Luke Hersheson is undoubtedly one of the most esteemed names in British hairdressing. As CEO of Hershesons—the salon group that has shaped the way we think about hair for the better part of three decades—he has spent his career at the intersection of editorial, celebrity, and culture, with a client list most hairdressers could only dream of and an eye for the next it-girl haircut that has proved, time and again, to be about six months ahead of the curve.

The first salon he worked in, however, wasn't his own. It was his father Daniel's, on the King's Road in the 1980s—a place he was taken to every Saturday as a child, but rather than bored, he was inspired. "I was surrounded by loads of punks and mods," he says. "There were all these different kinds of tribes and looks that were like fascinating to me."

His father, far from grooming him for the industry, actively put obstacles in his way. He wanted to make sure Luke came to it for the right reasons—and it worked. When Luke eventually found his way to hairdressing, it was on his own terms, armed with a cultural curiosity that's never left him. Decades later, he has a client list that includes Victoria Beckham, Kylie Minogue, Keira Knightley, and Dua Lipa, and a salon empire that has rewritten the rules of what a hair appointment can look like. Here, he reflects on the cuts, the clients, and everything in between.

The shoot that changed everything

Luke had been working steadily—Sunday papers, a few pages for The Face, some i-D—when a booking came in that would change the shape of his career entirely. A shoot with renowned photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, featuring supermodel Gisele Bündchen and a then-unknown Charlotte Tilbury on makeup. "That was my first break," he says simply. "It catapulted me to really understand what great models and great photographers were, and how it made everything look better."

He's candid about how insecure he felt on set. "I had huge imposter syndrome. I got thrown into it at a very young age." The experience functioned less like a launch and more like an apprenticeship—a crash course in high-level creative collaboration. "I was just trying to be a sponge and soak up as much as possible. All their references, all their ideas. If I had the confidence then that I have now, it would have been amazing. But that's what time gives you."

Soon after, Luke booked his first shoot with photographer David Sims, which required him to cut a model's hair off—a model who didn't particularly want it to be cut. "It was kind of emotional," he says. "There was a huge responsibility. But the resulting images were extraordinary."

What the experience really taught him was about the importance of composure. "It was all about confidence. You need a bit of swagger, a bit of arrogance—but you also need to know your stuff." And when it comes to creative direction, he's developed a philosophy he still stands by today: never say no. "The worst that can happen is it doesn't work. But if you show willing, people want to collaborate with you. They want you on set."

The Body Language era

Kylie Minogue's Body Language era—i.e. latex bodysuits and caramel waves—remains one of the most referenced aesthetic moments of the early 2000s. Luke worked closely with her stylist William Baker to design the look from scratch. "We designed it around Bardot hair," he says, "and I suppose that was before that thing even became what it became—really before that hair look became synonymous with the next couple of decades."

For Luke, the lesson wasn't just about iconography. It was about the gap between editorial trend cycles and how change actually moves. "When you look at macro trends in the salon or on the street, they evolve much slower than you think—over a few years, not every season."

The bob that broke the internet

In 2015, Luke cut Victoria Beckham's hair into what became one of the most copied haircuts of the decade. "Bobs were just coming in," he says. "We were coming out of this moment of long hair." He'd cut Sienna Miller's bob not long before, and Alexa Chung had been rocking hers for years. But when Beckham went for the chop, something really resonated.

"It was a moment of minimalism and effortlessness—you can have a great haircut and look like you don't need to style it." The collaboration itself was very much two-way. "I think I came up with the 'why don't we chop it off?' And she was up for it, strangely. One of those magic moments." He's equally clear about what makes Beckham such a singular client: "She has a very strong sensibility of what she likes and what she doesn't like. That's what makes her brilliant."

Long-term relationships, he says, are where the best work happens. "There's a trust that's magical. The fear of trying things out doesn't exist. I think that's when you do your best work."

The blow-dry bar boom

The early-to-mid 2000s congestion charge hit London's salons hard. Footfall dropped, and appointments slowly declined. And out of that pressure came something that would redefine the salon experience for the next generation. Daniel Hersheson came up with the concept of a blow-dry bar inside Topshop; Luke designed the menu—and together, they spotted the gap nobody else had seen. "Going for a blow dry in most salons meant a round brush blow dry, and everyone looked the same. Whereas we knew people wanted a beach wave, or a great messy updo, or a braid."

It was an immediate hit. "Everyone was like, 'Oh my god, why didn't we think of that?'" The ripple effect across the industry was tangible—hair menus became standard, and salons were suddenly expected to offer a variety of finishes and styles. "People demanded more from a hairdresser. It wasn't just a bouncy blow-dry anymore."

Dua, YSL, and the wig no one knew was a wig

More recently, Luke worked on a global YSL campaign with Dua Lipa—an experience that proved to be a different creative context entirely—more of a collaborative machine than a single person's vision. "There are so many ad agencies and creative directors involved," Luke says. "You're really just taking direction at that point." But there's a detail he's happy to reveal: the iconic bob in that campaign wasn't Dua's hair. "It was a wig. She'd grown her hair much longer and they wanted the bob back. You'd never know."

Lessons on great hair

While Hershesons has grown into an empire of three salons and a namesake brand of hair tools and products, Luke's ethos hasn't shifted since the King's Road days. "I hate that some people think they have to get a blow dry to make their hair look good," he says. "Put some Almost Everything Cream on, spritz it with Air Dry Spray, tuck it behind your ears. Work with your natural texture and don't labour over it—it should look like part of you. I think that's what's timeless."

It's rare in life to have had as varied a career as Jodie Kidd. From being one of Britain's most recognisable 90's supermodels to fronting the male-dominated world of motorsport, Kidd has done what very few before have even attempted, swapping catwalks for cockpits and proving that you're never too late to pursue your passions.

And passionate, she is: she's loved cars since a young age, admitting when we chat to a childhood obsession with Ayrton Senna. In later life, a chance encounter with none other than Jeremy Clarkson changed the course of her career - and the rest is history.

Below, she chats about her life in motorsport - on her early years in the fashion industry, the scepticism she's faced in a male-dominated industry, and her drive to champion the next generation of female talent. Plus, she deep dives into her passion for electric vehicles, and the role she reckons they're set to play both on and off the track.

Keep scrolling.

Jodie Kidd: "I’m hopeful we’ll find a female Formula 1 racer who can compete alongside the boys."

What’s your earliest motorsport memory?

Watching Ayrton Senna race in Formula 1. He was a big part of our lives. My nephew has Ayrton as his middle name; that’s how obsessed with him we were. He was definitely my earliest memory.

What was the moment that made you realise you were ready for a career change from modelling?

I decided to stop modelling after around a decade of a wonderful career in the industry and accidentally fell into motorsport by taking part in the Gumball Rally.

Through doing that, I had a chance encounter with Jeremy Clarkson, which led to him inviting me onto Top Gear. I did the ‘Star in a Reasonably Priced Car’ lap, went to the top of the leaderboard and fell in love with cars and racing from that moment onwards.

Are there any similarities between the worlds of modelling and motorsport?

They’re very different, but high adrenaline is a strong similarity in both. It sounds strange, but you get the same adrenaline walking down a catwalk as you do when racing cars.

What makes EVs in particular so important to you?

They’re the future and a necessity in order for the world to evolve - we can’t be living off petrol and crude oil forever. Some of the cars are fantastic, and you can get some incredibly quick cars with extraordinary power, so it ticks that box.

I just love the ease and the feeling I get from driving one! They're so smooth, and you can drive anywhere in them, whether it’s a short or a longer drive, especially as I recently learned that there are more than 118,000 public chargers now – nearly twice as many as fuel pumps!

I recently worked with the Department for Transport (DfT) to showcase the vast UK charging network. I curated my own electric road trip from Land’s End to the Angel of the North and found chargers at the most beautiful, unexpected places. You stop, charge up, take in the view, and you're back on the road.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about EVs in motorsport?

I wish more people realised the extent to which EV motorsport is driving technological progress off the track. Series like Formula E and electric off‑road racing show that EVs can be competitive, durable, and exciting, not just environmentally friendly.

As E racing is growing, so is the demand for EVs in the real world – in March this year, the UK’s EV market achieved its strongest performance to date. Registrations of EV's reached an all-time high with the highest monthly total ever recorded.

Even in Formula 1, the increasing use of hybrid battery technology has significantly changed how cars are designed and raced, and these innovations are slowly filtering into everyday road cars. EV motorsport isn’t just entertainment - it’s actively shaping the future of vehicle technology.

What challenges have you faced entering a very male-dominated sport?

It’s been difficult because when I started racing, it was the 90s and early 2000s when there were very few women racers. Thankfully, this is something that has increased dramatically in the last 20 years. At the time, however, for me, it was tough because people didn’t take me seriously -especially as I had come from a modelling background. It’s fair to say that it isn’t the norm to see models go from fashion week to pit lanes. When women were initially spotted on race tracks, it was as a spectator, and when my career started, it was incredibly rare to see women in race overalls. It was definitely tough, but I got over it and showed the world that women can race too.

How has the industry changed over the last ten years?

Dramatically! We’ve seen women come to the forefront in engineering and in running F1 teams, such as Claire Williams. There’s even now an all-female race series, so it has undeniably come on leaps and bounds in the last ten years.

What do you hope the future of motorsport looks like?

I’m hugely optimistic. It seems that everyone is obsessed with Formula 1 now; it’s become huge! I’m hopeful that with the amount of intrigue, we’ll find an amazing woman Formula 1 racer very soon who can compete alongside the boys.

What would your advice be to young women who dream of a career in motorsport?

There are so many more routes into motorsport now for women, whether that’s engineering, design, or the racing itself. You just have to stay driven and keep putting yourself out there. Despite the fact that there is now far more opportunity, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy; setbacks are inevitable - but that’s part of it. The important thing is not to let the setbacks define you. Take the negativity, turn it into motivation, and use it to push yourself forward. If you keep working hard and keep going, the opportunities really are there.

Lauren Bell is, without doubt, one of England's most exciting fast bowlers. A cricketer with seemingly effortless poise and power, at just 25, she's learnt to handle the expectation that comes with being an elite athlete, and the difficulties of pursuing sport as a career as a female.

Born and raised in Berkshire, Bell has something of a reputation in the industry - for being grounded, level-headed, and down-to-earth. She's also a keen advocate for balancing more intense training blocks with all-important R&R - she regularly posts as much on her Instagram platform, where she has a staggering 2.2 million followers.

This month, she's preparing for the Women's World Cup, which will run for the next few weeks and see the best teams in the world compete for the title. England, alongside Australia and India, are amongst the favourites, and the tournament marks a major career milestone for Bell - her first 50-over World Cup and a chance to step onto the sport’s biggest stage.

Below, Bell discusses her journey so far with Marie Claire UK; the challenges of consistency at international level, the hours of thankless training, and the mental resilience that quietly underpins her success. Keep scrolling.

England bowler Lauren Bell chats confidence as the World Cup kicks off

Can you describe your life in three words?

Fun. Honour. Exciting.

What does a typical day look like for you when you're in the middle of a busy season?

It really varies depending on whether it’s a game day, training or travel. We play a lot of cricket - once you get into April, you’re not really stopping until September.

I’ll always try and have a good breakfast, and then on an average day, we'll be training – either at home with Hampshire, my county, or at a different venue if I’m with England. That would normally be three or four hours, with some bowling and some gym work. As bowlers, we work a lot on our strength.

We may have some meetings about the upcoming opposition and our plans, or there may be time to play some golf. [My team and I] love going out for coffee if we’re together, and a few of the girls and I love to get our nails done if we can get the chance – colour-matching the kit is always the aim.

Was there a specific moment when you realised cricket could become your career, rather than just something you loved doing?

I don’t know that there was a specific moment; it just kind of became the path. I played football a lot as a kid and was in the Reading academy.

Then, when the KSL (Kia Super League) was kicking off in 2016, I became part of Southern Vipers under Lottie, and I loved it. A lot of investment in the sport suddenly made opportunities like this all the more possible – it was like, ‘Ah cool, I can actually make a career of this!’.

I went on an England A tour in 2022 and ended up with the senior team for the Ashes Test match and the World Cup. It just became the thing for me, which is an absolute dream.

What has been the biggest lesson elite sport has taught you about confidence and resilience?

Just try and enjoy it. It’s not always easy to do when there’s a lot of outside noise and pressure, but we’re so lucky to do what we do. It’s such a privilege to represent England and travel around the world with some of my best friends, doing something I love. Remembering that helps a lot.

How do you look after your mental wellbeing when you're dealing with the pressures of competition, travel and public scrutiny?

It’s good to talk, to each other, to friends, to family. We have a lot of professionals that we can chat to, but sometimes, it helps to get away from cricket and to speak to people outside that bubble.

We also have to try and remember that a lot of outside views aren’t actually what defines you – the people who know you the most are the people who matter.

If someone on Twitter wants to say something negative about you, then they’re welcome to their opinion, but it matters a lot less than what your coaches and teammates think.

Women's cricket has changed dramatically in recent years. What excites you most about the future of the game?

It’s changing every day! We’ll see at this World Cup; it’s already sold more tickets than they sold for the 2020 competition in Australia, and it’s just amazing that so many people want to come and watch.

It's obviously so exciting for us as players, but what I think is the most exciting part is that it’s never actually been easier to get into cricket if you’re a young girl.

When I got in, I didn’t really have an England Women’s team on the TV to look up to – so for me and most of my current teammates we got here without much of a system. But now, there are so many clubs offering cricket to girls, and there’s so much cricket for girls to watch and enjoy, that it’s never been easier for girls to find the game and hopefully fall in love.

What are the habits or routines you rely on to feel your best, both on and off the pitch?

Lots of boring stuff like getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water and moving my body. I think also finding time to do stuff you enjoy is a big thing, and making sure you’re still seeing your friends and you’ve got a life away from cricket.

On the pitch, I have two bracelets that say ‘Focus’ and ‘Reset’, and using those words as a guide to remind me to keep my energies on the next ball is a pretty useful thing for me.

What's something people often get wrong about professional athletes and the reality of your day-to-day life?

People forget sometimes how hard we work away from matchday, and that we all care very much about what we’re doing. Sometimes that’s taken for granted. It means the world to us to get to do what we do, and we work very hard to be able to do it.

Outside of cricket, what are you passionate about, and how do you switch off from the sport?

A few of the girls and I enjoy playing golf when we get the chance. It’s nice to be together on the course and focus on something that isn’t cricket.

We also love finding a good coffee spot together when we can, and nails is a thing for some of us. I’ve also got a relatively new house, so I’m always thinking about things I can get to decorate and furnish the place – and actually I’ve just bought a camera to document the World Cup, so that’s a fun new hobby!

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice at the start of your cricket journey, what would it be?

Just keep enjoying it! There’s literally nothing more important.

Sometimes you have to work quite hard in order to be able to keep smiling and keep enjoying it – there are lots of lows!. Remembering to keep enjoying it is good advice.

It would be an understatement to call Zara Larsson the pop star of the moment. The Swedish-born singer has been building her career for the best part of two decades, and she's proven time and time again that the best is yet to come for her. Unafraid to fail, Larsson is living proof that unwavering self belief is the making of global success.

Her brutal honesty when it comes to her own career and the causes that matter to her are what define her impact—not only does Larsson's immeasurable talent speak to her audience, but her ability to connect to her fans through her online presence is a cut above the rest.

Midnight Sun, Larsson's fifth studio album, is still reaching its peak almost eight months on from its release—and its overriding messages of optimism, joy, acceptance, and the star coming into her own provide a very welcome antidote to the often unrelenting bad news the world is faced with. This, combined with Larsson's social media persona and engagement with the world around her, makes her one of the most captivating pop icons around today.

In the wake of her partnership with Alpro, Larsson talks all things wellness, ambition, self-care, and the defining aesthetic of the Midnight Sun era.

In what has been such an explosive couple of years for you, how do you continue to take care of your mind and body every day?

Honestly, I try to keep it really simple, especially when everything else feels quite full-on. If I start my morning with something nourishing, move a bit, and don’t dive straight into work, I already feel more like myself. I’m not the type of person to spend ages prepping the ’perfect’ breakfast, so I’ve always leaned on Alpro. It’s a bit of an easy win for me, as I get the essential nutrients I need, without having to overthink it.

Are there any health or wellness trends you’ve fallen for that you’d never do again?

I definitely went through a phase of trying to create the perfect routine, and it just didn’t feel sustainable. Now, I keep things really simple. I’m much more about balance rather than trying to make things perfect.

How has your self belief shaped your work, and how have you kept the right balance between setting ambitious goals and not putting too much pressure on yourself?

I’ve always felt very clear about what I wanted, and I think sometimes people find that “too much” in a woman—like you’re supposed to be grateful and surprised, not certain. But I’ve worked hard, and I’ve always taken my talent seriously, so why would I pretend I didn’t want success?

The balance has been learning that ambition doesn’t have to mean self-punishment. I’m still extremely driven—I love setting big goals, but I try to check the energy behind it. Am I excited, or am I scared? Because when it becomes fear-based, it stops being creative. Now I’m more focused on building a career I can live inside, not just achieve things on paper.

How have you managed when things haven’t quite gone to plan, and how do you take care of yourself in those cases?

I used to take it so personally when things didn’t go the way I imagined—like it was a reflection of me. And sometimes you just have to be like… no, life is life. Things shift. You don’t always get the timing you want.

When that happens, I go back to grounding stuff: sleep, food, movement, being around people who know me outside of work, and letting myself feel disappointed without trying to immediately “fix” it. I’ve learned you can’t rush yourself through emotions. If I take care of myself properly, I bounce back with a clearer head—and usually I can see that what felt like a setback was actually a redirection.

You're known for being unafraid to speak out against injustice—how do you show up in the ways that you feel you need to as a public figure whilst taking care of your own mental wellbeing where necessary?

It’s a constant balance, because I do feel a responsibility to use my voice—but I’m also a human being, and there’s only so much your brain and body can hold every day. I try to be intentional: I read, I listen, I share when it’s meaningful and accurate, and I support in ways that aren’t just “online.” And then I let myself step back.

I think there’s a real difference between being informed and being consumed. If I’m burned out and panicking 24/7, I’m not actually helping anyone. I want to stay compassionate and clear—and that means protecting my own mental health too.

Your style has become a huge definer of your music and personality during the Midnight Sun era—has this form of expression always come very naturally to you?

I’ve always loved style, even when I was younger—it was like a way of speaking before you even open your mouth. But I've definitely become more confident. I’m not dressing to be “approved of” anymore. I’m dressing to express the feeling of the music.

With Midnight Sun it’s bold, warm, a bit dramatic, a bit playful—like glowing confidence. I love that style can be fun, but it can also be powerful. It’s part of the storytelling.

If there’s one message or theme that you’d like to live on beyond the Midnight Sun album, what would it be?

That you’re allowed to take up space. That you can be ambitious, sensual, soft, loud—all of it—and you don’t have to make yourself smaller to be accepted. I want people to feel a little more free after listening. Like, “I’m allowed to want what I want, and I don’t have to apologise for it.”

There aren't many athletes quite as accomplished as Gabby Thomas, a world-record-breaking athlete whose discipline plays out far beyond the track. A Team USA Olympian with five medals (three gold, one silver medal and one bronze) under her belt, she's one of the fastest women in the world, running the world's fastest 200m back in 2024.

A New Balance athlete, former Vogue cover star and Harvard graduate with a passion for public health, Thomas' success story is shaped by both purpose and performance.

In our latest iteration of "My Life In," she shares intimate details about the moments that shaped her sporting career and formative years - the early mornings, the barriers to entry, and the brands that supported her every step of the way. From balancing performing at the highest level to graduating from arguably the most prestigious universities in the world, Thomas deep dives into life behind the fame.

Keep reading to hear more from one of our generation's greatest athletes - a woman paving the way for a younger generation, achieving the impossible, and proving that impossible is nothing.

My earliest memory of running is...

Running past the boys while playing at school. That is when I first felt fast.

The moment I realised I could compete at an elite level was…

Winning the 2018 NCAA indoor championship in the 200m. Before that I just looked at track as a part of my college experience. Suddenly it clicked that this could be something I could pursue at the highest level.

A turning point in my career that changed everything was…

Making the 2021 Olympic team after winning the U.S. Trials. Overnight, I went from almost unknown to a favourite. The attention and expectations were a lot to manage, but I couldn’t have been more excited to be on that Olympic team.

Before a big race, I feel…

Peaceful, or at least I try. I don’t listen to hype up music or do anything to get over excited. Instead I focus on my breath, being present and the technical elements I want to execute.

Being a New Balance athlete means...

inspiration. I joined New Balance in 2018 and have been lucky to have them support me throughout my career. This has given me a platform to further inspire the next generation of athletes to feel confident and pursue their dreams – no matter the hurdles.

