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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
Portrait, last
Martin Onufrowicz
SURVIVAL INSTINCT

MORNING AFTER

A golden glow surrounds Rebecca Dayan on the New York morning where we talk. But this time, it’s not a halo of holiness left from her unforgettable role as a nun in the 2017 film Novitiate. It’s the after-party aura of Studio 54, where the French-born New Yorker stars as Elsa Peretti in Netflix’s Halston. 

Left Full look GIVENCHY

Right Suit FENDI



Since we still have to live vicariously through our screens for the time being, how did it feel, hitting the Studio 54 era with Halston? 

 It was really fun – the sets, the costumes, everything was amazing. Obviously, it’s a very exciting period to portray. To play a character that evolved during that time is very enticing and felt very liberating in a lot of ways. 

Left Top, skirt and belt CELINE BY HEDI SLIMANE , coat vintage

Right Full Look SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

 

Was it jarring to have the real world turn into this quasi-monastic existence for most people while you were living the ultimate party epoch?

 We started filming before the pandemic, so Daniel [Minahan] had been very good about getting us to spend time together. He took us all to lunch at Bergdorf’s. We went to visit all the real locations the show mentions but where we wouldn’t be filming, like the original studio. It built a form of complicity, and it’s definitely what kept us going.

 Most of the show was filmed during Covid-19 so it was very interesting to experience this dichotomy between the world we were experiencing off-camera and what we were bringing to life on screen. The gap between the two worlds wouldn’t have felt so different, for sure. But this friendship that had really developed [between cast members] really helped, and I think it really transpires in the show. 

Full Look LOEWE

 

What was your favorite part of the whole project? 

 Definitely the scenes where you have all of us, and see us as a crew, being this Rat Pack of weird misfits that are both crazy and super fun to be around. 

 

Did you have any apprehension slipping into the fabulous skin of Elsa Peretti?

 Although I knew her work, I had never delved into her personal life or the details of her career, so it was exciting. Watching interviews, reading what others have said about her, all that was fascinating. You know, one of the best parts of a project is that you get to dive into worlds that you’re not familiar with and where there’s always things to learn.  

 

Left Full Look GIVENCHY

Right Full Look CHANEL

Is the coming summer going to be a “hot fun summer” or a studious one for you?

 Usually, I spend my summers in Europe, especially the South of France where I’m from. A Mediterranean summer is always something to look forward to. But given that I spent around two months away in Mexicorecently, I’m rather hoping I’ll be working this summer. Right now, we are trying to find a home for Born Free, a documentary I produced and which speaks about the rising maternal mortality rate in the US. How is it possible in one of the richest countries in the world? We explore all the possible causes, from women’s rights and [access to] healthcare, to racial bias. 

 

Suit FENDI & shoes LOEWE

At a moment where women’s rights have taken a hit – a step back worth decades – due to the pandemic, it’s a crucial topic. 

 Yes, it's a sobering thought. A crisis like that can happen and boom, we’re back to 1955 or something. So one of the main goals of the documentary is to educate people, without pretending to know better but by sharing information and giving them all the facts to make their own informed choices – whether I agree with them or not. 

…

Interview by Lily Templeton

Photography by Martina Keenan

Fashion by Carolina Orrico

Make-Up by Misha Shahzada at Kalpana

Hair by Seiji at Forward artists

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OPEN YOUR HEART

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With his vibrant and moving portrayal of Lil Papi in FX’s drama series Pose, Angel Bismark Curiel’s talent, and incredible skills as an actor, came to the fore.

Growing up in Liberty City, a rough and dangerous part of Miami, Angel’s life would have been quite different if he hadn’t embraced drama and developed his own creativity. With an exciting future ahead of him, the young actor is eager to take on new projects and challenge himself.

We caught up with Angel to discuss the profound impact the series has had on his life, creating a family unit on set, and how Poseencouraged him to be bolder when it comes to his own clothing choices.

Jacket VALENTINO

 Pose has been an incredible journey for you. How has it transformed you as an individual?

The show centers on black and brown people, and we are the heroes of our own stories. I love the fact that in Pose you get to see black trans women shine, in a society that deems them unworthy. I understood over time that being part of a show telling a love story between a cis dude and a black trans woman was in fact radical and revolutionary. 

