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

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FINDING THE LIGHT

Nell Tiger Free is the 23-year-old British star of M. Night Shyamalan’s smash hit Apple TV+ series, Servant, which revolves around Dorothy and Sean Turner as their lives as grieving parents are upended when young nanny Leanne (played by Tiger Free), seemingly brings their child back to them, with dark consequences for all.

As the hotly anticipated fourth and final season approaches, it’s time for the actress to bid farewell to the role in which she turned in the most memorable performance, transforming her character from sweet girl to badass.

This up-and-comer is, for lack of a better word, cool—really cool. We had a conversation about the end of an era, sheroes and how she’s graduating from creepy nanny to more slow burn scares, this time on the big screen, in The First Omen, a prequel to the original 1970s horror classic.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

You’ve gone from playing schoolgirls and princesses, to exploring your darker side in your roles in Too Old to Die Young, and of course, Servant. Have you enjoyed the journey into progressively darker characters?

 It’s been fantastically satisfying for me to delve into the darker parts of these characters I’ve been lucky enough to play. I think we all have a little bit of darkness in us, and I think being able to exploit my own insecurities and personality faults and make them ten times bigger, and present them as entertainment, has been relatively therapeutic!

Top and bloomers Louis Vuitton, belt Rose Murdoch

 We’re now up to the fourth and final season of the series. What was it like seeing the scripts for the new season and where they're going with this closing chapter?

 It’s always exciting when we get a fresh batch of scripts for the new season, and all of us make our personal bets and guesses to which way the story is going to go. We’re never 100% sure until we’re holding the piece of paper in our hands, and no matter what, every time, every season, there’s always something that one of misses. We pick up little hints here and there, listening to conversations we’re not supposed to! But whenever we get the final 10 scripts, there’s always something that none of us would have seen coming. That’s fun and encouraging, as if we don’t know what’s happening, then it’s unlikely that other people will. Although I feel like our fanbase is insatiable, they keep coming up with different theories, and I read them and think, wow, I never would have thought of that!

Bodysuit Sportmax, shirt Our Legacy, boots Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, necklace Hugo Kreit

 Are we in for an epic and emotional conclusion for Leanne, like finding out who the child is and even more nightmares?

 Epic and emotional are two perfect word choices for this season! I can’t tell you if any questions get answered. I can tell you that I think it’s a satisfying conclusion and hopefully does the past four years of the show justice and is enough for our wonderful fans.

 

How does it feel to mark the end of your time as Leanne, she’s such a compelling character, and you’ve played different versions of her throughout the suspense-filled seasons, as there’s been so many plot twists. Did you feel immediately connected to the character?

 It feels like the end of an era for me, I grew up playing Leanne, we were both figuring out how to access our power as young women and people, and having a voice, and being comfortable enough to trust your instincts and respect your own decisions. I think that myself and Leanne were kind of holding hands and walking through those discoveries together. It’s been special to me to play a character that was going though similar things to what I was, even though they’re in vastly different worlds and universes, but life imitates art in that way. I don’t think I’ll ever say goodbye to her, I think she’ll always be with me.

Full look Prada

 Have the characters you’ve played to date helped to build your confidence as an actor? Has it ever been challenging for you, have you had to live up to your middle name and embody that fierce and fearless spirit?

 I think every character I’ve played has given me confidence, whether it’s through the experience of filming, or through the experience of the acting, and the two of course go hand in hand. But sometimes the experience of a project as a whole really shapes you, like Too Old to Die Young really taught me a lot of lessons, and Servant taught me more as an actress. I’ve just been shooting The First Omen, and I don’t feel like I would have been ready or able to undergo that mammoth of a challenge, if I had not have had Servant preparing me for the past four years. I feel like I’m learning as I go and watching these amazing actors around me has also given me some great examples of how you should carry yourself in this industry. It helps to figure out what type of actor you want to be, and kindness is very important.

 

Have there been any mentors along the way, I mean you worked with the original fantasy princess, the late Carrie Fisher, what was that like, did she offer any advice that’s helped refine your craft and given you more respect for the art of storytelling?

 I never had any scenes with Carrie, but I knew her socially, when she would shed her work skin, and she was just this enigmatic and amazing human being. I didn’t get to talk to her too much about anything work related, but she was always there and kind, and funny and was just a beautiful soul.

Cape Giorgio Armani, blazer Lanvin, top Zadig&Voltaire, skirt Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, shoes Stefan Cooke, earrings Hugo Kreit

“I think we all have a little bit of darkness in us, and I think being able to exploit my own insecurities and personality faults and make them ten times bigger, and present them as entertainment, has been relatively therapeutic!”

 What about other heroes, or sheroes, that inspire you, either through their personality or performances on screen?

 Any young woman that I watch, and think they’ve done a great job, I respect massively, and it’s difficult to pinpoint just one name. I was in awe of my co-star Maria Caballero in The First Omen, because she has this amazing natural instinct and she’s such a beautiful actress and is going to have such an amazing career. So, things like that inspire me, to watch these young women who I get to work alongside and see how fantastic they are. I get more excited to watch careers flourish for women who deserve them, and Maria’s one of those.

 

So, you’ve mentioned your next major project, The First Omen, a prequel to the original movie, The Omen. Can you tell us anything about it yet?

 Well, there’s a heavy religious theme running through the movie, and it’s set in Rome, and that’s all I can really say, and it’s got quite a feminist feel to it. We have Arkasha Stevenson as director, and I would take a bullet for that woman! She was our captain, our leader and I’ve never seen anyone navigate such difficult content and workdays and do it with such grace, and she’s so smart and artistically amazing too. I would do any movie she ever wanted me to!

 

Do you think all the intense thrillers and dramas you’ve worked on so far helped you to handle the more intense sides of doing a horror?

 Towards the end of Servant, we started bleeding in these elements of action and a lot of strenuous physical activity as well as the mental stuff, and those things married together for the number of times and days I was shooting, was amplified by a thousand on The First Omen! I don’t think I could have walked off a rom-com and straight into shooting this movie! The level of intensity I’ve been slowly building through Servant, was the perfect step towards the beast that is The Omen.

Left Top Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, crop top Patou, shorts Burberry, boots and silver ring Alexander McQueen, ring Hugo Kreit

Right Jacket Stefan Cooke, dress Talia Byre, jeans MM6, ring Versace

 Are you into horror? I’m not at all, but I think the most powerful horror films are really psychologically driven, rather than being so much about the violence, what do you think?

 I love anything horror or thriller based, I don’t particularly like gore, watching people getting their arms and legs cut off! I love a cheap scare, I’m a sucker for a jump scare, I get truly excited to go to the cinema and see horror films. It’s actually the people who don’t like watching them, that brings me joy, so I might drag you along with me!

 

Let’s move on, haha! What about other roles you would like to try next, or maybe even expand your career as a writer or director?

 The next thing I’m going to do will probably be even darker, haha! I don’t know how you can get much darker, I mean my hair is blonde now so I’m trying to let the light in! I would love to do a rom-com or a musical, that would be such a new challenge for me. I’m quite comfortable in the horror / thriller space, so I think a different challenge for me would be to do something light-hearted.

As for the future, I’m taking it one step at a time. There are a couple of movies I’ve written that are at the bottom of my desk draw, as I love writing. Directing would be many years in the future. I think I have to feel established and safe in my position as an actress, before they let me start doing anything else!

Left Blazer, top and skirt Miu Miu, earrings D’heygere

 Right Jacket and shoes Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, top MM6, skirt Louis Vuitton, pants Stefan Cooke, earrings Hugo Kreit

 Aside from acting, you’re also in a band called Your Parents, how’s that going?

 We’re in a secret gang, haha! We did a couple of gigs and it’s been difficult to line up all our schedules. Never start a band with young guys, because it’s hard to coordinate one man, let alone three of them! I feel like I have three floppy-haired children! I love the band very much though, and it’s just something that’s quite cathartic, it doesn’t necessarily have any professional legs, it’s more a ‘get home from work and go to band practice kind of situation’.

 

How about combining that musical talent with your next role, maybe a musical? Can you dance too?

 You’ll never ever see me dancing! If I had to I would, but for others people’s sake, it’s best not to see me dance! I’m passionate about singing though, I would love to do a musical, acting and singing, it would be a really cool amalgamation of the things I love the most.

 

Maybe a dark creepy musical, with Leanne’s next transformation as the lead singer and dancer?

 You never know! Based on a Christin rock band, haha!

…

Discover the full story in our upcoming SS23 WILDSIDE Issue

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Marek Chorzepa

Fashion by Kat Ambroziak

EIC Michael Marson

Casting by Imagemachine Cs

Production by Studio Bajek

Hair by Ben Talbott at The Wall Group

Make-Up by Valeria Ferreira at The Wall Group

Photographer’s assistant Anna Son

Stylist’s assistant Ada Matylda

Production assistant Rhiannon Owens 

BIGGER, BRASHER AND MORE RIDICULOUS!

For Jack Lowden, one of the most exciting aspects of his latest project The Gold – a brilliantly outrageous BBC series from Neil Forsyth inspired by the infamous 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery – has been the possibility to dip into the culture and blingy aesthetics of the polarizing decade. “My sense of style is nowhere near as outgoing as that, so it was just wonderful to give into the severe amounts of gold and massive hair,” says the British actor. In our digital cover story, we spoke to Jack about Forsyth’s darkly funny take on Britain’s biggest gold heist, listening to the show’s soundtrack on a loop and his love for vintage BBC comedies.

Full look Dior Men

Your new series The Gold is based on the famous case of the Brink’s-Mat robbery from 1983. Did you know about this heist prior to hearing about the project?

