NEMO *Fame, Freedom, and the Art of Doing Nothing

NEMO
*Fame, Freedom, and the Art of Doing Nothing

written + interview Alban E. Smajli

Nemo’s world is a delicate line—fame on one side, fierce privacy on the other. Talking with LE MILE, Nemo is clear: silence is as essential as sound.

Fresh off the Eurovision win, Nemo is headed somewhere quieter, carving space for nothingness in Aix-en-Provence, where everything else can fall away. Nemo creates music as a universe—crafting worlds, experimenting with genre, and aligning their art with their wardrobe, where every stitch resonates with sound. Privacy, once blurred in the rush of recognition, is now an obsession.
In the spaces between spotlight and solitude, Nemo finds the balance—where the loud meets the quiet, where raw edges mix with crafted lines. Their art? Pure and boundless, spilling over into fashion, music, and a life that answers only to their own rhythm.

shirt MCM
pants NAMILIA
jewelry PANDORA

“I think I'm learning to do nothing in my downtime. I’m going to Aix-en-Provence in France, and my plan is to do absolutely nothing. If this works out, then I would say that what gets stripped away when the lights fade is, ideally, everything.”

Nemo speaks with Alban E. Smajli
for LE MILE .Digital

dress  RITUAL UNIONS

total look TOEBROCK
sunglasses MCM

Alban E. Smajli
How do you balance the rawness of your personal life with the glossy, sometimes artificial world of fame? What gets stripped away when the lights fade?

Nemo
I think I'm learning to do nothing in my downtime. I worked through my first vacation after, like, five months of working full-time every day. I’m going to Aix-en-Provence in France, and my plan is to do absolutely nothing. If this works out, then I would say that what gets stripped away when the lights fade is, ideally, everything. I work in cycles of full awareness, being fully present when working and giving it my all, then having days where I do nothing at all. I think that's a balance. I mean, I crave to create.

Your style is a statement on its own. How do fashion and your art collide? Is your wardrobe a mirror or a mask for the world to interpret?

I think my wardrobe aims to reflect my music in the best possible way. So, in that sense, it’s a mirror of my music, my art. It’s either a mirror or an extension of it, sometimes both. That’s what I strive for, from stage to street.

Where does your artistic identity end and your private self begin? Or is the concept of privacy already extinct in your universe?

No, privacy is really important to me. I’m realizing this as I become more exposed, both as a person and as a public figure. Through this, I’ve come to see how essential privacy is. I didn’t understand this at the start, as my public and private lives were intertwined—everyone in my public life was also part of my private life. But as I became more recognized, especially to the degree that happened this year, I began craving privacy, moments for myself and with friends, away from the public eye. I value being with people who don’t overanalyze or categorize everything I do. So yes, privacy has become very important to me.

Does the music industry’s obsession with genre labels suffocate creativity? How do you intend to break those constraints with your next moves?

I always aim to create something fresh, something that opens a door not many have stepped through—or maybe even one no one has. In a world where almost every sound has been explored, new genres rarely arise, so mixing elements—genres, moods, contrasts—is how something entirely new can emerge. The more daring you are with mixing, the more likely you are to hit those moments. That’s my goal in music, and I think it's there in many of the new songs I’m working on. This explosion of constraints. I might put that in my bio: 'I’m an exploder of constraints.'

team credits

talent NEMO
seen JULIAN MELZER
styled KLAAS HAMMER
hair + make up LEO STERN
photo assistant YEONGHYEON KANG
fashion assistant KATHARINA PITTACK
production LIAM MONOT

post production lemilestudios

“Privacy is really important to me. I’m realizing this as I become more exposed, both as a person and as a public figure. [...] I value being with people who don’t overanalyze or categorize everything I do.”

Nemo speaks with Alban E. Smajli
for LE MILE .Digital

total look PINKRAININTHEBRAIN

also read
.aesthetic talk JOEL SÁNCHEZ *Breaking New Ground

Are you craving a deeper integration between music and the fashion world in your future?

Definitely. I’ve been working closely with many designers recently and learning so much about fashion, especially in the UK. I’ve met some wonderful people, and I feel the urge to expand my vision through fashion. It’s a powerful way to express myself, alongside music, singing, and writing. Integrating fashion more closely feels essential. The experience over the last few months has been eye-opening, and I look forward to more collaborations, launching my own line, and possibly participating in Fashion Weeks. These are things I’d truly enjoy.

Your lyrics seem to hold the weight of entire worlds. What's the one theme you keep circling back to, even when you try to escape it?

A general theme in my music has been freedom—finding freedom in yourself and defining it personally. That’s at the core, and even when it’s not directly in the lyrics, it’s in the sounds I choose, the worlds I create, and the feel of my music. So, I’d say that’s the recurring theme.

The Eurovision crown is still yours. What’s next? What keeps you awake at night now that you’ve tasted this level of success?

