Raphael Diogo - Interview

RAPHAEL DIOGO
*Five Days Under Lights

interview CHIDOZI OBASI
written ALBAN E. SMAJLI

Raphael Diogo grew up between waves and asphalt, with Venice Beach feeding a body in constant movement, Jiu-Jitsu classes, soccer drills, skateboards, surfboards, mornings in Gold’s Gym where sweat turned into chance, a scout stopping, a conversation beginning, the kind that opens a door without announcing itself.

Modeling was already part of his family’s vocabulary, both parents carrying it as a lived memory, so when the first steps came it felt less like invention and more like continuation, though with the restless energy of someone who wants to carve out his own form.

total VALENTINO

“Getting the call for Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male campaign brought tears of joy, a moment of true fulfillment.”

Raphael Diogo speaks with Chidozie Obasi
for LE MILE .Digital

The notebooks filled with sketches, the hours of training, the steady rhythm of curiosity all folded into the way Raphael speaks about patience, about humility, about the strange elasticity of time inside this industry. He insists on gratitude as foundation, on respect as gesture, on presence as currency, and in that insistence there is no trace of calculation, only the sense of someone who has already faced enough uncertainty to know that the ground beneath him shifts constantly.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male campaign marked the rupture, five days in Bulgaria under lights and choreography, a job that required preparation of body and mind and delivered the quiet shock of tears when confirmation arrived, not from insecurity but from the sudden weight of arrival. That moment stretched into confidence, into a sense of place, into a reminder that careers are built in accumulations, in the way encounters layer upon each other, in how journeys fold back and expand again. Now in New York, Raphael continues the unfolding. Work, relationships, lessons, always the search for what comes next without a rush to define it too quickly. The horizon remains open, and with it the possibility of passing on everything he has gathered since 2019, the small fragments of knowledge, discipline, and energy that shape him in this present moment.

cap POLO RALPH LAUREN
shirt, sweater, coat + trousers PAUL SMITH
ring TITLE OF WORK
sneaker VANS

total EMPORIO ARMANI
custom eyewear KAT & PAUL AOUN

Chidozi Obasi
First things first: could you introduce yourself to us?

Raphael Diogo
My name is Raphael Diogo. I’m an American/Brazilian model, born and raised in Venice Beach, CA. I grew up staying active—whether it was Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, playing soccer for the LA Galaxy Academy, or skating and surfing with friends. I’ve also always had a creative side, spending free time painting and sketching. I now live in New York City, where I’m continuing to pursue my modeling career.

What made you venture into modelling?

Funny enough, both of my parents used to be models. I never gave it much thought until I was scouted while working out at Gold’s Gym in Venice one morning. At first, I was a bit skeptical, but then I realized I had nothing to lose—so why not take the risk? It really helped having the support of my parents when I was taking those first steps.

When did you realize you wanted to make a career out of it?

I’ve always taken pride in giving my best in anything I do. After being scouted, I spent the first few months learning everything I could about the industry. What kind of jobs are out there? Who’s doing them? Can people really support themselves financially doing this? How do I get to the top? I became obsessed with the opportunities and how much creativity the industry allowed me to express. The spontaneity of it all—every day being different—kept me excited about what could come next.

What has been the most challenging aspect of modeling?

The hardest part has been staying patient with myself and my journey. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others, especially with social media. My self-belief is strong, but there are times when I forget how far I’ve come—especially when things don’t go the way I hoped. I’ve learned that timing is everything. We all want to be part of amazing experiences and hit certain milestones, but we have to trust that the time will come.

blazer FEAR OF GOD
tank top CALVIN KLEIN
leather pants RHUDE
shoes RALPH LAUREN
jewelry TITLE OF WORK

short + vest ISSEY MIYAKE
bracelet + necklace TITLE OF WORK

 And how about your biggest pinch-me experiences?

That would definitely be getting the call that I was confirmed as the lead in Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male fragrance campaign. I flew to Bulgaria to shoot five days of TV commercials, print, and digital assets. It was the first time I really had to prepare myself—both physically and mentally—for a job. That experience gave me a level of confidence I hadn’t tapped into before. There were definitely tears of joy. It was a moment of true fulfillment.

 Is there anything you’d change about your career?