 I didn’t know about it at all – when the scripts were sent over to me, that was the first time I heard of it. The true story is so ridiculous, incredible and hard to believe, but really, the scripts and the way it was written were so brilliant and new, that it was [all] sort of secondary to me. Every character was just wonderful and was given their moment. Neil [Forsyth, the creator], first and foremost, writes very entertaining things and knows what the audience wants. So even with something like our show, which goes at times into incredibly dark places, Neil sometimes takes the piss out of the characters and completely circumnavigates it and frames it in a way that’s a lot more clever than just telling the story straight and letting people make their minds up. He can undermine characters very easily by making them look a certain way which I just found really interesting.

Left Shirt Prada, knit Fendi

Right Coat, shirt, pants Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, bracelet Sweetlimejuice

 How do you think this approach that Neil is taking can change the way that we perceive this story?

 I think the way he approached the story is quite seductive because that period was very seductive. It was the 1980s, they opened the markets up and it was all about self-improvement and not being happy with where you were – which can be a good and bad thing, depending on how you look at it. At the core of the story is the seductiveness of money, greed and gold. And so, the show and its characters are purposely seductive at the beginning. But then, the horrendous consequences of pursuing greed like that are laid bare. And I think that Neil’s sense of humour creates an interesting way of telling this story – he completely pulls the rug from under the feet of the characters.

Left Shirt Prada, knit Fendi

Right Coat, pants, shoes, belt Versace, shirt Prada 

 You’re playing Kenneth Noye, one of the criminals involved in the heist. How do you approach portraying someone that can possibly watch the show and see his story on screen? What was important to you while creating his depiction?

 First and foremost, my concern straight away was just to play the character that Neil had written, as the show is ‘inspired by’ and not a documentary. But of course, we were very careful, just because you have to be very sensitive with this story as well – so many people were affected by it and it did have really serious consequences for many. And hopefully, we’ve done a good job showing that.

Full look Dries Van Noten

What was the most exciting part for you about getting to step into the 1980s era?

 I mean, one of the main reasons I wanted to do the show was because of the period. I think that people from our generation often have a conscious or unconscious obsession with the culture from that time just because we grew up in the 1990s, which were so different as a decade. Fashion-wise, it was a hell of a lot of fun! Everything was just a bit bigger and brasher and more ridiculous.

Full lool Louis Vuitton

What are some cultural things from the 1980s that you are very much obsessed with?

 It’s really the music! The soundtrack to the show is so brilliant – New Order, Joy Division – and I’m still listening to it almost every day. Also, when it comes to fashion, the gaucheness of it! My sense of style is nowhere near as outgoing as that, so it was just wonderful to give into the severe amounts of gold and massive hair [for the show].

Left Coat, shirt, pants Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, bracelet Sweetlimejuice, shoes Versace

Right Shirt Prada, knit Fendi, pants Versace

 Are there any shows that you remember watching from around that period as a kid that had a big impact on you?

 Yes, basically every BBC comedy from both the 1970s and 1980s – Only Fools and Horses, Open All Hours, Porridge, Fawlty Towers… That’s what I did as a kid, I would just watch those. They became a comfort thing for me – when I was really young, I would have to watch an episode from one of them every night. If I went abroad on a family holiday, I would take my case with all the BBC comedy DVDs. It was like a safety blanket. Only Fools and Horses had an especially massive impact on me. And I can sense it in any job that I do now -  I’m always trying to find a funny angle and that’s because of these shows.

Left Coat, pants, belt Versace, shirt Prada 

Right Full look Prada

 Is doing comedy something you’d like to pursue more in the future?

 Yeah but I have a dreadful problem – whenever I know that something is remotely funny, I laugh and I can’t get through anything. And it’s sort of pathetic! If I know that what I’m doing or saying is funny, I laugh the hardest. So I want to do more comedy, but I think that I’d also really struggle because I would just laugh the whole time.

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Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Callum Su

Fashion by Steven Huang

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Set design by Annie Alvin 

Grooming by Nadia Altinbas 

Stylist’s assistants Nathan Fox & Tamryn Charteris

Photographer’s assistants Olivia Scott & Rio Zangoura

Grooming assistant Misty Mosharrafa 



A LOVING MEMORY IS A LEGACY TOO

For Morpheus, working on his debut EP Morphosis has been a process of healing. After unexpectedly losing his mother a couple of years ago, the young Dutch artist (whose real name is Martijn Verhagen) found solace in writing songs that celebrate her life and monumentalise his memories of her. “Music was my opportunity to escape from the darkness and transform the sadness of loss into beauty,” explains the singer-songwriter. “Even though the subject is quite heavy, the songs try to offer uplifting perspectives as well. That helped me get through it.” Ahead of the EP’s release, we spoke to Morpheus about being strong while staying vulnerable, honouring his mom through pursuing his dreams and feeling inspired by nature’s serenity.

“Although my songs are hyper-personal, Morpheus helps me build a world around my music. It allows me to be strong while staying vulnerable.”

What is the meaning behind your stage name?

I was always interested in mythology, especially Greek and Egyptian, and get so much inspiration from the stories and sagas. Morpheus was the bringer of dreams and could shape and motivate people towards action. I hope to do the same with my songs. My friends used to call me the dreamy one. Although my songs are hyper-personal, Morpheus helps me build a world around my music. It allows me to be strong while staying vulnerable.

You’re about to release your debut EP Morphosis - what are the narratives and emotions that you want to explore with this body of work?

I started writing the EP about two years ago, shortly after my mom passed away. It was all very sudden, no one saw it coming, and at 63, she was still young. That’s why I felt the need to heal myself through writing songs. Music was my opportunity to escape from the darkness and transform the sadness of loss into beauty. Even though the subject is quite heavy, the songs try to offer uplifting perspectives as well. That helped me get through it.

Your new single, Burning in Paris, is written from your father's perspective. What’s the story behind this song?

My mom had so many dreams that were postponed for years. After she passed away, I found a bucket list with all the things she wanted to do when she retired. One of them was going to France to visit her sister and reconnect with the culture she liked the most. Now and then I have conversations with my dad about this. About how he regrets that he thought he had the luxury of time. That if he had a second chance, he would have done things differently.


Do you see your music as a tribute to your mother? If so, in what way are your songs honouring her?

Just after I found her bucket list of backlogged dreams, I felt strongly that it is my duty to pursue my dreams and follow my feelings instead of ignoring them. Besides, my mom was the first person to tell me that I could touch people with my voice. Singing and writing these songs felt — and still feels —like I’m monumentalising my memories of her. 

For the past few years, I struggled with the thought, ”How can someone so dear, ‘disappear’ in a blink of an eye? There must be a way that she’s still here’’. I simply decided that she was still here. Even if she’s just still here in my memories. After all, a loving memory is a legacy too. The song Gold is about how these memories are just like golden trophies that you can store within your heart. That’s how a loved one never really disappears when they pass away.

Who are the artists that you look up to the most? In what ways have they inspired the way that you approach working on music?

Artists like Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour, and Zeki Muren inspired me immensely. These days it’s often about catchy hooks and flashy productions, but I adore (and miss) the fact that they only needed a mic and a spotlight. Their songwriting and vocal delivery simply were enough to ‘wow’ a crowd. This inspired me to record all the songs in just one take, like in the old days. That raw emotion of that first take is often more valuable than polished perfection.


In one of your Instagram posts, I read that most of your ideas are born in the forest. What do you love about that surrounding and what is your favourite forest to return to?

I grew up in a very small town so I was always surrounded by nature and animals. But when I was 18, I didn’t really feel like I fit in. So I moved to Amsterdam, to find my people and to feel more comfortable with who I am.  But there isn’t much nature to be found in a big city like Amsterdam. Nature’s serenity speaks to me, it inspires me deeply. That’s why most of my lyrics and song concepts are written in nature. I don’t like writing in a room full of people because songwriting is an organic process for me. I try to quiet down the surroundings outside in order to make sure that the voice inside gets a little louder. I believe you need that inner voice as loud as possible in order to write an authentic song.

My favourite places to go to when I’m in need of this serenity are De Veluwe, Campina and Kennemerduinen, all in The Netherlands.

What goals have you set up for yourself as an artist?

With new music, I’d like to experiment with contemporary beats, different song structures and cinematic sounds. Combining flavours from the old and the new gives me the framework to create something that endures the test of time.

This EP was all about telling intimate stories so I didn’t want to be too distracting with my visuals. That is why we recorded live videos for most of the songs. However, music and visuals go hand in hand and I can’t wait to further build the visual world around my music as well. There are many ideas that spin in my head. 


What’s your dream place to perform in one day?

I’ve always dreamt of playing in more theatrical and classical venues like the Royal Albert Hall, opera houses or an amphitheatre—places with rich history and special atmospheres that have been around for ages. I would love to play with an orchestra too. And just like in the old days, I would tell my stories with just a mic and a spotlight.

…


Morpheus’ debut EP Morphosis is out on the 17th of March. You can listen to his new single Burning in Paris here. 


Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Yaël Temminck

BROADENED HORIZONS

Caught in a sex, drugs and rock’n’roll love triangle, Camila Morrone is Camila Dunne in the Amazon Prime mockumentary adaptation of best-selling novel Daisy Jones and the Six. Through her character she embodies the voice of reason and emotional depth in a chaotic seventies era, whilst also capturing the crippling realities of band dynamics via her photographic lens. Off screen, she nourishes her multiculturalism travelling between LA and Buenos Aires, speaking Spanish, and hoping to explore the latin entertainment industry which she sees as an essential step in the next steps of her career.

Can you tell us a bit about Daisy Jones and the Six?

Daisy Jones and the Six is a story about love, friendship, dreams, hard work, music, difficulties of life, and all of its complications. It’s really special because it's set in a very specific era in the 1970s where the music scene in LA was really great. If you love period pieces, if you love music, if you love drama, you’ll love Daisy Jones.


Now plot wise, I want to get into the nitty gritty : why do you believe Camila still chooses Billy, after everything he does or doesn’t do for her?