I’ve learned a lot over the past half year. The main thing is that I love creating without limits and collaborating with musicians I admire. Recently, I’ve been working with people I hadn’t had the chance to work with before, and it’s opened a new world for me, pushing me beyond my comfort zone. That’s a feeling I love. My aim is to make music, release albums, play concerts for the rest of my life, and create work that deeply resonates with me and challenges the conventional views of music and art, as well as myself. Those are my goals.

jacket + pants NAMILIA
shirt MCM
sunglasses KRISZTIAN P

“The experience over the last few months has been eye-opening, and I look forward to more collaborations, launching my own line, and possibly participating in Fashion Weeks. These are things I’d truly enjoy.”

Nemo speaks with Alban E. Smajli
for LE MILE .Digital

JOEL SÁNCHEZ *Breaking New Ground

JOEL SÁNCHEZ
*Breaking New Ground

written Juan Marti

Sometimes it's all down to fate. It happens when the stars conspire like the witches of Mcbeth and without expecting it, someone appears who makes a great impact, a person with something special.

LE MILE Magazine, AGE OF CHANGE Nr. 37
Fall/Winter 2024-25

JOEL SANCHEZ wears
total look JIL SANDER by Lucie and Luke Meier

watch film

“It allows you to live a thousand lives and makes your own life more complete because it makes you look into your psychology and above all into people's.”

Joel Sanchez speaks with Juan Marti
first published: LE MILE Magazine - AGE OF CHANGE, Issue Nr. 37

That thing is difficult to explain but it's what makes you can't take your eyes off them, that makes you interested in the way they dress, the way they talk, even the way they smoke. Joel Sánchez is one such example: he has that thing that dazzles before the cameras and he has been able to prove it with only one TV series behind him.

His character in the successful spin off of Money Heast, Berlin, made millions of people fall in love with him all over the world thanks to his mischievousness, attractiveness and comedy. Critics and audiences have deemed him as the show's "breakout star", and for good reason. The entertainment and fashion industries have surrendered to Joel as he deals with maturity and professionalism the wave of fame that has burst into his life. But the actor, with a splendid future ahead of him, maintains his relaxed attitude and tries to savor every second of the magnificent gift that life has given him: making his dream come true.

total look ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

vest PAUL SMITH
pleated trousers SETCHU
trousers CHB CHRISTIAN BOARO
shoes SEBAGO
earrings VOODOO JEWELS

Juan Marti
Joel, time goes by so fast! It's been almost six months since the premiere of Berlin, the spin-off of Money Heist, which was a huge success. Looking back, what do you feel when you think about the months in which the series came out?

Joel Sánchez
Well, I feel very happy because it was something new for me, and to be able to see how people embrace the project and your character is something very nice and something I had never experienced before.

Berlin was also your first job as an actor, a profession that has always been your great passion. Do you believe that dreams come true?

It is a profession that always generated a lot of curiosity in me, but honestly until I did not work in it I did not realize what a beautiful job it is, it allows you to live a thousand lives and makes your own life more complete because it makes you look into your psychology and above all into people's. I feel very lucky to have found this beautiful profession. I feel very lucky to have found this beautiful way of making a living.

In less than a year your life has changed completely. I'm sure there are times when big changes can be overwhelming. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by everything that has happened?

The truth is that no, as I said before it has been a very nice process, I really enjoy the messages I read and things like that. Obviously there will be moments and moments as with all things, but at the moment I am savoring it.

Is it easy to keep your feet on the ground when success comes so unexpectedly?

For me that lies in the education and values that each one has.

During this year, what is the most important lesson you have learned?

The most important lesson for me that I have learned is that you have to be "calm" when things go well and when things go wrong, because everything is over, everything is temporary.

trousers VERSACE
necklace SWAROVSKI

team credits

seen NICOLA PAGANO
creative fashion director and stylist CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
contributing editor LEONARDO MARTINO
talent JOEL SANCHEZ via NEXT Management @nextmilan

makeup MATTIA ANDREOLI
hair stylist DOMENICO PAPA
video editor ALEXANDRE JOUX
set designer ALESSIA SORESSI
fashion coordinator assistant LEONARDO VANTAGGI

fashion assistants LAURA GIROLAMI, JULIA ANTONIN, NICOLÒ PIOMBINO, IRENE MOTTO-ROS
production assistant ANJA MENEGON

“You have to be 'calm' when things go well and when things go wrong, because everything is over, everything is temporary.”

Joel Sanchez speaks with Juan Marti
first published: LE MILE Magazine - AGE OF CHANGE, Issue Nr. 37

shirt DURAZZI
pull FERRAGAMO
shorts THE FRANKIE SHOP
trousers ZEGNA
tie CARLO PIGNATELLI

shirt DSQUARED2
blazer OCTOBRE EDITION
jeans LOIS JEANS
shoes SEBAGO

micro-striped shirt BALLANTYNE
maxi collar shirt SANDRO
orange shirt FENDI
pants DIESEL
shoes PAUL SMITH

You will soon premiere La Favorita 1922, a big production about a restaurant in Madrid in the 1920's. What exactly interested you in this project?