Absolutely nothing. I’m incredibly grateful for every moment that has brought me to where I am today. To everyone who has believed in and supported me since day one—thank you from the bottom of my heart. There were plenty of tough times, but I’ve been fortunate to have a support system that encouraged me to keep striving for greatness.

What have been your biggest lessons?

The importance of humility and gratitude. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve accomplished—what matters is how you present yourself and how you treat others. I aim to show up with a positive and professional attitude and to treat everyone with respect. We’re all human, and our time is valuable. I feel lucky to work with such talented individuals, and I’ll always do my best to spread love and positivity.

Final hopes?

I want to continue this journey for as long as possible. Building relationships and creating memories—that’s what it’s all about. Since starting in 2019, I’ve learned so much, and I’d love to pass that knowledge on to anyone just getting started.

shirt, blazer + trousers ZEGNA
necklace TITLE OF WORK
sneakers VANS

beret EMPORIO ARMANI
tank top CALVIN KLEIN
leather pants RHUDE
jewelry TITLE OF WORK

“I want to continue this journey for as long as possible. Building relationships and creating memories—that’s what it’s all about.”

Raphael Diogo speaks with Chidozie Obasi
for LE MILE .Digital

neck scarf HERMÈS
coat + jacket BRIONI
trousers DRIES VAN NOTEN
jewelry TITLE OF WORK
sneakers VANS

photographer ANKA GARBOWSKA
stylist TATIANA CINQUINO
grooming AMANDA WILSON
intro text ALBAN E. SMAJLI

talent RAPHAEL DIOGO
via HEROES MODEL MANAGEMENT

Sam Salter - Interview

.aesthetic talk
SAM SALTER
Soft Power

written + interview Chidozie Obasi

31-year-old Sam Salter is damn good at making wraps and cookies. His top picks? “Chicken fajitas, oh my Lord, I love them! I'm honestly obsessed with chicken and beef wraps at the moment,” he shares. “I also like an Asian-style sweet potato mash with fish, like salmon; I have a very sweet tooth.”

But it isn’t his proclivity for a double dose of carbs that landed the London-based dancer his fearless gumption and a great path in the making; that was all down to his impressive creative chops.

coat FLORENCE BLACK 1954
sweater DIOR MEN
shirt PENCE 1979
pants DOLCE & GABBANA
necklace LAG World
loafers CHURCH’S

blazer FERRAGAMO
gilet FENDI
shirt HARMONT & BLAINE
pants LABO.ART

“I'd say I'm a living and breathing artist, and my path has been like an umbrella made of different avenues that I've been pursuing over the last three-to-four years.”

Sam Salter speaks with Chidozie Obasi
for LE MILE .Digital

jacket ZEGNA
blazer TELA
t-shirt CHB CHRISTIAN BOARO
pants FERRAGAMO
necklace SWAROVSKI

“I’ve been dancing since I was the age of eight, and I always wanted a life of variety,” he opines, the moment we begin to settle into our conversation. “I always wanted to push my boundaries in my career, and I never thought I would be in the position that I'm in now with what I've accomplished—coupled with the things that happened in my life—but it all came with a lot of hard work. I'd say I'm a living and breathing artist, and my path has been like an umbrella made of different avenues that I've been pursuing over the last three-to-four years.”

The first moment that Salter realised dance was the key element needed to kickstart his creative career was very early on. “I was eight years of age, and it was an amazing moment that I remember my mum asking If I wanted to go try a dance class,” he says. “It just felt like the most incredible moment where something clicked in my body and brain. And I mean, don't get me wrong, I was probably terrible. But I just remember absolutely loving it.” Before that, Salter was a really competitive horse rider. “I would horse ride every single day after school. I loved it. And I was good at it too, like I was a really strong candidate.”

Salter wasn’t a kid that grew up watching dance on television or across the media. “However, there was a programme in America called So You Think You Can Dance, which I remember when I started getting into dancing. And watching American dancers felt great, because they’re incredible,” he says. “Funnily enough, in recent years I've connected with them online.”