Left Tank top SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO, pants LANVIN & shoes VALENTINO GARAVANI

Right Full look SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO, bracelet & necklace ATELIUM JEWERLY

Jacket and pants EDEN HIGH BY MCQ, tank top Angel’s own, necklace ATELIUM JEWERLY & bracelet DAVID YURMAN

Why does transphobia still exist in our societies?

Anything you don’t understand, you’re fearful of. Individuals need the right education on gender and sexuality, in order to understand trans people. There is obviously no excuse being transphobic or homophobic today, regardless of how knowledgeable you may be. 

Full look AMIRI

 Did you know a lot about ballroom culture before you started shooting?

Not at all. The production was really helpful though and held a couple of courses on ballroom for us. I also watched Paris Is Burningin order to get more of an insight into that community. I learned a lot from my other cast members while shooting and just listened to their stories, particularly Dominique Jackson’s. It was an amazing experience.

ANGEL BISMARK CURIEL_BTBOnline_BehindTheBlindsMagazine_A.jpg

“We were playing a family, which means we spent a lot of time getting to know each other on set. It was deep and intimate.”

.

Full look BALENCIAGA

 The concept of family is obviously very important throughout Pose. Was there a similar sense of belonging for you while you were on set?

 I think that manifested itself quite organically. I came in feeling like a kid, I was scared and excited. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and I felt at ease almost instantly. We were playing a family, which means we spent a lot of time getting to know each other on set. It was deep and intimate. I think we were just open and willing to give everything we had.

Jacket, tee and denim pants VALENTINO, belt BALENCIAGA, necklace & bracelet ATELIUM JEWERLY

 There is so much love, passion and heartache in the show, which makes it very moving.

I think people truly engage with the show, not only because it deals with ballrooms, runways and categories, but also because it celebrates a space that allows people to be themselves completely.

Left Full look SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO & necklace ATELIUM JEWERLY

Right Full look AMIRI

Did Pose encourage you to be more adventurous when it comes to fashion?

Definitely. I see clothing as a form of artistic expression. My stylist Jason Bolden, whom I love and consider a true friend, picked this amazing Lanvin outfit for the Season 3 Premiere, and when I saw shorts I was worried that people would make fun of me, but he was pretty convincing and when I tried everything on I felt great in it. Sometimes you just need to be open-minded and trust someone, and something clicked when I put it on. And I got to wear sneakers, too, which was so comfortable. Pose gave me room and allowed me to push the envelope more. I don’t need to be standard when it comes to my own personal style.

Left Jumpsuit ISABEL MARANT & necklace DAVID YURMAN

Right Jacket EDEN HIGH BY MCQ & necklace ATELIUM JEWERLY

…

Season three of POSE is currently airing on FX.

…

Interview by PHILIPPE POURHASHEMI

Photography by NINO MUNOZ

Fashion by CHRISTIAN STROBLE

Groomer CYNTHIA ALVAREZ at The Wall Group

Casting by ImageMachine_cs

Market assistant DANE NIKKO ALVERO

Stylist’s assistant SHAYLIN PYLE

AMICI

Directed and captured by AUSTIN AUGIE

Featuring Rockwell Harwood and Benji Staker at IMG

wearing full Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello SS21

Fashion by Michael Rosenberg

Director of photography Alec Nicholas

1st ac Sammy Levine

Music composer Alec Nicholas

Photographer’s assistant Massy Blakemen

Make-Up artist Mia Varrone

Stylist’s assistant Danielle Spadola

Production assistant David Friend

Special thanks to Sasha Kichigina

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THE REAL DEAL

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“My call time has moved up so we only have 40 minutes,” said Ilfenesh Hadera over the phone the day before she wrapped the filming of the second season of Godfather of Harlem, where she plays Mayme Johnson, wife to Forrest Whittaker’s Bumpy Johnson and a rising force in her own right. For a press junket, that much time could feel like an age, but five minutes into the conversation, it’s clear that it’ll never be enough with Hadera. Beyond the screen she fills with magnetic presence, the conversation reveals the quiet philanthropist who favors concrete action to self-promotion; a great conversationalist who serves delicious “tea”; and the kind of genuinely warm human we should all aspire to be.  

Ilfenesh, you recently took part in the first episode of The New Rules with Darnell Jamal Lisby, about your road to success as a creative, talking lessons learned, methods employed. Was there something you had to unlearn or leave behind on your way? 

