Transformation is part of Pierre Niney‘s acting repertoire. With many bows to his string — from acting and screenwriting to comedy and directing — it’s clear when chatting with Niney for his Schön! 47 cover story he continuously approaches every role with deftness and dedication. Donning all Lacoste as he speaks with Schön!, he dives into his latest project where he stepped into the legendary role of the Count of Monte Cristo in the film adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel, delivering a mesmerising portrayal of Edmond Dantès and his relentless pursuit of vengeance.
“I read it when I was 15,” Niney explains. “It’s the first book I genuinely loved, since all the ones I was reading back then were essentially homework. So, for once, it was something with a real journey as a reader. I felt for the first time that my whole room was really travelling.” As a true Renaissance man of French cinema, he’s tackled every role with finesse — so much so that he became the youngest actor to win a César for best actor for his portrayal of Yves Saint Laurent. Although playing the titular role of The Count of Monte Cristopresented its own challenges, what thrilled him the most was the storytelling aspect of the film. “Mine would be telling stories: the best story possible all the time,” he admits when asked about what qualities he shares with his character. “I’m obsessed with movies and art [in general].”
More stories are waiting to be told — and Niney wants to be even more involved with telling them. Recently, for the first time ever, he added the label “producer” for a new series titled Fiasco for Netflix. Now, he’s producing his first feature film and about to shoot the thriller Gourou in a few months alongside director Yann Gozlan, the third time the pair have worked together. What is really enticing Niney, though, is the chance to act in English. “I love this language; I think it’s so playful,” he says. “We have this culture of American artists and movies, so of course I’m thinking [to work with] Kate Winslet, Christopher Nolan, and there’s also this director that I love, Derek Cianfrance. I’m currently in talks for some projects in English. I’m really aiming for an interesting part because I’m so spoiled here in France with such amazing propositions, that I’m trying to find something with consistency in England or the US.”
For someone as passionate about his craft and art as he is, pursuing whatever he desires is inevitable for him.
jacket. Lacoste
jacket. Lacoste
Credits
all clothing. Lacoste
jewellery throughout. Pierre’s own
all clothing. Lacoste
jewellery throughout. Pierre’s own
For Michelle Núñez, storytelling isn’t just about performance — it’s a practice of presence, discipline, and self-discovery. And in Tyler Perry’s ‘Ruthless’, she proves that her work as a storyteller perfectly captures her character, Zane, who she plays with heartbreaking vulnerability and fierce determination. From enduring manipulation to discovering her own inner strength, Zane’s journey is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of hope. For Núñez, stepping into this role meant more than just acting — it required deep emotional investment, an unwavering trust in the process, and a willingness to carry Zane’s pain while honoring her growth.
Outside of acting, though, her deep connection to yoga and meditation defined much of her journey. With over 550 hours of teacher training, Núñez has immersed herself in various meditative practices, including mindfulness, metta, open monitoring, body scan, transcendental, yoga nidra, and movement meditation. At the core of her practice is non-dual awareness meditation, a philosophy that aligns with her holistic approach to both life and artistry. She also integrates fasting as a spiritual and physical discipline, embracing everything from three-day water fasts to 16/8 intermittent fasting. Now, as she balances acting and yoga, she is also channeling her creative energy into music, which is currently in production. This next phase is about stepping fully into her artistry, sharing her voice in new ways, and allowing everyone to experience an even more personal side of her journey.
In conversation with Schön!, Michelle Núñez takes us behind the scenes of ‘Ruthless’, sharing the emotional depth of Zane’s story, the bonds formed on set, and the exciting new projects on her horizon.
‘Ruthless’ explores intense themes of loyalty, survival, and identity. How did you mentally and emotionally prepare to step into the role of Zane?
Preparing for Zane required a deep connection to her heart and spirit. I had to tap into my own sense of resilience, remembering that we all have moments of strength and vulnerability. Mentally and emotionally, I ground myself in faith and trust in the process, knowing that Zane’s journey, no matter how difficult, is also one of growth. It’s a constant reminder of the power of love, loyalty, and staying true to yourself.