Salter trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London and the Delay Theatre Arts in Surrey, projecting into roles across the spheres of musical and ballet—namely, Mary Poppins, Wicked, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker—that marked few turning points from an early stage. “I suppose there were two,” he reflects. “The first one was when I was at Sylvia Young, and my peers in my year never thought of me as very talented. But I worked my absolute arse off and I just remember being obsessed with it,” he says. “Then there was this one class where I got picked out to do a solo: all my friends were like, ‘Oh my god, Sam, you're like a really good dancer!’ It just happened, and I remember everyone came up to me, which made it a really special moment.”

jacket TOD’S
shirt DUSAN
polo TOMMY HILFIGER courtesy of ZALANDO
pants TOD’S
shoes SEBAGO

total look LOEWE

“I'm a very proud out gay man, and I will always fight for the community and believe that we should be treated just like everyone else.”

Sam Salter speaks with Chidozie Obasi
for LE MILE .Digital

blazer TAGLIATORE
shirt TOMMY HILFIGER

shirt + tie TOM FORD
tank top CHB CHRISTIAN BOARO
pants JIL SANDER by Lucie + Luke Meier

Moving on to deeper territory, Salter has spoken openly about the struggles with mental health, which led to phases of addiction. Years on, he feels he’s on a good path and on a good ground, both emotionally and physically speaking. “I feel amazing right now in terms of my sobriety, and I feel like I'm in a really great flow with it: I've been in and out of sobriety for a long time,” he opines, with unguarded honesty. “And what I can say is that whenever I'm sober, I feel my ultimate best in so many ways; truth be told, my personal life hasn’t been great in the last few months. I felt a bit flat, uninspired, and lost because I hold my career to a really high level. I'm a workhorse.”

Salter has hustled hard with his goals between dance and social media, trying to build branding and working with luxury households. “It took years of trying to get this. So when things are quiet for me in terms of work, I feel my mental health dips.” But what is really special for Salter right now is his sobriety. “Even though I feel like I'm having a little bit of a life dip, which happens, I'm still thriving overall because I am clean and sober and I'm not getting myself into any sort of trouble.”

As we walk through the emotional depths of his inner self, I cannot help but wonder where these complex phases of his life stemmed from. “I think addiction stems from a lot of stuff like growing up and not feeling quite good enough, as I was a very shy kid and I always wanted to feel more confident. And we all know that certain substances can make you feel more confident. So they were hand in hand for me; I was finally this confident, attractive in a way guy. And I’m actually naturally quite a shy person and insecure. I have insecurities.”

Salter’s been in therapy for years, trying to untangle these emotional complexities. “I think if people looked at me online they would have a different perception of me. I would work on no sleep and it was dangerous for my body. I was doing these crazy shows, you know, with no sleep. But I don't think that the entertainment industry really was the catalyst into all of this kind of stuff.”

On the entertainment industry’s hardships, he speaks openly. “I've definitely worked on jobs where I haven't been the happiest because of egos,” he admits. “I remember I once got booked on a tour to be the leading man, and I found out through a show fan that I'd been cut. I don't know why they ended up getting rid of me, but that was like a tough pill to swallow. And that was something that I found quite challenging. Like this is, it was just done in all the wrong ways.”

shirt PRADA

blazer TAGLIATORE
cardigan CANALI
tank top DIESEL
shirt TOMMY HILFIGER
shoes CHURCH’S

However, his reckless pursuit of optimism took Salter to new heights, bringing forth a major deal that sparked an equally major moment. “One of my favourite jobs I've ever done was the Wonka dance buddy,” he says. “I looked after Timothee Chalamet on Wonka: I'd help him rehearse the role, I would dance his double, step in, give him notes on dancing and so on. That was super special because I love being on set. Films are so exciting, and I'm a big fan of his work.”

Salter also made his acting debut, a short film titled I Need You To See Me: in this project, he plays a substitute dance teacher navigating a complex and intense relationship with his mentee. “It was like a two man scene happening in a dance studio,” he recalls. “It was really intense and a lot of work, but it was an incredible experience.” The director reached out to him a few times and Salter ignored him at first. “I always wanted to try it, but I was a little too scared and I thought there were things in my way and I had a lot of worry and fear about it.”

Navigating the dynamics of LGBTQ+ storytelling is key for Salter. “I'm part of it, so I always advocate to push for it,” he asserts. “I'm a very proud out gay man, and I will always fight for the community and believe that we should be treated just like everyone else.”