Designing my own New Balance shoe represents...

My personality. It was so exciting to work with New Balance to pick the style and colours of the collection. My FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spikes are bright pink, and my Ellipse colourway and apparel are more of a pink pastel. Both show off my girly side, but the bright vs. neutral colours show the range of my personality from strong, intense race day energy to a more subtle, off-the-track vibe.

Balancing elite sport with my work in science/public health has taught me…

That not only can I handle doing different things, that I need it. I love the ability to shift my focus so that my life does not only revolve around the track or results. It’s good for my brain. Plus giving back to my community helps fill my cup.

When things don’t go to plan, I remind myself…

That setbacks don’t make me question my talent. They refine it. Every setback I’ve had has led to a better version of myself. For example, I had a hamstring injury in the summer of 2022, and I was devastated to miss World Championships, especially as they were here in the U.S. But then in 2023, I had my best season yet, and of course, 2024 was everything I could have hoped for and beyond.

Switching off, for me, looks like…

Stepping out of the performance mindset and into real life. I like hanging with friends and family, taking a walk for a cup of coffee, and playing with my dogs. I’ve had a pug named Rico that I adopted during COVID, and we just got a new rescue pup, Nala, that keeps us all on our toes. I prioritise letting my brain breathe. I’m at my best when I give myself permission to just be human.

What I hope young women take away from my journey is…

Is that you’re allowed to be ambitious in more than one direction. You can chase big goals. I’ve always balanced academics with running, and I never felt like I had to choose. You can be well-rounded, driven, and powerful at the same time

Right now, I’m most excited about…

My wedding. I’m getting married in October and deep in wedding planning mode. I’m just excited to be married to my best friend and have a great party as well.

The legacy I hope to leave is…

The idea of doing things your own way. I want young women to see that you can chase excellence in multiple avenues and build a life that feels true to you.

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Adwoa Aboah and Topshop go way back. As a teenager, she was among the many who flocked to the iconic Oxford Circus flagship in search of identity, experimentation and the perfect pair of jeans, before going on to walk in multiple Topshop runway shows during the brand's 2010s heyday—cementing her place as one of London fashion's defining faces.

Fast-forward to now, and seeing the model front Topshop's latest Spring/Summer 2026 campaign feels like something of a full-circle moment. After sitting front row alongside Cara Delevingne and Alva Claire at the high-street brand's much-anticipated comeback show in London last summer, Aboah now finds herself at the centre of its new era—one that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking in equal measure.

Here, Adwoa Aboah looks back on her style evolution and how Topshop helped shape it, sharing why she has no fashion regrets, the simple rule she always comes back to when getting dressed, and what’s on her wishlist for the season ahead.

What are your earliest memories of Topshop?

"This takes me back. I remember going into the Oxford Circus store as a teenager and feeling like I’d stepped into this chaotic, vibrant world. It was loud, packed, so overwhelming. You could completely reinvent yourself in an afternoon, that was the magic to it."

What were your favourite 'old Topshop' pieces?

"I had this pair of super low-rise skinny jeans. It was very 'trying to be cool without quite knowing how', which is basically the teenage experience. I think I still have them somewhere...

There was also an ombré babydoll dress and a blush-pink slip that was cut on the bias. I wore both to oblivion. I wish I could still wear them, but there's no way I'm fitting into any of those dresses anymore.

I do still have a collab piece from the [mid-Noughties] Celia Birtwell collection that I wear a lot. I regret all the Topshop pieces that I gave away."

How did Topshop influence how you dressed as a teenager?

"It taught me that style isn’t fixed; it evolves with you. I am still evolving now."

What made you excited to partner with Topshop again, in its new iteration?

"There’s a sense of confidence about it. It feels like Topshop has grown up with us, but it hasn’t lost that nostalgic edge."

How has your style evolved over the years?

"I dress for what is comfortable that day. It’s become more intentional. I’m less concerned with trends and more focused on how things make me feel."

What does London style mean to you?

"It’s about mixing things that maybe shouldn’t go together and somehow making it work. The 'secret', if there is one, is not overthinking it."

How does your style change when you're in London and LA?

"London me is a bit tougher, dressed up—more layers, more edge. In LA, everything softens. It’s more relaxed. But I think there’s always a thread of me in both."

What are your everyday style essentials?

"A great pair of jeans is essential for anyone. A big coat to keep out the London cold and a great vintage graphic t-shirt."

What's the best fashion advice you've received?

"If you don’t feel like yourself in it, don’t wear it. It sounds simple, but it’s everything."

Who do you look to for style inspiration?

"I’m always inspired by women who feel like they are dressing for themselves. I also think it’s never about always getting it right… To get it wrong means you were willing to take risks no one else was brave enough to do. I’d say Erykah Badu, Rihanna, Chloë Sevigny, Solange Knowles, Sinead O'Connor, Lisa Eisner, Phoebe Philo, Mrs. Prada, Marissa Cooper from The OC, Courtney Love, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen... I could go on and on. All these women embody a do-it-your-own-way kind of attitude."

Which designers are you currently obsessed with?

"Viktor Gichev, Simon Carle, Phoebe Philo, Colleen Allen, Maximilian Davis, Matthieu Blazy, Gina Corrieri and Michael Rider."

Tell us about your fashion regrets

"I have no regrets, it was all part of the process."

What is the most treasured item in your wardrobe?

"It’s actually a piece of jewellery—something passed down from my mum. It’s not about how it looks, it’s about what it means. I carry that with me."

What's on your summer 2026 wishlist?

"A Chanel leopard print jacket, coloured jeans, and the oversized bright orange Topshop trousers I’m wearing in the campaign."

What are your favourite pieces from the new Topshop collection?

"I love a good blazer—I’d throw it over a tiny tank and loose trousers, very effortless. A slip dress is always a yes; I’d toughen it up with good jewellery. And a great pair of denim—worn in, slightly undone—with a white tee and something oversized on top."

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Lily Collins needs little introduction. From her early roles in Love, Rosie and Mirror Mirror to her West End run in Barcelona, she’s been a fixture on our screens for years. Along the way, her own personal style has become a point of fascination, from red carpet moments to her cool‑girl looks that stand apart from her on‑screen wardrobe.

Considering that her role in Emily in Paris has fuelled a renewed cultural obsession with both the city and the actress herself, when I meet Lily it’s hard not to be curious about her personal connection to Paris. We catch up at a Maison Perrier event where she is announcing her new ambassador role, which feels as though it’s been lifted straight from the show. We discussed everything from her favourite on‑set moments and bloopers, to her go‑to French pharmacy staples, as well as motherhood, confidence, and her ultimate outfit formula. Plus, what actually inspired her iconic (and now signature) bob.

When you look back at the roles you've played, what have they taught you about yourself?

I discover a little bit of something new with each role. It's therapeutic at times, it's super empowering at other times. You never stop learning about yourself. For me, that's a lesson in and of itself. Sometimes I think I've hit limits within myself when I'm doing a role, and then the next role makes me go further and push further. So it's been really interesting to see the lengths that I can push myself to for each character, and the confidence that I can build to try new things.

Everyone I know is obsessed with Emily in Paris - what’s been your favourite part?

Meeting Ashley Park - I found a sister in the show. And just being a part of something that is making people smile and laugh. To feel a part of something bigger than just a show has been such an honour, and I'm so grateful for it. The first season came out during COVID and I think everyone wanted to just laugh and feel good and travel, and to be a part of that in people's homes is such a gift.

How much do you relate to Emily in your own life?

I'm a constant optimist, I'm a go-getter. I'm super enthusiastic about my work and about my friendships. I'm solution-driven, I'm very much that kind of optimistic, inspirational attitude that Emily Cooper has. I think I learned quicker than Emily about asking for help from people, that it's okay to ask for help. It's a strength, not a weakness. It's okay not to be liked by everyone. I had that knowledge and experience prior to Emily, so it was interesting to see her learn that.

This event is very much Emily in Paris in real life…

This is literally my campaign come to life! I felt like I was stepping back into the commercial. It's so beautifully done. I feel like Emily would be very proud.

Emily's wardrobe has become instantly recognisable. How different is her style from your own day-to-day?

I would say it's different. I love dressing as Emily. I'm probably more geared towards understated, comfortable chic, and she's more bold and loud in her choices. Not even loud in terms of colour - just that she makes choices and statements with everything she wears, whereas I kind of pick and choose. Also, being a mum now I'm definitely more functional. I wear heels a lot less - now I'm usually in ballet flats or sneakers.

When you're not filming or on the red carpet, what's your everyday outfit formula?

Oversized blazer, a great pair of jeans (mostly high-waisted), a button-down tee in light blue or white. A comfy cropped sweater and a solid sneaker or a ballet flat with a oversized bag to fit everything in for when I'm not wearing it. Ashley and I always joked, when we need an oversized blazer we just get it from the men's department for that slouchy look.

What inspired you to go for the chop with a bob?

I wanted something different. I always lean on my hairstylist Gregory Russell to take me somewhere new. Darren [Star] and the rest of the producers on the show really allow me to be me in terms of my look. Marilyn [Fitoussi] always says that when I get a haircut, it inspires her new season for what Emily wears. For example, when I got the bangs in real life she said that, all of a sudden, she saw the wardrobe! When I got the chop, she said the same thing. It also just feels like who I am right now. Women change their hair when they need to change in their life. I feel and that's kind of always been my thing.

It can be a high-maintenance cut - how do you keep it looking chic?

I only ever air dry it and I had to get over the whole maintaining-it-and-cutting-it-all-the-time. The shorter the hair, the more you notice that it needs to be cut... once you get over the fact that you're not gonna be able to maintain it all the time, it's very freeing!

Parisians are known for their beauty rituals. Which French beauty habits have you picked up?

Cicaplast and Cicalfate are the two creams that you get at the French pharmacies, which are the best places to buy beauty products. Cicaplast can heal anything, literally anything. I use it on my baby too. It's like the greatest cream.

What's your signature fragrance?

I don't have a signature fragrance! I'm always smelling other peoples. I'll say to someone, ‘Oh, I love your scent. What is it?’ And then I try it on myself and see what works. I'm also a fan of hand cream, and you can't really mix the two sometimes if it's scented because it's just too much. So I wouldn't say I have a signature scent, but I gravitate towards different things when I'm feeling a certain way, like orange blossom, Rose, Cedarwood, patchouli. It kind of just depends on how I’m feeling!

Does scent help you get into character?

Ashley is big on that, in terms of a scent representing a character. When I did the play last year, she made me a perfume and she named it something for me. It was a perfume I sprayed every performance, and it became my character's smell. I've kept the remnants of it in my little cabinet because whenever I want to smell it, and the memory of the play, I just smell that. It's so interesting because I've never done that for a character before, and I love the idea of continuing it because it really does work! You smell it, and you remember who you are in that moment. So I think it's something I'm going to continue.

Your work often explores ambition, vulnerability and self-belief. What does confidence mean to you now compared to earlier in your career?

Confidence to me now is really feeling good in your own skin. It shouldn't be focused on your physical confidence, because inside you can still feel insecure and all those things. So for me, feeling confident in my choices and in my own skin, without anyone else's opinions, is the most important type of confidence - and then that will manifest in all aspects of your life, in ways that you wouldn't expect. I think I focused too much on physical confidence as opposed to emotional confidence, and now, as an adult - or as an older adult - it's all for me about the inner confidence.

What drew you to working with Maison Perrier?

I spend so much time in France, and nothing screams France more than Perrier. Flavoured sparkling water and Maison Perrier is just so understatedly chic, which is what I love about it. For me, I grew up never needing alcohol to have fun - I really was the first kid on the dance floor just because I wanted to dance! I wanted to have fun, I wanted to be with my friends. So the idea that with the Maison Perrier Chic range, it's really about sobriety being cool - you can be the life of the party and be the best version of yourself without needing to drink. I think is an amazing message - so it's the perfect partnership.

How has motherhood shifted the way you think about time, and how do you recharge?

I think motherhood has completely shifted my opinion on time in that it's so precious, and I want to be able to spend as much time as I possibly can with [my daughter]... the things that were important to me before her may not take priority anymore, and that's okay. We shift and change through life, and you can still find something important to you. But now there's something greater than you, and I think it's been amazing to reprioritise what time means for me.

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Every decade or so, a new "it girl" arrives and rewrites the rules of modern femininity. Bella Hadid, who has arguably become the defining supermodel of the 2020s, has earned her accolades: there's her much-documented beauty and sartorial stylings, but what looms large is her fierce activism and vulnerability.

I spoke with Hadid ahead of her appointment as Prada Beauty's new ambassador. It had been a whirlwind few weeks for the 29-year-old: deep in Fashion Week preparations, she would go on to walk for Saint Laurent and make her Prada runway debut, wearing not one but four looks.

She arrived a little late to our interview, though you wouldn't know the little of it: she was profusely apologetic and as enthusiastic and disarmingly sweet as her reputation had led me to believe. But of course, we were there to speak about beauty, and Hadid is a bona fide expert. Below, we dig into her early make-up memories, grounding rituals, and her hair as a form of armour.

On her evolving approach to beauty

Nessa Humayun: What's the very first beauty memory you have?

Bella Hadid: Oh, I think it was wearing black liner. I was 14, and my best friends taught me. We'd sneak into our parents' bathroom and find whatever black shades we could get our hands on. I felt very fabulous.

NH: How long did that more grunge-y phase last? Your approach to beauty has really changed from the start of your career.

BH: Honestly, it probably started when I dyed my hair dark as a rebellious 12 or 13-year-old. Then, when I was 19, I worked with the make-up artist Peter Phillips. He really taught me a lot about contouring, how to place concealer, and how to use things around you that aren't necessarily make-up, but more like creative techniques. He taught me lots of little things... Like how eyebrows are sisters, not twins; it's just all those little tips you pick up over the years.

Peter was definitely a huge influence early on, but now, 10 years into my career, I've picked up other tips that have made my style different. Simplicity is key. I love using creamy textures that blend naturally and create a look that feels true to me. I've taken steps from Peter and from other make-up artists, and it's become a collaborative process... Learning, experimenting, and seeing what's new and fun.

On her beauty essentials

NH: What products have really stood the test of time for you?

BH: Skincare is huge! It's the foundation of any beauty routine. And then having a "second skin" product is essential. I say "second skin" a lot, but I truly believe it. Another essential for me is blush, a creamy one that adds a little colour and makes you feel alive. We all work so hard, so it's important to have something that gives you confidence, even if you're not doing a full face of make-up. Sometimes I have to run around like Mary Poppins—everyone calls me that because I carry everything in my bag—but I always have the [upcoming] Prada Touch Cream-to-Powder Blush on me. It sounds like I'm placing these words in my answers, but I truly believe what I'm saying.

NH: To say you travel a lot would be an understatement. What are the three steps you never skip if you need to feel ready?

BH: Definitely a face ice plunge, because my lymph doesn't really drain naturally. In the mornings, I do a lot of jumping, which is weird. My best friend Yasmin and I used to joke about doing interpretive dance in the mornings... We'd make funny moves and jump around, and I actually started feeling better after that. So now I jump around every morning. My dog gets excited like, "What are we doing?" and I'm like, "Mama's just trying to drain a lymph system over here."

I also like to start the day by writing, so letting go of anything from yesterday. And then I'll hydrate my skin to feel really juicy and moisturised, or as Hailey [Bieber] says [like a] "glazed doughnut".

If I have a bit more time, I'll do tinted moisturiser, a little concealer if needed, and a blush. I love Dahlia from the Prada Touch range. When I was on set, I stole this, and they all think I'm a kleptomaniac now or something, but I needed it in my purse. It's dark, almost like a contour, but when you massage it into your skin, it becomes soft and blends into the most beautiful, sun-kissed glow. I like to put it on my cheeks, on my eyes, and in the middle of my lips. It's a one-stop product.

On her signature hair

NH: Your super sleek bun has become iconic. Is it practical or more of a confidence boost?

BH: Honestly, for a really long time, I was very sick, and I was working a lot. I mean, I never said no to a job, so I was always on the road. So, there was something about a tight, snatched ponytail or bun that made me look awake... It now makes people think that I've had 25 facelifts! My friend Jawara [Wauchope] is an incredible hairstylist. He laughs at me because I used to come to shows and be like "tighter, tighter" because I'd be so tired and it would snatch my face up so much. At that point, it was more practical.

It's changed for me over the years, though. I've loved a big blowout, I've gone straight, and now I'm loving the side part. As human beings, we're multifaceted, and we can do what we want. I mean, thank goodness I don't dye my hair so much now, or my agent Joseph would kill me, but sometimes I am like... "Red?"

On her collaboration with Prada

NH: You've just walked the Prada runway for the first time, and now you're the new face of their beauty arm. How does it feel?

BH: Honestly, it's a dream. It once felt unattainable, but working with Prada is an honour; they're authentic, innovative and forward-thinking. Being honest about the products I love is important. I have a genuine connection with the Prada product team—we’re all excited, and I would never promote something I don’t genuinely believe in. Mrs Prada herself is the pinnacle of fashion, femininity, and strength.

NH: Thanks so much, Bella, and for all your activism too!

BH: Thank you, it means so much to me. I really appreciate it.

The Prada Touch Cream-to-Powder Colour launches on April 1st 2026.

If you want to see real innovation in the beauty industry, just look at FACEGYM, which Inge Theron founded back in 2015. It's simple, yet ingenious for the way in which it (literally) placed the power back in women's hands; facial massage or "fitness" as she likes to call it, can be done by anyone, anywhere, but preferably in one of the many FACEGYM studios globally.

Theron is, of course, uniquely qualified to bring this blend of ancient and contemporary techniques to the masses. The South African journalist and entrepreneur spent over 10 years as The Financial Times' resident spa junkie, where she reviewed the latest high-end aesthetics, nutrition and fitness treatments. But the treatments gradually became more and more invasive, until she was left house-bound after a disastrous thread lift. "I realised I was missing something fundamental," she tells me. "I was spending thousands on biohacking the body, but doing almost nothing to naturally support the 40+ muscles in my face. It hit me: we train our bodies at the gym, so why not our faces?"

In the years since, FACEGYM has expanded massively across the globe, having recently partnered with the iconic Kulm Hotel in St Moritz to provide a ski and sculpt menu in their spa. And Theron has kept busy outside of gua shas and microcurrents too—she is the chief "sparchitect" at ITANDA, the luxury spa design agency behind the likes of Knightsbridge's Surrenne. Below, we dig into her beauty and wellness philosophy, and the ongoing evolution of FACEGYM.

On stripping beauty back to basics

After testing the world’s most advanced aesthetic treatments for over a decade — from LA to Tokyo — I realised I was missing something fundamental. I was spending thousands on biohacking the body, but doing almost nothing to naturally support the 40+ muscles in my face. It hit me: we train our bodies at the gym, so why not our faces? I decided to completely strip back everything I was doing—no more injectables, no more chasing trends—and rebuild my facial muscle strength using the basics: movement, circulation, muscle stimulation, and energy flow. And that’s where FaceGym came from: it's not a facial, but a results-driven workout studio for your face. It was radical in its simplicity—but backed by science and serious results.

On lessons learnt from being a spa junkie

If you want to look great and age well it is about treating the whole self, you can laser, inject, and freeze all you want, but if you’re not supporting your skin’s natural systems with a healthy diet, good consistent sleep, detoxifying in the sauna, using SPF every day and doing daily facial massage, then you wont get a long lasting result. What makes a long-term difference is living a healthy lifestyle. And that by adding in deep tissue massage and resistance training of the muscles in the face to your daily routine will give you incredible results. It’s clinically proven to increase mitochondrial production in dermal fibroblasts — those are the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. One 2021 study showed that just five minutes of mechanical stimulation per day improved skin thickness and elasticity. Another study found that improved lymphatic drainage can reduce facial puffiness and inflammation significantly. Studies show that facial massage increases circulation by up to 25%, boosts lymphatic drainage, stimulates collagen production, and even improves muscle tone and skin elasticity. At FaceGym, we’ve taken that heritage and layered in performance—our workouts use high-energy knuckling, sculpting, and cardio massage to activate muscles and reshape the face. It’s the ancient art of massage, upgraded with the precision of a workout.

On the treatments she wouldn't recommend

I worry about the normalisation of Botox and filler for women in their early twenties. You’re not “preventing” ageing—you’re creating facial dependency, weakening underlying muscles, and potentially distorting natural facial symmetry. Instead, we should be educating young women on fascia health, muscle integrity, and circulation. Massage, gua sha, facial exercise—these are time-tested tools that respect the biology of ageing. They work with your face, not against it.

Has your approach changed since stopping your column for the FT?

Massively. Back then, I was chasing novelty—what’s new, what’s next, what’s “miracle.” But now I’m more interested in what lasts. Beauty to me isn’t about erasing the signs of ageing—it’s about keeping your identity strong as you evolve. And I’ve become obsessed with the invisible layers: fascia health, muscle tone, lymphatic flow. These are the things that hold beauty in place—and no one teaches you that until something starts to sag or shift. Now I build from the inside out.

