away from it. Both stories might seem really dark and traumatic, but you actually get to watch people enjoy the last moments of a life and what it should really be about, which is about spending quality time with family and look at the real world, sharing the love. Blackbird is a celebration of life, and in many ways, so is 1917. It's really lovely to find the natural moments of light in these moments of darkness.

You slip into the lives, and wardrobes, of your character but who is the real Anson Boon, when it comes to style?

That’s a real question. But if we’re only talking style-wise, I’m as schizophrenic with my wardrobe as with the roles I play. Maybe because I feel like I have these different personalities. When I go watch football, I love to dress in the style of the football fans of the Eighties, so Fila, Adidas… but if I go with friends on a weekend, I like to wear cool new young designers with a bit of Vivienne Westwood thrown in. For a premiere, you’ll have me suited and booted, but then at home or for a walk with my mum or girlfriend, I’ll reach for sports clothes. So I don’t think I have a set style, which is probably every stylist’s nightmare to be honest.

Or a dream.

True. I’ll say yes to a lot of things because I’m always willing to try something new.

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Right Shirt QASIMI, necklace SWEET LIME JUICE and pants HERMES

Are you sure you’re willing to let that go on the record?

(Laughs.) There’s a limit. But yeah, next thing I know, I'm going to be dressed in like this really outrageous Gucci dress or something. I’ll draw the line there.

With that blue background, it could virtually happen over night, with a bit of spare time and CGI, so I’ll keep an eye out for that Dolce & Gabbana dress moment.

Yeah, you do that. You'll be waiting a long time. (Laughs)

…

Interviewed by Lily Templeton

Photography by Patricia Ruiz del Portal

Fashion by Marco Drammis

Hair by Ryona Rushima

Make-Up by Philippe Miletto

Studio Lucerne Studio

Michael Marson

September 15, 2020

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Michael Marson

September 15, 2020

last, Portrait

Lorenzo Zurzolo on being a teenager and having a crush on the teacher.

Move over Gossip Girl and Elite, the undisputed Queen Bee of our screens these days is Baby, the Italian series on wealthy teenagers behaving badly set against the naturally fabulous décor that is the Eternal City. And in this cast of upcoming Italian talent, 18 year-old Lorenzo Zurzolo shines as Niccòlo, a boy misbehaving with the best of them. So before he can head back to school, or rather Netflix, on September 15, he serves detention with Behind the Blinds.

How has your summer been? Did you escape to Riccione in real life?

Actually, San Felice Circeo, a little town near Rome right on the beach. I love the summer; I think it’s a special moment in everybody’s life. Especially when you are young, it's a period of discovery and new experiences. Despite a couple work engagements, I think this has been the most relaxing summer of my life, a real moment of light-heartedness.

Normally, I’d go to parties and enjoy the nightlife, but because of the particular situation we’re in, I avoided all the “movida” places. Instead, I spent time with my family, read many books and worked on improving my guitar skills too. I’ve also started appreciating going to the beach early in the morning.

After playing Vincenzo, who is blind, in Under the Riccione Sun, what sense would be the worst to lose?

I think the answer is not so much what you lose, or what issues you face, but how you face them. Vincenzo has taught me that with strength and joy of living, you can get through everything in life. To not give importance to superficial aspects but concentrate on what really matters.

“[As a teen] you always feel misunderstood. That’s why having role models, and people who love you, that can give you guidance is important.”

You grew up in Rome. Is the teenage angst as high as we see it in Baby?

The series is inspired by real facts. I think that teenagers all over the world have this sort of angst and face problems. At that age, there are so many expectations from school, family and friends while we are trying to figure out who we are and who we want to be. You always feel misunderstood. That’s why having role models, and people who love you, that can give you guidance is important.

Last season, Niccolò hooks up with his teacher! How scandalous! Did you ever have a teacher you had a crush on?

Andrea De Sica, Baby’s director, asked me the same thing at the audition. And yes, I had this math teacher who was very good-looking and fascinating. In her class, I’d always try to be the smartest guy to get noticed by her, always being overly generous and offering my help.

Andrea asked me to imagine her in front of me, and we did on hour of improvisation with me trying to ask my math teacher out. I was really comfortable with the role; it wasn’t difficult at all ;))))

This is the final chapter. Are you happy with how you conclude your relationship with Niccolò and the work you've done on him?