 I wouldn’t say unlearn, but there’s a particular lesson that never stuck. In my 20s, successful men my age – people who’d never do favors but dished out advice on how to make it – kept telling me “walk into a room and own it”, “let people know who you are and be demanding” so that people would treat you like you’re someone. I’d question myself, because if successful people are doing it, there must be something in it, but I was pretty sure that wasn’t the right way. So the lesson to unlearn would be: just because someone else has made it doesn’t mean they have the recipe to your success. I think we all must figure out for ourselves what is authentic to us. 

 

The season’s not over. You could pull a diva move tomorrow before filming wraps. 

 That’s true. Maybe tomorrow I'll just go out in a blaze of glory and burn my trailer. 

But that might mean a return to that decade of waitressing.

 As wonderful as the friendships I made in the hospitality industry are, I'm very happy to not go back. People can be really awful. There was this one guy who got very upset that I wasn’t a magician who could materialize a table for him. The restaurant was full but he kept insisting that he was a guest of the hotel it was in. But unless he brought a table down from his room, there was no availability. So I offered to put him on the waiting list and, wait for it, he said “I should slap you in the face with my cock right now.” I called the manager over to deal with that. It’s one of those ridiculous moments where you’re like “wow, this meal is just that important to you.”

 

I’m speechless. Any current downsides to the acting? 

 I counted that since November 2020, I’ve had 53 Covid-19 tests. 

 

That’s… a lot. How are your nasal cavities holding up?

 It’s a necessary evil, one of those wild inconveniences that you’d have never imagined in a million years being part of your daily work life. But our nurse and technicians are so wonderful and gentle – so gentle in fact that you almost feel that they’re not getting what they need! I’m so happy to have them behind us.

 

Word on the street is that you’ve mastered the art of saying no. Can you please share the secret of this ancient art for those of us who always get roped into things? 

 It sounds really simple, and it’s something you probably already know, but you can get away with pretty much anything if you say it the right way. Delivery is everything, whether you want to turn down a dinner date because you need time to yourself at the end of a busy week, or you don’t want to read a script from a fan you’ve struck up a relationship with over Instagram. If you’re kind, honest and gentle, you can say no. Much more than if you flat out reject things with no good reason. 

 Do you think it’ll work on deadlines? 

 I don’t think so. Choose your battles. 

 Is there anything that you say yes to, even though you’d rather refuse? 

 I don’t love press stuff. There’s an electronic press kit for shows, where you’ll sit down and they’ll give you questions in advance, but they can be really general questions. Let’s “there are so many parallels between 1960s Harlem and what’s going in today’s world” or “what do you think the audience will take away and love about the show?” You could really go off on a tangent answering these questions, especially for people like you and I – women who are wordy and like to talk a little bit – we can just dig ourselves into a hole. So I get a little anxious about things like that because I don’t want to sound like a bonehead. You always want to represent your show and yourself in the right way. 

 

Do you usually listen to that little voice that says “don’t do it” or do you throw caution to the wind?

 Well, when you have this feeling of wanting to say no to because you’re fearful you won’t be able to deliver, that’s when you have to pick yourself up and say “okay, I can do this” because otherwise, there’s no growth at all [if you don’t challenge yourself]. 

 

Preparing questions feels just as uncomfortable to be honest, because you want to come off as an ignorant newbie or like a total stalker. Or rude and intrusive. 

 I hadn’t thought about that from your perspective. In my case, nothing feels off-limits. If someone asked a really rude or intrusive question, I’d be like “well, that’s weird.” 

 

How weird are we talking? 

 When we were doing press for Baywatch, all the international press came to Miami where we were filming, and this German journalist asked me if I ever felt any pressure to get a breast augmentation for Baywatch. Can you imagine? And I was like “this is crazy… No, I have never felt any pressure to fix my tits for this one role, I'm sorry if that's not the answer that you wanted to hear, strange man.” (Laughs.) It was so surreal. People feel really free. 

Let’s stick to the non-weird questions then. As you wrap up season 2, how do you feel Mayme has evolved? 