Zane has gone through some harrowing experiences in the series. How has she evolved since you first started playing her, and what has surprised you most about her journey?
Zane’s evolution has been one of self-discovery. At first, she was trying to survive in a world that was so harsh, but now I see her awakening to her own power and the possibilities of freedom and love. What surprises me most is how much she continues to surprise herself. Her growth has taught me that even in the darkest of places, we have the capacity to heal and transform. Her journey is a beautiful reminder that light always finds its way through.
What has it been like working with Tyler Perry, both as a director and storyteller? Has he given you any memorable advice that has shaped your approach to acting?
Working with Tyler Perry has been a gift. His ability to tell stories with such depth, humanity, and authenticity is inspiring. One piece of advice that’s really stuck with me is to trust myself. I’m reminded to bring my full self to the table — to trust the character’s journey and embrace all of her, even the messy parts. That kind of faith in the process has deepened my own belief in my craft.
The show deals with dark and high-stakes situations. How do you decompress after filming such intense scenes? Does your meditation practice help you separate yourself from Zane’s struggles?
After filming intense scenes, I always make space for stillness. Meditation and breathing practices are crucial for me to release the emotional weight I might carry from a scene. I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel deeply, but it’s also important to honor my peace and restore balance. I find so much comfort in allowing myself to let go of the energy from Zane’s world and reconnect with my own.
‘Ruthless’ takes a deep dive into the world of cults and manipulation. How did you research or mentally prepare to portray someone entangled in such a complicated and dangerous environment?
I approached Zane’s world with an open heart and a deep sense of empathy. It was important for me to understand the psychological and emotional toll that being in a cult could have on someone. I focused on humanizing her experience, knowing that she wasn’t just a victim of her circumstances but a soul yearning for love and connection. It’s a painful journey, but one that offers hope in the end. That was my guiding light.
suit. Jean Paul Gaultier
opposite
shirt. Shushu Tong
earrings. Jenny Bird
suit. Jean Paul Gaultier
opposite
shirt. Shushu Tong
earrings. Jenny Bird
Credits
The chemistry between the cast plays a big role in the show’s tension. What has the dynamic been like with your co-stars, and how do you support each other through the heavier moments on set?
The dynamic with my co-stars is incredibly grounding. We truly lean on each other, both on-screen and off-screen, to create a safe space where we can give our all without holding back. During the heavier moments, we check in with each other, offering love and encouragement. The bond we’ve built as a cast has created a deep sense of trust that allows us to explore these intense moments without fear, knowing we have each other’s support.
Are there any memorable behind-the-scenes moments or stories from filming ‘Ruthless’ that stand out to you?
There are so many beautiful moments on set, but one that always stays with me is the way we all come together at the end of a long day, just to share stories, laughs, and encourage each other. Those moments of connection remind me that while the work can be intense, the relationships we build along the way are what really make the journey special. It’s the lightness and laughter we share that helps balance the weight of the stories we’re telling.
‘Ruthless’ doesn’t shy away from heavy societal themes. What conversations do you hope the show sparks, and what do you think it adds to the broader dialogue about control, freedom, and identity?
I hope that ‘Ruthless’ sparks conversations about the importance of self-awareness, healing, and reclaiming one’s voice. The show touches on dark and complex issues like human trafficking and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals, highlighting how some can be influenced when they feel they have few choices or opportunities. It’s about recognizing that while there are forces in life that may try to control or manipulate us, we also have the power to break free and step into our truth. I believe the show adds to the broader dialogue by highlighting how much of our identity is shaped by our freedom to choose and be authentic and how crucial it is to support each other in that journey—especially for those whose voices have been silenced.
How did your journey into yoga and meditation begin, and what drew you to teacher training with over 550 hours of practice?
My journey into yoga and meditation began as a way to reconnect with myself—mind, body, and spirit. I was drawn to the practice for its ability to cultivate peace and clarity. While I no longer practice in the traditional sense, pursuing over 550 hours of teacher training was a natural step to deepen my understanding and explore another spiritual lineage. I trained at a school rooted in classical teachings aligned with Eastern thought, and though yoga is now a chapter in my past, it remains a meaningful reminder of the power of stillness and mindfulness. Today, that influence flows into my faith in Yahweh, where I embrace the presence of the great I AM, trusting in stillness and peace to guide me in every aspect of life.