Do you think fillers and botox have become too normalised?

They’ve become normalised, especially through social media—where tweakments are packaged as no more serious than a manicure. But the truth is, these are medical interventions with long-term implications. I had a terrible thread lift that left me looking lopsided. I lost my confidence, could not look in the mirror, and I was emotionally depleted, depressed, and it took months before I recovered. We don’t talk enough about what happens when it goes wrong. I don't think the experts give us the full picture. Filler is not just for Christmas! Had I known it would last for years and potentially create scar tissue, I am sure I would not have gone ahead with the procedure.

On empowering women through FACEGYM

Facial massage puts the power back in your hands—literally. It’s not about erasing age, it’s about optimising what you have. You’re increasing ATP production, boosting skin metabolism, improving tone—and you’re doing it yourself, not outsourcing it to a machine or a needle. There’s something deeply empowering about that. At FaceGym, our clients leave not just looking more lifted and glowing, but feeling stronger, more connected to their face. It becomes a ritual, a practice of self-respect. Ageing gracefully isn’t about avoiding wrinkles — it’s about maintaining vitality, confidence, and integrity in your appearance.

How did you go about learning about face massage?

I went on a global quest. I trained in Japan, Brazil, and Paris, anywhere that had a tradition of facial work. I studied lymphatic drainage in Brazil, deep muscle stimulation in Paris, and the ancient technique of Kobido in Japan. But I didn’t want to just replicate tradition—I wanted to build something contemporary, energetic, and results-driven. FaceGym’s signature moves were born at the intersection of massage and fitness. We adapted techniques from physiotherapy, facial reflexology, and manual lymphatic drainage, then added high-intensity knuckling, muscle sculpting, and electrical stimulation. Each movement is choreographed to activate muscles, increase blood flow, and oxygenate the skin. It’s facial fitness—you should feel it working.

On consistency

Consistency is everything. One session gives you that incredible “post-gym glow”—the cheekbones are more defined, the jaw’s sharper, the eyes look more awake. But just like with physical training, the real magic comes from repetition. We’ve built a full toolkit so clients can maintain results at home: our Active Rollers, Hydro-Bound Serum, and our Collagen Infusion Balls (which are clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 12% in just one week). We’re giving people the tools to train their skin, boost their collagen, and keep their facial muscles in peak condition—all from their bathroom mirror.

On FACEGYM's unique design

Design is everything, because the space is part of the transformation. I never wanted FaceGym to feel like a traditional spa or sterile clinic. I wanted energy, movement, sound. The music is loud, the lighting is bold, the team is high-vibe—it feels like a fitness studio because we’re training your face like we train your body. But there’s also precision: the mirrors, the tools, the scent—everything is designed to activate the senses and reinforce the idea that this is a ritual, not a chore. Wellness should feel aspirational and accessible. And... Beauty had become too serious—too isolated, too clinical. I wanted to bring joy back into the experience. Music creates rhythm. Group energy creates momentum. When you walk into FaceGym, you feel like you’re part of a tribe of women taking ownership of their skin—it’s inspiring, not intimidating. Also, being seen while taking care of yourself is powerful. It removes shame from self-care and replaces it with pride. We’re building a culture of active ageing, not age avoidance.

On FACEGYM's evolution

We’re evolving from being just a face workout brand into a performance skincare ecosystem—one that supports facial health on every level: topical, muscular, and neurological. We’ll be opening more studios globally, expanding our product innovation into tools, devices, and tech that bring pro results home, and introducing new longevity-led protocols that support the skin long-term. We’re also investing in more clinical research to back everything we do— because women deserve skincare that’s not only results-driven, but evidence-based.

What does longevity mean to you?

For me, longevity isn’t about living forever—it’s about living better, longer. It’s the convergence of biology, design, and ritual. It’s about environments that regulate your nervous system, routines that enhance your natural rhythms, and treatments that make your body more resilient over time. Longevity should be built into the architecture of your life. [Generally speaking], I wish the wellness and beauty industries were less about packaging trends and more about outcomes. Longevity isn’t a smoothie and an IV drip—it’s cellular regeneration, mitochondrial health, and emotional resilience. We need more transparency, more cross-disciplinary collaboration, and less of the performative wellness aesthetic. Consumers are savvier now—they want evidence, they want storytelling, and they want spaces that genuinely help them feel well, not just look well.

Her advice to young women...

Don’t skip the foundations. You don’t need injectables in your twenties—you need to focus on circulation, hydration, mineral support, and fascia care. Learn your face. Understand your skin. Build strength, not dependence. The best thing you can do is activate, not paralyse. Train your skin the way you train your body—with intention, consistency, and joy. That’s what will serve you not just now, but for decades to come.

Shay Mitchell has a storied life in beauty. From the wise words she received from her mother (lipstick, always) to the enduring tricks learnt on the set of her breakout television show, Pretty Little Liars—beauty has always been an integral part of the actress's self-care routine. Below, we dig into it.

On keeping her hair in tip-top condition

Honestly, it’s the funniest thing—before my partnership with OGX, my hairstylist actually used their Bond Protein Repair & Protect Smoothing 3-In-1 Oil Mist on me. When she first sprayed it, I was like, “What perfume is that?” I genuinely thought it was a fragrance because I loved the scent so much. Ever since then, my glam team always keeps it in their kit. It just gives me peace of mind, whether I’m on a shoot, on set, or getting my hair done.

On her infamous 58-step skincare routine

People still bring that up! But I was kind of joking in that video [for Vogue]. I had so many products in my bathroom and thought, 'Why not just use them all?' I had the time—my kids weren’t around—so I went all in. My routine is definitely not 58 steps anymore. I just don’t have the time. Now, I’ve cut it down and become really particular about the products I use. I have my go-to lineup for hair, body, and skin, it’s become a well-oiled machine. But I do still use some things, like sheet masks. I love mixing it up—I don’t stick to one brand. I’ll pick a self-care day, usually a Sunday, and turn it into a spa moment. I’ll open the drawer, find a new sheet mask, and go for it. It’s like the 'everything shower' trend on TikTok—I do all the things at once. I try to indulge like that every few weeks.

On her current beauty routine

For hair, especially when I do a slicked-back look, I always use a repair serum. OGX's 3-in-1 oil mist, which I mentioned before, is my go-to, especially in summer or while travelling. I’ll braid my hair, tie it into a bun, and slick it back. It gives a polished look without using gel, and it repairs at the same time. So, yes—slicked-back buns equals conditioning time. I’m all about multitasking. On Sundays, I do skincare, body care... Simple stuff. I love coconut oil. It’s affordable, effective, and my kids use it too. It's a multipurpose staple.

On her enduring love for beauty

My mom and grandma never left the house without lipstick. They’d always say, 'Just a little colour!' That’s been ingrained in me. Starting young in the industry, I worked with amazing makeup artists. I was so curious—always asking questions like, 'Why do you layer that?' or 'What’s that product for?' Because of that, beauty became something really fun for me.

On her wellness essentials

Honestly? Working out. I know it’s cliché, but a good sweat gives me a natural glow. If I have a red carpet or big event coming up, I’ll try to get in a sauna session or a workout the day before. It gets everything circulating, and I swear that makeup goes on better. Plus, I just feel more energised.

On her desert island essentials

Head-to-toe essentials? Definitely OGX's Bond Protein Repair 230°c Heat Protect Spray & Leave-In Conditioning Mist Multi-Tasker Spray—whether it’s heat, humidity, or styling, I always have it with me. I also love their repair oil. And of course, coconut oil, it’s cheap. Make-up-wise, I’m obsessed with the Maybelline Sky High mascara; I have five tubes floating around. I’d also grab a really hydrating face mask because all I think about when I hear 'desert' is dry. Maybe a speaker too. I know it’s not a beauty product, but we need music!

What's always in your handbag?

Hand lotion, dry hands are a no for me, especially when travelling. Breath mints, always—I never want to worry about bad breath. A phone charger (because mum life), and a spicy snack... oh, and hot sauce. Always hot sauce.

On her favourite tips and tricks

Tie your hair back before bed. My hairstylist told me this—your hair rubs against your pillow all night. Even if you don’t bring a silk pillowcase while travelling, just loosely braid your hair and use a serum, like the OGX oil mist. I do it every night now, and it makes such a difference.

On Pretty Little Liars

So much make-up! My eyebrows went through it—super thick, then thin, then thick again. It’s funny to look back. At the time, I felt amazing, but now I’m definitely more minimal. Still, it’s cute to see those old clips pop up. It was such a learning experience.

What are you always recommending to friends?

Heat protectant, no question. I tell all my friends to use one. For make-up, a good mascara and lip liner. For skin, a dry brush. I dry brush before every shower. It helps circulation and supports lymphatic drainage. And it’s affordable—you don’t even need a product. And if you forget, hang it next to your shower! Now, because it’s right there, I just take 60 seconds and do it before hopping in.

How has motherhood changed your relationship with beauty?

My daughters watch me the way I watched my mom. They ask about everything—'What’s that for?' or 'Can I try that?' I try to explain things simply, like why we wear deodorant or use lotion. They love watching me get glammed up, and now they even want to sit in the glam chair first! They play with sparkles and colours—it’s adorable. I fully support them experimenting. It’s fun, and I did the same. Beauty should be fun and never too serious. Chop your hair, wear a wig, follow a trend—or don’t! Do what makes you feel good. That’s all that matters.

The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off tonight, and Red Roses centre Tatyana Heard is raring to go.

One of England’s most recognised and celebrated female rugby players, Heard was born in Pisa before spending her early years in the USA. She relocated to North Yorkshire with her family when she was five years old and, not long after, she discovered rugby. She’d long loved watching her brother play, but sparked her own personal passion for the sport when asked to compete in a tag tournament at school.

Known for her athleticism, strength, and calm professionalism, she’s had an impressive career, with three Premiership Women’s Rugby titles in a row with her team, Gloucester-Hartpury, under her belt. That said, it hasn’t always been plain sailing. Dropped from the England Women’s team in 2018 after enduring three different ACL injuries before the age of 24, she ended up working in Asda to make ends meet.

Still, she soldiered on, focusing on her rehab, training, and mental endurance, with one clear goal: to play rugby fall-time and get the call-up for her national squad once more.

Being a woman in sport, to the athlete, still remains nuanced. Statistically, female athletes are funded less and given less airtime than their male counterparts. There aren’t as many professional opportunities, and wages remain significantly lower. That said, the dial is slowly moving to even the playing field and make sporting opportunities equal for all.

Below, Heard shares a little more of her story, aka her life in sport and what it means to be a woman in sport in 2025. Keep scrolling to read what inspired her to pursue rugby full-time, how she uses fashion for self-expression, and her hopes for the upcoming World Cup, to boot.

You're one of England's most recognised and celebrated female rugby players. What does it mean to you to be a woman in sport?

Being a woman in sport brings so much confidence that you don't necessarily have growing up. That's what rugby’s brought me - it allowed me to be myself, be individual, and be independent. There are so many different characters in women's rugby and in women's sports, and it’s really empowering to be able to be a part of that.

Did you love rugby from a young age? Or was there one light bulb moment where you were like, I could actually make a career out of this?

I had one light-bulb moment when I was 17. I had just got into the England Under-20s team, and I realised that maybe I could be good at the sport. Up until that point, I’d always worked hard, but I mainly did it because I enjoyed it so much.

My first cap in 2018 was a whirlwind, but again, it was another moment that made me feel I could pursue rugby professionally and full-time. It wasn't until 2019 that they introduced permanent full-time contracts, and that was the moment that I thought, I really want this and really want it to be my life.

Impostor syndrome is quite a big thing for a lot of athletes, especially female athletes. Have you ever felt it in your career, and how have you overcome it?

Opportunities came thick and fast at the beginning of my career. I was a consistent starting player in the England squad. But fast forward four years, and I'd had to work so hard to get back into the squad following some pretty serious injuries.

Any imposter syndrome I might have felt went away because I knew how much work I’d had to put in to get back to that point. I did deserve it. I’d visualise the moment that I’d put on that England shirt again and based my decisions on getting back there, even when it felt far away.

Having to work so hard to get there meant the mindset shift came naturally.

You had a real run of issues with your ACL. How did you cope with potentially career-ending injuries, and did you ever think during that process that you might not be able to do what you loved for a living again?

I ruptured my ACL when I was seventeen, had it reconstructed and always had a little bit of difficulty with it. It’d taken around eighteen months to bounce back from that, but then my knee kept locking. They told me it was a meniscus injury, but during the scan, they actually discovered that I didn’t have any ACL left, which meant I had to have a second reconstruction.

The most difficult thing for me was accepting that sometimes, you do just have a bad run of things.

Obviously, the injuries were really tough, but I learned so much in that process. I wouldn't be half as resilient as I am now if I hadn't had so many injuries.

Statistically, female athletes are funded less, supported less, and given less airtime than their male counterparts. How has this affected your career, and what other adversities have you faced?

Women’s rugby is still very new to professionalism, whereas in the men's game, you get an academy contract when you're eighteen or nineteen and become a full-time professional player. Men have the support from a young age - it’s a big factor.

During COVID, I didn't have a full-time contract. I was working as a coach as a means of doing my rehab and getting my body back to full strength post-injury, but when no rugby was allowed to happen, I couldn’t coach anymore.

I ended up working in Asda to pay the bills. It was undoubtedly the biggest moment of adversity for me in a professional sense, but I had to make sure I was earning enough money to live.

What's one moment that stands out to you as a real highlight, and what did you learn from it?

My biggest career highlight was seeing 58,000 fans at Twickenham for the first time, when we played against France in the final of the Six Nations. I remember thinking, “Oh my gosh, all these people are here for us.”

What did it feel like winning three Premiership women's rugby titles in a row with your team?

It's crazy, really. No one's ever done that in the women's Premiership, so three in a row really is an incredible achievement.

This year was a bit of a whirlwind because they compressed the season to end before the Six Nations for the first time, so it all happened very quickly. Each win was special in its own way, and I appreciate them all for each individual moment.

Viewing and attendance numbers for women’s sport are up across the board. How do we maintain this interest and continue to grow it for generations to come?

The most important thing is to show people that you have a personality. You see it with Ilona Maher - so many people have jumped on the bandwagon and started watching Sevens purely because she was posting on TikTok a lot throughout the Olympics.

Social media isn't everything, but it is big in allowing people to see who you really are. I think the most important thing is that we do show our personalities because that's what makes people want to buy in and want to invest and just follow your journey.

Do you ever feel like people put you in a box as a female athlete?

Definitely. Women should feel empowered, and I think that when you're in a space like beauty and fashion, you often do, yet in sport, on the pitch, everyone's in the same kit.

Being able to be individual is really important - it's very easy to put people into a box and say, for example, that female rugby players might be masculine. We need to be allowed to show off who we are - that’s what will continue to change how people see women's rugby. We can be fashionable, feminine and multi-faceted.

Do you think your childhood and being part of a big family shaped your determination and strong will today?

Definitely. My Mum always told me I'm really stubborn, but you kind of have to be as the youngest! Being part of a big family has definitely shaped me, and my brother actually inspired me to start playing rugby to begin with. It led me in the right direction, without doubt.

Tell me a little bit about your style and how you use it for self-expression.

I don't really wear makeup on a game day, but a big one for me is my hair. I put a lot of effort into my hair the day before the match, and also put a lot of thought into what outfits I wear around camp. I love Aligne clothes, and like being able to express myself with my clothes.

Many beauty brands have sponsored or collaborated with major women's sports teams in the past few years. What does your day-to-day beauty regimen look like?

I’m a fan of CeraVe skincare products, Merit makeup up and love Beauty Pie. Clinique products are great, too - they sponsored the PWR (Premiership Women’s Rugby).

My favourite products at the moment are the L'Oreal Lumi Glow, the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter glow booster, and the Rare Beauty blush. For lips, I’m loving the Raye lip liner and Fenty gloss.

Tell us a little bit about your life outside of the pitch. What are your main hobbies, and how do you love spending your time?

I've got into crochet quite recently - I like to make things that are useful, and it allows me to express my interest in fashion. I’ve started to make clothes, scrunchies and so on - I even made a whole outfit for when I went on holiday. I like reading to switch off, too. I’m currently reading The Salt Path and loving it.

How do you feel you and the team are inspiring the next generation of players? The women's game has evolved massively in the last few years alone, and you've changed the face of the sport.

There are so many young fans coming to our games now, and seeing both young girls and women starting to play rugby and pick up a ball when you wouldn't expect them to is really cool.

It's really exciting. I hope we can continue to showcase what we do and inspire even more people.

What are your ambitions for the World Cup, and do you think England has a good chance of winning?

When it comes to the World Cup, everyone's got a chance. No matter what the rankings are, everybody shows up for that tournament, so you've got to take every day as it comes.

That said, we definitely want to go and win it. As with every tournament, we have full intentions of lifting the trophy, and that’s what we'll go for.

Andie MacDowell is no stranger to being in the make-up chair. The actress who starred in a string of hits since the 80s, including Groundhog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral, got her start as a model, in campaigns for Calvin Klein and Yves Saint Laurent.

But as the South Carolina native tells me over Zoom—her hair a tumble of salt-and-pepper curls and her skin radiant, and gracefully lined—she's always taken a hollistic approach to beauty. She still relies on many of these tenants, aged 67. Below, we dig into it.

On her evolving approach to beauty

You know, much of it is the same. I wear a lot of sunblock, especially as I now live at the beach. I'm careful not to be too exposed to the sun and elements, and I wear my hats, but I'm not neurotic. I still want to live and have a good time—I'd rather be able to garden, ride horses and go to the beach and live life—but do it carefully. I moisturise a lot... And I'm a very healthy eater, more so than most people, but it's never been hard for me. It's just what I desire, and I drink a lot of water; it makes a difference. I love to work out, and actually, I just had a break, so I did a quick yoga session in this room. I'm fortunate that that is something I do for pleasure. It isn't something I dread. I enjoy it—it's a gift to myself.

What's a defining beauty memory from your youth?

That's so funny. I was telling my girls the other day about the importance of complimenting people, 'cause you never know what it means to them or what's going on in their life. I worked at McDonald's when I was in high school, around 16, and I loved mascara... I still remember to this day someone complimenting me on my lashes, saying, "Oh, your eyelashes are so long." I don't have many memories of working there, but I remember that. Just real simple, mascara.

And then I learnt about red lipstick when I lived in Paris. I went to a fitting at [Yves] Saint Laurent, and it was a big deal because the ladies came to the door and they were like "Oh Andie", 'cause I had no make-up on. They took me to the back to do it, and they said, "Next time, just put on red lipstick... Just red lipstick." I've loved that trick ever since then; if you just put on mascara and red lips, you look like you've made an effort. It's so chic, it's very French to me.

On her desert island beauty essentials

I just want water, please. Give me a lot of water. I hope there’s fruit on the desert island...Do I have a garden? Ok, so, fresh water in case there's none and moisturiser and lots of sunblock... And a hat, please. If I had to bring make-up, I'd take a little glow. I love to make my skin look bronzy, even on my eyes. So this product by L’Oréal Paris, Lumi Glotion, is my favourite. Now I'm excited about this Desert Island!

What beauty looks have you always loved?

I can go from one extreme to the next, because I do like a natural, healthy look, but also something more rock and roll. I love a dark eye, like a kind of smudgy, dewy, moist one, in midnight blue and black, but I also love a light, shimmery eye, with hardly anything on there.

On her grounding rituals

Yoga stimulates and gets your blood flowing. I also love body lotion, especially coconut butter... Sometimes I'll put gobs of conditioner in my hair because it's curly and dry, you know? I'll put it on and leave it there if I'm not going to see anybody. So I guess lots of gooey stuff! Sometimes it's fun to feel the luxury of self-care, and then other times, I'm super busy and I don't have time.

Do you have any non-negotiables when it comes to skincare?

I don't like a heavy base. Sometimes, I'll even put moisturiser on to make it feel lighter, like a CC cream. I like seeing a bit of a bit of skin through the base—I like healthy-looking skin, not a mask. And you'd be surprised, [on set] I've talked them out of putting me in super heavy make-up. They don't do that much. I barely wear any make-up now, and I've done scenes without it, depending on what's happening with the character.

On working with L'Oréal Paris and championing their Lights on Women Award

I love saying: 'I'm worth it, you're worth it, we're worth it', and I've been saying it for the past 40 years. There were times when I didn't feel worth it, and it was nice to know what I was telling people was what I needed to hear myself. And being able to support women and bring them to Cannes, via the Lights on Women's Award, changes people's lives. People get to see their films, and they get to meet people—it's a huge amount of energy that can transform their careers, and they continue to be mentored. You know, I've been fortunate. I've worked with quite a few female directors, and it's not easy; it's so much harder to get a leg up and be taken seriously.