 You know, the creators of our show Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein really lay the groundwork for her to be a strong, solid, self-aware powerhouse of a woman in season one. But they were just setting the stage. This season, they really trusted me as an actor to bring her out. Because of the pandemic, we shot mostly on stage for health and safety reasons, so it’s really about character development an exploration about her home life, the relationship with Malcolm X. We will meet Betty Shabazz this season. So there is this dynamic. We really get to know Mayme, her interests, her hobbies, her passions in a way that wasn’t done in season 1. She’s the same woman, but further explored here. The civil rights movement is a main cause of hers and we see as a kind of activist, a community organizer. The seeds planted earlier are starting to grow. It’s a responsibility when a writer gives you something of substance that you can really sink your teeth into and hope you can deliver. I’m not saying that I have, but I feel good [about the work I’ve done]. 

 

If you take away the historic aspect, it could be events happening these days. 

 Yes and the parallels are just… It’s like history is repeating itself. This season is set in 1964 and it’s the year of the Harlem Riots that start because a police officer shot a young Black boy. Last summer, [the Black Lives Matter movement started with] the same story: the murder of an innocent Black man at the hands of the police. The Civil Rights Act and voting rights? Voter suppression is going on in Georgia right now. Did you know there’s now a law there making it illegal to hand out food and water to voters waiting in line? It’s medieval and it’s so clear what the intention of a law like this is. 

 

Not to mention the denial of access to health services for transgender youth. Community service and philanthropy has always held a central part in your life. Why is that? 

 I was born into African Services Committee which my father founded in 1981. My mother came on as a grant writer shortly after and went on to become co-executive director of the organization until she retired earlier this year. She and my father are still very much involved and invested in ASC, as am I. From campaigns aimed at getting the youth in the community engaged and involved, to spreading awareness about ASC and raising funds using the platform my career has provided me, I try to be of use to them in any way that I can be.  

Is there a lesson that you feel all those who have not known the hardship of needing to leave their home or seek refuge should learn?                                                                    

That nobody puts their child in a boat unless the water is safer than land. And I know some people are gonna read that and roll their eyes but there isn’t a simpler way to illustrate the impossible predicament refugees find themselves in when deciding to stay or go. My father fled Ethiopia in 1979 because as a student activist during the Mengistu led “Red Terror” he knew his days were numbered. He left behind the only home he had ever known, his brothers, and sisters, his father who he would never see alive again. Now, 50 years later in the face ethnically motivated murders by Ethiopia’s own military, rape, and weaponized starvation there are an estimated 1.7 million displaced people in the Tigray region, many of whom have fled their homes to refugee camps in neighbouring Sudan, a matter of life or death. If people genuinely understood this, I think they’d feel compelled to help rather than judge.

 

Some may feel that a single person can’t make a difference. Where can each of us start? 

I think people can get discouraged by how much of the world needs helping and then be kind of paralyzed by the enormity of need in the world. I’ve always thought though that if we all took care of what was in front of us, no one would be left behind. So maybe that means doing something in your community, working at a local soup kitchen, or mentoring a child. Maybe that means making a donation to an organization that does work that resonates with you. And as far as money is concerned, people have to believe that a little bit truly can go a long way. 

 

What do we need more than ever? 

To dismiss the idea of otherness. The idea that men are so different than women or that black is so different from white. That cultural differences mean more than they actually do. We need to see ourselves in each other. 

…

Interview by Lily Templeton

Photography by Rowan Papier

Fashion by Yael Quint

Make-Up by Georgi Sandev

Hair by Hos Hounkpatin

 

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SUSPICIOUS MIND

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In 2012, Tom Rhys Harries was named Star of Tomorrow by British film magazine Screen International. Nearly a decade later, tomorrow is here, and the British actor is definitely the kind of star that shines steadily through each role. From bit parts on longstanding TV series like Midsomer Murders or an appearance among the all-star cast of H&M’s Erdem hookup, to striking roles on Britannia and White Lines, he’s gone from strength to strength. For his next role, he joins Uma Thurman on Suspicion, the remake of Israeli thriller False Flag. So of course, the first question could only be...

Left Blazer by VALENTINO, pants by LANVIN, vest by DOLCE & GABBANA and Boots by GRENSON

Right Leather jacket by BERLUTI

 What makes you suspicious, Tom Rhys Harries?

 Politicians? 

 

(Laughs.) After the year, we’ve been through, I don’t feel like letting you off the hook because that sounds like an easy out. 