It was something that I asked myself when I read the script and the book, and I think I struggled as an actor to justify Billy’s actions and Camila’s choices to stay and continue to give him chances. But life is complicated and life is messy, because nothing is linear, love isn’t linear. It takes a lot of courage to do what Camila did. To forgive, love and understand. I have a lot to learn from her.


What made you gravitate towards acting?

I feel like I have always been very emotional, and very connected to studying human interactions. I just had a desire to express myself and that turned out to be in the form of acting. Every actor has a lot to say and a lot of feelings that they’re dealing with so it’s an incredible outlet to perform a scene. It's cathartic.

Can you tell us a bit more about your other upcoming projects?

I have a project coming out called Gonzo Girl directed by Patricia Arquette starring Willem Daffoe that is based on the book by Hunter S Thompson, and is totally different to the other things I’ve done. Working with people at that level was the highlight of my career and I was a sponge absorbing as much as I could from these artists that have been around for a long time and have deep knowledge, for life, art and expression.

The film delves into very heavy topics, such as addiction as does Daisy and the Six. How do you prepare for roles that explore these intricate subjects?

Gonzo Girl was a bigger study into drugs and addiction, as my character is quite young and innocent when she starts the film and towards the end she does dabble quite heavily into drugs and I had to do a lot of research because I didn’t know much about that. On Daisy and the Six we were coached on what drug addiction and alcoholism looked like back then.

I’m really impressed that you explored the perception of alcoholism in the seventies, because back then it was not taken as seriously and there was not as much awareness about the disease as there is today.

Exactly, we all had the questions at the table read, like were people noticing Billy’s alcoholism? Were they noticing that he was spiralling? And I think that was a big question for my character : how much awareness was there around being an addict or being an alcoholic? The truth was that it wasn’t like it is today, the awareness around it, the treatment and support systems around alcoholics. Which is why I think Camila takes a second to catch on and see that Billy is really going through something and that it is getting out of hand.


The roles you play are all very varied. Out of the characters you played, which do you relate to the most?

I see myself in different ways in all the characters, I can relate to attributes of them whilst also learning from them. We’re all stuck on our morals and what we believe to be right, and then you play a character who has different morals and it starts to kind of bend and expand your brain and your judgement.

You grew up in Hollywood but have Argentinian roots- Have you ever thought of exploring acting or even music in Argentina- or just in the Hispanic entertainment industry?

There’s such incredible films and projects coming out of Latin America and I’m just waiting for the right thing to come up. That is essential in the next steps of my career, I really want to collaborate with Latin artists. There’s such an incredible world that I feel like I haven’t dipped my toe into and want to go after to broaden my horizons and experiences.

…

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

Camila is wearing full CHANEL

Interview by Gabrielle Colas 

Photography by Shane McCauley

Fashion director Carolina Orrico

Fashion by Jensen Edmondson

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Hair by Candice Birns

Make-Up by Kate Lee using Chanel

OUT WEST

We’re catching up with German-born actress Lisa Vicari so she can plug her new Sky / CANAL+ drama, Django, a TV adaptation of the 1966 cult classic spaghetti Western fable, in which the rising young star really comes into her own. The actress plays the character of Sarah, estranged daughter of the gung-ho gunslinger Django, who she blames for the death of their family years before. She’s magnetic in her role among all the wild west action, portraying a woman for whom her frontier toughness is built on inner strength, but is also inseparable from her softness and grace. This is, in part, what drew Vicari to the role.

Having already made a name for herself in twisty thrillers such as Netflix’s gripping sci fi series, Dark in which she played Martha Nielsen, and in the sci-fi horror film Hell and the revenge thriller Luna, (which earned her a nomination for the Young German Cinema Award at the Munich Film Festival), Vicari has amassed over 1million IG followers and is surely now on Hollywood’s “Most Wanted” list.

Dress Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello & boots Raf Simons

Tell me about Django...

There have been a lot of remakes since the original 1966 Django with Franco Nero by Sergio Corbucci, but our adaptation is a modern take on the original with a really strong inclusive cast, female leads, and complex characters.

Bodysuit Wolford, black feathers skirt N21, boots Raf Simons

Speaking of female leads, you play the role of Sarah, and it’s a part with depth. She’s compelling in her beauty, vulnerability, and emotive strength. What drew you to the character?

I was drawn to Sarah for a lot of reasons, the strongest being her inner strength and how she turns her pain from the past into something so hopeful and beautiful, like building the town of New Babylon. She truly believes in a better world and fights for it with all her power. I found that really inspiring.

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Right Jumper, skirt, shirt Prada, belt Altuzarra, earrings Cartier

She’s brave. Are you a naturally brave person? Can you compare your bravery in any way to hers for instance?

It’s true, Sarah is very brave. She lives in a world where women have no voice. She had to grow up abruptly as a little girl due to a terrible stroke of fate, and since then she’s been fighting against all odds for herself and her newly founded city, New Babylon. I don't want to presume to compare her bravery to mine, since Sarah's circumstances are so immensely different. But I think I carry a different kind of bravery and courage that’s necessary for my job. The courage to get emotionally involved with a character and their pain, and to open up to it and share their emotions.

Left Bodysuit Wolford, black feathers skirt N21, boots Raf Simons, necklace Cartier

Right Jacket Chanel, bodysuit Wolford, tights Wolford X Mugler, earrings Cartier

Top Miu Miu

“I was drawn to [my character] Sarah for a lot of reasons, the strongest being her inner strength and how she turns her pain from the past into something so hopeful and beautiful.”

Where did you turn for inspiration for the role and references to representations of strong women from that period?

I looked at lots of different sources for inspiration and created mood boards out of photographs and paintings of strong women from the wild west. I also researched extraordinary women from that time and read their stories. The script itself also offered a layered character with an insight to Sarah’s past, which was extremely helpful for the process in finding the character for me.

Dress Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello & boots Raf Simons

The series maintains all the classic vibes of the Western genre all tied into these complex character dynamics. How was it building the chemistry with your co-stars?

We had two weeks of rehearsal in Romania before we started shooting, so we as a cast, were able to get to know each other and work on the scenes. Sarah’s relationship to Django and to John are both very complex and full of strong emotions, so it was a beautiful and creative process to explore these relationships together with Matthias (Schoenaerts) and Nicholas (Pinnock).

Top Miu Miu

Left Suit Coperni, shirt Holzweiler, necklace Cartier, shoes Dries Van Noten

Did you have to learn any new skills for the role, like horse-riding or perfecting the Texan accent?

I didn’t know how to ride a horse before this project, so I had a lot of training before, and I absolutely loved it! It’s so beautiful to work with horses, they’re such sensitive creatures. I also had an amazing accent coach called Sam Lilja, who worked with me and some other actors on set, and it was a new and exciting experience to find a character not only in an emotional way, but also in how she talks.

Bodysuit Wolford, black feathers skirt N21, boots Raf Simons, necklace Cartier

What about your relationship with fashion in this new series, how does it inform Sarah’s character?

We had an amazing costume designer for the show, called Alessandro Lai. As Sarah represents lightness and hope, we wanted that to be reflected in the costumes too. Especially in comparison to Noomi Rapace’s character, who is an antagonist and wears a lot of black, dark colours and sharp silhouettes. Sarah’s costume is a lot softer, without heavy corsets and brighter colours.

Jacket MM6 Maison Margiela, boots Raf Simons

What about if you could inherit an actress’ wardrobe from any movie, whose would it be?

Probably any costume worn by Audrey Hepburn, especially in Roman Holiday – they’re so timeless.

Top Miu Miu

So, when did you know that you wanted to pursue acting as a career, and how did you get discovered, so to speak?

When I was 10 years old a friend of mine took me along to a weekend long-acting improvisation course for kids – that’s where I probably fell in love with acting, because after that, I couldn’t think about anything else anymore, haha! I was so determined to act in movies even though I had no idea where to start. After talking my parents’ ears off about it for two years, I heard about a young man who wanted to apply for a film school in Munich. So, I wrote him a letter telling him that I wanted to act, and then I got a part in his application short film. From then on, I took baby steps, doing more short films and eventually did my first feature film called Hell in 2011, by Tim Fehlbaum.

Bodysuit Wolford, black feathers skirt N21, boots Raf Simons, necklace Cartier

Now you’ve done dark twisty thrillers, sci fi and a Western, what kind of part would you ideally gravitate towards next? I read that your dream is to act in a period drama...?

The beautiful thing about my job is that there are almost endless opportunities to what the next character could be… you just never know! I wasn’t expecting to play any of the characters that I’ve done, before I got the scripts, and I fell in love with them. I just know that I want to work with great filmmakers who have a strong story to tell – maybe a love story is next or an action film. Who knows! Haha!

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Yves Borgwardt

Fashion by Camille Naomi Franke

Casting Imagemachine cs

Hair by Tina Pachta

Make-Up by NAOMZZ

Nail by Camilla Inge Volbert

Set design by Stefanie Grau

Photographer’s assistant Marcus Rex

Stylist’s assistant Antonio Chiocca

SUPERNATURAL HIGHS

If you watched the fourth season of Netflix’s inescapable hit series, Stranger Things, you’ll agree that Franco-American actor Raphael Luce’s debut as a troubled young Henry Creel (who grew up to be gnarly villain Vecna), stole the show. Since then, the 16-year-old’s jump into fame has become a tricky balance between schoolwork, scripts, stunt work, and juggling (quite literally) being a circus performer.

Luce grew up acting along with his siblings, Gabriel Sky and Jophielle Love, and has racked up screen time as the young James Roosevelt in Showtime drama The First Lady and as French Boy in Disney+’s Loki. We caught up with him to talk about how his life has been flipped Upside Down.

Parka jacket,& top Miu Miu, shorts and boots Celine Homme

So, we must talk about your role as young Henry Creel in the inescapable hit series, Stranger Things. How did you get the part and what was your reaction when you first found out?