Soulful and vibrant in equal measure, Salter spills further doses of joyful optimism and hope as we draw our conversation to a close. “I plan to continue training, and I want to keep doing my castings for acting as I’d like to keep pushing my boundaries,” he concludes. “I'm really proud of the work I've achieved so far, and I want to keep pushing as much as I can, whether that's as an actor or a choreographer or a dancer or all of them. I just want to be giving it my everything.”

team credits

seen COSIMO BUCCOLIERI via STUDIO REPOSSI
fashion director + stylist CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion coordinator DAVIDE BELOTTI
make up KIM GUTIERREZ via STUDIO REPOSSI
hair ALEXANDER MARKART via BLEND MANAGEMENT
talent SAM SALTER

photography assistant ANTONIO CROTTI
fashion assistants LUCA MICELI + LORIS VOTTERO + CLOE RUBINATO + ALICE CANNITO + ANNA REGAZZONI + JORDAN MAX BAGLIONI

Kyshan Wilson - Interview

.aesthetic talk
KYSHAN WILSON
The Multifaceted Prism of

written + interview Chidozie Obasi

When it comes to a grounded star quality, many can only dream of having the determination, skill and poise possessed by Kyshan Claire Wilson.

After her noteworthy appearance in the acclaimed fiction Mare Fuori, the rising talent has made herself between the allusive streets of East London and Naples. But, while a domination of one of the world’s most coveted industries would be a career-high for some, it’s not what the multi-faceted actress plans on seeking for just yet: from moments of doubt to gushes of thrill, the actress began to exceed her own expectations and transcend career boundaries on her own terms, cementing her as a rising star worthy of the name.

total look LOUIS VUITTON

TEAM CREDITS

seen NICOLÒ PARSENZIANI
fashion director + stylist CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion coordinator DAVIDE BELOTTI
grooming CRISTINA CROSARA via THE GREEN APPLE ITALIA
set design IRENE COVERI
video VALENTINA GILARDONI

digital EDOARDO MONTACCINI
talent KYSHAN WILSON via WHYNOT MODELS
light assistant GIUSEPPE PALAZZOLO
production assistant ANJA MENEGON
fashion assistants ISABELLA PETROCCHI + LILLY PADILLA + VALENTINA VURCHIO

blazer ACN N1
shirt GRIFONI
top + shorts SANDRO
pants ALBERTA FERRETTI
bracelets DOLCE & GABBANA
loafers CHURCH’S

“I'm a black woman, I’m perceived by the world as a black woman and I identify as one. But I'm not going to act like I'm not aware of my mixed privilege, being mixed.”

Kyshan Wilson speaks with Chidozie Obasi
for LE MILE .Digital

total look LORO PIANA

total look PRADA

watch film

filmed VALENTINA GILARDONI

film assistant LUCA ZITO

“Both professionally and personally, I've been on sets that have inspired me a lot artistically,” she says, the moment we begin to settle into our conversation. “I've been around people that have made me more driven, but I've always been ambitious.” However, in an industry where saturation is increasingly commonplace, there are moments able to hit one’s stride with troubled force. “There are times when you get less auditions, and that ambition doesn't go away, but it can drift in and out. This year, I've met people that have really lit that fire in me again, so I'm really grateful.”

Wilson’s first memory of film has been the experience of viewing an eclectic array of products both on TV and in cinema. “I've always loved being able to live someone else's life, whether that be for an hour or three,” she reminisces. “I've always loved the kind of escape from reality, which can sound bleak, but it was always that for me.”

Wilson recalls having this dream that didn't feel tangible while growing up, not being part of the industry’s nepotism and without connections. “It almost felt that it wasn't the path set out for me,” she explains. As a kid, she forced everyone in her family to watch hour-long shows, which helped her to unleash her inner potential. “The first time I realised that this could be a career was with Mare Fuori, when I started the auditioning process which kind of came out of nowhere,” she opines. “It was this surreal, emotional moment where all of little Ky's dreams were coming true.”

As a woman of great poise, Wilson credits her mother as a main source of inspiration throughout her life. “She was and still is a single mum, and the strength she had to move us into a different country all on her own while always providing on her own has definitely been the biggest element that makes her a role model,” she says, explaining how “she'd be surprised to hear this.” Wilson deems her entire family an anchor. “They’re not afraid to tell me when I'm doing too much or how privileged I am to be in my position at times, and I think that's very important to have people that stabilise you.”

jacket FENDI
shirt BLAZE MILANO
skirt FERRAGAMO
necklace ILENIA CORTI

blazer PHILOSOPHY di LORENZO SERAFINI
pants MARK KENLY DOMINO TAN
socks PAUL SMITH
shoes DR MARTENS

“I want to be a Bond girl! Maybe if I put it into the universe, it will come to fruition.”