 I’m not very suspicious on the whole. I don’t really believe in any conspiracy theories. (Laughs.) I didn’t think you’d ask me that. We have this running joke on set that we’re all going to have to get Botox afterwards because obviously, we have a sort of perma-frown developing from all the suspicion. I’ve been practicing. (Tom makes a hilariously suspicious face at the camera.) That’s about the extent of my acting. 


Blazer by FENDI, pants by MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO, vest by DOLCE & GABBANA and boots by GRENSON

 Just like Zoolander and Blue Steel, all you need is one look.

 Exactly! That’s my bible. 

Coat by BALENCIAGA, pants and shoes by LANVIN

So after that strenuous bout of frowning, what are you up to? Chillaxing at home in your loft under the eaves? 

 It’s got everything I need. But these windows here overlook a really lovely pub, which is a bit of a tease, since I obviously can’t go.

Customised vintage t-shirt by MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA , pants by McQ and boots by GRENSON

 I can see it from here: you and your mates trying to break into a pub, hilarity ensues. 

Funnily enough, my friends and I have been talking about either sneaking into the pub, or moving into it. We’d get in trouble, wouldn’t we? (Laughs.)

Left Vest by AMI, custom bleached jeans by stylist from NUDIE JEANS and boots by GRENSON

Right Knitwear and pants by MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO

 Since we’re here talking, you can’t have gotten too much trouble today. What have you been up to?

I’ve been training, and writing some music. I’ve been working with a friend to try and finish some stuff.  

Left Leather jacket by BERLUTI

Right Blazer by VALENTINO, pants by LANVIN and vest by DOLCE & GABBANA

Last I heard, you described yourself as “very bad.” Twelve months on, where are you at?

I’m getting better at structure, which is something I brought up. So I hope I can get something out soon. I’ve got all my kit here. 

 

Wow, that’s one sensitive microphone… If the music doesn’t work out, you could do ASMR. What else have you learned in the past year? 

 That you’ve just go to roll with the punches. There’s this quote I quite like: “The obstacle becomes the way.” No matter how organized and on top of everything you are, life – not just Covid-19 – gets in the way and it comes at you fast doesn’t it. 

Left Coat and vest by AMI, track top by MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO, custom bleached jeans by stylist from NUDIE JEANS and boots by GRENSON

Right Coat by LANVIN, blazer with hood, pants and vest all by DOLCE & GABBANA and boots by GRENSON

 Your latest Instagram post was Fran Leibowitz – she’s having a bit of a moment on social media. What made you think of her?

 For the filming of Suspicion, we stayed at this hotel just outside of London for the night shoots. It took us a couple of weeks to get the sequence, so during the day, we’re supposed to be sleeping. But I just couldn’t sleep and found myself binge-watching the Martin Scorsese on Fran Leibowitz. I can’t recommend it enough. Really, she’s so bold, confident, strong and self-assured. She just didn’t give a shit.It was like Fran’s love letter to New York – so funny, so smart and wish a really dry sense of humor. I started to feel like she became my buddy for the weekend.  And she smokes like a chimney.  

Customised vintage t-shirt by MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA , pants by McQ and boots by GRENSON

Oddly enough, someone this week mentioned that artists are no longer as rambunctious or decadent as they once were. Something to do with being under a panopticon of public scrutiny and the constant injunction of being role models. 

 I’m sure they just have very good publicist. 

 

T-Shirt by SAINT LAURENT by Anthony Vaccarello and pants by SIMON JAMES CATHCART

Hmm… So how good is Simon at his job then?

 Very good.

 

I knew it. You have broken into the pub.

 Dude, I’m in the pub now. I’m smashed. (Laughs.) That being said, when you have a job that comes with notoriety – musician, actor, athlete – you didn’t set out to be a role model. Anybody’s field of work could put them in the public eye and open them to constant scrunity. All of us try things, experiment. We’re all humans trying to figure it out. And especially in times like now where it’s important to have conversations to ensure that causes that truly matter [like justice and equality] truly advance. 

…

Interview by Lily Templeton

Photography by Gavin Bond

Fashion by Mark Anthony Bradley

Grooming by Tyler Johnston

Set Design by Chris Williams

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FIGHTING A WAY THROUGH LIFE

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‘Strong’ is a literal and figurative way to describe Miguel Baeza, a professional fighter who’s wrestling his way through life in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

For this reason, you might wonder whether he has already achieved his largest goal in life at the age of 28.