When you audition for the number one TV show in the world, you know that the chance of you getting the part is pretty small. My audition was for a random scene not from the show, where I had to be scared of a monster, screaming and shaking, so you would actually think it was for a role playing one of Vecna’s victim rather, than the villain himself! That’s ironic. 

Obviously, casting also was looking for someone who looked very much like Jamie, and on that part, I think we can all agree that they did a good job. It was when I finally met the cast members on my first day at the studios that it hit me. I was finally there, getting ready to step onto the set of Stranger Things as Henry Creel. That was already exciting enough for me. Little did I know, Henry Creel was not just any boy!

Full look Alexander McQueen

To put it mildly! He was a little troubled, using psychokinetic powers for evil and, killing his mother and sister and framing his father for the murders. Were you ever freaked out on set while filming any scenes and how did it feel to play a character with all of that repressed feeling? 

Fun fact, I am not a fan of scary movies! I had watched the first season of Stranger Things, but that was the full extent of my dark side experience. So, when I finally got on set, I just had to calm my energy and let myself be led by the directors. The Duffer Brothers have experience with kid actors, obviously, and they know exactly what they want from you and how to take you there. Also, I have a good stare, don’t you think? Haha! Joking aside, it was actually quite exciting and fascinating to play a dark villain at heart. I had to put myself into the shoes of this boy, Henry Creel, and imagine the life he had to be that evil, so I could find the right emotion in the scenes. Imagination came into it a lot too, because the reality was that on set it was never scary, other than the spooky decor. I remember walking onto the hospital set, with walls covered with blood, and thinking, “Wow, someone really threw a good tantrum here!” 

How did you prepare for the role?

The show tried very hard to keep everything secret until it aired, so very few people actually got to read the whole script, or even some of the main characters. I was only handed sides (script excerpts), on the day, and had to figure out who my character really was. It’s only when they tattooed 001 on my wrist toward the end of the shoot that it became clear. Also, I never met Jamie (Campbell Bower) on set, so I really had nothing to work with as far as playing the young Henry. Luckily, we were a good match as our facial expressions were similar.

I also had so many costumes for my character and fittings, which became a bit of a headache after we had to pause shooting for a whole year during the COVID pandemic. When we came back, I had grown a foot, so we had to change all my costumes!

“My dream role would be Spiderman. I think he is my favourite superhero, a relatable and funny super teenager, what’s not to like?!”

.

Did you have any idea how your life might change following your season debut? I imagine it’s been pretty wild in terms of your fanbase surging overnight?

I had no idea that my part in Stranger Things was going to be so relevant to the season, so I had no expectations. It was very hard to keep the secret for three long years that I was going to be in the show. At the end of the initial trailer, my character looks pretty dead and unimportant, so (spoiler alert) when the season came out and the twist was revealed that Henry Creel was not an innocent child after all, it blew everyone’s mind! It was such a good reveal. That’s when my social media exploded, and at my first fan convention in Paris, I was shocked that hundreds of fans knew my name. It was an incredible feeling, but also a bit scary!

Do you get recognised now, and do you mind it?

I get recognised here and there, but it’s not overwhelming and it’s still new, so it always feels nice. I get recognised in the most random places, like when I’m out nature in the South of France or hiking in Vermont. It always surprises me. I am very grateful that people support me. I am lucky to have had the honour to be part of such an iconic show. So, thank you to all the fans for the support!

Left Full Celine Homme

Right Cardigan, t-shirt & shorts Celine Homme, shoes Versace, ring Tiffany & Co

How do you manage schooling and acting, and do you plan to go on to college? 

My siblings and I are all home schooled. There would be no way for us to do everything we do if we went to a public school because we travel too much. I don’t miss school, except for being with friends every day, and I don’t necessarily plan to go to college because I am already doing what I want to do in life. I could see myself going to film or drama school. I believe you can do anything you put your mind to. 

What have been the ups and down so far in being a young actor?

The hard part about being a child actor really is that you are evolving in an adult world. You have to take it all very seriously. If you want to succeed as an actor, you have to be “all in.”

You can’t slack off or decide that today you don’t feel like going to “work” and would rather go to your friend’s party. A whole crew is there, ready and expecting you to be just as professional as the adults. Every minute on that set costs a lot of money to run. 

At the same time, you don’t want to feel all that pressure because you are there to explore your character and be free, have fun and let loose. So, you have to find the right balance. On the upside, it has been amazing to see my social media explode overnight, like gaining millions of followers on TikTok. I enjoy talking to the fans through my gaming or live chats; I have my own Twitch channel that I hope to grow too.

Speaking of ups and downs… I read that you can walk the high wire and you do your own stunts and perform in the circus. So, what’s the dream role that could combine all of that?

Well, my favourite genre is action-comedy, and I am a big fan of Ryan Reynolds.

Deadpool cracks me up! My dream role would be Spiderman. I think he is my favourite superhero, a relatable and funny super teenager, what’s not to like?!

Polo-shirt, pants, belt and keychain Versace, boots Prada 

You came to acting early along with your younger siblings, and your parents are both stunt performers and former Cirque du Soleil artists. Have they been very supportive of your career?

My parents are for sure the reason why we are all acting, they are really supportive because they are artists and stunt performers and always worked in that industry. But they never pushed us into it. My dad is a world renowned high-wire walker who taught us all to do it, and I think he was secretly dreaming that one of us would become a high-wire walker to keep the tradition going! My mom trained hard most of her life as a gymnast, so she knows what it takes to get to the top and she teaches us to work hard.

You’re a Hollywood director’s dream being bilingual in French and English. I find it interesting how language can completely change you—because of cultural context, like with humour etc. Would you ever do any French films, just to challenge your acting abilities?  

That is funny you ask, because when people in France realised a Frenchie was part of the Stranger Things show I became quite popular there! So, it opened my mind to working there and I am now with an agency, (DS Talents), and I would love to act in a French movie for sure. I am still so young and have so much to learn, I am open to everything. It’s all a big adventure.

You’ve already appeared alongside some Hollywood heavyweights including Kiefer Sutherland, Gillian Anderson and Winona Ryder. What have you learnt so far from watching and absorbing their process, in shaping your own craft?

….and Owen Wilson on Loki. I mean all of them are incredible! They all impressed me, and I just quietly observe them working, that’s what you do on set as a young actor — listen, watch and learn from the pros. 

Who would you love to work with?

Jim Carrey, Ryan Reynolds, Adam Sandler and too many others to name. I wouldn’t be too picky!

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Alvin Kean Wong at Seen Artists

Fashion by Alexey Kazakov 

EIC Michael Marson 

Grooming by William Schaedler using Living Proof 

Photographer’s assistants Yuxin & Myron Hernandez 

CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE

For Rudy Pankow, this year has been all about cracking down on learning from other inspiring creators. Playing alongside an impressive list of castmates in Netflix sensation Outer Banks but films such as 5lbs of Pressure with Luke Evans and Uncharted opposite Fletcher Ruben, Mark Wahlberg and Tom Holland, Pankow’s performances oscillate between rapid fire film sets where performing under pressure is at its peak, to 8 months productions where he gets to participate in the evolution of his character.  While he relates to JJ, the actor insists on setting a boundary line in understanding his character allowing him to check in and out of their mindset and still maintain respect for them. With the 3rd season of Netflix tropical show Outer Banks freshly released just days ago, we got to chat with Rudy Pankow, the actor behind everybody’s favourite tumultuous character JJ. His investment in his characters’ backstories as well as his ability to perform in both passion projects and intense screenplays, showcase the actor’s bright anticipated future in the industry.

Growing up in Alaska, how does that compare to living the Hollywood dream in LA?

When I first got here it was a culture shock. These places are very isolating. You are here to connect, to network, but you realise how hard that is and then you’re like “What can I count myself on?” And you count on yourself to do the work. That’s what got me through that stage of the Hollywood dream. It’s really not a dream, it's pretty much “Holy cow, I need to wake up out of this dream state to do the work” and that’s when things start happening.

You spoke about learning from your peers, how was it working with Thomas Haden Church in Chocolate Lizards and creating that wonderful bromance?

I think Thomas, I don’t know how aware he is of this but he always kept me on my toes. It was a very fun lively set, when Thomas had an idea, it happened. That was a great exercise for me for my improv training. Thomas was also really willing to talk about it, you can’t always ask your costar to be so open all the time, but he was very into talking it through. I think we talked about it so much that then Thomas was like,”I think it's just best if we just do it, do something ridiculous”.

Your character’s father has a hard time believing in his son’s dream, but I was wondering how supportive were your parents of your career choice?

I would say Irwin’s is a little bit more harsh than mine. I had to break the news to my parents that I wanted to move to LA in a strategic sense cause I knew they were gonna convince me not to take that opportunity. When I was in high school, I was still going to church and my plan was to just break the news to the whole entire congregation. Everybody was like I’m gonna go to Penn State and I’m gonna study biochemistry, and then it gets to my turn and I’m like “I’m gonna move to LA and become an actor”, and everyone was like “Aight Rudy, good luck dude”. My parents were just staring at me. But believe it or not they were actually both fairly supportive and they were like if there’s a time in your life to go try something, it is out of high school.

So you’re going onto your third season of Outer Banks now, how does that feel?

It’s good, it was a fun experience to see just what the writers had in mind. I think everyone was not 100 percent sure of where they were gonna go, and everyone thinks that we’re in on everything but really we don’t get the scripts much earlier than when we start shooting them. It was a little longer than all the other seasons. It took 8 months, so it's been a long time coming, and we hope that the audience likes it.

What drew you to JJ, the character you played? There’s quite a lot happening on the bay, surfing, doing stunts, tell us more about that.