Has your yoga and meditation practice influenced your approach to acting, especially in portraying such a complex character like Zane on Ruthless?
Yoga and meditation were essential tools in my journey to stay grounded and present, helping me connect deeply with my characters. With Zane, those practices—especially meditation—guided me to approach her with calmness and awareness, even in her most intense moments. Now, I carry everything I’ve learned and trust that I am being led through each role with clarity and purpose.
You started creating neighborhood performances and short films at a young age. What inspired you to tell stories back then, and how has your creative voice evolved since?
From a young age, I was always drawn to the power of stories and how they could connect people. Growing up in a military family, I moved through many different neighborhoods, each with its own unique energy and experiences. Constantly adapting to new environments showed me the importance of sharing stories to create understanding and empathy. Over time, my creative voice has evolved with a deeper sense of self, grounded in love and faith. Now, I tell stories with the intention of bringing healing and inspiration, with the purpose of using my art to empower others.
Whether it’s acting, wellness, or advocacy, what are some upcoming projects or dreams you’re excited to pursue in the near future?
I’m so excited for what’s ahead! I’m working on projects that merge my love for acting and music, allowing me to explore new characters and deepen my artistry. I have some exciting roles and creative collaborations in the works, as well as new music I’m looking forward to sharing. I’m also involved in mission work through my faith community, which has been a meaningful part of my journey—both through hands-on service and supporting initiatives that uplift others. There’s so much in store, and I feel blessed to be on this path, trusting that everything will unfold in its perfect time.
shirt. Saint Laurent
bra + skirt. Prada
shoes. By Far
shirt. Saint Laurent
bra + skirt. Prada
shoes. By Far
3/4-length cashmere coat. Marinella
tailored trousers. Cellar Door
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own
3/4-length cashmere coat. Marinella
tailored trousers. Cellar Door
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own
Credits
No unflattering angles here in this Schön! editorial photographed by Guglielmo Benassi with art direction and fashion by Giulia Santoro who styles Luca Miceli in looks by Marinella, Cellar Door, Polo Ralph Lauren and others.
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own
opposite
3/4-length cashmere coat. Marinella
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own
opposite
3/4-length cashmere coat. Marinella
cardboard hat with newspaper cutouts. Stylist’s Own
Credits
ribbed crew-neck tank top. United Colors of Benetton
parachute trousers. Stüssy
lace-up boots. Timberland
ribbed crew-neck tank top. United Colors of Benetton
parachute trousers. Stüssy
lace-up boots. Timberland
Credits
polo shirt. Aelfric Eden
denim shorts. BDG
rubber boots. MSCHF
polo shirt. Aelfric Eden
denim shorts. BDG
rubber boots. MSCHF
Credits
classic long-sleeve shirt. Dolce & Gabbana
pinstripe wool suit. The World’s Best Cloth by Carnet
leather derby shoes. Paraboot
silk tie. Claudia
opposite
classic long-sleeve shirt. Dolce & Gabbana
pinstripe wool suit. The World’s Best Cloth by Carnet
leather derby shoes. Paraboot
silk tie. Claudia
classic long-sleeve shirt. Dolce & Gabbana
pinstripe wool suit. The World’s Best Cloth by Carnet
leather derby shoes. Paraboot
silk tie. Claudia
opposite
classic long-sleeve shirt. Dolce & Gabbana
pinstripe wool suit. The World’s Best Cloth by Carnet
leather derby shoes. Paraboot
silk tie. Claudia
Credits
striped woven cotton sweater. Marks & Spencer
short striped cotton + boxers. Intimissimi
jeans. BDG
metallic studded belt. Stylist’s Own
striped woven cotton sweater. Marks & Spencer
short striped cotton + boxers. Intimissimi
jeans. BDG
metallic studded belt. Stylist’s Own
Credits
long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. Stylist’s Own
technical fabric cargo shorts. South2 West8
sneakers + socks. New Balance
opposite
long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. Stylist’s Own
long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. Stylist’s Own
technical fabric cargo shorts. South2 West8
sneakers + socks. New Balance
opposite
long-sleeve cotton t-shirt. Stylist’s Own
Credits
crew-neck embroidered cotton t-shirt. Polo Ralph Lauren
socks. New Balance
crew-neck embroidered cotton t-shirt. Polo Ralph Lauren
socks. New Balance
Since 2002, fashion industry heavyweights have flocked to the ITS Contest founded by Barbara Franchin to discuss who and what will shape the future of fashion. Both Schön! and the ITS Contest share a philosophy of supporting and spotlighting new talent, and we joined the party in Trieste, Italy, to celebrate the ten finalists. Each year brings a fresh lineup of ten emerging young designers keenly attuned to the zeitgeist of their era. This year was no exception, and among those present was a jury of professionals specially invited to determine which designers’ offerings had legs in today’s fashion climate.