You’ll find out very soon but in Italy, we have this proverb that says “all the knots come to the comb”. I think the English-language equivalent is “the chickens coming home to roost”. Season 2 left a lot of things unsettled and a lot of question marks. For the final season, so everyone must assume responsibility for what they did! I’m pretty with the conclusion, you’ll see.

Your next role is a thriller, and of course, Niccolò is a character we love to hate. Why these ambivalent characters?

Complex characters with complex psychology are the most stimulating for me. I must believe in what I’m doing, so I hate, and tend to avoid, stereotyped and exaggerated characters or plots – cinema must represent reality. I started acting at 7 for fun, but growing up, I realized that it was what I wanted to do in life. I love the sense of evasion. When I’m filming, I forget about everything. All the problems and concerns about life disappear, and you immerse yourself in a new life. That is priceless.

What’s next for you?

I just finished filming that thriller, which will be out in cinemas this December, and is something very different from all the other things I did till now. Beyond work, Covid-19 allowing, I’m planning on visiting my sister who loves in London. We have a very strong relationship so it's always nice to spend quality time with her. It would also be a great opportunity to improve my English. I hope to keep doing what I love and want to make my dream come true with international projects.

…

interviewed by Lily Templeton

Photography by Adrian Mesko

Fashion & Production by Yael Quint

Stylist’s assistant Mina Erkli

Hair by Gianmarco Grazi

Make-Up by Alessia Stefano

Thanks to Atomo Management & Gianni Galli

Lorenzo wearing Salvatore Ferragamo and Giorgio Armani

Michael Marson

September 11, 2020

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THE BOY

Michael Marson

September 11, 2020

last, Portrait

Jack Quaid on superheroes and scary times

Ever since Jack Quaid made his debut as a boy we loved to hate in The Hunger Games, his tousled curls have cropped up in unexpected places. Point in case, he's on the wall of the metro as I go home for the Zoom call scheduled with the 28-year-old actor.

Jacket and sweater SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO, denim pants LEVI’S & hat NICK FOUQUET

Lily Templeton: Sorry about the Blair Witch lighting but I don't want you to have my lamp in your face. But it matches the mood of your recent work. That opening sequence in The Boys, season 2? Just when I thought you couldn't top the hand-holding scene of episode 1 [where Hughie's love Robin dies].

Jack Quaid: Yeah, we waste no time in showing you how gruesome our show is.

LT: We all love horror flicks, though. So this is the perfect superhero caper that caters to that.

JQ: You're totally right. I never thought about it that way, but those who are horror movie nerds will definitely get a kick out of The Boys, for sure. Just wait till you see the rest of the show. I don't know how we top ourselves, but somehow we definitely do.

Left Tank top, jacket, hat and boots GIVENCHY, denim pants LEVI’SRight Vest and coat DIOR & hat NICK FOUQUET — Left Tank top, jacket, hat and boots GIVENCHY, denim pants LEVI’S
Right Vest and coat DIOR & hat NICK FOUQUET

“Horror movies are a way of exploring our fears in a safe environment.”

LT: Have we just become an ultraviolent society?

JQ: That's not necessarily true. Horror movies are a way of exploring our fears in a safe environment. People make that argument about video games, too. I don't think it's necessarily people indulging in violence. But if you have that tendency towards violence, wouldn't you want a space where you can get that out of you [through gameplay] so you don't put it out into the real world?

LT: Wait… Why are you wearing a Coffee For Sasquatch cap and where’s he hiding? Because his Comedy Club’s been awfully quiet recently.

JQ: Oh my god, I'm so happy you even know about Sasquatch! He really loves iced lattes, so I couldn't resist getting the hat from this coffee place in Los Angeles called Coffee For Sasquatch. You’re right. We have been pretty quiet lately. At least online. While we haven’t shot a sketch in quite a while, we were doing live comedy shows in LA right up until the pandemic, at the Comedy Central stage every couple of months. We just kind of fell into this groove of live comedy and we stuck to it. We all come from a performance background so that was always very, very rewarding for us. I’m sure we’ll get back to doing something together again once this is all over.