Dita Von Teese is a cultural icon. Often referred to as the Queen of Burlesque, her impressive performance career spans three decades. While she may be known for effortlessly swishing around in an enormous crystal martini glass, or for her signature jet black waves and red lipstick, there’s far more to Dita than vintage style and impressive glove peels. She's a businesswoman with her own lingerie line, signature perfumes and French gin. She's an author, having written popular books on beauty and burlesque. And for the last thirty years she has been a fixture in Hollywood, starring in a litany of music videos and movies - from Green Day and Taylor Swift, to Don't Worry Darling and Jungle Red.

Of course, Dita’s love of contemporary strip tease has always been at the beating heart of her career, from her days as a pin-up model in the 90s to her ongoing Las Vegas burlesque shows. But she hasn't just inspired the next generation of performers; she has amassed millions of fans across the world thanks to her unshakeable dedication to glamour, and her unique ability to make it feel exciting, accessible and empowering.

I meet Dita at The Emerald Theatre in London on one of the hottest days of the year so far. Outside, it’s sticky and uncomfortable, and the heat has left the city feeling a little frantic. In a small room backstage, encased by draping velvet curtains and flanked by an ornate dresser, I’m taken aback by her serene and soft demeanour. A week later, I’ll witness Dita’s larger-than-life stage persona as she rides a pink, velvet mechanical bull in front of an excitable audience for her new show, Diamonds and Dust. For now, though, she’s quietly confident, thoughtful, and utterly charming. I talk to her about everything from her early career to creating confidence off stage, and her unusual perfume hack.

Let’s start with your life on stage. What is your creative process like when you’re developing a burlesque act or show?

When I'm coming up with any burlesque act I work very closely with my creative partner, Catherine D’Lish, and we come up with ideas together. Most of my ideas come from spring-boarding off of her, and us coming up with concepts and getting excited about a colour - it's like, “What colour rhinestones are we going to use? What colour feathers?” But a lot of different things drive it. I've often been inspired by things that maybe I see in a 1940s film, but I think, “Oh, wouldn't that be great as a strip tease?” So inspiration comes from everywhere - it's not really hard to come up with ideas, it's harder to come up with the money to do it! Sometimes some of the ideas are halfbaked, and then you spend all this time and money on something and you're like, “I'm not sure that I like that.”

Do you still make your own costumes?

No, I had to delegate. I always say, and it's true: there's nothing that I'm asking other people to do - apart from, like, welding and stuff like that - that I haven't done myself. That's really how I got my start, by crafting my costumes. One of the things we love about burlesque is that it is, historically, about the fact there's not a maestro. You’re self-created, and the women who were the greatest burlesque performers came up with their own concept and ideas, and played them out on stage.

What are your favourite pre-show rituals?

Well, I used to throw back an icy, cold glass of my favourite champagne - but those days ended when I was first in Las Vegas and had to come down this mega staircase. We're talking like a 50 stairs-steep staircase! That was when I was like, “I think I'm gonna quit drinking for a while.” It was really great, because once I didn't rely on that icy, cold glass of champagne to put a spring in my step I found my spring in my step without it. So that ritual is out the door. But the biggest thing is, I don't have hair and makeup people because I want to be by myself, or with one or two people that I feel really cool with.

You’ve previously spoken about the benefit of creating your early burlesque acts in a world before social media. What advice would you give to someone who wants to make original work?

When I was first starting in the 90s, there were very few burlesque performers. I had a coffee the other day and there was a copy of the magazine The Face. They did a profile on all the burlesque stars in the world - and it was like 15 of us! I think it was kind of easier to be original back then. I personally had to base my burlesque shows off of vintage movies I saw, and portraits of burlesque stars. It wasn't until after I was already full-swing in burlesque that I saw real footage, like VHS tapes. I was personally really glad I didn't have the imprint of other burlesque.

What inspired you at the time?

I love that there's so many different styles of dance, but for me as a ballet dancer I based my movement off of Sally Rand because I didn't see anything else. It helps you to be creative when you're not seeing what everybody else is doing. But on the same token, if you don't see what everyone else is doing then you might step on somebody's toes. Some people have the same idea, and it's just evolved into a much different place where it is good to know what's happening in the burlesque world so you know that you're not imitating something that somebody already did.

What's your best burlesque-inspired tip for confidence?

There's lots of things! For me, my burlesque career started with just having fun with it at home. I think tassel twirling is a fun thing to learn at home by yourself. The most important thing is, that it is about bringing playfulness together with eroticism and embracing who you are, and just doing things whether someone's watching or not. Have fun with dressing and undressing - you can perform a strip tease every day before you get into bed. You're going to take those clothes off anyway. It's great if you have somebody to pick it up, too. Turn your partner into a stage kitten.

How do you add little touches of glamour into your life?

You have to just think about what that is for you. For some people it's red lipstick, for someone else it's satin sheets. A thing that I love that doesn't take any extra time out of your day is nice lingerie. That's one of those things where you can open your drawer, have beautiful things… and it doesn't matter who sees it or not. I enjoy it, but some people don't want to wear pretty lingerie. You have to just decide what that is for you, because I don't like telling people what they're supposed to do to be glamorous.

What's the best piece of beauty advice you've ever received?

Sleep on your back. Everybody knows about not smoking and using sunscreen, but I sleep on my back like this - with my arms up so that my shoulders are back, so that my shoulders stay soft and your body feels better. It's better for your face because side sleeping will give you those creases that you don't really want to have early, so sleep on your back. It's not easy to learn, but you can do it. I taught myself during the pandemic - I wish I'd done it 10 years earlier.

It’s a hard thing to train yourself to do…

I know it's hard! I used to love to sleep with my knee pinned up high… one knee up here, and one leg outstretched. Now I sleep on my back, and my cats help me with this because one sleeps here [gestures towards her neck], one sleeps under one arm, and the other one sleeps between my legs. So they keep me pinned down.

What does self-care mean to you?

Mostly self-care to me means sleeping! If I do have a ritual before I go on stage when I'm in Las Vegas or on tour, I lay down flat for like 30 minutes and close my eyes and a meditation sometimes turns into a snooze. A snooz-itation. Self-care for me is getting enough sleep.

Do you ever use fragrances to add an additional sensory layer to your performances?

I wear the same fragrance, but what I do in Las Vegas for instance - people are very near to my feet. There's a long burlesque-style runway and so I walk down the runway and people are eye-to-eye with my feet. I spray my perfume around my ankles, and people definitely get a whiff of it… I don't spray too much, but just enough that you have to try hard to find it.

And lastly, what does your London show, Diamonds and Dust, mean for you at this point in your career?

I have three simultaneous shows that are all so different from each other, and this one is special because it's a plot-driven burlesque spectacle. It's very different from what I usually do - I'm not really into, like, plot [laughs]. Everything I do, I like to call a ‘stripscape’ where the curtains close and you get a new story every time the curtains open. So it was fun to work on the story. It's just very different than anything I've ever done.

Multi-hyphenate Sabrina Dhowre Elba has left almost no stone unturned. The businesswoman, philanthropist, model and Goodwill UN ambassador commits herself fully to whichever undertaking she sets her sights on, so it's not hard to believe that she's a somewhat of a perfectionist.

Her immense passion for her work translates immediately as we begin speaking, and it doesn't take long for us to start dissecting our favourite skincare buys. As a qualified aesthetician, her wealth of knowledge stems far beyond the products she has created at S'ABLE Labs, the skincare brand she founded with husband Idris Elba in 2020.

It's this grasp on the skincare industry that has earnt the brand its several awards for innovative formulations and commitment to sustainable and ethical practises, and Elba prides herself on her desire to continue learning.

“I’m frustrated if I don’t know [something] and I'm in a room where people do know," she shares. "I think, what do I need to do to know the things that they know? The labs are probably tired of me. I love going in and asking, so why is that done? Why would you change this?” Arguably, this is what makes the skincare collection such a success, particularly in a market that has yet to catch up with the needs of melanin-rich skin.

Now stocked by SpaceNK, S'ABLE Labs is bringing melanin-inclusive skincare to the forefront of consumer beauty. Below, Dhowre Elba delves into the history of the brand and where her desire to disrupt the skincare industry stems from.

Amelia Yeomans: The beauty industry is quite saturated these days, but you identified a gap in the market that you thought you could fill. What was that gap, and what inspired you to take up space in the industry with S’ABLE Labs?

Sabrina Elba: Oh, I love the idea of taking up space. It was a space that definitely needed taking up when I was younger. Like most people, I had teenage acne and was frustrated with my skin. I was growing up in Vancouver, Canada, so I didn't have a lot of girlfriends that looked like me, and I just remember thinking, why is my skin reacting so differently? I didn't have enough of an understanding about my skin because I wouldn't say the beauty industry, at that time, particularly catered to melanin rich skin. As a Black woman, I just didn't think anything was speaking to me directly.

As I got older and skincare knowledge got somewhat more democratised, I started to realise that I'm not the problem and that it was the industry that was the problem. So I started doing some research and recruited a good friend of mine [to help launch the brand]. I realised that melanin rich skin is a little bit more bougie, I like to call it; it's a bit more sensitive and prone to inflammation, which can cause and lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which lingers because of skin barrier damage—it just needs a bit more love. It's cheaper for a brand to formulate for skin that doesn't need the extra care, but then you get skin that's just left out of the equation.

We decided to create a brand that was going to include the needs of melanin rich skin but would cater to everyone, and the reason for that is because if you do cater to the most sensitive subgroup, you actually get a product that's better for everyone.

We love to use antioxidants because they're one of the best ways to protect against inflammation, so we use African ingredients that are packed with antioxidants because the best antioxidants come from Africa. I grew up with a lot of these ingredients, so we wanted to make sure they were the cornerstone in all the formulations and people could get to know them, but because we combine them with great science, it just makes for really efficacious formulations.

I do feel we came out in a time where there were a lot of celebrity brands [launching] and it was quite annoying to feel like we got lumped into a very saturated space when we created something because it didn't exist. I just think there is a misconception there, but we started this brand ourselves and and self-funded it and it came out of passion and responsibility and just a real ethos and mission to see more done.

AY: Do you see skincare and community as quite entwined? How do you view the relationship between the two?

SE: Everyone has a different idea of wellness; for me it is community. I'll often call my mum just to feel a bit better, or my sister, even though we'll probably get into an argument, but it does genuinely make me feel better. When we started the brand, [it was about] relating to people in the community about some of the ingredients or introducing ingredients to a community—it was just always at the heart of the brand, so I do feel community has just become a big part of it.

Also, we've seen a lot of support rallying around what we're doing with our formulations and unique ingredients. It feels like there's been an underserved group of people for such a long time who are finally feeling seen and recognised and heard, and building that has been one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done.

We take particular care when we source ingredients as well. We source all of our ingredients from communities in Africa that we know and we get to meet, and that allows us to have responsible and transparent supply chains that don't involve things like child labour. The ingredients story for us has become such a massive part of the brand now, and so fun to talk about because we get to introduce people to ingredients that 9 times out of 10 they haven't heard of or didn't realise were so efficacious.

AY: You’re a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the International Fund for Agricultural Development; where did your interest in farming and agriculture come from?

SE: I think originally it did come from this passion to change narratives. My mum was a strong African woman and she always told me, "African people are strong, don't believe what you see on TV, they're not waiting for handouts." I think just that little voice in the back of my head was always there when I started doing some more advocacy and philanthropic work. I wanted to show that, actually, people in the global South in general are very hard working and can just be victims of circumstance, especially when it comes to situations they didn't cause, like climate change, which we're seeing all across the global South now.

When I first went to visit IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) and saw the work that they were doing around agriculture and how, actually, if you just provide rural people with a chance, a leg up, an investment to start their own business, they can then feed their families, send their children to school and such. They're also helping to protect the earth because climate change needs nature-based solutions, and people who are in agriculture and farming are supporting biodiversity. They're protecting forests, they're protecting rural land. It all goes hand in hand.

But now, five years on from becoming a UN Goodwill Ambassador, I realised that even in the beauty industry, a lot of these people are in an abusive agricultural sector rather than one that should be beneficial. You have things like unfair wages, dangerous environments, and child labour because of unfair working conditions, and we're trying now as a brand to bring some visibility to that.

AY: How do you balance the growth of the brand with your mission to stick to ethical practices?

SE: I think we see a lot of brands start off very small and everything's great [ethically], and then as they grow, they wonder ‘how do we navigate this with how we want to do things?’. I'll be the first to say it's so much easier as a startup to do it the right way because it's a lot harder to go back and change everything [for established brands].

With startups, it is expensive to have the right packaging, sustainable practices, even to have ESG accreditation like a B Corp. But for us, when it comes to the raw materials and the sourcing, we've decided this is always going to be a mainstay in the brand, so we find partners who are willing to work with us that way. When you start to cut out the middle man and work with farmers directly, you're actually enriching communities and families, and we're finding people really resonate with that.

AY: Is there anything you've seen throughout your time building the brand that altered your way of thinking, or made you realise things should be done in a different way than what you'd previously thought?

SE: I think starting a skincare brand is an unlearning, because you realise how much marketing is in your head. I'm a trained aesthetician now, and I call that [course] the un-marketing course because every question I had I realised was so rooted in false advertising. I had the curtains pulled open for me. A lot of times we are doing too much [with our skincare] and actually, consistency in your routine and eliminating ingredients, like we do, that are going to cause further irritation or cause long-term damage for short-term results, then you're going to have healthy skin—and healthy skin is at the forefront of everything we do. It was unlearning, simplifying, educating. I think starting the brand has just changed my whole idea of the skincare industry.

AY: What made you want to launch a lip balm in particular?

SE: I cannot tell you how long we have been trying to create the perfect lip. Name a lip balm, I've tried it. But I think there were a couple of things missing in the market: one was long lasting hydration; we wanted to create something that was long lasting that had a real increase in moisture. Our clinicals do show a 127% increase in moisture in just 4 hours, but also that's sealed and acts like a Humectin that attracts more moisture as well.

Because we use enzymes and tetrose inhibitors in our ‘hyper prevent tech’, I feel this lip balm does actually stand out from others. We don't typically think about hyperpigmentation on the lips, but actually hyperpigmentation around my lips would make me not like my own lip colour, so I'd be constantly covering it up with lipstick. And I now feel, because my lips look brighter, more even toned, and plumper, I'm more confident with my lips.

AY: Looking back on the beginning of the brand, is there anything that you would do differently or that you think that could have been approached in a different way?

SE: For me, it would have been about surrounding myself with the right people a bit quicker. I think I always had this idea that I could do it all myself. But actually, having a great team is only going to help you get to where you're going a lot faster. I wish someone had said to me, invest now in the right team, do that first and then everything will fall into place.

AY: When you look to the future of the brand, is there like one big thing you have in mind you'd like to achieve?

SE: I would love to see A-Beauty become a household name. I love that people resonate with it, and I think we are so, so privileged to have an entire continent to pull from in terms of the botanicals that we're going to use and formulate with. With S’ABLE Labs, the ‘labs’ was added because it was always meant to be a think tank and a space for us to create, so we definitely want to see the brand expand and go into other areas.

You can shop the S'ABLE Labs Moringa Lip Salve now.

Jane Fonda defies categorisation. The trailblazing activist may first be known for her film career, which spans six decades, but in conversation, this is likely to be followed by talk of her political activity and fitness empire. She was, after all, the woman who popularised the home workout (and aerobics) in the 80s.

It was destined to be a special life. Born to the actor Henry Fonda, she is one of the last to have touched Old Hollywood, while being formative in ushering in the New Hollywood of the 70s, with roles in Barbarella—which became emblematic of Mod fashion—Cat Ballou, The Shoot Horses, Don't They?, and she won two Best Actress Oscars for Klute and Coming Home.

Central to her public figure, however—and largely overshadowing it for the remainder of the 20th century—was her activism. To make it brief: she opposed the Vietnam War, supported the African-American civil rights movement, vis-à-vis the Black Panthers, and fought for land rights for Native American people. In 1972, she was invited to Hanoi by Vietnam—a move that sparked mass outrage and resulted in her falling foul of the FBI; it's a bona fide film plot in and of itself.

On screen, Fonda looks every part the film star; her glamour seeps through even the corporate machinations of Zoom. But despite her sex symbol status, Fonda's approach to beauty has always been an afterthought to the work of her life. It's refreshing to hear, and below, we chat about it.

Nessa Humayun: You've had an incredibly long career. How has your approach to beauty evolved?

Jane Fonda: I pay much more attention to the beauty space than I used to. And part of it is because of Katharine Hepburn. When I was about 43 or 44, I made a movie called On Golden Pond, and one day, she came up behind me and took my cheeks like this [pinches skin], and she said, "This is your box that contains you! How do you want to present to the world?" She was angry with me because I didn't pay enough attention to how I presented myself. It took me about five years to understand what she was talking about, and then I started to pay more attention to it. So the short answer is, I care more about things like the colour of lipstick and shampoo.

NH: Were you eager to dabble with make-up as a child?

JF: I was a teenager in the 1940s and 1950s, and teenagers didn't wear make-up then, which is as it should be. I didn't start until I was about 16. And we used very little, too. You put lemon juice on your hair to make it blonder, and then whatever was the cheapest. I was a tomboy; I wanted to be a boy; I wanted to be a cowboy. I had no interest in it at all.

NH: What do you think always looks good on a woman?

JF: It depends on the face. For some people, the best look is to have absolutely nothing on except good skin. I'm big on eyes, so I always like women to enhance them, subtly, with mascara. Everyone today is wearing these huge eyelashes that look like you could park a car on them. I also love shiny hair. My hair was never shiny, and it doesn't look very shiny now, but it is reflecting. I love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination Treatment. But in a way, I think posture is more important than make-up. You can see the difference. People say I look young for my age at 87, and it's 'cause I've got good posture.

NH: Do you have any beauty essentials that you couldn't live without?

JF: I have very dry skin and hair, so it would be my moisturiser, the L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Golden Age Rosy Glow Day Cream. And then sunscreen to avoid skin cancer and blotches all over my face, which I used to have until I had them taken away. But I have cancer all over me now, so I don't know... I've never understood the need for one cream for the neck, another for the forehead, no. I have one cream, and I always take my make-up off and spray a mist all over my face. Is that a lot or a little?

NH: That's quite refreshingly minimalist. You've always been so focused on beauty as a holistic thing, which encapsulates fitness and wellness. How do you recharge?

JF: I still work out all the time, and I sleep. Nine hours every night. Last night I slept 12 hours. And I used to love baths, but now I prefer to take showers because we have to save water, so I don't take baths anymore.

NH: You've had a long relationship with L’Oréal Paris, and you've long been a champion of the Lights on Women award, which spotlights the women behind the camera. Do we still have a way to go before we see gender equity in film?

JF: I love the people who are running the Lights on Women award. Yes, it's absolutely critical right now that we expand women's voices in media; in television and film. The way we experience everything—violence, war, poverty—is different. And our half of humanity needs to be heard—if we're not, men suffer, boys suffer, we all suffer. It's robbing people of information that they need to hear, which is our voices.

At heart, Rosamund Pike is an actor’s actor. It’s hard to name just one film when she comes up in conversation. There’s her turn as the ice queen renegade Miranda Frost from Die Another Day, which she took straight after reading English Literature at Oxford University. Then: Pride and Prejudice, An Education, I Care a Lot, Jack Reacher, Saltburn, Gone Girl, and parts as far ranging as Marie Curie to the late war journalist Marie Colvin. I have a deep dislike of saying that actresses are skilled at playing “complex women”, but Pike takes that stereotype and runs with it—often landing at the knife’s edge of her characters’ humanity.

To that end, one of her defining roles is Gone Girl’s Amy Dunne, for which she earned an Oscar nomination. As Pike tells me during our conversation, it was a “layered” role, though that is an understatement. She slipped into Dunne’s psychotic mania seamlessly, moving from “Amazing Amy”, the bonafide New York rich girl with a brownstone, to a murderer who staged her death. It was the part of a lifetime, and it tells us something about Pike’s notorious work ethic.

She is a traditional actor in that sense. When she arrives on my screen to speak about her collaboration with Dior Beauty, she is warm, animated and enthusiastic. It came as a little surprise—from reading her interviews, it’s often noted that she can be discerning, and (understandably) wary when it comes to questions that pry into her personal life. And maybe it was some internalised misogyny on my part, but I wondered if questions centred soley around beauty would pique her interest. I was wrong. Pike has always used beauty as a vehicle into her characters, and as a vital storytelling device. Below, we dig into it.

Nessa Humayun: How has beauty—whether it's make-up, skincare or fragrance—helped you create narratives either on screen or in your own life?