A Q&A with potentially one of the most vigorous men on the planet.


What made you want to become a fighter?

I’ve always loved fighting. My uncle was an amateur boxer in Puerto Rico and growing up, he showed me how to box. Me, my brother and my cousin would do drills with him. Sometimes he would even put on gloves and spar with us.

 What do you find the most interesting about training: the building of physical strength, technique…?

I believe the most interesting thing about training is the techniques you learn. It’s amazing how the smallest detail can change the outcome of the technique you’re applying, whether it’s going to work or not. Anyone can be strong, but being able to handle another person with little effort because you made the right movement or placed yourself in the right position is incredible to me.

 

Do you have a large team of trainers or do you work with just a few close people?

I have a few sets of trainers. I have my main trainers, like my guys at MMA Masters. There is my first coach, who I’ve been with since I started. But I work with a few specialists as well, who teach me specific arts and disciplines: I have a boxing coach, a wrestling coach, a Muay Thai coach… There is someone for whatever skills I feel the need to improve. All the people I work with are all equally important to my success. 

 Who are your personal heroes?

I’m not sure if I have heroes, but if I were to pick someone I admired growing up in the sport, it was probably Randy Couture. He always seemed to be the underdog, but every time he defied the odds and came out on top. I always liked his competitive spirit and toughness: he always found a way to win. I really respect his will.

 What’s your ultimate goal in life? Have you achieved it yet?

My ultimate goal is to be a world champion. I haven’t gotten there yet, but god willing, hopefully I do one day. I plan to keep working as hard as I can until I get there. I know there are a lot of tough guys on their way to that goal, which won’t make it easier, but nothing worth having ever is.

What comes after your career as a fighter? Do you have other dreams?

I’m not sure what comes after fighting. I’ve been focused on this for so long, I didn’t put too much thought into it. Maybe being a commentator or analyst for the UFC or ESPN? We’ll see what the future holds. Actually, my only other dream outside of fighting is to be able to take care and support my family and enjoy life to the fullest, however that comes.

 How did you experience 2020 (and 2021 so far)?

2020 was great for me career wise. I fought and beat a legend in Matt Brown, I continued my undefeated streak and won two performance bonuses. Personally, it was a little rougher though; I lost my cousin early in 2020, which was really hard for my family to go through. It was so quick and unexpected. He was very important to us, he was loved by everyone and he was my biggest fan, which only made me push harder to get the win for him.

 

What’s on your planning for the (near) future?

My plans for 2021 are to keep my undefeated streak going and embrace any opportunity as it comes.

Interview by Laura Bonne

Photography by Cesar Buitrago

Miguel Baeza is represented by IMG

A PRINCE AMONG US

[Interior. Daytime] Harrison Osterfield appears on screen, sans George Clooney who directed him in the “Catch-22” mini-series, or the princely attire he’s donned for “The Irregulars,” his next project set in the Sherlock Holmes universe, which will drop on Netflix this weekend. And suddenly, a loud meowl is heard. 

Tank top Raf Simons Archive SS ’96, denim pants Calvin Klein & belt Acne Studios

 The cat is ready to interview you now, Mr. Osterfield.

Love that. Those are the best Zoom meetings, when you've got a dog or a cat in the background. I will warn you, that's where all my attention will go.

T-Shirt Ludovic De Saint Sernin & shorts Isabel Marant

We’re about to be locked down again in Paris. How’re things for you in London?

I'm in my flat in South London, and I feel like I've gone through every lockdown activity there is to do. Baking classes, yoga classes, zoom cocktail classes – I feel like I've done it all. I’m lucky that I have a bit of space so I can exercise outside a bit. 

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Vest Hermes & pants Givenchy

 What’s your forte then?

Definitely not the baking. I've tried that a couple of times and it hasn't turned out too well. So I’d say the cocktail making, but I can’t really remember them.

Tank top Raf Simons Archive SS ’96, denim pants Calvin Klein & belt Acne Studios

 They must have been good then. Maybe ask Sherlock Holmes to give you a hand at sleuthing what they were?

A key part of investigation is remembering things, yeah. And I struggle at that. (Laughs.) So I'm glad I'm play acting it and not having to do it in real life. 

