IN CONVERSATION WITH CALUM HARPER
interview by THORE DAMWERTH
Moving between fashion and film, CALUM HARPER follows instinct. Known for his striking energy in front of the camera and an ever-growing social audience, the British model is now stepping into acting with a confidence that mirrors his rise in fashion. With a role in the new The Devil Wears Prada 2, Calum enters one of the most iconic cinematic universes tied to the industry that first shaped him. Yet his approach remains fluid: less about perfection, more about movement, improvisation and the moment something real takes shape. Balancing visibility with a sense of privacy, he navigates modelling, social media and film with the same instinctive curiosity. In conversation, Calum reflects on confidence, rejection, creative freedom and the strange thrill of not knowing what comes next.
full look GUCCI
Calum, you’re balancing acting and modelling at a pivotal moment in your career. How do those two worlds shape you creatively?
They most definitely demand different parts of me, but in a weirdly similar way. The key I’ve found with both is simply confidence. In modelling, the difference between a nice photo and a fucking amazing photo is confidence and the ability to get into the character the photographer wants to portray. So it’s similar! But acting is a different beast. Channelling that character during my auditions and self-tapes is a lot more intense and creatively challenging. But I absolutely love it, and fingers crossed I can keep chipping away at both.
full looks GUCCI
In that movement, between inhabiting a character and embodying someone else’s vision, where do you feel most yourself?
I feel most myself when I have a bit of freedom to improvise. The best photos are the accidental shots, the middle-of-movement shots. And for me, the best acting is when I can dive into the character and let whatever comes out, come out. Usually, 95% of the takes are shit, 95% of the photos are shit. But then you get that one image or that one tape… It’s exciting.
full looks GUCCI
You’re stepping into The Devil Wears Prada 2, one of fashion’s most iconic cinematic worlds. What did it mean for you to join that universe?
The Devil Wears Prada sequel is, of course, something I’m incredibly excited about. It’s the most iconic fashion movie ever made, and being in this industry makes it all that much more relatable to me. So it’s a huge honour. I honestly didn’t feel pressure when I was on set or performing my scenes. The team made me feel unbelievably comfortable and gave me a lot of freedom to be me. They trusted that I understood the fashion industry very well, so they let me play with it.
The first thing the director, DAVID FRANKEL, said to me was, “So Calum, tell me, did you ever get that Prada job?” This was really quite a pinch-me moment because I thought, oh my God, the director of The Devil Wears Prada is familiar with my content and my work. But it also made me feel so comfortable and confident. So hopefully that comes across.
full look GUCCI
Looking ahead, what kind of role would you dream of playing — something that would completely transform you as an actor?
My dream character to play would be something completely outside the box of me and my own personality. Something where people watch it and say, “Who on earth is that?” Something where I am completely unrecognisable in my portrayal. I like to throw people off course!
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You have a strong presence on TikTok and Instagram. How do you balance that openness with keeping part of your life private?
I think there’s a really fine line between being open with an audience and also maintaining that mysterious, private side. I like to try to sit right on that line. People can see the things I’m up to at work and in my life… But do they know me to a tee? I would say no, and I quite like that. A private life is a happy life, in my opinion.
full looks GUCCI
In this editorial, we’re exploring love as tension, devotion and distance. What does it mean for you to love what you do, and has that love ever been tested?
I definitely love what I do, and I’m incredibly grateful to be doing it. However, my God, has it been tested. Absolutely. The rejection in modelling, the uncertain schedule, not knowing when the next pay cheque is coming — it’s definitely a challenge and has made me question my love for the industry. It’s an absolute rat race.
But I truly believe in myself. I believe that I can be the best, and I will be the best. And I guess that love of the grind has got me to where I am today. I now love the chaos and the uncertainty. The fact that I’m never able to predict the next three months, let alone the next few years, is a feeling I adore. It keeps me on my toes.
full look GUCCI
TEAM CREDITS:
talent CALUM HARPER at MARILYN AGENCY NY and CADENCE TALENT
photography JINGXIONG QIAO
styling THORE DAMWERTH
hair and makeup MELANIE HOPPE USING ARKHÉ COSMETICS and TYPOLOGY
production ALEXZANDRIA ASHTON
set design VERENA WIELAND and HEYDER NAQFI
retouching YANG ZHEN
styling assistance ADEM DEL SALEM
location FRIDGE STUDIO
casting and editor TIMI LETONJA
interview THORE DAMWERTH
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