Rosamund Pike: Well, I've had pressure lately because of the Amazon Prime series I'm in, The Wheel of Time. It's from a 14-part book series, and I'm part of a group of women known as the Aes Sedia. They have this ageless look, and obviously, "ageless" can mean so many different things to different people. For me, it's got to be about vitality and spirit. I think an ageless energy is as important as an ageless look, you know? Spirit, health, energy, and vibrancy in the skin are something you can't define, and it's something that I've always sought.

As a teenager, I was always flushed. I had very rosy cheeks, which I hated, because I'd see my friends with their even skin. So, I would cover it up with green make-up that I got from No7. Then, of course, in my later years, I've appreciated that that is vitality; it is actually the glow of youth. I've come to understand a lot more about my skin. It's fine and translucent, which means you can see the blood vessels underneath, and that's why you always see the flush.

So I protect myself in the sun always, I've worn a hat since I was, gosh, 14. You will never see me out in the sun without a hat. It's even become a meme in the show, as we were filming in the desert, and I requested hats from the costume designer. I've never had the kind of skin that you can just leave... It's delicate and it needs support.

NH: Can you remember the first time that you used beauty as a way to tell a story about yourself... Like dark ringed eyeliner because you were going through a goth phase...

RP: I remember there were these eyeshadows that you could get in Boots, by Bourjois, because someone told me that they were made by the same people who made Chanel make-up—I was about 15. And in the range, there was this green, iridescent eye-shadow, which I would wear right under the corner of my lower lash line, and blend across as a smudgy line. I thought it was cool. I went to Japan when I was in university, and my eyes are quite Asian-like in shape, so when I met Japanese make-up artists, I understood my face a lot better. That's when I mastered how to do the 50's flick—that was my signature for a long time. The trick I was told is that you never start it on the top lid; you look at the lower lash line, and use that to guide it, rather than trying to flick up from the corner of your top lash line.

NH: It takes a long time to figure out your own face.

RP: Yeah, and eyes are so expressive. When I was younger, I always felt like I needed to strengthen them and make them stronger... Do smoky eyes and put lashes on to make them bigger. I think as I've gotten older, I've started to realise that I don't have to be like everybody else; that their vulnerability is what they're about. I'm not going to have massive eyes, but I'm going to have my own thing, which is more delicate. It's cliche, really, but age has let me be myself, rather than copying trends.

NH: Have you ever used beauty as a vehicle to get into a particular character?

RP: Yes, for instance, with Elspeth in Saltburn, we used lots of mascara. Lots on both sets, and actually in my own real life, I could never wear mascara on my bottom lashes because I smile too much and too broadly. It smudges because my lower lashes are longer than my upper. But Elspeth was so controlled, she did smile, but not fully. And obviously, with Gone Girl, beauty told a huge story, as there were so many versions of Amy Dunne. There was Amy Dunne "cool girl" with her very blonde hair and very dark eyebrows. She went for the eyeliner, and everything was angular and geometric. Then, there was Amy Dunne on the run. I bleached my eyebrows, dyed my hair and took away all the tools. We also put little plumpers on my face. I wore them under my lips to hang my face, because I had to gain weight and drop it two to three times during the shooting, as Amy was hiding inside her own body.

I've also done anti-beauty, so prosthetic make-up, but I find the beauty in it. When I played Marie Curie, I went from her 20s to her at 80, and there was real beauty in her face growing older. It's not everybody's idea of it, but it is mine—there's wisdom in the experience.

NH: Was it quite confronting to see yourself with older age make-up?

RP: It's interesting, but it's not frightening, and you don't know if that's how you will end up looking. It's about working with your contours and enhancing with prosthetics, and where someone might imagine gravity taking its toll. The hard thing is, on film, you still have that light in your eye, so you have young eyes looking out from the older skin. We ended up developing contact lenses that took away some of the lustre in my eyes. As an actor, you can cheat time, playing younger and older.

NH: You've had such a long career, and you've played women in many different eras. There's Die Another Day, which was very Noughties. How is it looking back at some of those roles, and seeing how beauty has progressed in the time since?

RP: That's really interesting. With Miranda Frost, there was all this frosted eyeshadow. I mean, I was made up to the hilt in Bond. It was far more make-up that would have been used in their contemporary films. It had the effect of ageing me really, I looked 30 when I was only 21. For me, the most successful make-up looks are striking but manage to preserve someone's essence. In my twenties, I was often masked by make-up. On Die Another Day, the sort of shaggy student I was completely disappeared.

Make-up textures have changed enormously, and I think what girls have access to now is just phenomenal in terms of texture. I love the Dior Face and Body Backstage range as a foundation. I just put a little in the palms of my hands and warm it up, before pushing it into my skin on top of the Dior Capture Day Cream, which leaves a lovely dewy finish. If I feel it's too matte, I just use the old trick of pinching and bring myself back to life.

NH: If you could live in any of your character's make-up, who would it be?

RP: Well, Jane Bennett is one. I feel my skin is different if I'm ever lucky enough to be in the countryside. I also think she is such a lovely character, and her outlook on life is beautiful. That enhances someone's beauty. I’ve played a lot of characters, and they might look stunning, but if their outlook is bitter, or they’ve got an agenda, they can’t have a radiant beauty. I also loved my character in An Education. I've always adored 60's make-up, and that was just beautiful. There's an innocence to it, you know? I modelled [my character Helen] on Julie Christie in Darling, which is one of my favourite films. I've always been proud of how that film looked.

NH: Do you have any enduring beauty rituals?

RP: I always take off my make-up at the end of the day. I prefer a cream cleanser, which I'll take off with a hot compress, because I think a little stream on your face at the end of the day is great. And don't skip toner. I used to think it was a waste of money, and that it didn't matter, but it's so vital for rebalancing the pH of your skin. That's my tip—and wear a hat.

You can shop the Dior Capture Le Sérum and Day Cream, now.

Few people are so skilled at navigating the blurred line between make-up and art as Isamaya Ffrench. The 36-year-old is acclaimed for creating whole worlds in her approach to make-up; using it as an instrument for transformation, disruption, or now, with her new core collection, a way to enhance what's already there.

Ffrench has had a storied career in the industry. While studying at university, she started face painting at children's parties. It was a slow eureka moment, which evolved into body painting male models for an i-D magazine editorial in 2011. In the years since, she has collaborated with and spearheaded the beauty arms of brands like Tom Ford, Junya Watanabe, Byredo Makeup, Off-White and Burberry, before launching her eponymous beauty line in 2022.

Like everything Ffrench does, her new core collection comes with a wink. Her new Face Glaze—a gel-based balm—is a standout take on the classic highlighter, and is infused with brown algae extract and phyto-collagen to hydrate and plump while glossing the face. But with its silver packaging and long, thin nozzle, it looks like a needle, and Ffrench wields it like one when I speak to her amidst the bustle of Selfridges' Beauty Hall.

Her offering stands out amongst the department store's array of legacy brands; it's sleek, playfully medical, and above all, aesthetically and formulation-wise, brings an editorial edge to the mass market. "I created the brand for anyone who wants to elevate their look and amplify their natural beauty," she tells me. "It's such a powerful tool, it can transform you from feeling rough in the morning to feeling a million pounds. Beauty is boundless and limitless." Below, we discuss the new collection and her evolving approach to make-up and aesthetics.

On her make-up bag essentials

I think the essential things that you should have on you at all times are multi-purpose products; things that you can use on your cheeks, lips, and eyes, which cover all bases and are super lightweight.

Why did you feel the need to create a core collection?

I've always felt like there was a massive gap between skincare and make-up. We do all these amazing things for our skin and spend so much time perfecting it, only to undo the good work with make-up. So I wanted to take that philosophy and move it, so that when you take your make-up off at the end of the day, you look even better. I want to wear skincare in my make-up and feel incredible for it.

Who is the Isamaya Ffrench woman to you?

I created the brand for anyone who wants to elevate their look and amplify their natural beauty. You can start with using our metallic balm, which adds something extra to your normal, everyday lip balm. Or if you're a skin person who wants that really perfect but effortless looking base, wear our colour-correcting serum, which does all the hard work for you.

Sadly, make-up has long been associated with superficiality—when did your perception of it start evolving?

It does have this air of being sort of superficial, but it's not. Earlier this year, I worked with athletes as part of a Nike collaboration, and those girls completely re-inspired my love for make-up. It was such an important tool in making them feel empowered when they're out there trying to get that Olympic gold medal. When they're on the track, they do their eyeliner or nails in a certain way, because it feels like good luck. Make-up is such a powerful tool, it can transform you from feeling rough in the morning to feeling a million pounds. Plus, beauty is such a subjective thing, and what I've learnt in my career is that everyone has a different approach, and that can come through upbringing, cultural differences and social influences... At the end of the day, beauty is what you make of it. It's boundless and limitless.

What was your earliest make-up memory?

My earliest makeup memory is reading Kevin Aucoin's Making Faces in a bookshop when I was about seven years old. I think I read it about 10,000 times after that.

On personal doubts

In the past, I always felt like 'just' being a make-up artist didn't feel like enough to deliver my creative expression in its entirety. But, particularly after creating the brand, I've realised that being a make-up artist is so much more than applying colour to faces; you have to be there for people as their therapists... You need to be brilliant at understanding different complexions, skin tones, and making people feel the best they can about themselves. It's such an incredible job, and I feel so lucky to do what I do.

What are your desert island beauty products?

I'd have to take my Braun shaver for my eyebrows, because I shaved them off before Christmas, and I can't bear to let them grow back because the stubble is too terrifying. I would also take one of the sculpting sticks from my range because they cover all bases: eyes, lips, contour, everything. And I would take my wipes that I created in collaboration with Conserving Beauty. They dissolve in water, leaving zero trace, so they're incredible for the environment. And if I were on a desert island, I wouldn't want to be polluting the water.

Who are your beauty icons?

I love people who are true to themselves and whose creative expression is part of their make-up routine. Michèle Lamy is incredible, Cindy Sherman is amazing, I love the artist Anne Imhof because she is so raw, and I feel like there's a real element of truth in her face and in her work. Gwendoline Christie is the most incredible actress, and I'm so lucky that I get to do her make-up all the time; she embodies every character that she plays. There are too many to name, really.

What trends are you looking forward to this summer?

I'm very excited to get back into the lip game. We've had a nudie moment, but I think bright colours, textures and interesting formulas will be back in.

What isn't beautiful?

I feel like anti-beauty isn't something aesthetic; it's about people who don't have compassion. There's nothing beautiful about someone who doesn't have empathy or is very judgmental. Beauty goes beyond the superficial—to me, it's about what's inside.

What does expression mean to you?

It's about being true to yourself, and expressing yourself in your most honest and truthful way.

You can shop Isamaya Beauty's Core Collection online or in store at Selfridges

Jenny Slate is a comedic powerhouse, lighting up our screens from her run in Saturday Night Live to her acclaimed stand-up performances. And with acting credits including It Ends With Us and Gifted, to her award-winning portrayal in Obvious Child, her star is only rising.

This season, she’s returning to the spotlight in Disney+ series Dying for Sex - and the defining role will almost certainly change her career. The inspiring limited series is based on the story of the late Molly Kochan, a woman whose terminal cancer diagnosis prompted her to leave an unhappy marriage to explore her sexuality. But at its heart, Dying for Sex is a love letter to female friendship, with Kochan (played by Michelle Williams) choosing to die next to the love of her life, her best friend Nikki (Jenny Slate).

With Elizabeth Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock’s script delivering equal parts comedy and tragedy, Slate and Williams give heartbreaking yet hilarious performances in a series that truly breaks new ground. I catch up with the 43-year-old actress ahead of Dying for Sex’s highly-anticipated release, and I’m still reeling. Within minutes, it becomes clear that Slate feels the same way, describing the project as "an experience of real fulfilment", and one that she hopes could "open a door to the type of performances that [she’s] really been yearning to do."

What drew you to Dying for Sex?

There are so many different levels of feeling - so many different experiences woven into one story. Liz Meriwether and Kim Rosenstock’s script was absolutely incredible. And the fact that Michelle Williams was going to do this - she’s one of my favourite actors and working with her was something I really wanted. It was just that feeling of, "This is what I’ve been waiting for, this is what I’ve been asking for, and I’m going to really try to grab for this with everything I have."

It’s the kind of work that demands that you really throw your full trust into the project, and so it’s not just an acting experience, it’s a life experience. When I read the scripts and heard who was involved, I suspected that it could be an experience of real fulfilment.

You and Michelle Williams have such fantastic chemistry - what was it like working together?

We had really only crossed paths before, and I’m such a big fan that part of me going into this job was continually whispering to myself to not be weird and stare at her. She is so extraordinary in every way, and it really was a dream come true to work with her.

Do you have any memorable on-set moments?

I was just thinking yesterday about the scene where she says in an Irish accent that her vagina is “a wee bit dry”. And my memory from that day is that we could not shoot that scene because we were laughing so hard. I don’t like ruining a take by laughing because we’re all on a clock, but those moments of just true bubbling silliness and joy are undeniable. And they’re memories that I hope I will still remember when I’m very, very old.

It’s such raw and vulnerable acting - I imagine there has to be a lot of trust between you.

It is all about trust. If you’re filming a scene where you’re trying to shove yourself into a car because you’re running away from someone, and then next you’re doing a scene where a character is asking, "Will you die with me? Will you be my companion for the rest of my life while I head towards my death?" The one thing you need to have is trust - that’s it.

If you don’t have trust, it’s really hard to step into all of those different areas. On Dying for Sex, we had that really swift and sturdily developed trust, and for me that is everything. It’s maybe my favourite thing about being an actor - having to trust people really quickly. I don’t think most of us let ourselves do that in our daily lives and I love the idea that being an actor means opening yourself up to the idea that trust is real, powerful and can happen very quickly.

This show has such powerhouse women at its helm - Liz Meriwether, Kim Rosenstock and Shannon Murphy to name a few. How much does that kind of presence benefit a set?

The benefits are endless when the people are endlessly talented. But everyone was also so kind. I went in for a chemistry read to see how Michelle and I would be together, and I was so nervous. We had to behave as though we were best friends going through the most heightened situations people can go through... but it was remarkable how kind everyone was to each other, and to me. I was astounded. I really think one of the lovely things about that day and that set was that we were very kind to each other, and it made the work all that more enjoyable.

People are calling the show a love letter to female friendship - was that something that you wanted to celebrate?

I wanted to celebrate what it is like to care for someone that you love deeply. And if that person loves you they understand the enormity of that care. It’s an honour, it can be a sacrifice, and it is often one of the most beautiful things that a person will go through. I just really wanted to step into that because it is so complex and I don’t think it’s often portrayed in its full complexity - the things that are funny or sensitive or frightening or ephemeral. The weird psychic connections that we all have - and the more bonded you are, the more those things can be amplified.

I wanted to show all that within this friendship. It’s been an experience that I’ve had in my life with people of all genders, people of all ages - I have it with my little daughter, but I’ve also had it with my grandfather when he was dying. And each time that experience of deep care is different. And each time it changes me and I take the sort of beautiful tone of that love from that care giving experience, and I just sort of add it to the other beauties in my life.

What is your advice for nurturing friendships over time?

The number one thing for me is to be a good listener - not just a good listener for your friend, but you also really need to listen to yourself. You need to hear what you’re saying, you need to listen to what you really want and what your true desires are. Because your closest friends are the ones that will get onboard to help you get to where you need to be as a person. I really do think friendship is so much about listening.

What message do you hope people will take from the show?

I think I would take a page out of the real Nikki’s book and say that the show shows that life is worth living. That it is finite and it is worth the time that we have, whether it is brief or prolonged, to really get to the centre of what makes a person feel powerful and pleased and loved and loving and alive.

Dying For Sex will premiere on Disney+ on 4 April.

Sarah Catherine Hook is no stranger to the small screen. The 29 year old actress may have caught your attention as soul-searching Piper Ratliff in the heady third season of The White Lotus, but before jetting off to Thailand for the Emmy Award-winning drama, she starred in Netflix's First Kill as Juliette Fairmont and led the Cruel Intentions reboot as Caroline Merteuil.

Although her star is rising faster than your heart rate during an episode of Mike White's latest fever dream, when I talk to Sarah Catherine it's like having a girly catch-up with one of my friends. Her trajectory is poised towards a flourishing career in Hollywood, but she's disarmingly down-to-earth and fizzing with excitement. And she's not just warm, she's a beaming ray of sunshine; her energy is infectious and palpable, even though the screen of a video call.

We spend thirty minutes nattering about everything from her surreal audition for The White Lotus to her A-list style icons. She tells me about being flown out to New Zealand for her ever first pilot, personal rituals for getting into character, and the paramount importance of her female friendships.

How did it feel when you found out you’d officially been cast in The White Lotus?

Even when I just got the audition, I was like, “Oh my god, this is so cool,” because I had never auditioned for it before. So just getting the audition alone was huge. And then each time I heard good news, good news, good news… it just was the coolest thing ever.

What were you doing when you got the call?

I was with my family, which was great but also a little dangerous because they were like, “You can't tell anyone.” And then, of course, immediately I blurted it out for my whole family. I was like, “But you can’t tell anyone!” Honestly, what a gift. It's so great to be able to celebrate those moments with your family. I know Patrick [Schwarzenegger] has a really cute video of him telling his family, everyone's crying, and it's just so touching.

Are you really close to your family?

I am, yeah. Since I was little they’ve been so supportive of my dreams, and I know a lot of people don't have that luxury so I definitely acknowledge how privileged I am. I’m so thankful, because I don't think I would be here without their support, honestly.

Were they excited when you told them?

Oh, yeah. My mom - like, we were just doing a little dance. That was so cute. It's just so insane. I don't even think there are any words that could match the craziness of it. It was just amazing.

What was the audition process like for The White Lotus?

I did an initial tape for it and the casting director really liked it. She called me, gave me some notes and gave me some more context so I re-taped and sent it off. There was a lot of buzz coming from my reps, then eventually I got the confirmation that I was going to have my final callback with Mike White and the producers.

How was that?!

They gave me a new scene to do, and I went into it thinking, “Oh my God, this is the biggest audition of my life. I'm gonna ask so many questions.” It was great because Mike gets on the call and he's like, “What's up? Who are you? How do I say your name, do you go by Sarah Catherine? Where are you?” And being so casual and cute as if we were out on a lunch date or something. Then he's like, “Okay, well I guess we'll just do the scene and see how it goes. And yeah, we love you.” It was really cute. I did the scene, and he was like, “All right. That was great. Thanks so much for coming.” And I was like, “That's it?!”

I did the scene once. I got off the call like, “What the hell just happened?” I was so tickled to see him. And I was like, “Oh my God, I want to be that guy's best friend.” He was just adorable. And then the next day I got the call.

What was it like to film the show in Thailand?

The heat was pretty gnarly - I don't think any of us had ever experienced heat like that. I fell in love with Asia completely. I was so fortunate I got to do some travelling, too. I think my favourite part about Thailand is the people, to be honest, the community. They're the warmest, most generous, loveliest humans. I never imagined I'd ever go to Thailand and film an incredible TV show there, that was so surreal. I'm truly the luckiest girl in the world.

Tell us your favourite behind-the-scenes story from The White Lotus…

So Patrick [Schwarzenegger] and I became really good friends. He started having this reputation of being the hungriest person ever - he was so hungry all the time, and we always made fun of him for it. When we got to Phuket, the heat was unbelievable. I swear I had heat exhaustion or something - I was unwell! I kept saying, “I just feel so weird. My brain feels like peanut butter.” And Patrick was like, “Yeah? What kind of peanut butter? Crunchy or smooth?” I was like, “Dude, back off of my peanut butter brain! You're not getting a taste of this. I know you want it for your protein smoothies, but get your own peanut butter.” So then we would always reference the peanut butter. He’d be like, “Damn, I really could use some of that peanut butter brain.” He's so goofy and so adorable. I love him to bits.

You also starred in the TV adaptation of Cruel Intentions. How do you tap into the mindset of the person you’re playing?

There was a ritual I would do almost before every take. It kind of naturally happened - I just needed to be centred and as still as possible for Caroline, because I'm a very animated person in real life! In order for me to stop moving so much I had to literally stand still and from the bottom, just zip myself up and zip it back. As if I was zipping on her cloak, or her essence. That was my little ritual. For more emotional stuff, I have a voicemail from my grandmother that I'll listen to beforehand, and that always makes me weepy. That one is always gonna do the job for me, and then I also get to hear her voice, which is sweet.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from being on set?

Being friends with your cast mates. I just did a film, and that was something I learned from one of my co-stars; how part of the job is laughing and having fun, and we need to be able to feel comfortable with our co-stars so on the day we can emote and be as present with them as we are off camera.

What was your first big pinch-me career moment?