Kyshan Wilson speaks with Chidozie Obasi
for LE MILE .Digital

coat PAUL SMITH
sweater AVANT TOI
shirt AVIU
skirts VIVETTA
jewels DOLCE & GABBANA

coat + tights JIL SANDER by LUCIE & LUKE MEIER
top FERRAGAMO
skirt AVIU
shoes DOLCE & GABBANA

When speaking on her role in the fiction Mare Fuori, Wilson—named Kubra in the series—speaks frankly about the impact and the relevance her role had in relation to the broader context of the script, which portrayed her as the daughter of a troubled prostitute harassed by male toxicity. “I find this really interesting because my thoughts on Kubra specifically, in Mare Fuori, aren't maybe what you would expect, because the fiction is recounting the story of a group of teenagers in a juvenile prison,” she says. “So I think given that context, for me as an actress, it felt less frustrating and jarring because all of our characters have done terrible things to end up in a juvenile prison.”

Most of the characters came from hard, tough backgrounds, and it’s exactly the reason why her role “didn't feel like the classic stereotypical black actor cliche, where there’s a tendency to cast only poc in degrading roles.” She didn’t feel it was as harsh as other roles in the film industry at large. “There are roles I've played where I’ve definitely felt more pigeonholed, but I think given the context (again, of a prison), I didn't really expect anything less than that.” Wilson took that as a challenge and made Kubra a profound and complicated character that wasn't defined solely by those stereotypical black traits. “I tried to make the best out of it and make her as layered as possible to show the intelligent and funny and human and vulnerable side to her, not just the angry black woman kind of cliche.”

Leaning on representation and the importance of inclusion, in an industry that often exacerbates the state of it at the expense of white privilege, she speaks with unguarded honesty. “I think there's a desperate need to work on representation, especially in Italy, and to be clear I talk about Italian cinema and TV because that's my experience,” she says. “When I talk about more representation, I talk about working on representation. It means not only we don't want roles that are defined by the way white people perceive Blackness, but I also refer to the process of recycling roles intended and written originally for white people, already played by white people, and given to black people as a token.” Wilson deems these attempts “lazy,” and she’d rather see people “invest time, money, invest effort and writers into creating and curating our own stories; stories that take into consideration the black experience, without making it a cliche.” Additionally, Wilson thinks that “sometimes it’s done well and is cool, but most the time feels cheap”

So I cannot help but wonder: how does an actress with such depth and sensitive line of thought perceive otherness and colourism? “I'm a black woman, I’m perceived by the world as a black woman and I identify as one. But I'm not going to act like I'm not aware of my mixed privilege, being mixed,” she freely admits. “I have softer hair and European features, and I'm not going to deny that I believe that has had a positive impact on my career.”

total look SPORTMAX

dress VERSACE

Moving on to softer ground, I ask about the roles she’s cherished the most. “I love Aura in Those About to Die,” she says. “I think there's a lot to play around with, and I think if we get the opportunity to proceed with another series there would be a lot to dive into within her psyche. I love her strength, not in the classic way we see strong characters - but a strength that lies within her vulnerability.” The series explores an unveiled side of Rome: the dirty business of entertaining the masses through blood and sport. “She’s vulnerable, as she's sold into slavery but she's still the rock for her sibling and her mother, and her maternal figure leans on her a lot,” she says. “I love the parallels of strength and vulnerability, particularly when those two things can co-exist because I don't like flat characters and no one wants to see.”

And, if that wasn’t enough, between ensuring that her passion for acting never fades and that her diary is never empty, Wilson is well engaged in the fashion scene. “Fashion is art and it’s expression, and I love any form of art and expression,” she opines. “I'm a very creative person and I'm drawn to cinema, fashion, paintings and any art.

So I love any opportunity I get to be a part of this world: we work very hard with both my fashion modelling agency, WhyNot, and my cinematic agency, Karasciò, to intertwine all projects and make sure that I have the opportunity to be at events, but also so that doesn't get in the way of sets. And they're very good at accommodating each other and me and making it all work.”