Well, I was interested because it is my second project and I want to work and work and work, but above all I was curious to be able to play a period character, the clothes, the way of seeing and enjoying the life of that era.

You now live in Madrid but I know you are very attached to your homeland, the Canary Islands. What do you do when you feel homesick?

I start watching videos that I have in my favorites of moments with my family and friends in Lanzarote and I get over the nonsense (laughs).

Starting your life in a big city is always hard and you live moments that you never forget. How do you remember your first years in Madrid?

My mother is from Madrid so for me the change was not so radical, besides that I consider myself a very open person and always eager to meet new people so the adaptation was quite easy.

Now that you have immersed yourself in a project set in the last century, I would like to talk about nostalgia. Are you a person who usually remembers the past?

I tend to remember the past as long as it does not affect the future I want to project. It is true that for this work you have to resort to past things to empathize with things of your character etc. But I always try to do it in a healthy way and not to stir up old traumas.

What advice would you give Joel from ten years ago, and how would he feel if he saw all that you are achieving?

To enjoy life because 80% of the problems happen only in our head. That it is good to worry about the future but not to live in it.

I am happy because it has not been an easy road, at the end you make a decision without knowing the consequences and once you have seen them and see that it was worth it, it is a very nice sensation.

also read
Gregory Crewdson at Espace Louis Vuitton *Dreamscapes of a Haunted America

coat OUR LEGACY
shirt LEVI’S
skirt DURAZZI MILANO
trousers DOLCE & GABBANA

polo CALVIN KLEIN JEANS
shirt Plissè ISSEY MIYAKE
jeans THE ATTICO

If you could choose a past era to live in, what would it be?

I would say the 70's or 80's, in those years for me life was more real, without social networks, without anything that could distract you from being here and now.

How did you feel when you first entered the beautifully constructed sets of La Favorita 1922?

As if coming out of a time machine, the truth is that the sets are a real blast.

Your character is a waiter trying to find a better life, in what way did you connect with your character? Do you always seek to identify in a certain way with the characters you have played so far?

In a way, I also worked as a waiter and other things to pay my college tuition, so I empathize with my character, I think you always have to look for something of yourself in the character to empathize with his life, but I also think that throughout your career as an actor you will get characters that make you learn and delve into areas that you had never considered within yourself and that's nice.

blazer TOM FORD
trousers LOUIS VUITTON

“At the moment, I am savoring it.”

Joel Sanchez speaks with Juan Marti
first published: LE MILE Magazine - AGE OF CHANGE, Issue Nr. 37

HARRI *From Inflatable Fantasy to Everyday Edge

HARRI
*From Inflatable Fantasy to Everyday Edge

written Gennaro Costanzo

As Fashion Week nears, designer Harri KS, famous for his avant-garde inflatable pieces, is taking a fresh turn. This season, he's blending his artistic vision with a more wearable, everyday style — without losing the edge that made him a standout in the fashion world.

It’s September — the time of year when the world begins to embrace autumn. But for fashion lovers, it signals something even more exciting: Fashion Week is just around the corner. Designers like Harri KS are busy wrapping up their collections, adding the final touches that will soon grace runways. When I met Harri, it was no surprise to find him in his London studio, diligently putting the finishing touches on his newest collection. At just 30, this Indian designer has already made waves, from the British Fashion Council to fashion insiders, thanks to his signature bold, inflatable garments. But now, Harri is turning the page, ready to embrace something new. As he explains, his latest collection isn’t just about pushing the boundaries of fashion anymore — it’s about merging his artistic vision with something more wearable, while still keeping that unmistakable edge that made him stand out in the first place.

“The material tells me what to do. I listen to it. I don’t see colour like everyone else. My world is defined by light, shadow, and form.”

Harri speaks with Gennaro Costanzo
LE MILE .Digital Special

Harri’s journey into the fashion world is as unique as the designs he creates. Born and raised in Kerala, a lush, scenic state in southern India, Harikrishnan Keezhathil Surendran Pillai (or just “Harri” to his friends and fans) grew up far removed from the fast-paced fashion capitals of the world. In Kerala, people typically find themselves drawn to steady, stable careers, much like his father, who worked in the public sector. “My dad wanted me to follow that path because he values security,” Harri shared. For a long time, it seemed like he was on that track too — a future in banking or public service seemed almost inevitable.

But something inside Harri was pulling him in a different direction. “After the 10th grade, I realised I didn’t fit in. I needed to create my own life and take charge of it,” he says, reflecting on a time when he made the bold decision to pursue modelling. It wasn’t an easy choice. Leaving Kerala for a bigger city — much like how young designers leave for Milan — was necessary to chase his dream. It was a move that would change everything.

