Milan Design Week is arguably the foremost happening in the design industry calendar. The six-day event draws around half a million visitors to a vast number of exhibitions taking place around the city. To stand out here one must have something quite spectacular to showcase and that is exactly what Philip Morris International has done with IQOS World revealed by Alex Chinneck.
photography. Marc Wilmot
photography. Marc Wilmot
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Since realising his first major public artwork at 28 years old, British sculptor Alex Chinneck has become well known for producing surreal art on an architectural scale. He presents an alternative universe, where bricks bend, tarmac curls and stone hovers. Previous projects have included a brick façade sliding from a three-story property, a full-size ‘melting’ house made from 7,500 wax bricks and a stone building in Covent Garden that appeared to float in mid-air.
This project, which is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors, is no less monumental in terms of ambition and impact. Using a combination of art, architecture, theatre and engineering, it pushes the boundaries of materials and their sculptural potential.
photography. Marc Wilmot
photography. Marc Wilmot
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“By taking familiar materials and architectural forms and making them behave in extraordinary ways, we are working with IQOS to change visitors’ perceptions of what is possible,” says Chinneck. “Through the repeated use of the zipper, we have opened up the fabric of a seemingly historic Milanese building to playfully re-imagine what lies behind its facade, floors and walls. Ethereal light pours through each opening, filling the space with color and filling the work with a sense of positivity and potential.”
photography. Marc Wilmot
photography. Marc Wilmot
Credits
The collaboration between Chinneck and Philip Morris International aims to present an artistic expression of the future. It seemed an obvious partnership to EU Region President Frederic de Wilde: “PMI is leading the transformation of the tobacco industry – one that is based on science and innovation,” he explains. “Our aim is to create a future where smoke-free products like IQOS replace cigarettes to the benefit of society. It is precisely this thought, aimed at revealing an alternative vision of the future, which naturally guided our collaboration between IQOS and Alex Chinneck.”
IQOS World revealed by Alex Chinneck will be open to the public at Milan Design Week until 14th April.
In this renewal-inspired editorial, Schön! celebrates transformation, strength, and empowerment. The “shedding skin” motif symbolizes letting go of the old and embracing a bold, unapologetic self within. Photographed by Cengizhan Ergün with videography by Çağla Polat and Burak Bacacı. Creative direction for the editorial is by İrem Derya Kaplan who also styles Eva Varlamova in looks by Burberry, H&M Edition, Sudi Etuz, and others. Hair by stylist Diyar Şekel with make up by Birce Selçik.
full look. Sudi Etuz
shoes. H&M Edition
gloves. Eli Peacock
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full look. Burberry
full look. Sudi Etuz
shoes. H&M Edition
gloves. Eli Peacock
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full look. Burberry
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dress. H&M Edition
leggings. Calzedonia
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full look. Maje
dress. H&M Edition
leggings. Calzedonia
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full look. Maje
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full look. Burberry
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dress. Sudi Etuz
full look. Burberry
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dress. Sudi Etuz
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full look. Sudi Etuz
shoes. H&M Edition
gloves. Eli Peacock
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dress. The Kooples
shoes. COS
full look. Sudi Etuz
shoes. H&M Edition
gloves. Eli Peacock
opposite
dress. The Kooples
shoes. COS
full look. Valentino
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full look. Brioni
shoes. Loro Piana
full look. Valentino
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full look. Brioni
shoes. Loro Piana
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“Sometimes life doesn’t choose you, a role chooses you.” For Emanuela Postacchini, acting is more than just playing a character in front of the camera. Her journey, which began in a small town in the Marche region of Italy, now puts her in the same frame with giants like Jennifer Coolidge and Bill Murray. Her role as Marina in ‘Riff Raff’, which had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, reveals both her vulnerability and her creative power.
‘Riff Raff’ made its worldwide premiere at TIFF to great buzz. What drew you to this project, and what was it like stepping into this gritty crime world alongside such a legendary ensemble cast? It feels like the kind of film that doesn’t come around often.
Absolutely—it really doesn’t. As you said, opportunities like this don’t come by very often. To be part of a film with so many legendary actors—people I grew up watching—was surreal. I remember showing up on set and just thinking, “Wow, they’re all really here.” When I first received the script, I loved it. I had never read anything quite like it in my entire career. I was already familiar with the screenwriter, John Pollono—I’m a big fan of his work. ‘Small Engine Repair’ was brilliant. The script for ‘Riff Raff’ was such a compelling blend of comedy and darkness, with these really raw and complex family dynamics running throughout.