Which creatives inspired intrigue? What challenges do they face in today’s industry? How can we support aspiring designers to succeed? These questions hummed throughout the weekend-long event, and we turned to jurors Luca Rizzi, Mark C. O’Flaherty, Serge Carreira, and Tom Eerebout for more insight. As experts in their respective fields, each professional brought their own distinct perspectives to the table.
Mentorship
For a young designer, sourcing a mentor can be like rifling for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, there are many mentorship programmes out there for designers who are dedicated to their craft. Events like the ITS Contest are crucial for giving young designers the visibility and support they need to succeed. “In today’s saturated media landscape, it’s important to have events that elevate new designers,” said fashion photographer and writer Mark C. O’Flaherty. “The ITS Contest provides a platform that ensures their work is taken seriously by both the industry and the wider world.”
Supporting young creatives comes second nature to juror Serge Carreira. As the Director of Emerging Brands Initiative at Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, Carreira specialises in building support programs for emerging designers. “Each designer is unique,” he says. “What makes the difference in their success is not how they break the rules, but how they play with them. There’s no single recipe for success—it’s more like a cocktail, a mix of various elements.”
The rewards for helping emerging creatives has proven to be a two-way street. For Carreira, the process is an insightful opportunity to see how designers constantly discover new ways to approach business. “What’s interesting is being involved in these processes without replacing the designer’s role—it’s about being alongside them to support them in reaching their goals.”
For fellow juror Luca Rizzi, the Tutoring & Consulting director for Pitti Immagine, the disastrous impact of COVID has made aiding designers early in their careers all the more crucial. “The industry has shifted significantly since COVID,” he says. “Independent brands are struggling the most, and our role is to help them find stability in this new environment.” As the leading force behind Pitti Immagine’s division aimed at helping and guiding talented designers in their professional pathway, Rizzi’s eye is attuned to discovering international fashion and design which aligns with sustainable and conscious living.
“At Pitti, we help designers find their right path,” Rizzi explained. “We work with both young and established designers to avoid mistakes in marketing and communication, ensuring they stay true to their creative vision.” A key part of his work is ensuring that young talent is mentored efficiently and protected from exploitative contracts. Rizzi’s initiative is part of Pitti Uomo, one of the most important fashion events for men’s fashion, and features collections from designers who are dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and creative craftsmanship. Most importantly, it offers them a space to showcase their collections in a high-profile, industry-leading context.
Sustainability
“Sustainability is a significant challenge, but many designers are taking meaningful steps, like using offcuts and natural dyes, to reduce their environmental impact,” says O’Flaherty. Sustainability continues to be a major theme in the fashion world and, unsurprisingly, was present throughout the collections belonging to each of the ten ITS contestants.
Yifan Yu’s ‘zoomorphia’ collection, for instance, responded to the growing movement against fur in the fashion industry. Meanwhile, Zhuen Cai’s collection, Chinese Garden Journey, highlighted humanity’s connection to nature and sustainability through his innovative use of fabric, including persimmon plant dyes. Finalist Qianhan Liu also used 90% repurposed leather in her lineup and Mijoda Dajomi’s collection was a fashion-based exploration of rainwater collection.
“Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a necessity,” says Rizzi. But upholding ethical eco-practices can be a tall and expensive order for emerging creatives with tight budgets. Acknowledging this, Rizzi believes that we need “systemic change” to help young designers “to make sustainability the standard in fashion, not a niche.”
Another factor limiting the growth of evolving brands is obtaining a sustainable stream of income. While this can be helped by the backing of a retailer the retail landscape is typically hard for designers to navigate. “Thanks to the digital boom and the struggles of traditional retailers, many brands cannot simply shift from wholesale to direct-to-consumer models overnight due to pricing and audience considerations,” says Carreira. “The retail market has become more closed off. For a while, programs like those from Matches, Net-a-Porter, and Essence were fantastic in promoting young designers, but as the digital bubble burst, these programs are now focusing more on security. It’s no longer about getting the ideas; it’s about how to bring those ideas to the customer.”
Storytelling
How exactly do young designers capture the attention of retailers and customers? For Belgian-based stylist and fashion consultant Tom Eerebout, judging the emerging talent was an opportunity to support new voices in fashion. “I love working with designers who have fun with their collections,” he shared. “Fashion is about storytelling, and the most exciting designers are those who take us into another world.” Also in agreement, Carreira expressed his excitement for designers who draw inspiration from their personal experiences. “They’re constantly refining their methods, making sustainability an integral part of their design process.”
“The best designers today are those who can translate their personal stories into collections that resonate with the broader fashion landscape,” believes O’Flaherty. One look at the nominated collections, and it’s easy to see the importance of designers who combine personal narratives with commercial creativity. For his ITS nominated collection, Patrick Taylor drew inspiration from his childhood photographs and experiences of skiing and sailing with his family. Other personal narratives exuded from collections by Naya El Ahdab, which traced her journey as a disabled woman, and Macy Grimshaw, whose work centered on her grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
For the jury, storytelling and social relevance seemed to be the reigning elements distinguishing one designer from another. The ITS mentorship program was highlighted by the selection of Maximilian Raynor from the UK, who was awarded the ITS Jury’s Rewarding Honors for his powerful use of historical and artistic references. “His work made me smile,” said Rizzi of Raynor’s design process. “He brings joy through his creations, which is something we need more of in fashion.”
Collaboration Over Competition
Once an intern for renowned fashion stylist, creative consultant, and fashion mentor Anna Trevelyan, Eerebout quickly became her first assistant before going on to collaborate with notable icons such as Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora, Banks, Austin Butler, and Sylvie Kreusch, while his editorial work has been featured in international publications such as Vogue, Interview, V, Numero, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
“Anna Trevelyan was a major influence on me, as she was deeply involved in supporting young designers,” says the stylist. Judging for the ITS Contest provided him with the opportunity to continue his mentor’s ethos of helping others succeed. “ I’ve always felt it’s important to support new talent, and when I got the chance to work here, I felt like a kid in a candy store. The opportunity to dive into the archive and portfolios was incredible.”
Instead of a winner-takes-all format, this year’s ITS Contest adopted a more inclusive approach, offering support and recognition to all the selected designers. Barbara Franchin, founder of ITS Contest, explained: “Collaboration, rather than competition, is essential. Young designers need the support of the industry to thrive, and the challenges they face are best overcome when they’re united.”
With the theme of “Borderless,” the event exemplifies the global community’s desire to push past cultural and geographical boundaries to bring fresh ideas and artistic collaborations to the forefront. Senator Lucia Borgonzoni of Italy’s Ministry of Culture, who attended the event, lauded the initiative for its commitment to supporting young creatives, stating, “The ITS Contest provides a platform that celebrates diversity and innovation, key drivers in today’s rapidly evolving cultural and artistic dialogue.”
Eerebout echoed these sentiments, saying: “Events like this are so important because they bring people together and provide young designers with a platform to showcase their work. It’s not all about the big names like Gucci or Valentino. We need to make space for these young talents to shine.”