Harri’s path wasn’t linear. After enrolling in a design institute, he quickly found out that his career in fashion would be more of a winding road than a straight shot. His time as a model and bodybuilder weren’t just career choices; they were part of his process of self-discovery. “I started modelling, but after six or seven months, I knew it wasn’t for me,” he recalls. While the role gave him a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry, it wasn’t fulfilling. Bodybuilding, on the other hand, became a deeply personal outlet. It was a place where he could reflect and recharge. “The gym was my time to speak to myself,” Harri says, adding that bodybuilding wasn’t just about physical transformation. It mirrored his design process. “In both, there’s discipline and focus. Whether I’m shaping my body or working with fabric, it’s about planning, thinking, and breathing through it.”

team credits

Photographer @inkan___
Production @dktalkies
Movement Director @5eirian
Movement Artists @5eirian / @berendamico / @zacktidswell / @airajadi
PR @inderatamara
Photo Editor @stefanogiovannigiuliano
Assistant @binusabu
Equipments @jerinjosephphotos
Logistics ARUN

Special Credit @rkimaging

“We did artsy before, but this collection is more fashion, more clothing. I want my work to be accessible, but still true to who I am.”

Harri speaks with Gennaro Costanzo
LE MILE .Digital Special

Harri’s big break came when he introduced the world to his inflatable trousers, a daring and playful design that caught everyone’s attention. These bold pieces weren’t just about making a statement. “For me, it was about the process,” he says. The trousers, which quickly became his signature, represented his own evolution — a blend of artistry and craftsmanship. They caught the eye of artists and performers, including Sam Smith, who famously wore Harri’s black latex suit at the Brit Awards in 2023. The look went viral, solidifying Harri as a creative force in popular culture.

When it comes to his work, Harri’s approach is deeply rooted in the materials he uses. “The material tells me what to do. I listen to it,” he says, explaining how his colour blindness has shaped his design choices. “I don’t see colour like everyone else. My world is defined by light, shadow, and form.” This unique perspective has heightened his sensitivity to texture and shape, which is clear in his work. His designs often play with bold, surreal forms while keeping the colour palette understated. “I have rolls of grey and olive green in the studio. They’re labeled, but to me, they look the same,” he laughs, adding that this limitation forces him to rely on other creative instincts.

Now, as he prepares for London Fashion Week, Harri is stepping into new territory. His upcoming collection marks a shift away from the purely artistic pieces he’s known for. “We did artsy before, but this collection is more fashion, more clothing,” he says. It’s a move toward something more practical, but still infused with his signature creativity. Harri wants to create pieces that people can actually wear while staying true to his bold, innovative spirit. “I want my work to be accessible, but still true to who I am,” he adds.

This collection represents more than just a new season for Harri; it’s part of his ongoing exploration of what fashion can be. He’s open about the financial realities that come with balancing creativity and commercial success. “We’re experimenting, trying to figure out what’s next. If it’s not financially viable, we’ll have to reconsider, but for now, we’re pushing forward,” he admits.

As Harri looks back on his journey, it’s clear that his work is more than just clothing. It’s a reflection of his life, his challenges, and his growth. “Each season, we experiment and gain clarity about what’s next,” he says. His designs don’t just push boundaries — they tell a story. A story about a young man from Kerala who dared to step off the beaten path and carve out a space for himself in the world of fashion.

also read
Dorothy Rice *New Look Model & Painter

Harri’s work goes beyond fashion and art. It’s about making a connection, leaving a lasting impact on both a personal and cultural level. “I want my work to resonate, to mean something,” he says. And with every bold design, Harri KS continues to do just that — challenging norms, sparking conversations, and inspiring those who follow his journey.

follow artist @harri_ks

CLARA GALLE *Truth in Art

CLARA GALLE
*Truth in Art

interview + written Alban E. Smajli

Double-click to edit...

In Clara Galle's dazzling realm, the fusion of genuine emotion with artistic excellence sparks performances that captivate and strike a chord.

Clara, renowned for her authentic portrayal, masters the intricate dance of human emotions with unparalleled depth. Her diverse roles across genres showcase a dedication to capturing the true spirit of her characters, supported by a distinctive combination of athletic discipline and the instinctive fluidity of her performance style. Whether it's through carefully crafted character playlists or engaging in the collective endeavor of storytelling, Clara's method stands as a tribute to the impact of sincere engagement. As a protector of human stories, Clara Galle's body of work invites us to engage with narratives that resonate with honesty and deep understanding. Elevating beyond mere acting, she emerges as a storyteller in an arena seeking truth. Her empathetic journey into the human condition marks her as a transformative presence, reshaping the narrative landscape with her steadfast devotion to genuine storytelling.