What especially stood out to me was the relationship between DJ and Louis Coleman—there’s such emotional depth there. That father-son dynamic plays out in multiple layers and scenarios, and it was fascinating to explore. Also, Marina being pregnant drew me in—I had never played a pregnant character before. I thought it would be interesting to explore that physically and emotionally. I wanted to learn how a pregnant woman sits, walks, eats—just how she navigates the everyday. I talked to friends who had been pregnant to understand those nuances. And of course, the cast! Jennifer Coolidge was already attached, and I immediately thought, “Yes, this role was written for her.” No one else could’ve played Ruth the way she did. She brought that character to life in such a unique, hilarious way. Ed Harris was also part of the cast, and Bill Murray joined later. At the time of my audition, he wasn’t attached yet. But even being considered for a role in such a stacked ensemble felt like a dream come true. It was one of those rare opportunities.
Speaking of Marina being pregnant, what was it like navigating that, especially while acting alongside big personalities like Jennifer Coolidge and Bill Murray? What’s one memorable moment that really stayed with you from the set?
I absolutely adore Bill Murray. He’s such a gentleman, incredibly gracious, and really embraces everyone—even newer actors like myself. He pushes you to bring your A-game in the most supportive way. He’s humble and hardworking, and I had an amazing experience working with him. One moment that always makes me smile—we used to sit on the couch during breaks and flip through fashion magazines together, just chatting about trends. I would’ve never imagined that one day I’d be sitting on a movie set, commenting on fashion with Bill Murray! I think I even have a photo of that moment somewhere—it was hilarious and unforgettable.
Jennifer is also just… Jennifer. So authentic, so uniquely herself. I always say she reminds me of Marilyn Monroe—not in a direct comparison, but in that she has this rare charisma mixed with a kind of innocence and genuineness. She’s incomparable. And we share a deep love for pizza. We even promised each other we’d go on a pizza marathon one day. I hope we still do that!
full look. Ferragamo
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jacket. Institution
full look. Ferragamo
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jacket. Institution
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From ‘The Alienist’ to ‘Riff Raff’, your roles span thrillers, satire, drama, and now crime-comedy. How do you approach choosing such diverse characters? Your choices reflect both range and boldness.
Honestly, I feel like the roles choose you as much as you choose them. Sometimes, something just clicks when you read a script, and that’s the beauty of acting—you get to live so many different lives you wouldn’t experience otherwise. Each role comes with its own color palette, emotions, and energy. The approach always depends on what the script makes me feel and what I believe I can bring to that character—or what that character might bring out in me. Sometime,s you connect deeply, sometimes, it challenges you in a completely new way. Ultimately, I think it’s a dance—part instinct, part preparation, part surrender.
You were born in Italy and now work extensively in the U.S. Has your cultural background influenced how you approach your characters? There’s a certain emotional sensitivity in your performances.
Definitely. Being Italian, there’s a natural passion I bring into everything I do. We’re very expressive, emotional people—we love deeply, argue loudly, and live fully. Interestingly, I’ve often been asked to audition for French roles. In fact, Marina was originally written as a French woman. I even did the first audition in a French accent! But when the director found out I was Italian, he said, “Wait—you’re Italian? Play her as Italian.” And that changed everything. I brought in that big-hearted, family-loving energy. Even little details—like how Marina cooks breakfast while having this sweet moment with DJ—I think those gestures felt very Italian. That cultural texture added something special to the role, and I was really proud to be able to bring that to the screen.
Which city are you from in Italy?
I’m from a small town called Sant’Elpidio a Mare, in the Marche region, on the east coast of Italy. It’s where my family still lives, and I go back every chance I get—especially for holidays. It’s home.
You’ve worked with filmmakers like Sacha Baron Cohen, Roman Coppola, and now Dito Montiel. Does your acting process change depending on the director?
Absolutely. Every director brings something different. Some are very specific and detail-oriented—they’ll tell you exactly what they want and how to get there. Dito, on the other hand, was incredibly trusting. He gave me space to explore, to bring my own ideas into Marina’s character. He wouldn’t say “do this.” Instead, he’d ask questions, lead me into discovering choices on my own. That’s so empowering as an actor. Even though we shot the film quickly, Dito made the process feel fluid and natural. When a director trusts your instincts, it opens up your performance in a completely different way.
You’ve had breakout roles—like in ‘The Alienist’—that introduced you to international audiences. What’s been your most creatively fulfilling role to date?
Definitely Marina in ‘Riff Raff’. Also, working on Who Is America? with Sacha Baron Cohen was incredible because it’s such a rare experience to do satire at that level. But Marina will always have a special place in my heart. It was my first leading role in the U.S., with a dream cast. Coming from a small Italian town, I never imagined I’d get that far—and working alongside actors I grew up admiring was deeply meaningful. When I read the script, I immediately saw Marina. I pictured her with red nail polish, baby bangs, wearing oversized cardigans—this mix of edgy and sweet. I even cut my own bangs to get into character! It was love at first sight.
full look. Mom’s Pants
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full look. Loro Piana
skirt as belt. N21
full look. Mom’s Pants
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full look. Loro Piana
skirt as belt. N21
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And you’re acting in a language that isn’t your mother tongue. That’s a challenge on its own!
