Interview by Timi Letonja & Jana Letonja

Alone yet together, different yet linked by their audacity, iconic and yet so similar… Dior has gathered together a group of remarkable artists, who are the true multicultural idols of a new generation, guided by a spirit of diversity and authenticity. In the same way that a perfume reveals its accords, each of them draws inspiration from the scent of Gris Dior and discloses a facet of their character. Filmed by Bardia Zeinali, a leading director on the avant-garde fashion scene, and photographed by Mikael Jansson, a star of fashion images, their creative intensity and their strength shine through. 

Actor and musician Maya Hawke made her screen debut in the British miniseries “Little Women”, adapted from the eponymous novel. She joined the successful Netflix series “Stranger Things” in its third season. In it, she plays Robin Buckley, the show’s first LGBTQ+ character, which saw her nominated for a Hollywood Critics Association TV Award. She is currently appearing in the Netflix film “Do Revenge” by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, and 2023 is shaping up to be a very rich year for her in terms of film, with roles in Wes Anderson’s “Asteroid City” as well as in Andrew Stanton’s “Revolver” alongside her father Ethan Hawke. She is also portraying the daughter of composer Leonard Bernstein in “Maestro” directed by Bradley Cooper. A multi-talented artist, Maya Hawke has just released her second album “Moss”, having launched her career as a singer with her first opus “Blush“, in 2020. 

Maya, in what way do you draw inspiration from the scent of Gris Dior for your career and everyday life?

I’ve never been much of a perfume person myself, I use odourless soap in the shower. But when I find a smell I like, like this one, it can help me transform myself for a while and walk into rooms with a different kind of confidence. Also, this is really weird, but I sometimes like to spray perfume on my set clothes before I give them back at the end of the day, so the costume department thinks I’m an elegant angel who makes clothes smell better, not worse. 

With Gris Dior, grey becomes a leitmotif and like your carte blanche. How do you personally interpret carte blanche and how important is it in your life?

I don’t think I totally know what carte blanche means in this context, but I know I’m happiest when I feel free, yet purposeful. 

How have your parents careers and growing up watching their success impacted your own interest in acting?

I’ve answered this question a lot, but that’s cool because my answer is always changing. At this moment in time, I’m feeling a heightened sense of gratitude for knowledge I acquired about the business through watching their careers and choices closely. 

In 2022 you released your second album ‘Moss’. What ignited your passion for music and what inspires you when you’re creating music?

My friends inspire me to make music, the way music helps one connect to other people around you. I don’t know if I’m still finding myself as a musician, but it’s a part of my life that brings me so much joy. 

You joined Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ in its third season as the show’s first LGBTQ+ character, which earned you a nomination for a Hollywood Critics Association TV Award. How has this role opened your eyes to the LGBTQ+ community and what they have to deal with in the world?

On one hand, it’s opened my eyes to how much one’s sexuality, if it deviates from some idea of ‘normal’ and you are open about it, can become the only thing about you anyone wants to talk to you about. There are so many qualities about Robin that the people who connect with her care about. Her bravery, intelligence, awkwardness, her friendships. But the press only wants to talk about who she might want to kiss, when due to the excellence of the Duffer brothers writing that is such a small part of the kaleidoscope of who she is. Society’s obsession with sexuality and our desire to categorise everyone and pin them down is really intense. On a global level and a personal one. 

On the other hand, it has connected me to groups of really wonderful strangers who get exactly who she is and feel seen by her and that’s amazing. 

2023 is shaping up to be a busy year in film for you. What can you share with us about your upcoming exciting projects?

I’m so excited for everyone to see ‘Asteroid City’ and hopefully ‘Maestro’ and ‘Wildcat’ this year. I’ve gotten some amazing opportunities to work on projects I’m really proud of. It’s been one of the best years of my life creatively. 

What excites you the most about being a member of the Dior Beauty family?

I’ve made some wonderful friends through my work with DIOR and I am very grateful for the opportunities fashion provides to bring creatives from different disciplines into the same room.