I was very connected to JJ more than any other character because I felt he had more of a predisposed challenge. I connected with not being able to choose your biological family but wanting to choose your friend-family. And his surfing, I've still been trying to figure it out. I wouldn’t say I’m a pro by any means. But I also love that part of JJ, where he’s like “If I’ve got a surfboard in my hands it's where I feel relaxed”, that’s all he needs, his friends and a surfboard. He’s still at the end of the day quick witted and understands that at some point he might have to grow up, but I don't know if he’ll ever address that.

JJ will do anything for his friends - what’s the craziest thing you ever did for yours?

Yeah I can’t say I would buy my friends a hot tub. OBX makes me laugh a little bit because it's a show that barely takes place in the Outer Banks, they’re always travelling somewhere, and I would say that’s what I would do with my friends, I would travel the world with my friends no matter what.

You filmed a lot during the pandemic. What would you say has been your biggest challenge in your career so far?

I think any creative suffered during the pandemic, because art in itself is about connection. It sparked a lot of creative thinking, and we’re coming out of it now so there’s gonna be new ways of thinking, thoughts, stories that are gonna come from this crazy challenge. But I also think attention spans suffered. That being a problem nowadays for television and movies, people’s attention spans are just like 4 seconds on one thing and then they’re moving onto the next thing, and I think that can hurt not only art but people’s mental places. You feel like you’re just not doing enough but it's just your attention span.

…

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

Rudy is wearing full EMPORIO ARMANI

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Emilia Staugaard 

Fashion by Caroline Orrico

EIC Michael Marson 

Casting by Imagemachine Cs 

Grooming by Candice Birns at Statement Artists

Photographer’s assistant Kevin Ipalari

NEW WAVE

South Korean model and actress Kim Yong-ji has appeared in TV shows including Mr Sunshine, The King: Eternal Monarch, Tale of the Nine Tailed and in the crime thrillers Watcher and Somebody. She’s part of a new wave of Korean stars having a moment, showing resilience in a changing society, and enriching the industry with her creativity and art, and the world is all the better for it.

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

Firstly, what’s your new year’s resolution that you’re determined not to break this year?

Reading 20 books and becoming a yogi.

How would you describe the year that has gone by?

A year full of changes. Both as an actor and a person, being resilient to the world that demands change.

Let’s talk about how you entered show business relatively late by today’s standards, as you wanted to complete your studies in theatre directing at the Seoul National Institute of the Arts. Why did you want to pursue a career in front of the camera then and not on stage, you had another career path in mind?

There's a stark difference between being on stage and in front of the camera but acting felt like an attractive career to me regardless. I started my career as a model, and naturally took the step of becoming an actor as I wanted to express myself further. I still dream and strive to become a more comprehensive actor.

Left Jacket, shirt & shoes Jil Sander, jumpsuit Loewe

Right Full look AMI

You’ve appeared in a few music videos, like Crush’s Oasis (2015) and Block B’s Toy (2016) and as you mentioned, have also modelled. Did you take acting classes to prepare yourself for walking along that well-trodden route from model to actor?

I believe there are various ways of studying acting. Experiences on set, lessons from acting coaches, many other methods exist. The diversity of my experiences seems to have served as a good base for me. However, I still have a thirst for learning, so I am still searching for my own perfect method.

Did you have actors you liked and worked your way through their filmography, for inspiration, and who inspires you now, that you would love to star opposite?

All actors, except myself, always feel big and admirable to me. I tend to monitor my performance a lot, and always get greatly inspired from my co-stars. If were to choose a few, it would be Kim Go-eun, who is my close friend, senior, and great actor. Besides that, I admire Lee Byung-hun and Chun Woo-hee and strive to follow their path. Finally, my all-time favourite actor is Timothée Chalamet. 

Left Full look Valentino

Right Jacket Zadig&Voltaire

Of all the roles you’ve played so far, which character have you identified with the most in any way?

I would say Ki Yu-ri from “Tale of the Nine Tailed.” However, I noticed there was a little bit of me in every role. My persona is either maximised or minimised depending on how much I focus on or that very “bit.”

And what have you learned so far about the craft, in terms of refining your acting technique and growing in confidence?

I have realised how much pressure there is in a job that receives attention from the public. At the same time, working as an actor seems to have given me the ability and chance to grow and mature as a human being.

Top & pants Zadig&Voltaire, shoes Celine by Hedi Slimane, ear cuff Vokchoi

“I’d like to be immersed in a character and universe that does not exist in this world.”

Does the shift in the representation of Asian actors on screen in the last few years give you a boost? From Asian actors previously filling out smaller parts to now starring in major roles—what do you think propelled this change?

I feel that the world is changing a lot. I believe the opportunity will come to me as well if I wish for it. Also, as a Korean citizen, I feel immense pride about Korean content being more established in the world. It would be an honour to be able to contribute to it. I believe various digital platforms around the world have played a big role in this phenomenon.

Let’s predict for you that there’s lots of awards shows to attend in future, more scripts to read and lots of Hollywood A-listers to rub shoulders with. What would be your dream role, have you dreamed of giving an Oscar acceptance speech, and which actor would leave you completely starstruck if you met them?

Recently, I felt great inspiration from watching behind the scenes footage of the film Avatar 2. I’d like to be immersed in a character and universe that does not exist in this world. It would of course be an honour to attend such a ceremony, but I haven't dreamed of it in detail yet. The actor I’d like to meet would definitely be Timothée Chalamet!

What about writing or directing your own movie. Is there a story you would love to bring to the big screen?

Yes, I am writing about my grandparents. Please look forward to seeing it!

Left Full look Celine by Hedi Slimane

Right Full look Hermes

We will! Where did you grow up, and where do you feel the happiest, and why?

I grew up in Korea and spent 3 years in Winnipeg, Canada. My favourite city is Seoul as I can live freely in the mountains and rivers with my dogs. The place where I feel happiest is Yongsan. For reference, Yongsan-gu is Korea's most dog-friendly district!

Speaking of dogs, you love to post pics of yours of Instagram… any other passions too?

I make pottery, practice yoga, cook, but spend most of my time with my dog. I can say that dogs are currently the reason for my existence.

With that in mind, I read that you want to create content for YouTube in the future. What can we expect to see from you then… maybe lots of lovely dog-related stuff? Or anything else you love?

I think content that includes fashion and cooking would be nice. Dogs can't be left out either.

Well let’s talk about fashion. Can you describe your style in three words?

Comfortable, easy, a mix of high-end and vintage.

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

You have quite an androgynous look. Do you enjoy blurring conventional gender roles and defying beauty standards?

I believe gender roles are something you choose to embrace or not, and I would even say that they are always subject to change over time. It seems inappropriate to label fashion that challenges pre-existing gender roles and crosses certain lines as an act of rebellion. Personally, I see it as just a way to enjoy life.

And finally, what’s next for you?

I’m waiting for a good opportunity, whether it is a role or a script!

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Hyun Kukseon

Make-Up by Eunjung Jo

Hair by Gwiae Kim

Casting & production by Mi Kim

ADVENTURE TIME!

For Jake Austin Walker, who currently stars in the Disney + series National Treasure: Edge of History, the classic noughties movies that the show is based on were a really important part of his childhood years. “They serve as a trigger to a time in my life I always look back on fondly,” explains the Mississippi-born actor.  “The adventure and spectacle of these movies always filled me with excitement. As a kid from a small town, I was itching for escapism, and those films always delivered.” Now, Walker got to fulfil his ultimate fantasy and become part of the mythical treasure-hunting universe - for us, he talks about carrying on the NT legacy, the qualities he found most relatable about his character Liam and the adventures he’s dreaming of going on in the future.

Your show is a continuation of the cult adventure film series, National Treasure. Were you a fan of these films and if so, what did you love about them?

I was a huge fan of the first two films growing up! The first film, in particular, my brother and I would watch all the time. It holds a special place in my memory for that reason alone. That film serves as a trigger to a time in my life I always look back on fondly. The adventure and spectacle of these movies always filled me with excitement. As a kid from a small town, I was itching for escapism, and those films always delivered.

What did you enjoy the most about stepping into this larger-than-life universe?

First off, just knowing I was carrying on the Sadusky legacy was enough to set the pressure. Harvey, who played Peter Sadusky in the first two films, is a total legend, and I wanted to do right by what he set up in the first two films. Now that we're taking on the mantle of this franchise, I think the cast and I care about doing right by the show. It's always been a dream to work under the banner of Disney, and to carry the torch for National Treasure was the cherry on top!

In one of your previous interviews, you said that Liam has been the character that you have related to the most in your career. In what ways are you two similar?

I love the struggle of the artist. It's an insanely relatable journey. Liam's longing to make something of himself in his music and climb out of the shadow of doubt cast on him by his peers and family felt like it hit close to home for me. I was always lucky to have a strong support group along my journey, but that didn't come without some of its own obstacles as a byproduct of the path we choose as artists.


Which of the scenes on the show was the biggest challenge for you?

Honestly, every scene where I had to perform was probably the hardest for me from a technical standpoint. I wanted to have the guitar playing down and make sure everything lined up, while also making sure I focused on the scene at hand. Graceland was a huge challenge in a very rewarding way for those reasons alone. Playing Suspicious Minds through the crowd, and enjoying their energy, while keeping the playing synced to the click in my earwig were all challenges I never thought of until I found myself in that situation.


What’s the biggest adventure that you have been on so far?

I went to Italy with a handful of my best friends for about a month. We were sleeping just about anywhere we could, meeting the locals, enjoying the food, and maybe drinking a little too much wine. It was a trip I'll never forget and my first time out of the country. The whole experience was one of my favourite adventures so far. It just reminded me how small this world is and how fundamental travelling is to break those barriers of empathy and knowledge.


And what is an adventure that you’re dreaming of going on?

I still talk about wanting to backpack around Europe regularly. I've also heard some friends talk of taking motorcycles down the entire coast of South America, which would be an absolute must for me. As you can see, anything that involves travelling across the world. That's where the good adventures are.