Clara wears
dress PALOMO Y BIMBA & LOLA
shoes FERRAGAMO
jewelry TOUS

full look VERSACE
garter belt BIMBA BLUME
jewelry TOUS

“What I always look for, and what is essential for me, is to tell the truth. That's the focus I bring to my characters... If I find myself blocked in a scene, I tell myself, 'Just tell the truth,' and I think that's what makes a character come through.”

Clara Galle speaks with Alban E. Smajli
LE MILE Magazine TRANCE, Nr. 36

Alban E. Smajli
Your performances are often described as captivating and immersive. Can you share with us how you prepare to embody a character and create such a deep connection with your audience?
Clara Galle
What I always look for, and what is essential for me, is to tell the truth. That's the focus I bring to my characters. Obviously, I build their personality, the way they talk, how they walk, but in the end, when I'm on set, the most important thing is that those characters somehow move, and you're not going to move if you're not looking for the truth. That's why, for me, everything else comes in second place, even though I work a lot on each aspect and build it from scratch. If I find myself blocked in a scene, I tell myself, "Just tell the truth," and I think that's what makes a character come through.

Trance can be interpreted as a state of intense focus and immersion. Have you ever found yourself so engrossed in a character that it felt like entering a trance-like state? If so, what was that experience like for you?
I can easily differentiate when I am in character and when I am not. I know how to get out of it, but it is also true that, since you give yourself completely to the character, to the scene, and to the sequence you are working on, even when you know that you are no longer in character, the body is still there somehow. You have forced it to feel something in particular, be it sadness, happiness, or any other emotion, so, somehow, you trick your body. It has happened to me that I have gone home sometimes with the feeling that I have worked with, although mentally, I know I'm not there.

Throughout your career, you've taken on a variety of roles across different genres. Is there a particular genre or type of character that you find yourself drawn to, where you feel most in tune with your own artistic expression?
I haven't been in this career for very long, but it's true that I've had the opportunity to work in different genres, and I'd like to explore all of them in the future. I'm a curious person and would like to try action, horror, romance, or science fiction. But what I feel more in line with my artistic sensibility, more than the genre, is the everyday scenario. A sequence that does not need many elements, but several people, or even one person, talking and expressing the deepest yet simplest aspects of human beings. I feel that in those simple things, I recognize myself the most and can dig the deepest artistically. But there is also another part of me, the impulsive, restless, and sporty part (since I come from the sports world), which is very much drawn to action. When I move and use a kind of energy that comes from another place, I feel that I generate an artistically different Clara, and I love that too.

As an actor, you have the unique ability to transport audiences into different worlds and experiences. How do you approach the challenge of balancing the authenticity of a character's emotions with the demands of storytelling?
What is important for me, when telling the story and at the same time being faithful to the character and the expression, is to trust the script, the director, the rest of the cast, and the team. It may seem that creating a character is an individual task, but when the character comes to me, it has already gone through a screenwriter and a director. Although you are the one who delves into the depths of the character, it is a collaborative effort. Cinema cannot be individualistic; quite the opposite. The purpose of cinema is collective, so the creation process cannot be individualistic either. It requires both an individual and a group effort.

Trance music often serves as a catalyst for introspection and self-discovery. Have you ever used music or soundscapes to enhance your preparation for a role or to deepen your understanding of a character's psyche?
Music is a tool I use extensively for my characters, to work on them, even for casting. All my characters have had a playlist with songs they would probably listen to, songs that remind me of a scene or describe a character's emotion. In the end, what is rational, what can be said in words, is limited, and a character and a mood are not, so I feel that music reflects that best. I use it as a field study, but many times also on set, I put on the music and create the atmosphere from which I transform myself into the character.

Re flecting on your journey as an actor, what has been the most unexpected lesson you've learned about yourself or your acting?
It's actually something I already knew, but this profession constantly reminds me of, and I love that it does: I don't know anything. I have millions of things to learn, and there will always be many more to come. It can be a bit overwhelming at times to think that, no matter how much you want to learn and grow, you will never have complete knowledge, but actually, I find it fascinating to know that every day you will go out into the world and learn new things. I think it's a thought that keeps you constantly with your eyes open, keeps you curious, interested in what's around you, and in how human behavior can be. It is a lesson that helps me in my work, to put things in perspective, and also to manage my self-demands.

full look GEORGES HOBEIKA
jewelry TOUS

full look PRADA
jewelry TOUS

“Music is a tool I use extensively for my characters, to work on them, even for casting. All my characters have had a playlist with songs they would probably listen to, songs that remind me of a scene or describe a character's emotion.”