True, but I’ve been in the U.S. for a while now, and English feels natural to me at this point. It still isn’t my native language, but it doesn’t feel like a barrier anymore. Plus, I love playing with accents and characters from different cultures—I speak several languages, so it’s actually really fun for me.
You’ve been part of projects like Who Is America? that blend fiction with social commentary. Are you drawn to stories that challenge norms or provoke thought?
Yes, definitely. With Sacha Baron Cohen, for example, that kind of satire is unmatched—he’s a genius. Those kinds of projects don’t come along often. I believe that film and TV can—and should—reflect what’s happening in the world. Art can be a powerful way to give voice to what we’re all experiencing. I’m currently working on a vampire film with Alexandra Casavettes, which I’m also executive producing. It’s got a strong social commentary on the last few years, and I’m excited to see how audiences respond.
You’ve worked with legends like Liam Neeson and Ed Harris. What’s the biggest piece of wisdom you’ve picked up from working alongside actors like them?
Humility. No matter how big your career is, you have to keep showing up and doing the work. Bill Murray recently said something during press in New York—he corrected me and said, “Not just humility—false humility.” But the point is, you don’t rest on your laurels. You keep pushing, you keep bringing everything you have to every role.
Looking ahead, are there any stories you’re longing to tell—maybe something deeply personal or unexpected?
Oh, yes! There are so many stories yet to be told. But one thing I’ve been thinking about lately—maybe something comedic, like a cultural clash between Italian and Irish families. My partner is Irish, and the differences in our cultures are hilarious. Italians are so fiery and expressive, we take three-hour lunch breaks, we’re obsessed with food. Meanwhile, that’s totally foreign to other cultures. I think it could be really fun to explore that contrast in a comedy.
Sounds hilarious—and very real! Italians do it better.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Usher performs on stage at The O2 Arena on March 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for USHER )
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: Usher performs on stage at The O2 Arena on March 29, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for USHER )
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Usher’s ‘Past Present Future’ tour proves that nobody does performance quite like a legacy artist. Celebrating 30 years of hits, his decades in the industry shone through as his star aura radiated throughout the stadium. The Atlanta R&B superstar will spend his spring 2025 touring in London, Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin. Usher’s sold-out stint at London’s O2 arena covers 10 shows which the singer told the crowd marks every year since he’d last played in the city. The show is an impressive two and a half hours long with Usher being on stage for a large portion of it. Although the night is long, there is never a dull moment, making for an immersive experience.
The theatrical set design and interactiveness of the show keeps the pace of the evening exciting. Whether he’s roller skating around the stage in a bedazzled tracksuit or walking though the crowd dressed in nothing but some leather jeans and fur jacket with cherries in hand, Usher is a class act in bringing a show to life. His cherry act in particular has become an internet favourite since his 2024 Paris residency. Showing incredible stamina, he peruses several sections of the crowd in search of women he can feed a cherry too. The star knows how to play into the sensuality of his music, with projections on the screen showing hot and steamy re-enactments and talented pole dancers bringing the fun of an ATL strip club to the O2 as Usher sings ‘I Don’t Mind’ surrounded by women.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Usher performs on stage with Naomi Campbell at The O2 Arena on April 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images For Usher)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Usher performs on stage with Naomi Campbell at The O2 Arena on April 01, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images For Usher)
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The show’s dynamic lighting radiates off the sparkly ensembles Usher adorns at the beginning of the show. When he eases into 2010s classics like ‘Climax’ the lighting mimics the flashing lights of a dimly lit club. Although there is always something going on, whether that be his extremely talented dancers doing back flips or Usher hitting a handstand, there is a coherent thread of storytelling throughout the show. The artist uses AI to look back on different eras of his career through younger versions of himself, travelling through time and his discography. He not only reflects on his musical journey, but of his personal one too, touching on themes like fatherhood and former relationships.
On Sunday (6 April,) Usher thanked London crowds for their loud support and for being so welcoming to this “American boy” before bringing on special guest Estelle to perform her hit song of the same name. The show reminisced on his rise to the top while addressing the flaws he’s overcome on the way through hits like ‘Confessions.’ Although the audio quality was not always the best throughout the show, Usher’s vocals were studio perfect as were his signature dance moves, complimented by an ensemble of talented dancers who brought his music to life. Usher spent the evening effortlessly giving his all on his entire discography, meaning no fan was left disappointed. The ‘Past Present Future’ tour is a must see for anyone after a lively and memorable night of nostalgia.