Truthfully, I'm gonna take it all the way back to the beginning when I booked my very first pilot. That was so huge for me. You have this dream, and you go out and hustle for it. At that point, I had been living in New York, so broke, going from job to job, trying to make ends meet and going to all these auditions, which was such a thrill. I loved auditioning in New York, I loved having appointments to go to and the idea of seeing agents. I felt like, “Wow, I'm really going for it.” Honestly, every time I book a job it's a pinch-me moment. But there's nothing like your first time.

Can you remember what the pilot was for?

It was called Triangle, and I've never seen it but I filmed it in New Zealand. It was a hard job too - it was tough. It was trying to be like the new Lost. So it was very physically demanding and my character was in life-threatening positions in almost every scene - so it was like actor boot camp! It was a good way to be thrown into it, and I learned so much on that job.

Who inspires your work?

It always varies, I can be inspired by my cast mates, my directors, or the shows or movies I'm watching. Actors that I've loved forever, like Emma Stone. Or Emily Stone, I should say - I’m standing by her decision to go back to Emily! I'm very passionate about names, because people get my name wrong a lot. So Emily Stone, love you.

And who inspires you in your day-to-day life?

I've been really cherishing my girl friend relationships. I've been gone a lot for jobs, and how wonderful is that! But I've been missing my girls, and I realised my most meaningful conversations have been with my close girlfriends. I love them all so much. They definitely influence me and inspire me the most.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don't worry so much about what other people think! And I would still tell myself that today. That's always an important thing to take note of. I think it used to paralyse me, and it's just not that deep. It's not that serious, honestly. So, yeah, just care less about the little things. I know who I am now!

Who is your biggest style icon right now?

Jennifer Lawrence. She has been looking so stunning. Her hair is like - honey! She's this timeless, beautiful, elegant, sophisticated Queen - I've been so here for her fashion choices. Every time I see her, I'm like, “That is just a sparkling jewel.” She looks incredible, but is also so unapologetically herself. Not that I know her at all! But I love her.

Have you ever met her?

No! Honestly, I'm just happy to see her on my Instagram. I feel like I'd probably be such a babbling - I mean, I'm a babbling fool right now just talking about her, so who knows how I'd be in front of her?! I’ve watched her for years, and I just think she's the real deal.

Has anyone in Hollywood ever left you starstruck?

I'm sure there has been, but I think being an actor now has kind of demystified a lot of things. They're just people. I love all of my favourite actors and actresses, and I have so much respect for all of them. Maybe that's also just a way of me trying to control my little girlish feelings… like, “Oh yeah, you're just a person. Okay, you're just a person! I don't need to freak out.”

Gillian Anderson has lived life in her characters. Some have become woven into the tapestry of contemporary culture today, like Stella Gibson from The Fall, Jean Milburn from Sex Education and, of course, Dana Scully from The X Files. But Anderson, now 56, has also transcended fiction by stepping into the shoes of history’s most influential—and complex, controversial and even downright dislikeable women—like Margaret Thatcher, Eleanor Roosevelt and Wallis Simpson.

There’s a theme here. In past interviews, Anderson chalks it up to having a face that looks “intellectual”... when, in fact, she’s mulling over her dinner options. On the day of our interview, her presence is undeniable—still and poised, she exudes an air of regality, which is peppered with a quick sense of humour. “It takes a village doesn’t it,” she laughs, waving a hand at the nearly dozen people crammed into the Claridges hotel room.

She’s as radiant as you’d expect a new L’Oreal Paris spokesperson to be, but throughout our conversation, Anderson keeps returning to the surprise of it all: the fame, the roles, and the impact they have had, even 30 years down the line. We can’t speak about this without discussing the impact of her most seminal character: Scully, the doctor and FBI agent who launched thousands of women's careers in STEM, literally. “There hadn’t really been anyone like her before,” Anderson exclaims, “... And there hadn’t been someone who looked like me on the telly either.”

And so, at the heart of her career has been a deep commitment to representing and championing women and girls, especially in the nuances of their experiences—a space that Hollywood is only now starting to explore. It’s a fitting conversation to have around International Women’s Day, and below, we dig into it.

On using beauty as a vehicle into characters...

"When it came to Margaret Thatcher, she didn't actually wear that much make-up, but she was very, very particular about the shades of blue she wore on her eyes. It was really important for the make-up artist on The Crown, Cate Hall, to find that very particular blue that showed up in the right way on camera. And we didn't use any prosthetics or anything, so we had to strike a very important balance between the dated items that we found on eBay, and mixing them with the more contemporary products, which felt as if they were from the 70s. Make-up is always a very big part of getting into a character—it adds to it."

The character that has had the most lasting impact:

"The role that had the biggest impact on me as a person was Stella Gibson from The Fall, and the one that had the biggest impact on me while I was performing it was Blanche DuBois in [the Young Vic’s 2014 production of] A Streetcar Named Desire."

On inspiring a generation of women...

"I was 27 when I started on The X Files, which went on to be a very long-running television show— I ended up playing [Dana] Scully for nine years. At the time, what I was hearing from young, female audiences was how grateful they were to see me—someone they felt represented an aspect of themselves that they hadn't seen on telly before, not least someone who was a scientist, forensic pathologist and FBI agent. It's incredible just the impact that this one character had when it came to something called 'The Scully Effect' on science, mass technology and engineering... Just the sheer amount of women who were inspired to major in STEM increased exponentially because of her!

But as a 27-year-old, the pressure of having people write to me and tell me that I was a role model freaked me out, to be honest. There was so much responsibility on me. I was like what does that mean? I felt like it meant that I couldn't put a step wrong, that I couldn't fail. The pressure not to fail for women has always been high up there for me, but as I got older, I realised that actually, seeing me fail, get up again, make mistakes and be completely honest about my shortcomings and fallibility, was just as important as any example of success I might show them. So I've had an interesting journey with it."

The importance of International Women's Day:

"To me, it's about celebrating the sorority of womanhood. It's so important that we continue to support each other and lift each other up. We need to keep putting one foot in front of the other and not be discouraged by attempts from the outside to move us back into the dark ages."

On playing strong, independent, and challenging women...

"I was very shocked when I was asked to play Eleanor Roosevelt. She was such an extraordinary woman, and you know, I'm five foot three, and she was five foot nine or ten [laughs]. She was just very tall, and we didn't look anything like each other.

Then there was the challenge of it. First of all, I couldn't believe I could do it. I really had to stop my self-doubt from getting in the way. And yet, the opportunity to play someone like her, and to live in her shoes for a period of time, was extraordinary. Part of the reason I said yes was to experience it and to study her. That's part of reaching the end goal... You have to convince yourself that you can do things you might not yet be able to do. And by doing it, or acting like you can do it, suddenly you can, and you're no longer afraid."

On navigating the Hollywood beauty standard...

"It's become less difficult, and especially since the Me Too movement, there's been a shift. Women being cast as the leads in shows when they are 40, 50 or 60 didn't used to happen. So the fact that it is happening today, and we're quite used to it, is important.

But when I was younger, around the time I was cast as Scully, I was very conscious of the fact that I didn't look like what the studio wanted—tall, thin and blonde. So even the fact that I was cast was amazing, but I had to navigate the wider expectations. I had to show up daily, knowing that they wanted something different. But this is what they got, and I owned that space, and I was successful in it... Eventually, the narrative and perception changed just from me being there. It's funny, we're here for L'Oreal but the experience did tell me that I was worth it; I am who I am, I am this height, and I'm not your typical star. It has meant that other women could follow suit too."

Working with L'Oréal:

"It's interesting, because L'Oréal always felt like it was just something just over there. I grew up between London and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and so those big, iconic brands felt far from my reality. It's an incredible honour to be invited into the family, especially when you have the likes of Helen Mirren, Jane Fonda, Viola Davis and all the other wonderful, strong women in there."

On beauty rituals...

"For the longest time, I didn't have a ritual. I would go to sleep with my make-up on and not care for my skin at all. I've gotten a lot better with that, and one of the products I love from L'Oreal is their Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Cream. It's become part of my morning routine and has had an impact on age spots and elasticity. I just know I'm getting all the things that are good for ageing skin."

Today, Raye is a bonafide pop star with a record-breaking number of wins at this year’s Brit Awards and a headline slot at next year’s All Points East festival, but it wasn’t always this way. Back in 2021, she was frantically worried her dreams might never be realised and frustrated by her label’s refusal to release her debut album. She took to Twitter to tell her fans all this: “I’m done,” she said, “being a polite pop star.” The post went viral and she was released from her contract, but it wouldn’t be the last time Raye would take the industry to task.

2022 brought the devastating single Ice Cream Man, which left everyone in the studio in tears, Clara Amfo told me. The track opens with: “So, this producer hit me up on the DM…” before unfurling into a vocalisation of Raye’s experience of sexual assault at ages “seven, just 21, was 17, was 11.”

Again, Raye went viral and what followed (along with those six Brit Awards), was her first-ever Grammy nomination for Songwriter of the Year, singing with Taylor Swift, and a world tour. She’s on her way to Mexico—the last show of that world tour—when we speak over Zoom. “I’ve been moving 100 miles an hour and just all these crazy things keep happening,” says Raye, seemingly bemused by the whole thing.

She’s in the back of a cab weaving through London with her best friend. Her trademark Hollywood bob is styled with Y2K-style glasses and sweats—in other words, she’s the epitome of an off-duty celebrity. This is pretty much the air she gives off as we natter and she compliments me on my colour-coordinated bookshelf and politely corrects me when I refer to her headline slot at All Points East as a homecoming tour.

She’s also quick to tell anyone that she’s from South of the river, Tooting, to be precise, where she grew up as the oldest of four girls, which—as a fellow eldest daughter—is what I want to speak to her about. She’s just starred in Nintendo’s latest TV ad with her sisters, Abby, Lauren, and Katelyn. Here, big sister Rachel ‘Raye’ Keen shares everything about sisterhood and why she’s “worried for our little girls becoming women”.

What was it like growing up with three younger sisters?

It was beautiful. I’m the oldest sister, so I'm super protective with my girls. I love them, but also, you know, all the typical stuff: ‘You took my hairbrush’.

Being a sister is kind of your first taste of human interaction. Those growing moments with my sisters probably define a lot of how my personality is and how I am. I’m definitely a girl’s girl because of it.

Do you think that being an older sister plays a part in why you stand up and speak out for women?

Probably. When you’re the oldest, if anyone upsets your sister or there’s something mean going on in school, you’re like, ‘Right! Who said it? I'm gonna go and talk to them.’ It’s that kind of protective instinct that you just have as an older sister.

What does sisterhood mean to you?

You can have your blood God-given sisters and you can also have a family of women that you get to choose to have in your life. I think sisterhood is that raw and pure love that you choose to share with other women, be it your family or your chosen family.

If I call someone my sister—whether they are my actual sister or they’re my ‘sister’—it's coming from a really deep, true, passionate place of real love and saying, ‘You know, I’m gonna look out for you in this life. You're gonna look out for me and we’re gonna make memories together and we’ll take care of each other.’

What do you think of the state of girls’ rights today?

We’re in a new time, and there’s an exponential amount of pressure on keeping up appearances. I think social media is such a huge part of everyone’s life now and that’s having a lot of negative impacts. A lot of us are exposed to an unhealthy amount of judgement and an un-normal amount of putting our lives out there.

All these screens and the dopamine rush that you get from sharing things online and getting a like—it’s something I struggle with a lot being an artist. Human beings aren’t meant to be seeing this much information every day about what other people are up to, how good they look or how nice their makeup looks. I’m worried for our little girls becoming women.

How do you think your music fits into women’s lives and speaks to the reality of women and girls today?

With some of the traumas that I faced, my personal medicine is to put it into music because it’s the only way I really know how to make something. Music makes the ugly, heavy, horrible burden feel a little bit more beautiful than it did in my head or a little less ugly.

In some of those songs, I didn't even think about putting them out, it was just the urgency to create that music. My song Ice Cream Man is a really heavy sad song, but when I see the eyes of women who really get it and understand or relate to that song I think what a powerful thing music is, being able to provide—even for a moment—a chance to just release or feel something or acknowledge it. It’s a really powerful and heavy thing.

I’m a lot better at singing that song than I used to be—I used to cry every time I sang it, but it’s a beautiful thing being able to create. I know I’m not the only woman who needed that song.

Given your experiences in the industry, how do you feel about your sisters following in your footsteps?

The time when you’re most vulnerable is when you’re a little girl with a dream. I think people in this industry see that vulnerability and—in the worst-case scenario—exploit that.

It’s a really sad thing because when you’re a little girl, a lot of us—or hopefully, most of us— grow up trusting everyone. But you worry about the girls who are in that position, especially that stage where you have a passionate dream and you want to go after it.

It’s really difficult to speak in depth on this subject because I was that little girl and I had a really awful time sometimes.

I think it’s that navigation of trying to make sure you have people around you that have your back and you’re not isolating yourself, or if your gut instinct is saying something doesn’t feel right—even if it’s just a feeling and nothing’s happened—you’re encouraged to just get out.

It's about trying to help the people around you. It shouldn’t be like that, being a woman in any industry is going to be a journey. It’s really tough.

Have you sat down with your sisters and spoken to them about the reality of the music industry?

Oh, yeah, definitely. The two below me also work in music, so it’s a constant stream of advice or just awareness: keeping safe, staying safe.

My girls know that I’m one phone call away. If anything is wrong or hits the fan, trust me, no one’s messing with my sisters.

How do you think your music contributes to the conversation of women’s empowerment—do you see it as a form of activism?

Yes and no. Yes because I think that’s essentially what a lot of the music I create is, but I’m not in the room thinking ‘Right, I’m going to make a women’s anthem.’ The lyrics that I love to write and choose to write are ones that empower me as a woman.

The hope is that you go and share that and other people get to feel medicine in your music or feel empowered and elevated or stronger and tougher.

You've spoken a lot about how you escaped in the past, but how do you escape now?

A really healthy form of escapism I’ve found is going to play a game. When I’m playing a game, it allows me to not think about anything else because I’m extremely competitive. It’s the only time that I’m not a nice person. Other than that, I’m actually a really nice person.

What is your hope for your sisters and, more broadly, young girls in general?

My hope for my sisters is they find joy in this life and good people to spend it with so that they’re able to heal and forgive. Forgiveness is quite a big thing in our family and thank goodness, too, because I don’t know how I would process a lot of life—especially working in music—without the ability to let things go. I hope they find good, loving people as well to share their lives with.

And hopefully, one day we’ll all get married and go to each other’s weddings, and then that’ll be really cute, and I'll just be sobbing my eyes out.

Then for all women, I just hope the girls are gonna be all right, you know?

In an industry dominated by men, the contributions of incredible Black women and visionary female leaders in music often go unnoticed. However, times are changing, and women are finally receiving the recognition they deserve for their outstanding work and impact on the music industry.

You’ve probably heard of Nigerian global music icon Wizkid, who has amassed phenomenal awards for his artistry — he recently released his new album Morayo and performed his new song Troubled Minds at the 2024 British Fashion Awards in London wearing Moncler in celebration of Remo Ruffini’s Trailblazer Award. I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing his manager and the phenomenal mother of his children, Jada Pollock.

Jada is a Music manager and visionary entrepreneur who has worked with Chris Brown, Tinchy Strider and Skyla Tylaa. Jada has helped Wizkid achieve his global career and success and recently appeared in a two-part documentary series Queens of Music, a powerful celebration of Black female pioneers who have shaped the British music industry.

Watching the documentary, I loved seeing Jada open up about her role and share some of her personal stories and the challenges she faced after the birth of her son. Jada took us behind the scenes of her emotional journey, questioning whether she could withstand the intense pressure of continuing her music career, which was incredibly empowering and uplifting.

Over the Christmas period, I caught up with Jada, one of the best Christmas gifts, if I say so myself, and we spoke together about the invaluable life lessons she has learnt along the way in the music industry. Here’s what we discussed during our conversation.

MY LIFE IN MUSIC WITH JADA POLLOCK

Jada what’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself on your journey?

“The most surprising thing I've learned about myself on my journey is the depth of my strength and determination. I've discovered that I can push myself to my ultimate limits, often exceeding what I thought was possible.

I've also come to embrace multitasking at its highest level, seamlessly juggling various responsibilities and challenges while being a full-time present mum to two very energetic boys -This ability to adapt and thrive in demanding situations has not only showcased my resilience but also revealed a level of tenacity I didn't fully recognize in myself before. It's been an enlightening experience that has reshaped my understanding of my capabilities.”

How do you stay motivated and focused when facing setbacks or uncertainty?

“Honestly, I just stay focused and hopeful. I believe that positivity can be a powerful tool, and those who know me can attest to my optimistic outlook, even in challenging situations. I make a conscious effort to keep my faith high and remind myself that setbacks are often just stepping stones to success.

I'm naturally a bit of a risk-taker, which means I'm comfortable navigating uncertainty. This mindset helps me embrace challenges rather than shy away from them, allowing me to stay motivated and resilient no matter what I encounter.

When you think about where you started and where you are now, what are you most proud of about your journey?"

“When I reflect on my journey from where I started to where I am now, I feel an immense sense of pride in my bravery and the risks I've taken along the way to get here.. Growing up in South London, I often dreamed of the life I now lead. Infact, I’ve probably suppressed my very own dreams and ambitions.

Being able to work in the capacity I do with my partner, who happens to be one of the most talented musicians while being able to raise a family is one of the biggest blessings. As I turned 40, I experienced extreme anxiety, prompting me to ask myself a pivotal question: If you could ask your younger self where you would be at 40, what would you say?

My answer would be a resounding affirmation that I am exactly where I envisioned myself. This realization empowered me to embrace my journey fully, and since then, I've never looked back. I take pride in not only achieving my dreams but also in the courage it took to pursue them relentlessly.”

Is there any quote or mantra that has guided you through your life in music? If so, what is it, and how does it help you?

“One mantra that has always resonated with me in my journey as a music manager is, "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." This quote reminds me every day to really live life to your fullest and not to let life rule you. Leading with passion and creativity, and I repeat, always making sure you are internally happy as nothing will run well if your own wellbeing is not at the forefront.”

In managing artists, it's also crucial to prioritize their happiness and artistic integrity rather than just focusing on commercial success. This perspective has helped me navigate through my journey, ensuring that the artist's end goal is always the focus. When passion drives our efforts, success often follows as a natural outcome.”

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about the importance of fashion in artist management?

Fashion serves as a powerful tool for self-expression, helping to establish an artist's identity and brand. As a music manager, one of the most valuable lessons I've learned about the importance of fashion is that an artist's visual presentation is just as crucial as their musical talent.

It can create a strong first impression and significantly influence how audiences perceive and connect with the artist. Ultimately, fashion not only helps in marketing the artist but also plays a role in storytelling, allowing them to convey emotions and themes in a visually compelling way.

What role does music play in your life outside of work? Are there songs or albums that hold deep personal meaning for you?

Music serves as a source of inspiration, relaxation, and emotional connection for me. I could not live life without it. It’s a way for me to unwind after a long day, transport myself to different times and places and feel good.

Certain songs and albums resonate with me on a personal level. For instance, albums that I grew up listening to, like Jodeci, SWV, and Mary J. Blige, often lift my spirits and remind me of some really amazing times. Wizkids album Sounds from the Other Side will always be a very special album to me. It brings powerful emotions, and I always find myself reflecting whenever I hear any song from that album.

What is the best advice you’ve been given in the industry that kept you going?

“Never give up” and become tunnel vision about everything that drives you. Embracing this mindset has been crucial in navigating challenges and staying motivated, ensuring that I keep pushing forward even when the journey gets tough.”

The two part documentary series, Queens on Music is available to watch now on BET International’s YouTube channel.

Letitia Wright is a powerhouse on screen. The Guyanese-British actress cut her teeth on a number of TV dramas in 2011, from BBC favourite Holby City to the very first season of Top Boy (long before it piqued the interest of Netflix). By 2017, her acting credits had piled up; Doctor Who, Humans and Black Mirror were peppered into her CV, and Letitia's performance in Charlie Brooker's dystopian sci-fi drama deservedly earned her an Emmy nomination.

Fast forward to 2024 and she's now a firm fixture in one of the biggest media franchises in the world - the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But despite having two Black Panther films and a string of Avengers appearances under her belt, when I meet Letitia at The Savoy in early November she's something of an antidote to the usual A-list interviewee. Of course, she has the impeccable style of a Hollywood star, looking effortlessly chic in a tailored black suit - but there's a softness to her that's rare in these settings. She's warm, and very funny, and oscillates between a confident familiarity and a reserved professionalism. Letitia beams talking about Guyana, giggles recalling her first red carpet and focuses on giving thoughtful answers when discussing the impact she wants to create with her work.