Clara Galle speaks with Alban E. Smajli
LE MILE Magazine TRANCE, Nr. 36

bra VALENTINO
dress ANA LOCKING
jewelry TOUS

team credits

seen Leire Cavia
art direction Josefina Maiza
styled Manu Mendi
muah Pablo Macías by ARMANI Beauty
fashion direction Chidozie Obasi
talent Clara Galle
retouch Sara Ivars
set design Lucho Campos + Josefina Maiza

As you continue to evolve in your career, what are some personal or professional goals that you aspire to achieve?
Obviously, I have speci fic dreams, such as directors or actors I would like to work with, genres or stories I would like to tell. I have learned to write down the things I want on a list and keep them there but let my path choose me, which will always find me striving, working, and learning, since many times what comes is even better than what I wished for. But my greatest wish is to be able to choose things with my heart and see that I am improving, growing as a person and as an actress.

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, what role do you believe art and storytelling play in helping us navigate and make sense of our experiences?
I believe that telling stories, as well as listening to the stories that are told to you, is essential. Since I was a little girl, my weekend plans with my family (even though my parents don’t professionally belong to this world) have been to go see a play at the theatre or a movie at the cinema. I have grown up with that, and I don't know how I would reason in my head if these activities had not been a regular part of my life, if I had not grown up listening to stories. There is something about sharing, about knowing the same story, seeing the same movie, having the same or different feelings about the same story, that makes society become a community, and makes us think and consider things.

follow artist @claaragalle

all images for LE MILE Magazine (c) Leire Cavia

Andrew Georgiades *Breaking Digital Boundaries

Andrew Georgiades
*Breaking Digital Boundaries

interview Chidozie Obasi

Double-click to edit...

Andrew Georgiades, the British-born, Greek Cypriot creative, is redefining modern artistry. From theatre and cinema to high fashion, his journey defies convention.

Rejecting industry norms, Georgiades blends his love for photography, music, and cinema with his fashion career. Embracing Bruce Lee’s philosophy of being like water, he navigates the fast-paced digital era with authenticity and balance, prioritizing mental health and personal growth.

Andrew wears
coat + scarf Nanushka
shirt + bag Issey Miyake Homme Plissé
trousers Loro Piana

“My first artistic medium was theatre and cinema. I fell in love with photography […]. Fashion came later, starting with retail jobs at Hollister and AllSaints, which led to modeling and opened my eyes to the interconnected world of fashion.”

Andrew Georgiades speaks with Chidozie Obasi
LE MILE .Digital

Chidozie Obasi
Was fashion your key go-to goal or did you dab into other stuff prior to venturing in this field?
Andrew Georgiades
Never. In fact my first artistic medium was theatre and cinema. At school I wanted to be an actor, and was deeply passionate about filmmaking as a craft and artform. This led me to fall in love with photography, and continue to achieve a bachelor's degree in multimedia design. Fashion came later on for me, my first two part time jobs (retail at Hollister and Allsaints) led to being signed as a model which introduced me to the fashion industry, and with it, opened my eyes to a world which felt very transferrable and intertwined with my other creative passions. I always knew modelling was not my end goal, and ended up combining all my talents to take advantage of social media platforms and the digital era to further my positioning in this high fashion industry.

As you’re paving the way amid a sea of social media creators in an age permeated by digitalisation, how did you manage to start in this field back in the day?
In a world dampened by labels and boxes, I approached social media in a more holistic way. For example, when instagram found popularity amidst the fashion industry, ‘models’ were encouraged to use this platform as their ‘portfolio’, sharing campaigns, and professional shoots. I was also advised to ‘create a separate account for my photography endeavours, as people follow me to see my face, and not my skills as a photographer’. I deliberately rejected this approach, and instead, used social media to show, behind the scenes of my job, my own personal fashion style, my personality, humour, photography, music and cinema tastes etc. And in doing so, I became a fully fleshed out human to my followers rather than a two-dimensional pretty face. This has become the normal approach now, but at the time, was a rarity. My style also aimed to bridge the gap between streetwear and culture and luxury high fashion.

What do you feel that has changed in this landscape?
I think what’s notable is how the landscape is in a constant and rapid state of change. For this reason I'm always looking ahead, with the intention to be adaptable and to evolve, and to stay ahead of the curve in a way that is truthful and unique to myself.

How do you manage to navigate through this system, staying afloat?
What did Bruce Lee once say? “Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless, like water. Put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, put water into a teapot it becomes the teapot.Water can flow or it can crash, be like water, my friend.” I love that quote, it gives this sense of being ever present, and not changing who you are. I'm water, I'm not trying to be ice, or fire, but be adaptable, be able to manoeuvre with swiftness. But ultimately, outside of constantly reinventing yourself, I'd say nourishing relationships, being true to yourself, kind to others, unapologetic, and believing and loving yourself. And embrace the ever teaching lessons of life, they come in different forms, every single day, you’ll miss them if you’re not looking.