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LT: Why the Sasquatch as your comedic spirit animal? Can't fool you, I'm obsessed.

JQ: I love that you're obsessed with the mythological beast of Sasquatch. I've always been obsessed with like UFO’s, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and just the paranormal. I've always just had kind of an eye... Well, maybe not an eye. Let's say an interest in that. And yeah, it's kind of radiated into all different aspects of my life.

LT: From the paranormal to the barely believable year we're living. It's like a series we'd like to see the end of, no?

JQ: The bar is so low that “I’m guess we’re alive” is the feeling. The world is just absolutely insane right now. I don't know what's coming, it seems like the pressure is just going to keep getting ratcheted. The American election is like the season finale.

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Right Jacket and sweater SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

LT: “Those dirty supes are gonna get what’s coming to them sooner or later,” you told me earlier. Given the circumstances we're in, lots of people are looking for a magic bullet of sorts to end this. Do you think superpowers are what's needed, or is it really up to regular Joes and Janes to feel their way out as best they can?

JQ: I'd never thought about it that way. Our show's very timely and we talk about a lot of real issues. And the feeling, at least in my community in America, is that those who were supposed to be our champions and our leaders have failed us in a lot of ways –– not very altruistic, they don't seem to have our best interests at heart. This is the first time where my generation has seen an injustice that we could do something about. So we do have to pick up the slack a little bit, as regular citizens. But it's an opportunity for everyone to be a better person. When times are tough like these, I try my best to learn as much as I can about other people's perspectives and experiences; about things that are outside my purview as a straight white man in America.

Jacket and sweater SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO & denim pants LEVI’S

“This is the first time where my generation has seen an injustice that we could do something about.”

LT: If you could have an actual superpower, what would it be?

JQ: Flight. I know that’s the boring answer. And I feel like anyone else who says anything different is lying a little bit. I mean, I would love that. And talking to animals. That's like my unique one. Because I just think we can learn a lot from them. At the same time, it could get kind of annoying because the animals would either be very smart and have discourse with you or just be like "food, food, food, food". Flying just seems like so much fun.

Tank top, jacket, hat and boots GIVENCHY, denim pants LEVI’S

LT: C'mon, flight's just because you want to cut those TSA lines...

JQ: I do. I really do. I hate air travel as it is now so anything that can help mitigate. Although teleportation could also be great. In an instant, you're somewhere else. But yeah, I would definitely want to cut the TSA line.

LT: So as an actor, you spend a lot of time answering questions. Turning the tables around, what's one question you always want to ask your interviewers?

JQ: What got you into journalism in the first place?

Vest, coat, pants DIOR & hat NICK FOUQUET

LT: Okay, you got me there. Well, I would say probably that, like actors, I'm all for a good story and for character. And having actual conversations, rather than following a script of questions.

JQ: Yeah, sometimes the questions I get — and it's fine, that's the dance — are a bit ‘generic’. I love when people point to a specific thing in my life. The more specific the question, the more I jump out because I always love that so much.

LT: What are you up to these days? Are you back filming or are you just being Zoomed to death by us journos? Or should I say… “Are you alone in the house, Jack?”

JQ: I'm about to start a movie, which is crazy, a bit like I was going to the moon. I didn't think that would happen now or any time soon. And yes, it’s the next Scream movie, so I've been watching every one there ever was in preparation.

LT: Aha! So you ARE a horror movie nerd.

JQ: I'm becoming that way. You know, actually no, I'm gonna say yes, I am. I'm a huge fan of modern horror that's been coming out like The Babadook. It's an amazing resurgence.

Jacket and shirt DRIES VAN NOTEN, tank top ALL SAINTS, denim pants LEVI’S, belt LANVIN & boots GIVENCHY

LT: If I were Ghostface, I’d ask “Sidney, what makes you scared?”.

JQ: I think my niche is sci-fi horror. I watched the director's cut of Alien when I was nine. Bad move. I was so scared. Growing up, there was this old movie called Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein, about them encountering Dracula, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's monster, and it was scary enough for a kid. You could laugh a little but there were all the little elements of horror seeping into you. I do remember having very visceral memories of Halloween where I was scared while trick or treating. There was this one year where I was very scared from ghost faces... the year Scream came out. So it's weirdly coming full circle.