Full look MSGM

So why become one of the Irregulars? 

Sherlock is really at the lowest of the low, and he's a shell of the man he once was. He can't solve these crimes that he once could. So out of necessity, Dr. Watson really turned to these five kids who get thrust into a series of investigations. They, or rather we, start taking on these sort of investigations and crimes, and start to realize that something much more sinister and possibly darker is going on. It's a very different Sherlock to the one that we've seen before. Our showrunner, Tom Bidwell, has done an amazing job of taking the may four or five lines out of Arthur Conan Doyle’s work that mention the Baker Street Irregulars and create this eight-hour episodic extravaganza.

Left Jumper Loewe

Right T-shirt and shirt Celine by Hedi Slimanet & shorts Valentino

And if that wasn’t an excellent lockdown activity on his part, I don't know what is.

Yeah, exactly. I wish I could do that. I've just been messing up baking every day.

Tank top AMI & necklace Federico Curradi

At least you went from baking to Baker Street. 

I will say that. That is a very good connection. I should have run with that.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 You mentioned you’d be the posh kid of the Irregulars. How posh are we talking? 

Not just posh. He’s actually a prince of England, Queen Victoria’s youngest son.  And in the first episode, he decides not to tell the other regulars that he is a prince. And I think that's because he wants to sort of be accepted as a normal teenager and not have these things that have been held holding him back his whole life. 

Tank top AMI, denim pants Levi’s, socks Celine by Hedi Slimane, necklace Federico Curradi & belt Acne Studios

And let me guess: he has a gorgeous American actress wife in his future.

(Laughs.) Yeah, probably. Leo’s been kept in his room at Buckingham Palace for 17 years of his life, so he doesn't really have any friends his own age. So that’s why he wants to experience London and on his very first outing, he encounters the other Irregulars. 

Jumper Daniel W. Fletcher & shorts Dior Homme

Left Tank top AMI, denim pants Levi’s, socks Celine by Hedi Slimane, necklace Federico Curradi & belt Acne Studios

Right Full look MSGM

What about you? How posh are you in real life? Do you know your fish knife from your butter knife?

I definitely fell into that sort of princely thing quite quickly. My first day on set, I put on this incredible princely royal attire and just went “yeah, this is for me.” (Laughs.) In real life, I'm pretty posh but when I read the script and saw how well-mannered and well-spoken he was, I started taking notes whenever I spent time with my granddad, who is just the most perfect man in terms of being well-spoken and perfectly mannered. I can’t wait for lockdown to end, so I can take up the curry night tradition I have with him and one of my cousins. 

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Tank top Raf Simons Archive SS ’96

 So how’re you occupying your time until curry’s on the menu again?

At the moment, I'm gearing up for the release of the Irregulars. It's been a very big part of my life for the last two years. But as an actor, you have long stretches of time where you’re between roles, so I’ve set up a sustainable marketing company with some of my school friends. 

 It’s called Addvert, with the double D. You see the #ad hashtag on social media? Well, this is about going the extra mile to ensure the profits are going to charity or that the product we are supporting is a genuinely sustainable one, not just something that’s been greenwashed. We work on fundraisers for charities that we support or doing campaigns for sustainable products online or projects promoting mental health. It’s been really rewarding and fun.

Vest Hermes & pants Givenchy

What's the product that we should all be paying attention to, then?

An amazing search engine called Ecosia. It’s very similar to Google, except that each search contributes to getting trees planted in Madagascar and South America. It’s quite an easy thing to put into your life and the benefits are there. So we've got quite a few projects like these coming up. They’re all under wraps at the moment, but I'm excited for the future.

 

Left Hat Dior Homme, denim pants Levi’s, belt Acne Studios & underwear Calvin Klein

Right Sweater Our Legacy & pants Dior Homme

Interview by Lily Tempteton

Photography by James Greenhalgh

Fashion by Marco Drammis

Casting ImageMachine_cs

EIC Michael Marson

Grooming Petra Sellge at The Wall Group

Stylist Assistant Lauren Glazer

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CAKE AS KRYPTONITE

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There's not as big a step as you might think between wanting to be the fastest man in the world and become an out-of-this-world actor. Just ask Aaron Pierre. 