Tucked away in a private dining room at the London hotel, I talk to Letitia as she joins the BAFTA EE Rising Star Award Jury Panel - six years after winning the award herself. It's a full circle moment for the actress, and she tells me that she almost quit acting just before her big breakthrough. She also tells me about her style icons (and why Timothée Chalamet has been knocked off her top spot), shares her best piece of beauty advice, and details the sweet moment she was first spotted by a fan.

Congratulations on joining the BAFTA jury panel! What was your first BAFTA experience like?

It was for BAFTA Breakthrough Brits in 2015. That was actually the year that I quit acting, so I was like, "Bafta - wrong timing! I wanna quit!" And they were like, “No!” So thankfully, whoever was on the jury or the decision makers that year actually did an amazing thing by reminding me that I’m seen.

You’ve worked with some amazing people over the years, but who was your first role model in the industry?

I’d say Naomi Harris. Why? Because when I look at her I can see myself as a Black woman doing something amazing. And she’s really integral, and she’s a really beautiful person. She was actually one of the first actresses I asked BAFTA to hook me up with through my Breakthrough programme. [I asked] “Can you allow her to be my mentor?” and BAFTA made it happen. Now she’s a good friend.

Who would you absolutely love to work with?

Can I pick two? Denzel Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio. And Viola Davis, because I’m just going to pick three! They’re all excellent in their crafts. Again, the list could be endless. They’re really great in their art, so I would love to just be on set with them and go back and forth, and see how I can learn and how I can grow.

When have you felt most connected to a character?

Honestly, it was the first project that I got to do which was this super independent film called Victim back in the day. It had Adam Deacon, Michael Maris, Ashley Chin… They gave me an opportunity because at the time I didn’t have film experience, but I really wanted to be a part of a story that was about a young man’s journey of changing his life around. It was my first time on set, and it’s not like a Hollywood film set or anything - it was just humble, good people. Michael and Ashley, they’re still my friends today.

Talk me through your first ‘pinch me’ moment…

Coming out of the premiere of Black Panther. I just didn’t know what I did. I was just acting every day, and terrified that I wasn’t good enough. And then I saw what was on screen and I saw the way my character impacted so many people around the world, so many young people - especially in STEM. That was a pinch me moment. Like, “Wow, I’ve finally achieved something that I’ve always wanted to”, which was to inspire through my art.

Do you remember the first time you were spotted by a fan? How did that feel?!

Yes! So I did Holby City and I was going home, and this much older couple was at the bus stop. The man was like, “It was you, wasn’t it, on TV last night?” And I was like, “Yeah it was me!”. I was super proud, I was like, “Woah, somebody watched my episode of Holby City which was a big deal!”

What was your first trip to Guyana like after finding success in Hollywood?

Oh my goodness, my first trip back to Guyana was intense in the most positive way! I was about to come off the plane, and the guy looked at me - the air steward - and was like, “Are you ready?” And I’m like, “For what? Get me off the plane.” And I came off and there were hundreds of people with cameras, and I was like, “Oh wow - this is mad.” Because I left when I was a little girl, and then coming back was - woah. It was an amazing experience, I felt loved. I felt like people were so proud of me. I’m really happy that I’ve been able to make my country proud of my talent. I love Guyana.

Who is the first person you usually go to for advice?

[Laughing] Currently it’s my therapist! I go to therapy, I pray, and then I go to my parents. I feel like I’m older now so I don’t really go to my parents as much... But yeah, that’s kind of like the chain - the order of things!

And who inspires you in your day-to-day life?

I would say my family - whether it’s my siblings (I’m the eldest), whether it’s my mum, whether it’s my dad. It’s their perseverance, their humour, but also how they just keep going through life and not backing down. That’s really inspiring to me.

Do you have any style heroes right now?

It keeps changing! I was on Timothée Chalamet - I was just so jealous of his vibe. But now I’m feeling Wizkid - he’s really cool.

How has your personal style evolved?

It has evolved a lot - I’ve had a lot of help! But for me, it has evolved by just knowing myself a little bit more - what I like, what I don’t like, what I’m comfortable in, what I’m not comfortable in. I’m always willing to try things, but I’d rather do something comfortable that people feel is boring, instead of doing something super extreme and people thinking, “What are you doing?” So yeah, that’s how it’s evolved. It’s still evolving!

What do you remember about your first ever red carpet?

My first red carpet was for the BFI Film Festival for My Brother the Devil. I believe that was my first red carpet… no, I think my first red carpet was Top Boy. I don’t know, I can’t remember! But [BFI] is the one I remember the most. I was really late and I was really embarrassed. Bless my PR team at the time - it was bad!

What beauty advice do you live by?

Drink your water, go to sleep early, and use the eye masks that people give you! But in general, just be yourself. Try not to conform and be something that you’re not, and naturally your inner beauty is going to come out. I believe that.

What’s the one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?

Not to worry so much. I’d tell my younger self that it’s all going to work out, in some strange, weird way. You’re going to want to quit and then BAFTA’s going to call you and tell you not to quit!

And finally, who do you hope to inspire?

I hope to inspire the next generation… I hope to inspire my siblings too! I hope to inspire young people, so they can see someone as an example of what can be achieved.

Letitia Wright joined a jury of industry experts to decide the five nominees for the EE Rising Star Award 2025. The shortlist will be announced on 7th January 2025 – at which point the public vote will open at ee.co.uk/BAFTA.

I make it no secret that I am a beauty editor who has a particular penchant for a classic Californian aesthetic. I am drawn to all things Cali girl—long hair (my adoration for 70s curtain bangs and the Stevie cut knows no bounds), sunkissed, bronzed skin and an effortless coolness that all California natives seem to nonchalantly ooze. And this decade's most iconic California girl is, without question, Camila Morrone.

Ever since seeing the 27-year-old actress on my screen last year in Daisy Jones & The Six, she has sat at the very top of my 'ones to watch' list—whether I'm looking for beauty and fashion inspiration, keeping my eyes peeled for upcoming trends or wondering what the next big TV and film moment might be, Morrone always delivers. Something about her presence on the Hollywood scene provides a welcome breath of fresh air—in a sea of Beverly Hills kids, Morrone possesses that classic, old-soul sort of beauty and talent that proves deeply refreshing. And it's not just me who sees it. In the past year, she has fronted a major Chanel campaign, been busy filming the hotly anticipated second season of The Night Manager and, now, been named one of the Global Ambassadors for the new NARS Explicit Lipstick.

And this is far from just any old beauty campaign. You see, NARS is lipstick as much as lipstick is NARS. The brand launched back in 1994 with just 12 lipsticks, and now 30 years later, it launches an all-new collection in Explicit, comprising 36 shades and a lightweight, buildable coverage that delivers unparalleled comfort and a long-lasting finish.

When the opportunity arose for me to sit down with Morrone and talk all things beauty, style and life, at such a pivotal point in her career, the first thing I wanted to know was what, exactly, being the face of a global make-up brand means to her. "This is the first time I have ever been the face of a cosmetic brand, so for me, it's a very big bucket list moment. I fantasised and romanticised what [a big beauty campaign] was going to look like, and just getting to do this, at this moment in my career, is unlike anything I've ever done before," she told me.

But I'd be lying if I said I just wanted to talk about beauty. Sure, Morrone is astoundingly beautiful, but her draw goes so much further than her aesthetic. Despite her relatively recent move to New York, everything about Morrone, from her work to her conversation, embodies that Californian aura of total, unashamed comfort in her body—both in the physical and emotional sense. My MO? To learn exactly what it takes to radiate that level of cool contentment.

This is Camila Morrone's life in comforts...

I admire people who can effortlessly be themselves...

"As a young woman, I was more willing to sacrifice comfort for beauty, style and trends. Now, as I'm in my mid-twenties, I really love the idea of doing the thing that makes me feel most comfortable in every aspect of my life. For me, it really comes down to a prioritisation of self-preservation. Comfort for me has to do with being totally yourself."

I'm most comfortable when I'm taking care of my body...

"This can look like a million different things. For me, it's sleeping, it's resting, it's exercising, but it's also eating, having fun with my friends and enjoying myself without being too rigid or regimented. My business is quite emotional and fast-paced, so that recovery time is very important. Taking care of myself in therapy, reading, watching my favourite shows and sometimes simply rotting (as the young generation says) is a really good counterbalance [and allows me to] recharge my soul. When I feel really good emotionally, I think it can be felt by the people around me."

A nude lip is my comfort zone...

"I will always love a nude lipstick and a nude liner. I always go back to those nineties NARS moments— a lot of taupe colours and cool tones. I realise that is what works best for my complexion and style.

"I will also always love a smokey eye of any sort. If you put me in an eyeliner and let me smudge it in my waterline I will be very happy. Throughout young adulthood you're trying all of these different things to find out what makes you feel sexy, confident and bold, and [for me] it is only in the past few years that I have started to narrow down my go-tos. I can't imagine changing this too much."

Comfort is never having to wear a pair of heels again...

"I did that so much in my young adulthood, but I think comfort has changed for me over the years. My style is different based on the city I am in and the people I am around. Whether I'm in France, New York or LA, it's like different characters I put on, and I sort of adapt to the environment around me."

I feel at home in New York...

"Moving to New York City has been very challenging, but it's been a situation where I have put myself out of my comfort zone and that has actually brought me a lot of comfort. I think moving to New York last year was a big moment for me, and it's a city that I feel comfortable in, that I feel energised in and that I feel inspired by. It's that adrenaline that gets me really excited—learning to make a new place your home is challenging but thrilling. I think we're more adaptable as humans than we think."

My teenage years were uncomfortable...

"It was trial and error—trial and error with my friendships, trial and error with my relationships, trial and error with my make-up and my style. You're just so desperate at that age to figure out who you are, hone it in and define it. Those moments were [the most uncomfortable for me], but at the same time I wouldn't be here without all those trials, errors, failures and little glimmers of success and hope. Those were the most defining moments."

New York is home, but I'm most comfortable by the ocean...

"I grew up in California, and I think that's a very big part of who I am. It's a place that has brought some of the best memories I have. When I'm near the ocean I feel this massive wave of comfort and ease—it's as close as I can get to being utterly relaxed outside of my own personal home. As soon as I hear it, see it, or smell it, I know I am at peace."

I haven't been a spiritual person by whole life...

"I have been lucky enough to live the sort of life I have over the past few years, with a lot of moving parts, but finding things that slow down my heart rate and get me a little bit less anxious and worked up are my crutch. It could be staying in for a movie night at my home and isolating or it can be yoga, movement and training my body to go with the rhythm.

"We're so overstimulated all the time—with our phones, apps, social media and the amount of accessibility we have to information—I find myself so overwhelmed and inundated with information. I'm a very energetic, hyper person, and I need to be brought down sometimes."

My mom knows how to comfort me...

"She is the person I call under any circumstance and in any situation. I think moms are the people who can also drive us completely insane, but at the end of the day I have an amazing mother who nurtures me. Her smell, her essence and being around her is a place of going back to my inner home and my world. No one knows you better than a parent, and in my case, no one knows me better than my mother. That familiarity with a family member can bring such a sense of ease. They've seen you at your worst and your best—it's a no frills relationship."

It’s a cliche to describe someone’s energy as “infectious”, but in Clara Amfo’s case, it’s accurate, which was a relief to me, as I was knackered the day Clara and I caught up on the fly. We’d both been partying at Notting Hill Carnival and I was kicking myself for not being better prepared, something Clara could never be accused of; “I hate coming into a situation not knowing anything—if I'm given a TV show to watch, I'll watch the series.” she says. I take note.

Clara Amfo is charismatic. It sounds obvious, but I think it bears repeating and I also suspect it’s why OVO tapped her and her mate Jessie Ware to show off the benefits of their loyalty programme, OVO Beyond, which rewards customers—like a spot at an intimate Jessie Ware gig—for making greener choices. I’m not an OVO customer, and like Clara, I can’t drive (a source of shame for me until I met Clara, who of course, had a positive spin on it), but I did manage to wangle a space at the Jessie Ware gig; a sublime experience which granted me access to both musical stalwarts in their element. It also gave me the distinct impression that Clara would find her element anywhere, that in any room, she’ll find her people. “I love doing stuff with friends, but there is something special about enjoying a moment with a bunch of strangers that you’re never gonna see again,” she later confirms.

When it came to editing our conversation for brevity, I read all of Clara’s answers in her voice—not just because I’ve grown up listening to her on Kiss FM, Live Lounge, and the BRIT Awards—but because she was so effusive when we spoke, our interview left an audio imprint in my memory. It might’ve made me a better interviewer, too, not least because I now have Clara’s fail-safe question in my back pocket. “I always like to ask somebody—sincerely— ‘How are you at this moment?’ Because I think it makes people ask that question a bit more honestly,” she explains. So, without further ado, I decided to find out how Clara Amfo really is…

Clara, how are you in this moment?

Well, thank you for asking me. So, in this moment I am delightfully overwhelmed. That’s how I would describe it—I am delightfully overwhelmed. It's always a Catch-22, isn't it? I love being busy even when I’m just revelling in the chaos.

Could you pick one particular song or artist that has really deeply resonated with you?

I’ve been so spoiled. I’ll catch little things on TV or I’ll be listening on Spotify, and I’m like, “Clara, you spent intimate time with that person and you’ve seen this thing live right in front of your face—not everyone gets to do that.”

When Raye debuted Ice Cream Man, sort of live on my radio show it was really, really powerful. We all had a little cry afterwards ‘cos it’s a really intimate and painful song that she’d written about the sexual assaults she’d experienced at all ages of her life. It’s a topic that I think resonates deeply with a lot of people. I remember thinking, ‘That really, really hit me’.

How have your music tastes developed and been shaped by the different cultures that you’ve been exposed to?

I’ve never been a person who said, “I don’t like this genre of music”. I don't believe in speaking in absolutes about genres of music because I truly believe you can find at least one song you like within a genre of music, even if you don’t like most of it. I have pretty eclectic taste, and I attribute a lot of that to my older brothers. I can’t imagine being one of those people who only listen to one type of music—that's sad for me. You're selling yourself short of some really great experiences.

What role do you think music plays in addressing social and cultural issues?

I’m going to paraphrase her terribly, so I hope she doesn’t roll in her grave too much, but Nina Simone says it’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times—or something to that effect—and I believe that. I’m not saying every artist has to be an activist, and not every artist wants to be an activist—and that’s OK—but I do think there is a responsibility with having a platform.

I’ve seen, within my lifetime, the power of music to bring people together; to influence culture, to influence people to essentially, do the right thing. I don’t think we’ve ever existed where that hasn’t been a thing; if you think about some of the most famous songs in pop culture, a lot of them are protest songs.

What’s your favourite way to experience culture?

I love a trip to a gallery, ideally on my own or with one friend—never more than groups of two. I love the cinema—open-air cinemas where possible—I think it’s a really fun communal experience, even though people can be annoying cos I swear, I’m always sat by the people that get up 50,000 times or eat the loudest.

How do you think your upbringing influenced your approach to storytelling and interviews?

Ghanaians love to tell a story. Ghanaian folklore is really big in the culture and it’s funny seeing it infiltrate mainstream culture. Ghanaians love the goss, just via intonation of voice, you know something juicy is going on.

I think my upbringing definitely influences how I tell stories. My dad in particular was really well travelled and well read. And I think he had an influence on me and my curiosity—he was a very curious person about people, and I think I 100% inherited that.

Where is on your bucket list?

Egypt, Egypt, Egypt. I need to see the pyramids. I wanna see them for myself and feel insignificant and amazed. Could that even be recreated in 2024? Did the Egyptians have links to aliens?

I would love to go to Zimbabwe or Tanzania. I really wanna go to Singapore as well. Yeah, so much. I wanna go back to Brazil, I love Brazil.

How do you immerse yourself in the local culture when you travel to a new destination?

Food and galleries. I always wanna go to the best auntie spot in any area, and I wanna check out the local art gallery because that will always tell you everything you need to know about an area. I love going to gigs in other countries, that is truly one of my favourite things to do. It’s always interesting observing how different cultures react to global artists.

You worked with your mate Jessie Ware on OVO’s campaign to encourage people to be greener—how do you think music can inspire people to live more sustainably?

I think music can inspire people to be greener. We’re not trying to be sanctimonious out here, but small steps make big leaps. Everyone is trying to do their best, and there are some things people can’t avoid doing that aren’t the most green, so I think it’s about having an awareness; whether that’s switching your light bulbs or having a smart metre.

Are you spontaneous or an itinerary planner?

I’m a bit of both, but I lean more towards the spontaneous. I always like to go somewhere where I can be as lazy as I like, but I can also be as busy as I like.

Are there any experiences you’ve had while travelling that have changed your perspective on a culture or a social issue?

As a West African person, it’s something I’ve always known, but I think I would always encourage people to not believe—or to not buy into—the perspective of a continent. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who describe Africa as a country, not a continent; there are lots of different countries in there.

I think through things that we’ve seen, even though the intentions can be good—like via certain charity things—people have got a very limited view of what the continent of Africa has to offer.

I think you’ve got to see stuff for yourself. I can’t stand when people visit somewhere that’s maybe not doing as well economically as where they’re from and they’re like “Oh my God, do you know they have so little?” Shut up! People are just living. I think we can all learn to be a little bit less patronising of other people’s countries.

What trends or movements are you most excited about right now?

Body neutrality—I don’t know if I would even call it that—I’m just very much at a point where when it comes to your body, do what you feel, babe.

A Nobel Prize-winner (at least in Barbieland), an irl EE Rising Star, and a Burberry Beauty ambassador, Emma Mackey can—and does—it all. Born in Le Mans, France, the 28-year-old actress is well and truly on the ascend thanks to her exceptional range and magnetic presence.

Whether playing Physicist Barbie, the quick-witted Maeve Wiley in Sex Education (her breakout role) or running with wild cats along the African plains as the face of Burberry Goddess, Mackey tackles challenges with a winning mix of courage, humility, and steely determination, as well as a robust work ethic which she credits to loving her job — a passion she’s quick to point out is a privilege. But that’s not to say this all comes easy to her — far from it. Take the new Burberry Goddess campaign for example, which sees Mackey powering through South Africa’s sun-bleached grasslands, something Mackey admits she never thought she’d be capable of doing. But of course she did, and to such success, that she’s now also the face of the new Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum Intense.

The campaign was an experience she found both exhilarating and daunting. “It felt appropriately terrifying in a good way,” Mackey reflects. “I’m not a brain surgeon, but on my tiny human scale, it was something quite exciting. I felt like a goddess.”

Mackey might never have envisioned playing a goddess, but as is typical of an actress who throws her all in, she’s fully embodied the role. As the face of Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum Intense, she’s not just portraying empowerment—she’s living it. And if anyone knows how to find and honour one’s authentic self, it’s Emma Mackey, I figured she could teach me a thing or two...

When you have felt your most empowered?

I feel most empowered when I’m at work. Anytime I get to do something that feels stimulating and challenging is when I feel my strongest and when my brain is ticking, and I have to solve problems and think on my feet and take care of people - that’s my thing.

Who is the most empowering person in your life?

My partner and my close friends are very important and essential to me. I think all the people in my life have come at a time when I needed it. That’s kind of the magic of making friends and choosing the people you want to live your life with and grow up with.

Burberry Goddess radiates confidence, strength and kindness — what three traits do you most value?

I love people who show real curiosity — people who can strike up conversations about many different topics, challenge the way you think, and really push your thoughts somewhere different. I think that’s a really key quality in someone. I value that.

Humour is also key. I don’t think I have a single friend or person in my life who isn’t funny and makes me cry with laughter. Someone who’s honest and won’t lie or walk on eggshells around you. I like when my friends are straight with me, and I like being the same for other people.

What does empowerment mean to you?

I think it changes over time. Empowerment—if you’re lucky—can come through work and when you have a real passion and you’ve calculated that passion and spent hours researching and nourishing your brain with whatever that passion may be. I think that can ultimately provide a real sense of empowerment and strength because it’s just so fulfilling. There’s empowerment through the people that we choose in our lives as well.

I don’t think empowerment is something that can be cultivated individually; it’s something that needs to be fed and nourished by other people.

What thing would you like to teach your younger self about empowerment?

I would say that empowerment takes time. It will take the time that it needs because it’s one thing being independent, but in my life, empowerment has come through absorbing other people’s experiences and learning from the relationships that I’ve cultivated over time and that have changed and evolved, and I think that what’s exciting.

What’s your earliest memory of scent?

The garden that I grew up in or my mum’s cooking, like the cookies that she made. Food and nature-related—which is very original—are the smells I remember the most.

What do you think of when you spray Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum Intense?

I find it sensual and sophisticated, and then when it seeps into your skin and sort of peters out, it becomes something different. I think that’s why perfume is so interesting — it evolves over time. And this one in particular is kind of smokier and woodier.

What song fires you up?

I listen to music all the time, and it’s in these moments that my brain just goes, “Wait, don't move!” It’s not very original, but I love disco music. I love Marvin Gaye and Sweet Love by Anita Baker. Diana Ross gets me fired up. They’re classics for a reason, and I never get tired of them.