LT: How does Scream hold up in the scare scale?

JQ: It made a horror movie cool. It’s a brilliant movie: full of references and Easter eggs that true horror cinephiles would love, but never too meta or too far up its own whatever. So genuinely scary and frightening in its own right, with satirical elements but also characters that you connect to. Sidney, Gale and Dewey are just genuinely great characters. The fact that I'm going to be joining this universe is incredible. I feel great but it also is terrifying because I know it's something that fans really, really care about.

…

JACK QUAID, Los Angeles, September 2020

interviewed by Lily Templeton

Photography by Shane McCauley

Fashion by Sharon Chitrit

Grooming by Candice Birns

using Eminence skin care r&co haircare

Michael Marson

December 15, 2018

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Let's meet ERIKA LINDER

Michael Marson

December 15, 2018

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Erika Linder is a model and an actress. She's also an amazing human being, moving her blond hair and sweet face from Stockholm to Los Angeles.

Erika Linder in 5 words

Dreamer, philosopher, creative, motivated, focused.

What's your favorite Swedish word?

Grabben. It means “dude”. Even though I never say it in English.

You are an actress and a model. Where lies the difference?

There's a major difference. The work I put into a role for a film goes beyond months of work. Dedication and discipline is a key factor. Normally when you go to set for a photo shoot, you’re spoiled and you just “show up”, work the hours and then you’re done. With acting it’s different. I normally study months ahead of a project to really get into character and then I constantly work with the writer or director or the other actors on set. I mean, you’re playing a different person than yourself, or at least a different version of yourself. It’s a challenging and hard process to act, but yet so fun. Modeling is hard within itself and there are a lot of challenges doing it, but for me, creatively, acting is more rewarding. I guess I could say that acting has been a part of my modeling career in a way by dramatically doing men’s and women’s fashion, but acting is a much more layered work of art in my book.

You are now living in Los Angeles. What's your feeling about that city?

I moved to LA 5 years ago, and prior to that been going back and forth for 2 years. I just love the energy here. Everything seems possible. I grew up in Stockholm, Sweden. It’s a very small country in general. Which I appreciate and I love how grounded I am because of it. I genuinely believe that people here are so happy because of the sun and the heat. It has definitely changed me for the better. I’ve always been very driven and focused, a lot of Swedish people are, and combine that with nice weather and endless possibilities, it’s a great way to live. I’m very lucky.

What's your opinion about the "Me Too" movement?

I don’t want to say too much about it, more than I think it’s about time something like this happened. Sexual assault is never ok and should be talked about. As long as the accusers are telling the truth, which we always have to assume and take seriously.

Modeling for men’s or women’s collection?

I’ve always been way more inspired by men’s fashion and photography, especially when I started modeling. It profoundly speaks to me in a personal way. I love to do both men’s and women’s fashion, a good mix of both is necessary for my creative process and bringing something different to every thing I do. I’ve always said to myself that I don’t want to do just “one face” all the time. I’d get bored. The fact that I get the chance to do both men’s fashion and women’s fashion and everything in between is a blessing.

Can you describe yourself as a new gender?

No, not really. I’ve always seen myself as a woman. At the end of the day, I’m a woman. I don’t struggle with that or trying to hide it behind my work. When I first started modeling back in 2011 and ended up on the men’s board at my agencies, that was my “thing”. That’s who I was in the industry. People want to put labels on everyone and everything, especially on gender. It makes them feel smart and safe. I just see a human being. It doesn’t matter to me. I’m a woman who has a lot of ideas and creation in my brain and am lucky enough to have an outlet for it. I love inspiring myself and others. I wanted to change things. I still do. Constantly.

If you had a magic wand, what would you do with it?

World peace and restore all the natural habitats across the world.

Do you believe in love?

Yes. Love is the basic foundation of happiness. No matter how dark the world can get, I would never stop believing in love. You can’t.

“Love is the bridge between you and everything.” - Rumi

What's your favorite dream?

Flying dreams are always my favorites. Preferably above glaciers.

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/ Interview by Julie Nysten /

/ Photography by Heather Kemesky /

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Michael Marson

May 17, 2016

Portrait

SPEED ITW with JAMIE WISE

Michael Marson

May 17, 2016

Portrait

/ Music & destiny in L.A /

When were your born?

