Lydia Hearst
Actress and model Lydia Hearst was born in Connecticut but is now bi-coastal living in Los Angeles, California and New York. She was discovered during her college years by fashion photographer Steven Meisel, who debuted her on the Vogue Italia April 2004 cover. Since, she has had a wildly successful modeling career filled with awards, travel, and working with the best in the industry. Her acting debut was in one episode of the hit show Gossip Girl and her latest project was Psycho Sister-in-Law from Fall 2020, a movie on Lifetime. Upcoming she is in Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman, set to be released on September 20, and Slayers, releasing this Fall.
What is your favorite and/or proudest moment in your modeling career?
My favorite and proudest moment has to be my very first moment in fashion, where Steven Meisel discovered me and put me on the cover of Vogue Italia in 2004. My life changed overnight. I am forever and eternally grateful for that moment, which afforded me the opportunity to travel the world and work with some of the most iconic designers and photographers to date.
What about your acting career?
I dreamt of being an actress since I was young. I love the challenge and creative process of bringing a character to life on screen; perhaps that’s why I’ve been immensely successful with modeling. I am incredibly grateful for the life and the journey acting has given me so far, and I recognize how extremely fortunate I have been in my career. Life as well as any career will always have its challenges, and everyone has her own, unique story. But I can gladly say that I got to where I am through hard work, a lot of rejection, and humility. I’m a firm believer that true humility cannot exist without the desire to work hard and succeed. Every job and each opportunity have been memorable and helped me to grow as an individual and a performer.
Left:
Dress by Amna Al Salem
Gloves by B. Åkerlund x Handsome Stockholm
Choker by Ann Demeulemeester
Earrings by Fallon Jewelry
Ring by Hanut Singh
Right:
Suit by ANNAKIKI
Earrings by Beladora
Necklace by UBS Gold
Diamond ring by Vhernier
Gold ring by State Property
What drew you to the plot lines of Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman and Slayers?
For American Boogeywoman, having the opportunity to play someone who is real, and tell a story like that is a truly humbling experience. The film was incredible to be a part of and not only broadened me as a human being but stretched me as an actor. And with Slayers, it’s a unique and modern reimagining of the classic vampire lore. As a true horror fan, I couldn’t resist!
What drew you to your specific roles in both?
These characters are both unique with very distinctive personalities and opinions. For Liz, in particular, I was attracted to her because she is so different from who I am in real-life. In all honesty, she’s probably not someone I would even want to be friends with. And with Jennifer, I did my best and due diligence to respectfully portray the person I was hired to play.
Left:
Dress by Alon Livné
Coat by Alon Livné
Earrings by Vhernier
Purple Amethyst and Diamond Ring by KALLATI
Citrine, Ruby and Diamond Skating Rink Ring by Hanut Singh
Right:
Top and pants by Prabal Gurung
Belt by UNCUFFED
Earrings by Anabela Chan
Eclisse rings by Vhernier
Cabochon emerald ring by KALLATI
How did you prepare for such extreme roles?
I’m constantly transforming. I change my hair. I change my eyes. I change my makeup. I’m very fortunate that I learned from my background in fashion that I have a bit of a chameleonesque quality, so I get to really step into these roles.
How do you usually decide which roles you want to pursue?
I typically find that I am drawn to more of the character-driven roles and scripts. They are much more interesting to me. I love to be challenged, especially if I have to tap into varying ranges of emotions and change myself, both physically and emotionally. I absolutely love dark, psychological stories, characters, and projects. With acting, every project and every role is a brand-new experience and adventure. I love to challenge myself, that’s a huge part of what draws me to a part.
Left:
Dress by Chloe
Lace top by Genny
Coat by ANNAKIKI
Shoes by Sophia Webster
Ring by Yvan Tufenkjian
Earrings by Âme
Right:
Top and pants by Prabal Gurung
Faux fur coat by Brandon Maxwell
Belt by UNCUFFED
Earrings by Anabela Chan
Eclisse rings by Vhernier
Cabochon emerald ring by KALLATI
How did you know that it was time to switch your focus from modeling to acting?
I absolutely love acting, but at the same time, my background is fashion. It’s not something that I would truly ever want to say goodbye to. Modeling is like acting but in a silent film. I expose my innermost emotions, so they project clearly into the lens and ultimately through the still photograph.
Do you have any dream roles?
Being an actor, you’re afforded the opportunity to tell stories that can inspire, educate, and heal. I don’t know if just one particular “dream role” exists. I truly just hope to be able to continue to work and be fortunate enough to keep doing what I love.
Left:
Dress by Amna Al Salem
Gloves by B. Åkerlund x Handsome Stockholm
Choker by Ann Demeulemeester
Earrings by Fallon Jewelry
Ring by Hanut Singh
Boots by Stella Luna
Right:
Top and pants by Prabal Gurung
Belt by UNCUFFED
Earrings by Anabela Chan
Eclisse rings by Vhernier
Cabochon emerald ring by KALLATI
As a co-executive producer of Slayers, what has it been like for you starting in that part of the industry?
I am so proud to have been able to co-executive produce this film. It’s been a remarkable learning experience for me to be able to get a glimpse behind the scenes and gain a better understanding of the day-to-day process of filmmaking.
You have also done work writing film scripts; do you see that in your future professionally?
I love storytelling. Writing is something that I have always been interested in and done as a hobby. I would love to see one of my stories play out on screen one day. So, maybe, it will happen at some point.
Left:
Dress by Alon Livné
Coat by Alon Livné
Earrings by Vhernier
Purple Amethyst and Diamond Ring by KALLATI
Citrine, Ruby and Diamond Skating Rink Ring by Hanut Singh
Right:
Suit by ANNAKIKI
Earrings by Beladora
Necklace by UBS Gold
Diamond ring by Vhernier
Gold ring by State Property
Shoes by Sophia Webster
Do you see yourself dabbling in any other industries in the future?
Who knows what the future holds? I’m always open to new experiences, so anything is possible!
What are your socials?
@Lydia Hearst on both Instagram and Twitter
@HearstwickHome on Instagram
Left:
Dress by ANNAKIKI
Gloves by UNCUFFED
Earrings by MISHO
Necklace by The Archive Showroom Private Collection
Rings by MISHO
Wide Crinkle Gold Cuff by Beladora
Pants by REDValentino
Boots by Stuart Weitzman
Right:
Top and pants by Prabal Gurung
Faux fur coat by Brandon Maxwell
Belt by UNCUFFED
Earrings by Anabela Chan
Eclisse rings by Vhernier
Cabochon emerald ring by KALLATI
Shoes by Andrea Wazen
CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director & Photographer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Lydia Hearst
Fashion Stylist: Joseph Cassell at Forward Artists
Hair: Mark Townsend
Makeup: Jo Baker at Forward Artists
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Juliana Vargas
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Bridget McDonald, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
