Glass speaks to model DEVA CASSEL about her career in fashion and whether she plans on following in her famous parents’ footsteps in becoming an actor.
Deva Cassel is still in the midst of figuring out who she is. Though her name may seem familiar, and her appearance reminds you of that classic European beauty found in Baroque paintings, the 18-year-old model looks like she’s becoming someone hard to forget.
As the eldest daughter of Hollywood acting royalty, Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel, she is no stranger to stardom and what comes with it. But rather than following in the footsteps of her mother and father, she is keen to forge a path in the fashion industry, at least for now. Cassel’s journey into mainstream media is slow but considered, one that is already cultivating intense interest. Having just graduated from high school, it seems as if she is ready to step out of the shadows and spread her wings.
Photographer: Bojana Tatarska
With both your parents being actors, did you have to travel a lot growing up and spend time on set with them? If so, do you have a particularly favourite memory?
Yes, for a while I travelled as much as they did and so [would be] on set etc. I have been to many different locations all over the world and I wish to travel to some of them again now that I am older. My favourite memory that I have on set with my parents is probably in the Balkans when my mom was filming the movie, On The Milky Road, and I got to stay with all the farm animals that were there and see the beautiful landscape as well.
What subjects were you interested in at school and do you intend to continue to study or pursue other interests?
For now, I am not planning on studying anything – I just graduated high school. Right now, I am dedicating a year to modelling as well as a drama workshop I am in. But I would not be against going back to studying later.
Photographer: Bojana Tatarska
With acting so much part of your parents’ lives, is this something you wish to pursue?
I would not mind trying acting. I think I would actually quite enjoy it but I know it is a difficult profession that takes a lot of time to perfect and requires a lot of personal investment. I really appreciate the fact that my parents have never pushed me to act. They’ve always told me that I could be whatever I want when I grow up, which led me to be very open in diverse domains.
Photographer: Bojana Tatarska
Do you remember your first modelling shoot?
Yes, I remember my first shoot. It was a very unique experience for a 14-years-old. I discovered a new part of myself, which is what I enjoyed the most and it led me to understand myself more.
What was it like working with your mother on a modelling shoot?
I’ve actually only worked on one shoot with my mother, which was for Vogue Italia. It was an intimate and fun moment with her that in a way brought us even closer.
Photographer: Bojana Tatarska
Have you always been confident or is this something you have had to learn to become?
I’ve always had confidence thanks to the large amount of support from my surroundings, but I would say it’s only been a few years since I really started understanding what the true meaning of confidence is. It helps a lot when it comes to figuring out what I want in life and being assertive.
Working in the fashion industry, what has been the biggest highlight for you?
I have so many. But I would say being on the runway for the first time was something that truly made me happy and showed me a new aspect of the fashion industry.
Photographer: Bojana Tatarska
What are your three favourite items in your wardrobe?
I am one of those people that dresses very simply but has a hard time going out of the house if I do not feel comfortable in what I’m wearing. My outfit needs to represent my mood of the day, whether it is in the fit of the clothes or the colours. I would say that my three go-to items in my closet are my COS pants, any loose tank top and my black Livin Cool cap.
Beyond the cameras, set and runway shows, how do you like to spend your spare time?
I love to spend time with my friends and my boyfriend, cook, paint, play an instrument, go for walks, or sometimes just enjoy some alone time where I can plan my schedule and rest.
Photographer: Bojana Tatarska
What would you like to achieve in the next year?
Next year, I wish to be able to have time to learn a new language and go on a trip with my dad somewhere beautiful.
By Imogen Clark
Photographer: Bojana Tatarska
Stylist: Yulia Lobova
Make up: Aya Fujita using DIOR
Hair: John Nollet
Producer: Foudre Paris
Retouching: Awacs
Photography assistant: Stan Rey Grange
Styling assistants: Svitlana Popadnuk and Oleh Filatov
All clothing and accessories by DIOR