Speaking of mental health and the hardships of being constantly exposed to the public eye, there must be a severe pressure to always ‘show’ parts of you in order to feel valued, coveted and appreciated. How much weight do you give this job, and where do you see yourself in a few years time?
I give this job a lot of weight, and at least the first few years, whilst being immensely enjoyable and deeply fulfilling, I burnt myself out. Which I think is sometimes necessary when starting out, especially if you want to pave your way. Now I have found more of a healthy balance: I know when to turn off, I don’t rush to post in real time all the time the way I used to. I am comfortable saying no to things if it doesn't feel right, I say no to most things. Might I add, I would also do this when I had no work and no money, and I think those no’s led to a lot of the opportunities I have today. In a few years time, specifically, that’s a secret, I keep certain things close to my chest. But every year is an evolution for me, I don’t like cycles of repetitiveness or being complacent or comfortable. So in a few years things are going to look a lot different, a level up.

Andrew wears
coat Dunhill
blazer Denzil Patrick
trousers Dries Van Noten

“The first few years were fulfilling but led to burnout. Now I have found a healthy balance: I know when to turn off and am comfortable saying no to things that don't feel right.”

Andrew Georgiades speaks with Chidozie Obasi
LE MILE .Digital

full look Loro Piana

team credits

seen Tom J. Johnson
styled Daniel D'Armas
grooming Doey Drummond
fashion direction Chidozie Obasi
talent Andrew Georgiades

What is the most challenging aspect of your job, and why?
I think as a creative and artist, and having built a large audience via social media the expectation to be constantly online, live and seen. As we’re in this cycle to show the ‘process’ of everything we do, our entire lives, curating instagram posts, posting stories everyday. Or at least following the landscape to be aware of the shifts and changes, all of these things can be a distraction from the creative process. Historically, when an actor prepares for a role, this happens in silence, when a musician lives the experiences he draws inspiration from to write, or when he records his album, he gives life that space to breathe. Being constantly online can take away from these life experiences you are required to live presently in, and to ’disappear’ in order to return better. This expectation to have this whole process documented in real time, can hinder creative thinking and headspace.

And how about the most satisfactory?
Everything else. The social aspect, meeting and learning from people from all walks of life with all different talents, travelling to the most beautiful places on earth, eating the best food, experiencing unique events you may otherwise not have access to, sporting events, F1, watches and wonders, Festivals, Cinema screenings, Theatre, Live music performances in intimate settings, art exhibitions, fashion shows. I’m a geek. I love the things I love, and this world is a platform to truly experience these things through a unique lens. Also the doors it opens, and the unlimited potential to go wherever you want from here.

What are your plans ahead of your future?
I want to design luxury products, fashion and interior design. I want to act in films, I want to make films, I want to be involved in the production of music, I want to shoot campaigns, I want to feature in campaigns. I want to collaborate with people who I respect, admire and inspire me. I want to inspire people. I want to launch my own brand. I want to live presently, I want to love intensely.

Future hopes for yourself and the industry?
God I don't know, I think I want to move away from virality for the sake of virality. I would love the care to maintain the artforms remain strong with less of the pretentiousness. I don’t have the answers, but I do believe in humanity. I believe I am on the right path.

follow artist @andrewgeorgiades

all images for LE MILE Magazine (c)Tom J. Johnson

William Fan *Crafting Futures

William Fan
*Crafting Futures

written + interview ALBAN E. SMAJLI

William Fan is scripting a new narrative in modern design, fusing his rich cultural heritage with an avant-garde approach to fashion.

His designs emerge as an eloquent dialogue between architectural rigor and fluid dynamism, boldly questioning the industry's entrenched norms. With each collection, Fan weaves together Asian heritage and European design sensibilities, crafting a sartorial rebellion that defies traditional boundaries and celebrates sustainability. Through his latest endeavors, Fan explores themes of gender fluidity and inclusivity, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion. Fan's staunch commitment to using dead-stock materials and partnering with family-run businesses underscores his devotion to ethical fashion practices.

This journey sets a bold new standard for what it means to be a designer today but also cements Fan’s status as a visionary and a profound storyteller in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.

William Fan
seen by Clemens Poloczek

“I feel the most empowered when I work close to my heritage because it feels the most authentic.”

William Fan speaks with Alban E. Smajli
LE MILE Magazine TRANCE, Nr. 36

Alban E. Smajli
William, your journey in fashion has been inspirational and transformative. Could you share how your cultural heritage influences your design philosophy and how it has evolved over the years?

William Fan
When I started my brand, and also during my studies, I wanted my collections to be personal and close to my identity. I feel the most empowered when I work close to my heritage because it feels the most authentic. The many travels to Hong Kong influenced my perspective on beauty, craftsmanship, and tradition. I look for the balance between Asia and Europe in every season. In the beginning, the contrasts were more hard and visible. Nowadays, it has become a grey zone where you can hardly see the lines. It's more diffused now, like we work on the theme of unisex. You hardly notice which gender it's meant to be.

In your creative process, how do you enter a state of flow or "trance" to conceptualize and bring your visions to life?