Was born in a tiny little town in the English Countryside called Somerbee.

Do you feel alive?

Sometimes, depends what part of the day it is ;-p

At what time did you wake up today?

6am - early bird catches the worm.

Do you believe in destiny?

To an extent. I believe we all can write our own destiny.

What will you do after answering these questions?

Probably smoke a jay and play my guitar.

Do you prefer green circles or blue squares?

I'm a fan of anything blue, although I prefer the shape of a circle.

In math, do you prefer to add or multiply?

Multiply! Make. Numbers. Big.

If Marry Poppins was a fruit, what would she be?

She'd definitely be a good ol' sweet English plum.

Do you believe in life after death?

I don't know enough of anything to make a choice in what I believe after death. I'd definitely like to believe that a part of us continues on.

How much do you love LA?

Love the place, the setting, the nature, sometimes the people kinda ruin it.

Are you into coffee?

That's when I feel alive. Haha. Just kiddin, though I do enjoy a brew.

What accent do you have?

A pretty generic English accent.

You look like Chris Isaak. Do you listen to his songs?

I have done in my time on this planet. I love it, dramatic and big gets a thumbs up.

If you had to listen to one last song…?

Time makes two by Robert Cray - what a song.

Have you kissed someone today?

No, what a shame huh?

When were you last time in Europe?

Last year I was in England for a few months.

Do you write songs?

Yes I write a lot of songs - soundcloud.com/jjwisemusic

Do you sing under the shower?

Every single day.

Are you into musicals?

Yes, love them. Les Mis is one of my favourite things in existence.

Does Barbra Streisand mean something to you?

Not so much, more from South Park ripping her.

How about Prince?

Talented man who did what the fuck he wanted. Didn't care what people think. Wasn't a bellend. RIP Prince!

How would you describe your voice and your body?

My voice can be many things but when I sing and play guitar it's just Raw. My body is like a wonderland.

Do you ski?

Nope, but I want to this year.

Do you surf?

A little bit, but not a regular surfer dude.

Are you in love?

What is love? Baby don't hurt me.

You have the same name as Robert Wise who directed one of the most glorious movies ever, ‘The Sound of Music’, are you two connected?

I wish!! I'd revamp it and make a new musical movie and reignite the world’s love of classical music/singing! I'm ambitious.

Has summer started in LA?

Apparently, although the weather has been slightly schizophrenic this year.

How cold was it this winter?

Not too bad in LA, although I still wrapped up like an Eskimo. I'm allergic to the cold, makes me hibernate and become a grouchy bear.

Do you miss rain?

I love the rain, it's one of the most beautiful types of weather. If the sun shines while it rains, it transforms the world into a fairy tale.

When was the last time you went crazy, why?

Last weekend. Needed a big blow out and to dance for 12 hours - managed to do just that :)

Do you listen to King Crimson or Pink Floyd?

Pink Floyd ;-)

If you were a woman who would you chose to be?

Hilary Clinton because I'd just be on the cusp of becoming the first women president of the United States. Although my own political beliefs would align more closely with Bernie Sanders.

Did you smile during this interview?

Yes, several times. Especially when writing some cheeky answers.

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/ more about Jamie /

/ ITW by REMY RUSSOTTO & photo by OLIVIER DESARTE /

/ production by MICHAEL MARSON & VISUAL ART SERVICES /

Michael Marson

April 25, 2016

Portrait

MOTION ITW with TAYTE HANSON

Michael Marson

April 25, 2016

Portrait

Tayte Hanson moves. He runs and stops.

Where are you now and what are you wearing?

I am at my house wearing adidas 3 stripe sweatpants and a shirt I made from scraps.

Motion is a change in position of an object with respect to time.What's you favorite position in sex?

Missionary. I like it basic.

Do you run fast?

I prefer not to.

Do you fall in love slowly?

No. I fall fast in and out of love.

Do you drive a car?

No.

Have you had sex in a car recently?

No, no cars really besides cabs here.

How often do you fly?

Weekly.

Have you fallen in love in a plane?

Yes. I talk about it in my new book!

Do you dream about being a professional surfer?

Never.

Would you rather fuck a surfer or a GI?