Do you have a character from the history of TV or film that you wish you could have your take on?

Wow, that's an awesome question. So, I'm a huge Marvel fan. That said, I've always wanted to take a crack at Ghost Rider or Johnny Blaze. Now if we're talking movie classics, I think it's every actor's itch to want to try their hand at a masterful character piece like Taxi Driver or Drive. I live for the tortured soul archetype, and there are so many well-written ones out there, so I'd love my pass at any of them.

“I live for the tortured soul archetype, and there are so many well-written ones out there, so I'd love my pass at any of them.”

What is the biggest treasure that you have in your life?

As I get older, I've realized my life's greatest treasure is the time I spend with the people I cherish most. The conversations and feelings of being seen and heard are priceless. No money can ever buy that.


Your bio on Instagram says that you’re a 'Certified Fun Uncle material'. What, in your opinion, makes you a fun uncle?

I believe the best way to live life is to never take it too seriously. Ups and down come; it's the natural flow of things. So I want my nieces and nephews to enjoy being weird and imaginative. There will be plenty of time to stress about 100 things your brain will eventually come up with. So in the meantime, why not laugh a little?

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Lucca Dahan-Fletcher 

STRONGER THAN WORDS

In his work, Charlie Besso wants to explore the beauty of emotional connection. The Paris-born visual artist and up-and-coming actor, who moved from France to California with his family back in 2011 and now lives in NYC, is drawn to looking at the inner workings of human nature  - painting people who are close to him and seeking to tell stories on screen that examine compelling family and relationship dynamics. We caught up with Charlie to talk about his recent role on Peacock’s show The Calling, his childhood art classes and the captivating nature of painting.

You recently appeared on Peacock’s show The Calling - what has that experience been like for you?

 It was awesome! Everyone on set turned out to be really welcoming and friendly. I really loved talking to everyone in between filming. Actually, the actress that was playing my mom turned out to also be French, so we would talk to each other in French a lot – we were hoping that we would also get to do it in the show, but that didn’t happen. [Laughs]

 

How long have you been living in the US? Are both of your parents French?

 My parents are actually Canadian but my brother and I were born in Paris and grew up in France. We moved to California in 2011.

 Do you miss France a lot?

 Yes, I do! We try to go back every year during the summer and it’s always my favourite part of the year. We normally go to the South and we’ll often bring a bunch of our friends to stay with us. It’s the biggest gift!

 

Back to acting  -  what are the stories that you would like to tell on screen in the future?

 I’m really drawn to stories about the nuances of family life, the slice of life, “ordinary” stories – I feel like there’s often a lot of emotions in that and a lot of possibilities to explore the inner workings of people, their relationships to one another and to themselves.

 Aside from starting your career in acting, you’re also a talented artist. When did you first realize that painting and drawing were something that you loved to do?

 I started to do it when I was very young – me and my best friend would go to these art classes after school back in France. We would be the only kids in the class, all the other participants were adults. The classes gave us the time to experiment - there was no pressure of, “Paint this. We want you to create something that’s like this.” When you’re a kid, you sort of have that natural affinity towards things. And being in that environment when I was really young has definitely solidified my interest in visual arts. Also, I feel like my love for painting and drawing brought me towards film and television and wanting to create art on screen.

 

What, in your opinion, makes an interesting painting subject?

 I would say there’s a strong connection between what I’m drawn to in visual arts and acting. A lot of people who I paint are people that are close to me – I’m inspired to draw them or paint them because of the emotional connection that I have with them. In my work, I have a desire to capture that and give it a new life. Sometimes, making art feels stronger than words – it allows you to bring visibility to things that we can’t normally see. Something that I love about painting is the way in which different artists will bring subjects to life in completely different ways, even if they paint the same thing. You can get an idea of the person – their soul, what they’re going through – from the way they choose to make certain brush strokes or use certain colours. To me, being able to see the person that created the painting in their work is what’s so captivating about art.

 When do you feel most creative?

 When I’m driving. Back when I lived in California, I would always drive from Laguna Beach to LA to go see people, and I would often be stuck in traffic. And that’s when I think a lot – usually, with the radio off because I don’t want to listen to the same three songs on repeat over and over again. Also, when I’m on the airplane and the ‘fasten your seatbelt’ sign is already turned off - it’s quiet, and you’re like “Okay, I’m not gonna die. But what’s happening now?” That’s when I’m most creative! [Laughs]

 

What was the last thing that you came across that really inspired you?

 I recently saw a tweet of this super dramatic marble sculpture and the caption said, “A 23-year-old sculpted this. What’s your excuse?”

  What’s something that you haven’t tried yet, but want to in the future?

 Okay, PG-13. [Laughs] I want to learn how to read Tarot cards.

…

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Lucca Dahan-Fletcher 

FINDING A DIRECTION

LA born and bred, Alana Champion has posed for Sisley and 10 magazine, and was most recently spotted front row at the Zadig&Voltaire FW23 runway, in Paris. Nicknamed ABC, the model and director posts glimpses of her personal and professional life on Instagram which she does not take too seriously, capturing the Gen-Z approach of curated imperfection. We got to know Champion a little better during a shoot right before the Z&V show where she shared her love for cinema and the inspiration behind her work. 

Dress Zadig&Voltaire

You were invited to the latest Zadig & Voltaire show, what did you think of the collection? 

Loved the fire-in-water-fountain motif. 

Dress Zadig&Voltaire


 How do you think social media has influenced your career? And what do you see for the future of modeling within or outside of these spaces? 

 Social media is a funny thing. I'm quite mercurial about it. I find it fun and funny, but really can't think too much into it.  It's a corny thing too, to promote yourself in a way, so it's hard to take seriously really.  I love it for NBA highlights though. 


You directed a music video for the band Dummy, what were your inspirations for the video and more importantly what drew you to music video directing? 

 Oh, that was a fun thing I had done back during COVID times. It’s something I really love doing, video making and directing. I got inspiration from window-peeping, voyeuristic thrillers like Brian De Palma movies like Body Double.  Also I love using Craigslist as a way to find cool people. Most of the actors were off there. 

And you seem to be quite the cinephile, can you recommend one movie that everyone should watch in their lifetime ? And why? 

 Definitely a certified cinephile LOL... I just recently saw a screening of what really is one of my very favorite movies ever The Last Picture Show by Peter Bogdonavich. Moody! Melancholy! Dusty, fabulistic mid-century America. Hard to think of a more beautiful movie…

Photography by Gregory Derkenne

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Alana is wearing Zadig&Voltaire

TELLING OUR STORIES

Ben Aldridge is feeling lucky about being able to play nuanced gay characters on screen. In Spoiler Alert, the adaptation of Michael Ausiello’s memoir, the British actor portrays the role of the author’s husband Kit who lost his battle with an aggressive form of terminal cancer. The film is a beautiful tribute to the strength of love – giving its audience encouragement to be vocal about their affection towards the people that mean the most to them. This week, Aldridge also celebrated the world premiere of Knock at the Cabin, a psychological horror from controversial director M. Night Shyamalan. As a gay father who is taken hostage with his partner (played by Jonathan Groff) and daughter by a group of strangers forcing them to make an unthinkable decision to seemingly avoid the approaching apocalypse, Ben’s character is faced with the question of what to believe before it’s too late. In our digital cover story, he talks about the themes that have been lately driving his acting choices, getting to know his Spoiler Alert co-star Jim Parsons over email and the physical aspects of starring in a horror.

Sweater and pants Prada & gloves Thomasine

Jacket Alexander McQueen

“Spoiler Alert is a movie that makes you want to tell your loved ones you love them after you watched it.”

Your new film Spoiler Alert is based on Michael Ausiello’s memoir about his relationship with his partner Kit, who died of cancer a couple of years ago. Having read Michael’s book prior to shooting, what did you find most moving about their relationship?

 What I found most striking about the book was just how honest it is about the foibles, pitfalls and challenges in their relationship. And with our film, the endeavour was to not over-romanticise it or make it a rose-tinted view – we wanted to show that love and loving someone over a long time is difficult. We’re so often fed, especially in movies, the notion of “the one”, of it enhancing our lives and everything being perfect once you meet that person. And I think that the film gives a more truthful portrait of that. Another thing was the sense of chemistry between them. Reading the book, I really felt that these were two people who were in an unusual way very well-suited – they had a real sense of playfulness between them and such a strong love for each other. Once I finished it, I wrote to Michael and said, “This book broke my heart, put it back together and taught me how to love better.” And I hope that the film does that as well – it’s a film that makes you want to tell your loved ones that love them after you watched it.

Full look Miu Miu & necklace Boucheron

 What were the elements from the book that you wanted to make sure were explored within Kit’s story?

 I wanted to make sure that his photography was more part of his character – I was trying to have him take photographs whenever I could. Actually, Michael kept several of Kit’s objects and his camera was one of them. So I got to use his actual Point & Shoot camera while in character! Kit was a very idiosyncratic and specific person. I was sent lots of video footage of him that was recorded on a Handycam during their milestones or trips. They were very lovely home videos, but they were quite overwhelming for me to watch at first because I was suddenly hit by the responsibility and pressure of really honouring him and doing his story justice. And also, I was going to be playing Kit in front of the person who loved him the most, as Michael was with us on set. So I knew that I didn’t want to do an impression or impersonation of him. Rather, something I wanted to get in there was his sense of lightness – his way of having fun and making light of any moment that he could. Another thing was his sassiness. Even though he wasn’t out to his parents for a long time, Kit really had ownership of his queerness, and I think that was really a part of him that I wanted to come through on screen.

Left Top Ami, sweater Isabel Marant, spikes scarf Jordanluca

Right Top and gloves Dries Van Noten & necklace and bracelet Sweetlimejuice

 I read that prior to filming, Jim Parsons [who plays the role of Michael] and you would exchange long emails to get to know each other - what were the things that you have bonded over in these emails?