Where do you feel your most confident?

I feel confident when I’m at home, and when I’m by the sea and with my family, and sometimes at work, especially on set. There are lots of moments of anxiety and confusion and spiralling, but there is also a great sense of confidence and a feeling of home for me that comes from being on set. That’s when I feel my most complete. I know that sounds really corny, but I'm being very sincere. Being on set and with the people I enjoy working with is a really empowering feeling to me - that's so fortunate as well.

What do you do when you need to feel strong?

Watching films helps me a lot. Watching films can take you out of your own head— sometimes in a good way—and keep you alert and alive. Also, just talking to friends and having real connections with people can help you at any given point when you’re feeling a bit low and slow.

When have you most felt like a goddess?

This might sound corny, but my partner makes me feel like that, and that’s one of the great qualities that he has — he’s able to make me feel special, strong and beautiful in moments where I don’t really feel like that, and it’s so earnest and sincere. It’s a really lovely feeling to be loved by someone like that.

Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum Intense is available to shop from John Lewis

Simona Tabasco is a party girl; well, that’s when she’s not staying in listening to music (the love of her life) or reading books. Summer, however, is dedicated to friends, partying, and being outside. Is it trite to chalk this down to La Dolce Vita, the Italian ethos of eking out life’s every joy, I inquire? Not at all. Tabasco, who was born in Naples like her career-making character in season two of The White Lotus, says her favourite way to party is by water; the fact that Italy is a peninsula makes that deliciously easy; “this is perhaps also why we Italians are so full of joy and desire to party,” wonders Tabasco.

“Joy”, “desire”, and “party” are synonymous with Lucia, Tabasco’s passionate party girl grafter in Mike White’s viral show. Like Lucia, Tabasco is effervescent when we sit down to talk, which is no mean feat given that our interview is over Zoom with a translator and half a dozen other people. She’s just fronted a campaign for Martini, and to celebrate, they’ve named a cocktail after her: the aptly titled Simona Spritz. In typical fashion—Tabasco by name, Tabasco by nature—the boozy blend is sure to put some fire in your belly, which feels fitting for a woman who tells me she “loves a spicy night” and wants to party with Salvador Dali. Here, she gives us the lowdown on her life in parties.

Staying in or going out?

“I’m a party girl, but I also like to stay in with music and books. It’s all about the time of the year. If I’m working or preparing something for work, I love to be by myself, but there are certain periods—like the summer—which are dedicated to being outside, partying and being with friends. And the beach! I love the beach.”

What’s the best party you’ve ever been to?

“OK, so obviously, the best party I’ve ever been to was Madonna’s during the Oscars this year. There was a lot of music, and there was this beautiful machine that took vintage pictures. It was incredible, and the music was really awesome as well.”

Which five guests, dead or alive, would you most like to host for a party and why?

“The Red Hot Chili Peppers because I think Californication is one of the best albums that I have ever listened to. Obviously, Madonna and Amanda Lear, Salvador Dali, and a lot of stars and crazy people.”

What makes a brilliant party?

“Music, people, cocktails and food. I think music is the soul of the party.”

What food are you serving?

“Probably pizza because I come from Naples. It’s pizza, pizza and good cocktails - very, very easy. Something easy, something chill.”

How do you decorate?

“One important thing is a lot of touches of red all over. Red is my colour, and I think it’s probably related to passion. It’s also about really feeling life, and it’s all about enjoying life with passion and love. Red encompasses my soul and my take on life. Also, I love essence, so probably Palo Santo. I cleanse the space and get it fresh for the guests.”

What song gets you dancing?

“A Samba Mambo playlist—I love it. Something exotic, something hot. I love a spicy night.”

Can you dance the salsa or mambo?

“No, I can’t really dance it. But I love to improvise in life. I love to feel free, and I don’t like the idea that you have to know how to dance something. You can just dance freely, and that’s the beauty of it. Dance is liberation. But we’ll probably need samba dancers and maybe costumes.”

What does a typical Italian party look like?

“Italian parties obviously have spritzes because that’s all about us. There are some elements of our universe that we can never be without, like water, fire, Earth, and a lot of friends. Over the summer, it’s amazing to party overlooking the water. But, you know, you can have a party almost anywhere.”

Who do you call when you want to go dancing?

“Of course, friends and people I know like the more the merrier, really.”

Shoes on or off in your house?

“Why would they take them off? Keep your shoes on. You can wear whatever you want at my party. The more extravagance, the better.”

What’s the plan or party you’re most looking forward to this summer?

“August is a month of partying. I don’t know what’s going to happen yet, but I’m waiting for it with open arms and welcoming everything that’s about to come.”

As a journalist I'm often asked to interview celebrities. Some have been really exciting, but others, I'll admit, I could take or leave. There's really only ever been one star that I actually wanted to meet, sit down and talk with, and that's Sarah Jessica Parker. 

I grew up watching Sex and the City - I, like so many other millennials, had the black and pink shoe box DVD collection and fancied myself a Carrie. I invested heavily in the the oversized corsage trend, but couldn't quite manage the six inch stiletto heels. Suffice to say, she was my dream interviewee.  

At the end of last year my wish came true. Parker was over in London in her role as Brand Ambassador for Roc Skincare and I was one of the lucky few chosen to ask her questions. At the time she was taking part in the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, so couldn't talk about her acting roles, so any mention of Miss Bradshaw and the gang was a big no-no. 

At the launch earlier in the day, the question of ageing skin had come up (as it always seems to do with Parker) to which gave an eloquent and polite response and the conversation moved on. Later, when I had my one-on-one time with her, she started the interview by kindly saying to me "I feel like I have said what I need to say about ageing today. I think we're all tired of hearing me talk about it. Please can we not bring it up again." This wasn't a surprise to me, because during my research I had read everything she had ever said on ageing, because believe me when I say she gets asked about it a lot, and I'd made a point of leaving any questions related to that subject off my list.

What I wanted to find out was what little things make her happy. So here is Sarah Jessica Parker: My Life In...Micro Joys.

On optimism:

"Sometimes it feels challenging to be optimistic, but I try to be when it's hardest. I think when things are going smoothly or fine or well, it's easy to see possibility, and it's therefore easy to be optimistic. I say this to my kids too: 'You should feel upset. If you're upset or you had an experienced that was unpleasant, upsetting, disappointing, and you feel shattered in some way, feel it. But what are the ways in which you can resurface?' Because I think, especially for young people, there's a real danger in sitting in the saddle of blue. For me, it's not been helpful to stay too long in the place that's upsetting or frustrating. For me, I have to, I don't think it's compartmentalising so much as, okay, that happened, now what? What can I do to feel differently or carry on or put it away. Not to forget it. Not to say it didn't happen or exist or make those feelings not be felt and seen and handled."

On beauty: 

"What is beauty? What is your version? My version, their version, his version, her version? I think it's what you are bringing to a friendship, a conversation, parenting, your professional life as a colleague, as a friend. Beauty can be defined by so many things."

On keeping things simple:

"With my skincare routine, I will do two things at most. I have sensitive skin, so I can't use fragrance and I can't experiment. I like simplicity and efficacy. I love the Roc Max Hydration Cream, it's my companion product. I use it every single day.  And I use it everywhere - I use in on my hands, I use it when I fly... It's a science-based brand, so I know that it's good for me and it's simple."

On her passions:

"Outside of parenting and being a mother, which I'm very passionate about. I would say going to the theatre, the ballet and books. Books are right up there. You can get involved with books more. They don't require you to get to a theatre. And isn't it best to pass on a really good book?"

On jade rolling:

"I keep mine in the fridge and I use it to wake up in the morning. I love that cool feeling. When you're waking up at 3:20 in the morning every day for work, and you're getting home at seven/eight o'clock at night, and then you're back at work at four the next morning and getting home at nine, you're so tired. So anything to be awake, it just feels good. I don't know if it does anything, I don't have techniques, I just kind of roll it here and here. I got one for each of my daughters, and I put a different coloured grosgrain ribbon on them so they could say: 'Nope, that's Tabitha's. That's Loretta's.' I used to use them on the kids anytime they'd hit their head or hurt their knee, I would use a bag of peas and the jade roller."

On podcasts:

"I listen to tonnes of UK podcasts and news coverage - I really like The Rest is Politics and Pod Save The UK. And have you heard of Tortoise Media? It covers really important stories and it does it beautifully. I like it for its hardcore true investigative journalism. They have really good miniseries, bigger global stories and then they do long stories that take two to three years to research and investigate, like Sweet Bobby. I also really like Rumble Strip, Kerning Cultures and The New York Times The Daily."

On biscuits:

"When we visit the UK we go absolutely crazy for a dark chocolate covered McVities Digestive. If I had to pick the greatest cookie ever, that would be it. It's perfect. I love a chocolate Hobknob too, with all the oatmeal, but I don't think the rest of the family agrees. We all love the Digestive. We don't dip it in our tea like you do though. I also love a Jersey Cream, I think you guys call it a Custard Cream. The last time we were here, we bought Wine Gums. They're unbelievable, I've never had those before." 

On jewellery: 

 "I have my charm necklace that I wear everyday. It's got each of my child's star signs, not that I know anything about astrology, but somebody bought me one when I had my son, so I had to get the others when I had more children. And then I got one for myself and my husband, so now there's one for everybody in the family. And then I have three hearts that I just bought at a junk store - for my three children. There's an old watch fob that I found, and my husband gave me some keys as a reminder of our play Plaza Suite. And then I have a little subway token, which reminds me of my husband. None of it is super fancy, but its fancy to me."

On style:

"One of the biggest influences for me is street style. Like when I walk down the street in London you'll see people and you'll think, 'Oh my God. She's so smart. How did she think of that?' or 'What did she see that made her make that choice?' I think public transportation is a great place to see things and see people being themselves, that's a great way of being inspired."

It's mid-November, and team Marie Claire UK are in full Black Friday prep mode. My head is foggy, my desk is overflowing with products and my inbox is at 8,000 unread. But the arrival of one email was enough to break me out of my daze. The subject line: Dua Lipa Interview. 

I had caught wind of the news that Dua Lipa was set to become the new Global Make-up Ambassador for YSL Beauty, and the prospect of an interview with her was enough to make me clear my schedule. The singer has spent the majority of her adult life in the spotlight, with seemingly every moment of that covered by tabloids. It only makes sense, therefore, that she has a fair few life lessons to share for My Life In... . Beyond that, she is, in my opinion, one of the most influential women in the world of beauty. Hell, she only has to step out of the house to set a new hair trend or nail trend.

So, days after that first email landed in my inbox, there I was, sitting on a video call with Dua Lipa. Within just a few seconds of conversation, it becomes immediately apparent why YSL Beauty has made the decision to name her their newly appointed make-up ambassador (an extension of her existing work with the brand as the face of their iconic fragrance, Libre). She is relaxed but hypnotisingly engaged, she is professional, of course, but also candidly reflective with a hint of that lighthearted self-deprecation that we Brits all bond over. She is, for lack of a better word, brilliant.

She is, also, strikingly beautiful. Her first duty as Global Make-up Ambassador is to front the campaign for YSL LOVESHINE—a new franchise that is set to see the brand focus on its lip products all year long. This is something that really excites me, not just because I am a huge fan of YSL's lip offering (they make some of the most hydrating lipsticks around), but because the brand's Rouge Volupté Candy Glaze has been one of the most talked-about products on social media amongst trendsetters—making Dua's partnership a match made in beauty heaven. The franchise is set to see some very exciting new launches in the coming months, and I have no doubt they are destined for viral success. If Dua is involved that seems like a given.

And although we talked all things beauty (and her love for using lipstick in a multitude of ways), throughout our chat, it is overwhelmingly apparent that there is so much more to Dua Lipa than just her striking beauty. Here, she shares the most important lessons life has taught her.

#1 Less is more when it comes to beauty

"I know it sounds cliché, but I think less is more. It took me a little while to figure out what my beauty routine was. There was a moment in my life when I thought I should just put mascara on my eyebrows and that just does not look good. I won’t be doing that ever again in my life. I think my brows are bushy enough, so I’m just going for a clear gel. Let’s not dive in too deep, but it wasn’t cute."

#2 Invest time in family and friendships

"All my best friends are from when I was 15 in school in London, and it’s so lovely to grow up with someone who just knows everything about you. I make a special effort, even when I’m busy, to see my friends, spend time with them and keep that relationship alive. I love that me and my best friends always make time to have a weekend together or have a girls dinner. I think it’s important to always have something to look forward to with your closest friends. The girl gang is really important for me.

"My family is an extension of myself. We’re so close. Even with a busy lifestyle, I’ll make time to regroup with my family. We’re always travelling together, away from all the madness. It’s about having time alone and being able to hang out as a group."

#3 Stick to skincare that works for you

"There’s a lot of unsolicited advice. What might work for someone else might not work for you—there’s always a lot of trial and error, at least there has been for me. I think just kind of paring it back and slowly trying products is the best way to figure out what works for you.

"It’s taken me time to realise [this]. I’d read things online and be like 'Oh, I have to put vitamin C on', but actually my skin is really sensitive so that doesn’t really work for me. It's just baby steps with it, it’s a real journey. I feel like it’s only now that I’ve figured out what works for me."

#4 Invest in a good coat

"A really good coat is vital. Anything you wear underneath is fine if you have a really nice, big coat that you can just throw on top. You could wear trackies and be in a nice, warm, big coat and you can hide what’s happening underneath."

#5 Never regret any experience

"I think whatever it is, good or bad, everything is there to serve a purpose and teach you a lesson—even on the bad days when you’re like 'This is the worst thing that could possibly be happening in my life'. I think when you look back you see it served a purpose and taught you something. You can say: this is something I deserved, this is something that was good for me, this is something that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I think the most important thing is to not look back on something and wish [you] never did it. Doing it led you to where you’re supposed to be. Living your life with no regrets, regardless, is a big part of growing up."

#6 Find multiple functions for your make-up

"For me, I love having a lipstick that I can put on my cheeks, my eyelids—something that has multiple uses. It makes it easier if you’re planning, say, a brunch with the girls, then you have work and then you’re going out for dinner in the evening and your make-up starts to wear off. You can just put a little bit [of lipstick] on everywhere and keep going. I’m a big fan of low-maintenance [make-up]—something that’s quick and easy and makes you feel good. There’s a freedom to it, and we take things too seriously."

#7 I'll never bleach my hair again

"That was a really traumatic experience for me. I had fun as a blonde, I have to say, but my hair couldn’t hack it. For me, I’m going to stick to darker, more autumnal colours. My hair can hold that much better. When you start to see your hair fizzling away, it's quite traumatic."

#8 Don't take yourself too seriously

"One thing that’s important is that I don’t want to let my fame or being a public person stop me from doing everyday things. I love to see friends and go out for dinner—it’s about a low-maintenance lifestyle without having to think about things too much. 

"In the beginning, if there was a paparazzi shot I didn’t like I’d be upset. Now I just think I’m a human, I don’t care, I’m going to go out, it is what it is. I don’t want to let that stop me from my everyday experience. I think I just try to keep life as normal as possible and not take things too seriously, and my friends and family help me do that easily."

#9 There's nothing wrong with being open hearted

"It goes back to the no regrets thing, but I’m very much a person who is all in [when it comes to love]. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t, but I never have any regrets about going all in to something. Even if that lets me down, I think it’s a life lesson. It’s something that I needed to go through. It teaches me what I might need in my life later on."

#10 It's always good to do something for your body

"When I do things that are good for me, whether it’s yoga or eating healthy or meditation, I feel like I can tackle every day so much better. When I know I haven’t been working out or have been eating shit, I don’t feel good overall. My one lesson is do things that make you feel good and everything else will fall into place."

#11 If you can't smell your own perfume, it's a good fit

"If people remember you for a smell but you don’t smell it on yourself, you know it’s right for you. If it’s really overpowering and you start to feel a bit sick, you’ve got to get away from it. I remember when I first started working with YSL Beauty for the original Libre fragrance, I felt so connected to it. Now, I wear it all the time. I don’t smell it on myself, but all of my friends know me for that smell. They go to the airport and they smell it, and they’ll say it reminds them of me."

Truthfully, I have lost count of the number of times I have walked into a salon for a hair colour appointment with the an image of Diane Kruger up on my phone. Her lived-in linen blonde is everything I want my colour to be. Have I ever managed to achieve it on myself? Absolutely not.

So, when I received the news earlier this month that the award-winning actress had been made a Schwarzkopf Ambassador for the brand's For Every You campaign, I was intrigued. When the brand invited me to Berlin to sit down with Diane for a chat, I figured now could be my moment to finally discover what it is that she does with her hair colour that I just can't seem to get right. And while I quickly found out that her colour of choice is actually Schwarzkopf's Oleo Intense in shade 8-05 Beige Blonde (I've already got a box ready to hand over to my colourist), getting the chance to sit down with Diane meant I had plenty of time to chat over other beauty topics, too.

This is Diane Kruger's life in beauty...

My earliest beauty memory...

“My grandfather was a barber, and he would do my grandmother’s hair in a perm. I would spend a lot of time with them growing up. So, my earliest real beauty memory was my grandfather putting in those tight little curlers. He would teach me, and I would hand the pins to him. He did my mum’s highlights in the days when you could put the plastic cap on and pull out the strands. I loved doing that. I always wanted to be a hairstylist, to be honest.”

A beauty moment I wish I could relive...

"Being very young and the time spent in the bathroom when my mum or my grandma were teaching me to braid my own hair. Those are the moments I cherish, not because it was a great beauty moment but because it was a moment shared."

A beauty moment I wish I hadn't lived...

“I remember my cousin was getting married, and I was a flower girl. I must have been 10 or 11. I had really long, natural hair, and I insisted that I wanted to get a perm. I don’t know why my mum agreed to this but she let me have one. It was really flat on top and then these super-tight curls. It truly looked horrible. In the village I grew up in it was really not a look. I have a lot of pictures from my childhood where I have a scraped-back pony, sprayed to one side, with these tight curls. It was awful.”

The first beauty product I ever bought...

“I don't remember specifics, but it was probably an eyeshadow for the fun colours. It was the late eighties/early nineties, so it would have been some version of blue eyeshadow and liner.”

My go-to beauty destination is...

“I love a Duty Free and a Sephora. You can never go in there and not come out with 10 products. I also love having my hair coloured in Paris by John Nollet. They either come to me or I go to his boutique at the Park Hyatt Hotel Paris, and that’s always a lovely moment.”

My biggest beauty icon is...

“Cher. She has always looked great. Her make-up is always just right. That beautiful hair? Just iconic.”

A beauty product I have fallen in love with is...

"The Chanel foundation that has those little pearls in there [Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch]. It is so beautiful. I just love it. It’s so nice to wear—light and fresh.”

The people who have taught me most about beauty are...

"Because I used to model, over the years I have picked up so many tricks from make-up artists. I love how things have evolved because when I was 16 and I started out, there was a lot of baking and now it’s changed so much. Although, I’m also not a fan of the no-make-up look. Especially as I get older, I think I need to define. I’ve learned from make-up artists on movies, too, which is very different to when you’re on a photoshoot. It’s all about how, with very little, you can change the shape of your face—even the shape of an eyebrow can totally change your face.”

My first red carpet look was...

"The premiere of Troy in Cannes. We went for something really simple and natural, and it was beautiful weather and the carpet was outside—it was lovely. I had always felt like there was a difference with American make-up artists at that time, there were a lot of lashes. To me, as a European, that didn’t [feel right]. I look at a lot of those pictures from my early career and wonder why they put so much make-up on me—I didn’t need that.”

My first catwalk look was...

“They were crazy. I didn’t do a lot of runway because I’m not that tall, but I remember doing Comme des Garçon and they had white clay in my hair. It looked super cool but it got solid, so I remember coming home and trying to wash that out for days. There was a lot of creativity in fashion in those days.”

The best blow dry I have ever had was...

"None. I hate a blow dry. I don’t like my hair straight. I get my hair done a lot, but I like to have my natural curl. Sometimes they blow it to then tong a curl in, but I really hate the look of a blow dry.”

The worst hair cut I've ever had was...

"When I was younger, my mum gave me that typical bowl cut. Although, I’ve had a few terrible ones.”

My biggest beauty lesson has been...

"Less is more. It’s such an individual thing and what works for some people might not work for you, but I know for me less looks best. However, I must say I love to play with make-up. I own an obscene amount of make-up, it freaks my boyfriend out."

My definition of beauty is...

“I admire girls who are so themselves. That’s what I want to be. I look up to that. I wish I could just say: 'Fuck it, I’m going to cut my hair and make it pink'. I get to do it for movies sometimes, so it’s fun to do that with a wig and take it off. I love it when my daughter wants to wear her hair in a certain way—things have changed so much, you can express yourself so much more.”