 Ever since he made a remarkable and remarked debut on stage, as Cassio in Othello at Shakespeare’s Globe opposite Mark Rylance – arguably one of the greatest thespians of our time – the 27-year-old South Londoner  has been around the (acting) universe a fair bit, going from the dark days of the Roman Empire to the shining doom of Krypton. 

 But our hero's destiny was probably set long before that, when in 2004, he read the lines "Greetings, gang, and welcome to the ultimate superhero battle, the one comics fans have been awaiting for decades" in the JLA/Avengers comic book. And like any good superhero, ours has a dastardly weakness...

Left Jacket GUCCI

Right Shirt ROCHAS

 

Word is that your career as an international athlete was derailed by an addiction to food, especially cake. For real?

Ha! I have a serious sweet tooth. Cake, cookies – that's my thing! Growing up I loved athletics. Particularly sprinting. 100m and 4x100m relay were my favourite events. There was definitely a time when I wanted to pursue athletics as a career! My passion changed around 14 years old. I wanted to share stories. I joined a theatre group in my area and the rest is history!

 

So what was on the menu during lockdown?

I cooked a lot during lockdown! There was a lot on the menu. My favourite thing I made was Caramel Shortbread. It didn't last long!

Jacket LANVIN & pants DIOR HOMME

 

C'mon then, what's your all-time favourite?

That's a difficult question! I have many favourite dishes. I'm going to say Callaloo and Saltfish with Plantain and Rice!

 

From Krypton to Shakespeare’s Italy… What’s harder: stepping into a role that’s been around for centuries or going for an all-new character? 

Both may present challenges in their own unique way. When approaching a character, I do my best to discover what I believe to be that character's truth and see any challenges as positive challenges; an opportunity to grow.

Full look BERLUTI

 

The Guardian’s Michael Billington says you brought vitality to Cassio, a “bookish wimp”. How do you breathe contemporary spirt and relevance into a role?

That's very kind. I'm not sure. As I said, I do my best to discover what I believe to be that character's truth – I believe that combined with thorough exploration of the text, conversations with the director and company will guide you in the right direction.

 

And which one are you in real life. The bookish shy guy type or the stylish rake?

Neither. Ha! There are times when I like solitude and quiet. There are also times when I like big social events! I think things can coexist.

Tank top MAISON MARGIELA

 

What makes you say yes to a role?

The character and story. Saying yes to a role and story that you are passionate about is a brilliant feeling. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to experience that feeling a number of times in my career.

 

Left Shirt ROCHAS & pants QUASIMI

Right Jacket GUCCI

What's next for you?

Two projects I can tell you about are The Underground Railroad (directed by Barry Jenkins) and OLD (directed by M. Night Shyamalan) – 2021! Stay tuned!

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

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WISHING UPON A LONE STAR

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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

 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! 

 

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].

 

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. 

 

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. 

Ronen Rubinstein_BTBOnline_Behind The Blinds Magazine_AlexLaCruz5 2.jpg

 

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. 

 

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

BLUE SCREEN OF LIFE

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

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)

Left Full look DRIES VAN NOTEN

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. 

Turtleneck RAF SIMONS

“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) 

Full look BOTEGGA VENETA

“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. 

All SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

 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. 

Left Shirt DRIES VAN NOTEN

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

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BACK TO SCHOOL

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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

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THE BOY

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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’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. 

Vest, jacket and pants LANVIN & boots GIVENCHY

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.

Left Jacket DRIES VAN NOTEN

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

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.

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

…

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

Let's meet ERIKA LINDER

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.

…


…

/ Interview by Julie Nysten /

/ Photography by Heather Kemesky /

…

SPEED ITW with JAMIE WISE

 

/ 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.

...

... 

/ more about Jamie  /

/ ITW by REMY RUSSOTTO & photo by OLIVIER DESARTE /

/ production by MICHAEL MARSON & VISUAL ART SERVICES /

MOTION ITW with TAYTE HANSON

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.

...

/ more about Tayte /

/ ITW by REMY RUSSOTTO & photo by RUBEN TOMAS /

/ production by MICHAEL MARSON /

ITW with PAUL HAMELINE

 

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.

...

 

/ ITW by REMY RUSSOTTO &  illustration by SEAN RYAN /

/ production by MICHAEL MARSON /

SLICED ITW with FINNLAY DAVIS

/ 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

...

 

 

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

/ production by MICHAEL MARSON /

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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