 We were completely honest and transparent with each other. We spoke about our families, we spoke about grief. We spoke about our own sexuality and what our coming-out stories looked like. We spoke about shame. We spoke about our relationships. We spoke about our first-ever experiences performing. And we made a lot of jokes! It was funny because, on the first day of filming, I knew so much about him already – that really meant that we didn’t have any of that awkward moments of trying to get to know each other. We were straight in there and the conversation just continued, we just continued chatting the entire time. And we’re still in contact with each other a lot. It’s a really lovely friendship.

 

Up next, you’re also starring in the psychological horror from M. Night Shyamalan, Knock at the Cabin. What drew you to this story?

 I think that the film talks about something that has been quite a theme in my acting choices over the last three years or so – exploring both belief and faith, as well as lack of it.  In the movie, M. Night is throwing up some really big questions about what belief and “truth” are, and whether believing in something makes it real. And in an age when we all believe such different things politically and ideologically, I found it really compelling that the story is bringing those themes to the forefront. Also, it’s a film about love and family, a single-sex partnered family. And I was really interested in the way it handles that on the page – the movie does deal with their identity, but it’s also really relatable and this could be any type of family. Finally, what drew me in is that M. Night makes a good film! He knows how to make a blockbuster popcorn movie that at the same time gets people thinking – you usually leave the cinema being like, “What just happened? What do I think about that?” He’s quite a controversial and iconic director and I was really intrigued to go on that ride with him.

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello & necklace Cartier

“In Knock at the Cabin, M. Night is throwing up some really big questions about what belief and “truth” are, and whether believing in something makes it real.”

 Is this your first foray into horror?

 Yes, it is!

 

What surprised you the most about how horrors are made?

 How affected I felt by having to play high stakes, tension, fear, anxiety and anger for eight weeks. I really didn’t bank on that affecting myself off-camera. That said, we made sure to have a very playful atmosphere on set – it felt a bit like going to summer camp and a bit like doing youth theatre. It was very communal. The content within that cabin that we were in for so long was so heavy, so we made sure to have a lot of fun off-set. But yeah, I was jumpy and on edge for the entire time we made the film.

 

Left Full look Louis Vuitton

Right Shirt Bluemarble & waistcoat Kenzo

Even if what you’re doing is not real at all, it still affects you…

 Yeah. Because what you’re doing as an actor is asking your body to believe if you want to try to be as truthful [in your behaviour] as possible. So you end up getting yourself worked up – my heart rate would be up all the time and my breathing would be up all the time. You’re doing something on a kind of cellular level and I think your body gets tricked by it.

 

Are you a fan of watching horrors?

 Yes, I quite enjoy feeling scared.

 

What’s the film that scares you the most?

 Sinister with Ethan Hawke. I couldn’t make it through and I had to turn it off twice now!


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

Interview by Martin Onufrowicz

Photography by Jack Snell

Fashion by Steven Huang

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Grooming by Linus Johansson

Set design by George Lewin

Photographer’s assistant Freddie Hare

Stylist’s assistant Nathan Fox

Set design assistant Anna Minchell

PLEASURE & PAIN

Tom Prior has carved out an enviable career so far with supporting turns in Kingsman: The Secret Service opposite Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine, and as Eddie Redmayne’s son in the 2014 Oscar-winning biopic The Theory of Everything.

The British actor’s career kicks into an even higher gear, however, with his breakout role in the film Firebird, where he’s introduced to a global audience as Sergey, one of two Soviet Russian military officers entwined in a forbidden gay love affair at the height of the Cold War.

Here he talks to us about filming love scenes in the freezing Baltic sea, and how Wim Hof and Adele are his motivational life coaches.

Pants MSGM

Firebird follows a true story of forbidden love between two men which is based on the book The Story of Roman. How did that role come about for you, as you were both the star, co-writer and producer?

 I was approached in 2014 while in LA having finished shooting Kingsman and The Theory of Everything in which I play Eddie Redmayne’s son for about 3 seconds, and it was a meeting with a film financer and producer who had just read Peeter Rebane’s first draft of Firebird, and she thought I would be a good fit for the lead role. She connected Peter and myself a few weeks later in London and he sent me the script, and we agreed that I would play Sergey for a few scenes to help raise financing for the film. Peeter was very gracious in allowing me to make some suggestions on how the dialogue could be tweaked here and there, and then literally the next two and a half years we ended up totally rewriting, restructuring and redrafting the whole screenplay and doing a deep dive into all the sociological and political contexts of the time, and going to Russia and meeting the real Sergey and others who had served in the Soviet army at the time.

 How did you connect with your character Sergey, besides obviously being a human who experiences love? 

 Meeting the person you’re going to play invariably writes the rest of his life, and I had this very strong instinct that I didn’t want him to be very downtrodden or internally suffering, as I didn’t really get that from the book. When I met him in real life, he was amazingly warm with a funny persona and very positive outlook, considering he had lived through some pretty horrendous times, particularly in following love and his heart, and he was pretty relentless in being himself which was so beautiful. I asked him so many questions about how he had scaled the relationship, especially as this was a time when there were no words to describe such a relationship, so much was done in the silence of the eye contact and physicality between people to discover how to connect in that way.

Underwear and pants MSGM

 The unfolding storyline really shines a light on the freedoms the LGBTQ+ community have today in just being visible and having a voice and role models to champion the cause. What’s been the takeaway for you from being part of the story?

 Well I don’t identify, and that’s a conscious decision. I believe that labels have absolutely had their place in allowing such progression to happen in the world and really being able to scale a very complicated and tormented history of being able to be yourself. But now I resonate most strongly with allowing myself to fall in love and experience people for who they are, and it’s not defined by the sexuality of the person alone, and that’s the future really, a world where people don’t have to justify or identify who they are, but an allowance and acceptance of exactly just how it is.

Doing the film made me look very deeply at myself and following my heart and the true calling of that, as Sergey was such a champion in doing that himself in an environment where he was risking his very life to be who he was, but he followed his heart and feelings, he didn’t have to identify in a certain way. In time we’ll all yield to the calling of our hearts, and we can try very hard to avoid that, but like trying to push a beachball under water, it will just keep bubbling up.

Left Necklace Givenchy

Right Full look N°21

 A lot of LGBTQ+ up-and-coming actors are still encouraged towards a closeted blank canvas though, in order to appeal to mass audiences. How can we shine a light on being authentic and proving anything is possible, regardless of how you identify?

 It’s a very slippery slope, as some people have already proposed to only cast gay actors to play gay roles, but then at what point do only straight actors play straight roles you know? There’s been some heavy pushing for me to identify, and I don’t want to be pushed into any box as that’s not true to myself. Sexuality and identity at the end of the day ends up being a process of self-discovery, self-authenticity, and that’s what I’m interested in, and the way that I present myself to the world is being authentic. My job as an actor is to present the truth, and if somebody wants to know details about my private life, that as an actor will interfere with the audience’s believability into what I can play, so in my life I present in a very open but a very unspecified way. I believe sexuality is in the spectrum, who I am, or who I’m with today, might not necessarily be who I’m with tomorrow or in a month or a year from now, it can be limiting to have to define yourself a certain way.

Full look Miu Miu

“I resonate most strongly with allowing myself to fall in love and experience people for who they are, and it’s not defined by the sexuality of the person alone.”

 Let’s talk about shooting the film, as there’s a love scene in the freezing cold Baltic Sea. That must have taken some mental preparation?

 It was actually a huge learning point for me to go and confront the cold in my own life, and through shooting the film, I went and started doing some work with Wim Hoff, and then meditation and self-improvement and self-awareness. The scene itself was one of the most memorable days of shooting, as having to do an intimate scene helped established that close connection, like breaking the ice, in terms of the cast and crew. A sauna was built on the beach which was just brilliant and some of the costume girls were ladling hot water down my pants to keep us warm!

 

Tell me more about working with Wim Hof, he’s so inspiring and transformative for the human psyche?

 Totally, it was very transformative to me. I went to Iceland to do a workshop with him, and Iceland has a very dear place in my heart anyway, I love the country and it inspired me to go and push the boundaries of what’s possible. I’m fascinated by alternative forms of healing, that aren’t just traditional pharmaceutical cut-it-out-under-surgery ways, and you know he’s rewriting medical journals as a result of what he’s doing, with his amazing breathing technique and cold immersion. In Estonia in February, I was going into the sea and it’s minus 25 outside and the sea is at 0.5 degrees, and it certainly makes you feel very alive. There’s an amazing switch that happens from the days when I’ve been in a kind of a low mood and I look at the sea and it’s almost calling me into it, and literally 90 seconds in water that cold really does something like a shock therapy reset, both psychologically and physiologically. The health benefits of it are amazing.

Jacket AMI, pants MSGM

Wim certainly has an interesting life story, and I’m keen to know, are there other true stories that you would love to adapt for the big screen, or star in?

 I’m fascinated by telling more true stories that are about overcoming impossible situations to get out of, and within that, challenging the physical capabilities of what people would say the human body is capable of doing, stretching the human body to a limit. I’m fascinated by superhuman capabilities, but I’m not talking Marvel!

 

Was there a moment growing up when you saw yourself reflected in a character in TV or film, which inspired your journey into the industry?

 I grew up watching Jason Bourne and James Bond and reading Tintin, and that was always a massive calling for me. I’ve been asked if I would play James Bond and I always say yes  absolutely. But at the same time there’s a newer part of myself that instinctively feels I could play characters like that, but with an added extra that violence doesn’t always have to be the answer. Playing more characters where there is an alternative to the killing of the enemy which has always been the narrative – instead outsmarting them, or disarming them, like the qualities Jason Bourne had, he didn’t kill people unless he actually had to. That’s one of the things I love about Tintin too, he’s not a killer, but a disarmer and a hero for change, which I think heroes in action films should be more about now.