What does she hope for the years to come? “To still be doing what I love, which is acting,” she says, her head nodding with excitement. “I also hope to be living in another city, as I love moving around, and I definitely want to slowly emerge into the international world of cinema and TV.”

We’re way past our allotted interview time, and as the end-of-year holidays are fast approaching it’s apt to muse over Wilson’s new year resolutions. “I want to be a Bond girl!” she wildly chuckles, as we wrap up our conversation. “Maybe if I put it into the universe, it will come to fruition. But on a serious note, I just hope to keep doing things to make me fall more in love with my craft, becoming better at it.” And, just like Wilson, I very much hope the same.

Fernando Lindez - Interview

.aesthetic talk
Fernando Lindez
Coming of Age

written Chidozie Obasi

Fernando Lindez is a bona fide heartthrob: He’s the kind of person who doesn’t wake up in a bad mood, and when he picks up the Zoom call to speak to me, he’s already in good spirits, laughing charismatically between sips of water.

Throughout our conversation, Lindez strikes as someone who is both insightful and honest, whether we’re discussing his wildest dreams - having been an aficionado of the movie industry for years, he believes in the power of community culture as a weapon of growth - or the challenges of being in the public eye from a young age. “I honestly never liked being in front of a camera and actually hated it!” He exclaims, cheerfully, radiating emotion as you’d expect from a man whose career basks in the limelight from iconic appearances in the world’s leading runways to iconic series such as Elite. He isn’t all sunshine and light though: Lindez revealed some of his most challenging experiences, but it was his own insecurities that helped him find common ground in life and in the characters he played. Wielding a coming of age cast, including the likes of Mirela Balic, Ivan Mendes and Nadia Al Saidi, his role in Elite has been making serious waves. From his initial career dabs, and living up to popular expectations, to mental health – we dug deep.

FERNANDO LINDEZ wearing
total look VERSACE

LE MILE Magazine
TRANCE Issue, No. 36 Cover Fernando Lindez
wearing MOSCHINO

“I honestly never liked being in front of a camera and actually hated it! But now that I've seen all the videos or the episodes, it's funny to remember everything that I did in that project.”

Fernando Lindez speaks with Chidozie Obasi
LE MILE Magazine TRANCE, Nr. 36

Chidozie Obasi
With everything that has happened over the years, have these times of uncertainty affected your identity in a way?
Fernando Lindez
I think this period was a great one for me, particularly because I had the chance to be involved in projects where I learned a lot from my partners, from the directors I met and the people I had the chance to work with. I think it affected me in a positive way and made me grow as a professional, particularly as an actor. Obviously the pandemic crisis badly affected the film industry and the fashion sector too, but I feel like it's slowly getting better.

How did you get into fashion?
It was all pure casualty! I honestly never liked being in front of a camera and I actually hated it. But it all started around 2016 or 2017, with no social media. I remember a friend of mine posted a photo with me on Instagram and an agent from Uno Models here in Spain saw that picture, and then he reached out to my friend.

What was your wildest dream as a kid?
When you're a kid, it's difficult to have only one: I wanted to be a lot of things. I wanted to travel all over the world to record and talk about nature. And of course, the thing about acting was surely more in my mind than modeling when I was younger. I really liked movies, and became passionate about the film industry from early on. So I always thought about becoming a great actor.

Would you say that your Spanish upbringing has influenced you in your career in a way?
No, I don't think so. I move by my personality, what I learn from the people I’ve met, from the things I experience in life and work.
Obviously, I know where I come from and I really appreciate my culture: It’s one of the best in the world for me. But I'm always open to listening to other cultures, to learn from other people and I don't think I'm attached to just being Spanish I always like to grasp aspects from other realities: I think it's good to open your mind in that way.

total look VALENTINO

top CELINE

team credits
seen PAOLO BARRETTA
fashion director CHIDOZIE OBASI
style editor DENNIS CAPPABIANCA
grooming ANNA PELLEGRINI
light assistant LORENZO OGLIALORO

“I think that when you are in a bad position and when you are feeling bad, you just have to say it. And you have to know when to stop.”