I like to build up a storyline. At first, we started with a party night, 'THE DAY AFTER' came as a consequence. Then we had an afternoon in Chinatown and ended up in a karaoke bar. You know, it’s almost like a biographical film book; I try to visualize every occasion.
Now we've entered the 'CEREMONY' era, which is the current collection. Every season has a theme, and from that feeling, we create a full-vision world. From the set design to the music, we want to escape with our community and dive into 15 minutes of dreaming.

Your designs are known for their unique blend of architectural precision and fluidity. How do you balance these elements, and how has this signature style evolved in your SS24 collection?

I like to think about a functional wardrobe with a twist—things you can wear and be real about. Our garments are built to function and always have a little twist in color, texture, and material. I think clothing needs to move and flow and give the customer enough space between the body and the garment itself. I’m not a big fan of a very tight fit. If so, it’s knit where you still have the stretch element. I like to empower with simplicity and precise tailoring. Sometimes more formal, sometimes more playful. This season was a lot about textures and fabrics. The colors were mainly inspired by the LGBTQI+ Flag, which is mainly represented in monotone, single-color block looks. Furthermore, we questioned how we dress for ceremonial occasions and which general rules are given.

Can you give us a glimpse into the making of the SS24 collection? What were the key inspirations, challenges, and breakthrough moments during its development?

The SS24 collection was named 'CEREMONY,' and it's all about the special days we celebrate in our lives. Big Birthdays or Weddings. I got married myself in 2022 and was quite critical of what you have to do and all the rules you need to follow. We started researching Asian and European traditions—for example, for marriage. The red wedding in China and the white wedding in Europe. I wanted to be inclusive and make a statement through the rainbow color flag from the LGBTQI+ community. I wanted to put a sign out that everybody should have the same rights to celebrate, for example, a wedding independently of your sexuality. I gave a male model the veil or the final bride look a black short-sleeve tuxedo with feathers. For me, it felt very adult and emancipated.

Sustainability is a critical conversation in fashion today. How are you integrating sustainable practices into your work, particularly with the SS24 collection?

We work exclusively with dead-stock materials. I like that way of using non-wanted resources and having a limited choice. That also means that most of the products are limited in their availability. All the manufacturers I am working with are visited personally a few times a year. I'm lucky to build up great relationships with family-owned businesses.
Everyone is very innovative when developing new styles. We don’t overproduce our products, and we never go on sale. I want to create a value that is hopefully long-lasting and sustains many trends and decades.

William Fan
seen by Clemens Poloczek

William Fan
seen by Clemens Poloczek

“I feel privileged to be able to have the runway medium and the city of Berlin, which offers so many monumental spaces.”

William Fan speaks with Alban E. Smajli
LE MILE Magazine TRANCE, Nr. 36

Reflecting on your career, who has been your most significant mentor, and what was the most valuable lesson you learned from them?

I had many people supporting me from the beginning. To be honest, I would say my parents. They always taught me to be bold and proud, regardless of where and who you are at the moment. I always keep saying: Fake it till you make it. This helped me through many moments :)

Fashion shows can be mesmerizing, almost trance-like experiences for the audience. How do you aim to evoke this sense of immersion and emotion in your runway presentations?

I feel privileged to be able to have the runway medium and the city of Berlin, which offers so many monumental spaces. From the TV Tower to the Underground, I've tried all levels in Berlin to express my emotions through many spectacular locations. I love to tell a story when it comes to runway presentations. Mostly, I'm looking for a space that has a certain power and an interesting history to tell. I also like to work with all senses. The moment you come into the venue, you will immediately experience a certain smell, texture, or lighting. Then the music starts, and I have 15 minutes to tell the concept of more than 6 months of intensive work.

From all the pieces you've created for the SS24 collection, is there one that stands out to you as a personal favorite or holds a special meaning? If so, why?

I’m a big fan of the 'Are you a friend of Dorothy?' jumper. A "friend of Dorothy" (FOD) is a euphemism for a gay man, first used in LGBT slang. Stating that, or asking if someone is a friend of Dorothy, is a furtive way of suggesting sexual orientation while avoiding hostility. I like the way to use historical references to hopefully remember we never need to talk in euphemisms again to express our sexuality.

What's next for William Fan? Are there any new projects, collaborations, or directions you're particularly excited about exploring in the near future?

Many new product groups will be added, and our new gift shop 'FAN PLAZA' just opened its doors a few months ago. We now have spaces for new visuals in partnership with artists, partners, and friends. I like the idea of bringing networks together that share the same love for small details and art.

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follow artist @studiowilliamfan
discover online www.williamfan.com

all images (c) Clemens Poloczek

Fernando Lindez *Coming of Age

Coming of Age with Fernando Lindez

written + interview 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

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.

top CELINE

“I honestly never liked being in front of a camera and actually hated it!”

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

blazer + tie MOSCHINO
trousers VALENTINO

total look 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.

total look HERMES

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

follow artist @fernando_lindez
via Why Not Models