The overseas fashion icon (yes, icon) and star of the new Kiss of the Damned, Mesquida takes the art of ensemble curation to new levels. I caught up with the model and actress in hopes that some of that raw talent would rub off on my meager American attempts…
Roxane Mesquida at Paris Fashion Week wearing a Valentino outfit with Jerome Rousseau shoes and bag; ‘La Cite Du Cinema’ Launch wearing Christian Dior; Venice Film Festival wearing Giorgio Armani. Images: Getty
Julie Bensman: You just came back from screening your new film at SXSW, yes?
Roxane Mesquida: Yes! The screening was amazing and Austin was awesome — we had a blast. Kiss of the Damned pays homage to the vampire movies of the 60s and 70s. What I like most about the film is that Xan, the director, used her passion for the genre to get across something very raw and personal.
JB: You aren’t only an actress, but a model, as well. How do you juggle both occupations?
RM: I’ve always been fascinated by art and photography. My agency [IMG] offers the opportunity to work for amazing magazines with the best photographers, like Paolo Roversi for the cover of Italian Vogue, and Ellen von Unwerth for her books. I’m interested in many forms of inspiring art — painting, film, literature, music — all of which help me push myself as an actress.
JB: Lest we forget to add author to that list. Tell me about the book you’re writing.
RM: It’s actually a very long process. I’m writing it with my mom, who is a writer. And you can actually add producer to the list! I recently helped produce the upcoming film Night Moves with Jesse Eisenberg and Dakota Fanning. I was a huge fan of the director Kelly Reichardt so I jumped on the opportunity. I’m really excited about this new adventure.
JB: Congrats! You’re the epitome of fashion’s renaissance woman! How would you describe your sense of style?
RM: The most important is to feel comfortable, never disguised. My style really depends on my mood — I can go for a very girly babydoll style like Miu Miu or a more asymmetric modern style like Margiella. On more casual days, I love Acne — they’re the only jeans I wear!
JB: And your best kept beauty secret?
RM: Green tea and yoga! Not a big secret.
JB: So maybe there’s some hope for me yet…One last question: what was the last thing you googled?
RM: The HBO show Enlightened. It just got canceled! I’m really sad, it’s one of the best television shows I have ever seen! Mike White is INSANE.