Fernando Lindez speaks with Chidozie Obasi
LE MILE Magazine TRANCE, Nr. 36

blazer + tie MOSCHINO
trousers VALENTINO

Starting from fashion, you've also transitioned into the film industry with various roles. So how did it all begin?
So it all started at the same time, both modeling and acting. I remember when I started in fashion, they also called me for an audition for a TV Show. I didn't even have a lot of experience into the acting industry. But now that I've seen all the videos or the episodes, it's funny to remember everything that I did in that project, which was my first one. And I only have happy memories about it. After that, I discovered I could act and I was able to do it. I wanted to learn more, so I got into acting in schools to learn more about this practice, and I'm still doing it. I think it's a profession where one is always learning.

And then what would you say that was your hardest role to ever take as an actor?
I think on Escándalo, which is a Spanish TV show. For me, it was very hard because it was my first big project as a main character. It was also a character who experienced a lot of difficulties during the story and with a really big internal problem. He had a lot of traumas from the past, so for me it was difficult to find the way this character was living with how he reacted to all the people he was having relations with during the show. It was my first time doing sex scenes too, a very hard pick for me. But, you know, it was great because I had the chance to work with Alexandra Jimenez, who is a really good actress here in Spain: she was very professional, a really good partner.

And then in terms of the outside pool of people, have you ever felt pressured to be anyone else that maybe you were not feeling quite close to in the film industry or in any roles that you took on as an actor?
Not yet, but I think as an actor, if I take a role or a character it's because I really want to do it and because I feel like I can be that person.

For example, in Elite, at the beginning, I was a bit afraid because I was playing a homosexual character. I’m not, so I wanted to hide that. However, I didn't want people to see a heterosexual guy playing as a gay actor, but I had Omar, which is a very close friend of mine, who was always supporting me and telling me how to move, how to speak, how to react to things in a way that I don't usually do. And that also helped me a lot. But it was something that was extremely interesting to me. Of course, I put some things from my own, from Fernando to Joel (the character in Elite), but it's a mix of everything that pushed me further to grow.

Would you ever consider going into production or directing?
I mean, right now, I would say no. Because I'm focusing on my acting career and I feel like I have so many things to learn, so many things to improve. I like the job as a director more than a producer. But I will see in the future. For the moment, what I want to put my focus on is acting.

How do you feel projects like Elite have developed you as an actor or just as a creative in general?
It's been almost one year and a half of filming: we filmed two seasons, and especially in the last one, my character had a lot of weight. For me, it was more difficult than the one we filmed before. And now that it’s been produced, I can say it was a big challenge for me because I did things that I never did before. I learned a lot from that and from my partners. It was a really, really good experience for me, which I’m grateful for.

What would you say is the biggest thing that you've learned from this experience?
Compañerismo! Being together. We were a big group of actors and actresses. So yeah, I would say working on a team. The power of collaboration and of being together, and also crafting a good relationship with your partner for me, it was the most important thing because we were always helping each other. And as an actor, I think it's very important to be always open to help others. Because if you help others, they will help you.

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And what were the most difficult and challenging ones that you navigated when you were both in fashion and also now as an actor?
I had those complex moments. Especially, I remember, after the pandemic: a period where I really struggled with nutrition. I wasn’t in a good position, mentally. So I had to take a break to focus on myself, on my body, and on my mental health. I think that when you are in a bad position and when you are feeling bad, you just have to say it. And you have to know when to stop. You have to know your limits, and it's important to know yourself and to know where those limits are. Nowadays, I like to take care of my mental health: I go to therapy here in Madrid, teamed with sports. Together, these habits help to maintain a good mental and emotional balance.

Would you ever consider going into production or directing?
I mean, right now, I would say no. Because I'm focusing on my acting career and I feel like I have so many things to learn, so many things to improve. I like the job as a director more than a producer. But I will see in the future. For the moment, what I want to put my focus on is acting.

And in terms of social media and your image, you've become a mega star since Elite. How do you cope with the public, and how does bad and good criticism affect your mental health?
I always try to put limits on my social media, as I only have Instagram.
But, I'm also someone who doesn't like to show a lot of my intimate persona on those platforms. I feel a bit afraid, I have to be honest, of showing my life and talking to people on there. Because of the the public opinion which can demonise or categorize you in a bad way.

What is next for you?
I want to move to New York for a couple of months, I will see! don't know when I will move to that place, and I don't know when I want to leave. But yeah, I want to go there and, you know, continue modeling there in the States as well and grow as an actor and as a person.

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via Why Not Models