Surfer. I have always had a thing for a man with grungy, long hair and a no-fucks attitude.

Have you flown in a helicopter?

Yes, many times.

Do you find helicopters sexy?

No. I find them loud.

Would you rather drown in the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean?

Both.

Do you prefer walking or running?

Walking. I want to witness the beauty around me.

Have you ever run after your lover?

No. If you let them go and they are truly lovers they will come back.

Do you know how many times you swam in the Pacific Ocean?

About a dozen.

Do you like motorcycles?

Yes, I owned one for many years. I am looking to buy one currently.

Do bikers make you horny?

No.

If you had to come in a moving object, would that be a car, plane or train?

Plane, always. I love to fly.

Do you find tunnels sexual?

I have had sex in tunnels twice; however, I usually find tunnels just dirty.

Have you ever played ping-pong table?

Yes, not a fan.

What will you do now?

Yoga for two hours, finish the final draft of my book, juice what’s in my fridge, and watch “Room”.

Motion is a change in position of an object with respect to time. Did you change position during this interview?

Apart from moving my fingers along a keyboard, no.

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/ more about Tayte /

/ ITW by REMY RUSSOTTO & photo by RUBEN TOMAS /

/ production by MICHAEL MARSON /

Michael Marson

March 11, 2016

Portrait

ITW with PAUL HAMELINE

Michael Marson

March 11, 2016

Portrait

He's a fashion slayer. He cuts it. Down the middle and up.

The image drips and we smile.

I read you like George Bataille. Isn’t ‘Histoire de l’oeil’ the best story ever (it reads like a children’ story)?

Indeed, George Bataille is one of my main source of inspiration. I really enjoyed reading ‘Histoire de l’oeil’. But for my part, my all time favorite is ‘Ma Mère’.

Do you read comics?

I don’t find anything stimulating in comics unfortunately for me, it’s never too late though.

How tall are you?

186cm.

Do you do drugs?

You’re not a cop from what I know.

Do you prefer yellow circles or blue squares?

I would go for black rectangles.

Where did you lose your virginity?

Au septième ciel.

Will you watch the new Twin Peaks episodes?

I’m not THAT excited about it, even though I’m a big fan of Twin Peaks and David Lynch in general. I guess I’ll watch it for the sake of it.

Do you believe in life after death?

I don’t think about it, it’s not the time yet.

When did you shave last?

The question you should be asking is ‘where’ rather than ‘when’ ?

Why did you cry last?

While peeling onions.

Do you eat meat?

I couldn’t imagine living without it.

Your collages are beautiful. Is Kurt Schwitters a reference for you?

I never heard of him, thank you. I’ll go check his work once done with this. First things first.

Any interest in ‘Hunger Games’ as the grand narrative of our times?

Categorical no.

Have you ever touched a rat?

One of my first girlfriend used to have one. To be honest I would spend more time with it than with her.

Have you been with both a girl & a boy – simultaneously?

I’ll leave it to your imagination.

Have you been to Montenegro?

I heard it was nice.

Coffee: black, milk or sugar?

Black as the darkest sin.

How was your childhood, happy, boring or not important today?

Not really of your concern.

Have you read any Jean Baudrillard? His famous text on terrorism (I find his ‘L’esprit du terrorisme’ still mind-blowing).

As soon as I’ll be finished with Genet’s ‘Le Balcon’, I will look it up. Cheers.

Egon Schiele or Abramovic?

Balthus.

Do you drink milk?

NEVER.

How fast can you run?

It depends after who.

How do you NOT lose your mind, and remain focused?

This helps : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_fDidYDQcs.

Your favorite time of the day?

I always get quite excited at dawn, before going out.

Did you enjoy this interview?

It was entertaining.

Collages by Paul Hameline.

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/ ITW by REMY RUSSOTTO & illustration by SEAN RYAN /

/ production by MICHAEL MARSON /

Michael Marson

November 4, 2015

Portrait

SLICED ITW with FINNLAY DAVIS

Michael Marson

November 4, 2015

Portrait

/ THE UNUSUAL IRISH MODEL /

Melon or banana?

Banana

Bruce Lee or Prince?

Bruce Lee

Salty fries or chocolate cake?