 

Speaking of heroes, who would you love to work with?

 One film that’s completely changed my life is seeing Everything Everywhere All at Once, I  think it’s just phenomenal and the depth of the message is done in this lightness that doesn’t feel like a bitter end, but more a means to an end, and I would love to work with Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, as directors they’ve made something so deep in meaning but so accessible to a wide audience.

I would be fascinated to work with Sam Mendes too, a director who can do scale really well and high stakes. I was lucky enough to work with Colin Firth on Kingsman, and he’s an inspiration as he’s had such a varied career.

 

Your own fanbase is growing, so referring to what you were saying earlier about being your authentic self, is there another celebrity you really admire for keeping it real, so to speak?

 Adele! She did this amazing performance on ITV and started a song and got about a third of a way through and told the band, oh stop, let’s start again, and I was like, yes, that’s amazing!! For me I’ve used that and her as an example a few times in my life, you know you can just start again, and having that permission from someone so well established is very empowering. We must celebrate those moments where we get real highs, like doing a great performance or get into really great shape for a photo shoot, but let’s also acknowledge along the way there’s also going to be tears, pain, exhaustion, grief, suffering, and that’s part of life, part of being human.

Full look Louis Vuitton

 Well now I’m obviously going to have to ask you which Adele tune is the one that always gets you, the one you know you’ll forever sing-cry along to (we’ve all done it)?

 Haha! I think the most significant one for me is When We Were Young, it’s amazing and she has such an amazing capability of being so out there in the world with so much exposure but remaining so true to herself. If I ever got to that level of fame, I would love to be able to just be, and remain that grounded, otherwise we’ll just become delusional and lost!

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Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Daniele Fummo

Fashion by Marco Drammis

Casting by Imagemachine Cs

Hair by Adam Garland

Make-Up by Jo Frost

CHRYSALIS STATE

Not content with just tasting the heights of K-pop stardom and all that comes with it, as part of girl band F(x), Korean American singer Krystal Jung is now switching lanes for the meantime, to focus on pursuing the acting life. The rising talent has appeared in K-dramas, including Heirs, Police University, Sweet and Sour and the Disney+ drama Crazy Love. We spoke to the San Francisco-native who’s winning us over with her charm, while navigating the world of her new-found fame.

Full look Ralph Lauren

What was the best thing about being in the hit K-Pop girl group F(x)?

I got to experience the music side of the entertainment industry through f(x) and it was one of my most special years throughout my career. Being able to work as a team and support each other, that itself I think is a very lucky thing to have, because sometimes you can feel a bit bored or lonely when you work alone. I miss those times.  

Left Full look Prada

Right Full look Ralph Lauren

 How did you first get into K-pop? Did you see it as a route to achieving your dreams?

When I was about 6 or 7 years old, I was at a dept store and suddenly this casting director came up to me asking if I could do a camera test for their music label. My mom said yes and that was the moment when I stepped into K-pop. I was too young to know what I was doing so I just had fun but as time passed, I knew that was the route I wanted to go on. 

All Ralph Lauren

In the K-pop industry, the notion of femininity is defined in a certain way, which can affect young and impressionable girls, particularly with the issues of body image and dieting too. Were you affected by that culture at all?

I can’t say I wasn’t affected because there were certain body shapes people wanted one to be. I had to follow the rules and somehow, I think it’s still going on a bit, but nowadays people respect each individual personality rather than certain appearances. The industry itself is changing I believe.  

Dress Polo Ralph Lauren

 As are you, because you’ve now swapped music for the small screen. Do you miss being a pop idol, now you’re focusing on acting, and how did you find your feet going it alone creatively, after being in a group for so long?

I started acting right after I debuted in the group, so it felt natural for me to be in a different side of the industry too. I’ve enjoyed acting since then, and I’ve always dreamed of becoming an outstanding actor or singer.

Left Top & pants Zadig&Voltaire

Right Dress Miu Miu

 Well, you’ve already starred in various TV shows, so you’ve successfully mastered the singer-to-actor transition. Do you have ambitions to star on the big screen too?

For me, being an actor is not just about starring on a big screen or being super famous. It’s about how much I enjoy and have fun working in different kinds of films. 

All Ralph Lauren

 So which actors do you admire for their skills and performance?

There are so many, but a few of my favourites are Saoirse Ronan, Lea Seydoux, Scarlett Johansson, and Lady Gaga. I’ve watched most of their films and I was always amazed by their performances. I think they are iconic in every single way and inspire girls like me to be strong inside out like them. 

All Ralph Lauren

 Talking of icons, you’re a big fashion influencer, helping to popularise last year’s tennis skirts trend and your fans just love to reference your off-duty style too. How would you describe your style?

I’ve always chosen simple, chic, classic style over trendiness. I want my style to be like whenever I look back to the photos of the past, there’s something I would want to wear again now. Timeless outfits. 

All Polo Ralph Lauren

 Aside from acting and fashion, I see on your Instagram that you love being outdoors in nature too. What else do you do to have fun?

I love nature, I love sports, I love food, I love to travel, I love spending time with my friends and family. Going on a Summer vacay or a ski trip really includes everything I love. I try hard to make time for myself to refresh and recharge, even if it’s just for a short period of time. 

Dress Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

 You’re really into an eclectic mix of music too, right? You share a lot of stuff you listen to on Instagram. When did that passion start, did your parents or friends introduce you to different genres?

I don’t exactly remember the moment when it started, but I’ve just loved digging new music since I was young. My friends and I used to exchange playlists because we had similar tastes, so it was easy for me to encounter new genres. I remember my mom was very surprised when she found out I enjoyed listening to Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang and Fleetwood Mac!

Left All Polo Ralph Lauren

Right All Ralph Lauren

 I guess those musical influences could in part come from having grown up in the U.S where you were also born, as you’re now living in South Korea. Would you ever move back to the States?

Well, where I will live in the future will depend on where my work is based. Who knows what I will do in the future?! I just love and have so many memories in both countries so I hope I can move back and forth all the time.

Left Dress Miu Miu

Right Top & pants Zadig&Voltaire

 Finally, in this year of the rabbit, obviously I’m going to ask what your new year’s resolution is, that you’re determined not to break this year?

To watch more drama series and movies and read more books, so I can experience and understand various emotions and characters indirectly. Also, most importantly to maintain my health! 

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Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Jibin Yoon

Hair by Min Jung Kyung

Make-Up by Nakyeum Lee

Casting & Production by Mi Kim

Lighting’s assistant Sean Kang

Hair’s assistant Jin E Heo

Production assistants Kio Seol & Hyona Kwak

TEENAGE DREAMS

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

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

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

 

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

 A gut feeling, the unknown. 

 

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

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

Jacket Gucci & denim Balenciaga

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Full look Dior X Erl

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by Jake Sammis

Grooming by Zaheer Sukhandan

Casting by Imaginemachine cs

Stylist’s assistant Ariel Leon Couer

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

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

Full look Miu Miu

How has this year been for you so far?

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

 

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

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

Vintage top & necklace, pants Kenzo

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

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

 

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

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

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

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

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

 

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

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

Full look Dior Men

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

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

 

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

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

Vintage top, shoes & necklace, pants Kenzo

…

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

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Shane McCauley

Fashion by Jake Sammis

Grooming by Candice Birns

Casting by Imaginemachine cs

ME, MYSELF AND I

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

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

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

Me myself and I

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

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

Full look Maison Margiela

 What were your influences for this EP?

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

Left Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

Right Jacket & pants Loewe, jumper Moncler

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

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

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

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

Left Full look Maison Margiela

Right Full look Givenchy

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

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

Left Jacket, pants & shoes Loewe, jumper Moncler

Right Full look Post Archive Faction (paf)

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

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

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

Full look Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello

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

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

 

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

I listen to Lonely by Akon a lot these days. 

Denim jacket and pants Acne Studios

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

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

…

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Hyun Kukseon

Grooming by Koo Hyunmi

Casting & Production by Mi Kim

Stylist’s assistant Jo Mikyung

Production assistant Kio Seol

REBELLIOUS SPIRIT

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

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

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

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

Who does the brand represent?

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

 

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

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

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

Full look MSFTSrep, shoes Louis Vuitton

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


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

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

 

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

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


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

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

Full look MSFTSrep, shoes Louis Vuitton

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Cameron McCool

Fashion by Jonathan Huguet

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Production by Sink or Swim Creative

Stylist’s assistant Rocksanne Ramirez 

Groomers Christopher LeNeo & Pircilla Pae at A-Frame Agency

Production designer Rickey Ramirez 

Art Team Thrift Shop Studios

Location Thrift Shop Studios

THE ACTOR AS AN ARTIST

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

 

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

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

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

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

Left Jumper Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, necklace Slim Barrett  

Right Tank top Calvin Klein, shorts Attika

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

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

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

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

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

Right Jumper Prada, badges Slim Barrett and Judy Blame

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

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

Left  T-shirt Goldsmiths , scarf Acne Studios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interview by Lucy Harbron

Photography by Emilia Staugaard

Fashion by Nathan Henry

Casting by Imagemachine Cs

Production by Fern


Hair & Make-Up by Josh Knight at Caren

Stylist’s assistant Katya Vistiak

THE E-BOMB

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

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

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

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

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

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

Full look Zadig&Voltaire

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

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

Left Dress N21

Right Coat Zadig&Voltaire

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

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

Dress Fendi

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

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

All Zadig&Voltaire

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

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

Left Jacket & bag Zadig&Voltaire, shirt Acne Studios

Right All Zadig&Voltaire

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

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

Dress N21

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

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

All Zadig&Voltaire

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

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

…

Interview by Gabrielle Valda Colas

Photography by Gregory Derkenne

Fashion by Marco Drammis

Casting by Imagemachine cs

Hair by Bjorn Krischker at The Wall Group

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

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