Chocolate Cake

Would you rather be a spy or a downhill ski champion?

Spy

What color suits you best?

Black/Blue

How fast can you run?

Fast enough to get away

What scares you most, “Jaws’” or “Aliens”?

Jaws

If Marry Poppins was a fruit, what would she be?

Kiwi

How tall are you?

189cm

When was your first catwalk, how old were you?

Turning 16

Have you been to Iceland?

No but I would like to

Any songs you know by heart and sing from time to time?

I know a lot of song by heart

Would you rather be Roger Federer or Miley Cyrus?

Miley Cyrus

Are you in love?

Nope

Where will you be tomorrow?

By the time you read this who knows …

Isn’t English black tea with milk completely over-rated (I read it was extremely unhealthy as well)?

No you must have read wrong ?

Are you shy?

Little bit

Who's your hero?

My father

When is your birthday?

26th February

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/ ITW by REMY RUSSOTTO & photo by JEAN-FRANCOIS CARLY /

/ production by MICHAEL MARSON /

Michael Marson

October 19, 2015

Portrait

FASHION my X

Michael Marson

October 19, 2015

Portrait

Exclusive ITW with

GEORGE ALVIN

FIERY-EROTIC-CREATIVE BOY

Do you believe in a world where E.T. is not sent back home?

Eh I'm more of an optimist, so like E.T. I'm usually set on plans going the way I had hoped.

Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s picture book ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ tells the story of a little boy confronted with Monsters, but first he dresses as a wolf: what was your favorite costume as a child?

It's hard to choose, but it was a mixture between my Harry Potter capes or Spider-Man.

Have you cried recently and, if yes, why?

Yeah weirdly enough I did this morning. Moving to Amsterdam, and being back in NYC brought back both happy and sad memories. Sometimes I overthink and freak myself out. Times are different.

Do you believe in ghosts or aliens?

Both!

Does the name Donald Trump remind you of the male sexual organ, the penis, and could it be that this helps his popularity?

Clearly it's the only logical explanation to his popularity.

Who is the bigger freak, Captain Hook or Peter Pan?

Tough, but I'm going to go with Peter Pan ha. I mean he comes into kids windows at night with green tights and takes them to a place called never never land, sounds a little questionable to me.

Are you afraid of the dark and what is your favorite horror movie?

Not really afraid of the dark luckily, and I don't really have a favorite, but one I watched when I was like 6-7 called the Blair Witch Project left me never forgetting it.

Is ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ too sick to be told to children?

No I think children nowadays have a lot more to be worrying about.

Would you enjoy lunching with Pamela Anderson?

Eh well I wouldn't say no if she asked.

Or would you rather spend an evening with Norman Bates (from ‘Psycho’ or from ‘Bates Motel’)?

Definitely Norman Bates. But would it be in his mindset of him or his mother is the question... The first time I watched that movie I was mind fucked.

If you had to walk to the centre of the Earth, would you pack sunglasses?

Never a bad idea to have sunglasses.

Do you find Captain Jack Sparrow well dressed, possibly cute or of zero interest?

If you're asking if I'd sleep with him, then the answer is yes.

Can you both spend hours watching series and live, or are series making life bigger?

Personally there's every so often I'll binge watch a series if it's good enough, but to be honest it's not really productive.

Are you haunted by a memory in particular?

Well my first summer job I had when I was like 14 was cutting down bushes and trees for this older lady my father knew. One day I was minding my business, cutting off a branch and I snake fell from one of the branches above and landed right on my shoulder. I flung it off, ran to the porch and stayed there in panic until my dad picked me up. Let's just say snakes aren't my favorite reptile because of it.

Can you imagine Inspector Gadget making out with Donald Duck?

Anythings possible. But I'm pretty sure there's a law against it though haha.

Did someone ever read you ‘Cinderella’?

Nah, i actually don't ever think I even watched the movie. But my sisters always watched 'A Cinderella story' with Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray, and I was secretly into it.

Do you find inspiration in ‘Mad Men’ or is it just too painfully retro?

I only watched it once or twice, but I was kind of stoned so I never got into it.

Could the word ‘season’ have the same meaning in fashion and in series, or is this question just too lame?

Yes same meaning and yes too lame.

In ‘24H’, isn’t Mr Sutherland a bit overstressed and the whole story a bit too serious? Is fashion that serious or stressful?

I can tell you like movie references by the end of this interview haha. I think fashion is taken sometimes TOO serious, I think the important thing is just to stay true to yourself and don't wear things just because it's a trend or in season; Wear it because you feel comfortable and confident.

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/George's Instagram/

/ ITW by REMY RUSSOTTO & photo by FERRY VAN DER NAT /

/ production by MICHAEL MARSON /

Michael Marson

October 12, 2015

Portrait

// LADY HARI //

Michael Marson

October 12, 2015

Portrait

HARI NEF /BY/ BEHIND THE BLINDS

EXCLUSIVE ITW by KIM PEERS & PORTRAIT by CHARLIE DE KEERSMAECKER

I know your birthday is 20 October 1992. Are there important moments when you felt reborn?

It's October 21st, actually! I've never felt reborn. I think of my life as a progression, and have never felt comfortable drawing hard lines between the present and the past.

At which stage in your life are you now?

I'm at the stage where the work begins.

What are your future projects? Do you have a certain goal?

Right now I'm focused on acting and modelling. I don't know what's next. My goals tend to change with what becomes available to me, so I try to keep an open mind.

What’s your perception of transgender?

"Transgender" is a word that represents so much more than any word should. It's an easy word that attempts to simplify the complex. There are as many ways to be "transgender" as there are transgender people. It's one word in one language. Cisgender is easy, because cisgender is male or female. Transgender is everything else!

What was your favourite moment so far?

I don't dwell.

Where would you take me on an evening? Or for a brunch?

We'd be in Manhattan, my favourite place on Earth. I'd probably take you to one of those little French restaurants down near Bowery for good wine and fresh food. For the evening, we'd go dancing after. For brunch, we'd walk in the park.

Who are your idols/hero’s? Who inspires you?

Women inspire me: Laverne Cox, Janet Mock, Zackary Drucker, Jenny Boylan, Connie Fleming, Candis Cayne, Andreja Pejic, Kate Bornstein, Alexandra Billings, Trace Lysette, Gogo Graham, and Tschan Andrews.

As you are a writer I guess you like to read books. Do you prefer a certain writer? Style?

I do not consider myself as a writer. Maybe I just write. My favourite author is Virginia Woolf, but my favorite style is Greek drama-- or any Greek poetry.

Any advice you would like to give to young transgenders?

There's actually no such thing as "a transgender”, only transgender people (transgender is an adjective). The advice I would give to trans kids is to chill out. Relax. Your thoughts and feelings are valid, and they will manifest in their own time. If you rush to the finish line, it will be harder to learn from the process - and the process is long and difficult. Take your time and space.

What’s your motto?

Why not?

What defines your identity? What do you think of labels?

I define my identity for myself. Labels are convenient tools for living in the world. I have chosen to be woman: that's a label I embrace because that label allows me to feel safe, understood, and embodied. Does that label tell the full story of who I am? No.

What makes you happy?

Progress, beauty, and abandon.

Who are your favorite fashion designers?

Hedi Slimane, Jonathan Anderson, Mike Eckhaus, Zoe Latta, Shayne Oliver, Marc Jacobs, Nicolas Ghesquiére, Demna Gvesalia, Dries van Noten, Matthew Williams, Tyler Rose, Miuccia Prada, Chitose Abe, Karl Lagerfeld, Vejas Kruszewski, Helmut Lang, Martin Margiela, Alessandro Michele, Raf Simons, and Christophe Lemaire.

What kind of music/bands do you like?

Lately, I've been listening to La Femme, Carly Rae Jepsen, Cat Power, Hole, Young Thug, Jamie XX, Miley Cyrus, Kendrick Lamar, Frankie Knuckles, Nico, Nicki Minaj, and Sérgio Mendes.

Who is/are the most important person(s) in your life?

My Mom, Robin Neff Clebnik is the most important! My agents Ivan Bart, Mina White, and Aaron Newbill at IMG are like parents, brothers, and sisters to me. Jill Soloway, the creator of Transparent, essentially gave me my acting career. These people have been important during the past few months; everyone and everything else seems to change so quickly. I'm working on building a relationship with myself. I'm just getting to know her.

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