inside the showroom that dresses beyoncé | the residency experience
If you happen to be in L.A., don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit The Residency Experience VIP showroom. A project envisioned and founded in tandem by fashion activist B Åkerlund and founder and CEO of TheOnly.Agency, Kent Belden; The Residency Experience is a curated showroom showcasing the work of over 35 designers whose work have dressed icons the likes of Beyoncé, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Cher, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Khloé Kardashian, and more. “B and I have worked hard to build The Residency into a full-service public relations agency specializing in celebrity and editorial outreach,” Belden asserts. “At The Residency, we work with incredibly talented and unique designers that continue to grow and make monumental strides for the brand.”
“Over the years, Kent and I have worked extremely hard to build The Residency into a VIP showroom that gives our brands access to iconic celebrity and editorial opportunities,” B continues. “I am personally invested in each one of our designers, and in turn, that much more passionate about their success.” The premiere PR showroom experience opened its doors last week with an event that brought together over 12 of the designers present at the showroom and was completed with outside installations from both United Nude and Angelyne.
Valerj Pobega
Valerj Pobega
Credits
“The Residency is unlike any other VIP showroom out there as we work closely with my creative management agency, The Only Agency, allowing ample exposure for designers,” Belden proclaims.“My extensive background in the business side of both the music and fashion industries, combined with B’s unparalleled creative eye, has allowed The Residency to build a comprehensive network of celebrity stylists, editors, costume designers and influencers.”
A project of passion, commitment, hard work and exquisite innovation; The Residency Experience is a testament to its co-founders’ beliefs in the future of fashion. “Together, we have cultivated something unique and unlike any other PR agency or showroom in the world and I am very proud of that,” B asserts.
From the quiet streets of Harrisburg to the electric avenues of New York City, Layton Lamell is a rising force in both the acting and fashion worlds. His journey is one of bold decisions and relentless ambition, a story that took root in a small college dorm room at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. It was there, standing before a mirror, envisioning himself striding through NYC’s bustling streets, that the spark ignited. But the flame truly roared to life one cold night at a local movie theatre, watching Joaquin Phoenix’s transformative performance in Joker. That film struck a chord so deep that Layton left the theatre and immediately called his mother, declaring his intent to move to New York and pursue acting. With her blessing — and a global pandemic offering unexpected time for reflection and planning — his dream set its course.
Since then, Layton has made his mark with his Off-Broadway debut in A Dream in 303, stepping into the spotlight with only 72 hours to prepare for a role that would alter his path forever. The whirlwind journey — from booking a late-night bus to NYC on his birthday to memorizing nearly 100 pages of dialogue in mere days — was as challenging as it was rewarding. Yet, for Layton, the standing ovations and heartfelt audience reactions reaffirmed what he had long felt in his heart: this was his calling.
Looking ahead, Layton’s calendar brims with new projects — an upcoming play and an indie film — poised to push his creative boundaries even further. To him, true artistry lies in fearlessly embracing life, feeling every emotion deeply, and channelling those experiences into his work. It’s about honouring his culture, taking risks, and stepping into the industry not just as an actor but as a creative force. Schön! sits down with him to discuss what the future holds, upcoming projects, and beyond.
top. MNK
shorts. Corinna Houidi
top. MNK
shorts. Corinna Houidi
Credits
From Harrisburg to NYC, what was the turning point that made you pursue acting and modelling professionally?
The turning point happened in my college dorm room at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I remember standing in front of the mirror, trying on different outfits, and imagining myself walking through the streets of New York City. I’d sketch product designs in my notebook, dreaming of something bigger. But it all crystallized one cold night when I walked to the local movie theatre to watch Joker directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix. That film inspired me that I called my mother right after, telling her I wanted to move to NYC to study acting. It wasn’t an easy decision — I had a partial scholarship — but she heard me out and gave me her blessing. Then COVID hit, which unexpectedly gave me time to plan my next steps. From there, everything started falling into place.
A Dream in 303 marked your Off-Broadway debut. What was the most challenging and rewarding part of stepping onto that stage?
The biggest challenge was stepping into the role with just 72 hours to prepare. The production had been in the works since the summer of 2024, and I was cast at the last minute after other actors dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. I got the call on January 24th, rehearsals started the next day — which happened to be my birthday — and opening night was January 29th.
I had planned to celebrate my birthday with my family, but when this opportunity came, I knew I couldn’t hesitate.
At 11:30 PM I booked a bus, leaving at 1:30 AM, and spent the entire ride rehearsing lines, refusing to sleep. I arrived in NYC at 5:30 AM and By 10 AM, I was at the rehearsal location, meeting the cast and jumping right into the play. It wasn’t easy, but the cast was supportive. I promised them I’d be fully ready by opening night, so I went home, shut off my phone, and committed fully to the work. The most rewarding part? Knowing I could rise to the challenge. Learning nearly 100 pages of dialogue in a couple of days, performing in front of live audiences, and hearing how my performance impacted others — it confirmed that this is what I’m meant to do. That moment changed my life.
How did your experience at the Terry Knickerbocker Studio shape your approach to acting? Do you find yourself applying those lessons in your work today?
Training at Terry Knickerbocker Studio gave me the foundation I needed to craft compelling work. It wasn’t just about technique — it taught me how to truly listen, to be present, and to have compassion for humanity and art. More than anything, it deepened my love for the craft. I learned that acting isn’t about performance; it’s about truth. And that truth comes from stillness, from being open to the moment. If I ever feel lost, I know I can return to my training — to the toolkit I built there — to ground myself in any role. I owe a lot to the incredible mentors who poured their knowledge into me: Terry Knickerbocker, Celestine Rae, Matthew Dudley, John Gutierrez, Justin Cimino, Kana Sato, and Pandora Scooter. Their wisdom continues to guide me, not just as an actor but as an artist.
shirt. Mr. C
trousers. Tom Ford
shoes. Kenzo Paris
opposite
suit jacket + shirt. Hipolito Pollantins
vintage tee shirt. Betty Boop
skirt + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes + bag. Gucci
shirt. Mr. C
trousers. Tom Ford
shoes. Kenzo Paris
opposite
suit jacket + shirt. Hipolito Pollantins
vintage tee shirt. Betty Boop
skirt + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes + bag. Gucci
Credits
You’ve worked with brands like Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Lauren, and Louis Vuitton. How do you navigate the intersection of acting and fashion, and do you see them influencing each other in your career?
Fashion and acting are both about storytelling. When I wake up in the morning, the way I dress reflects how I feel—it’s an extension of my personality. The same applies to a character. What they wear helps define their world, their emotions, and their essence. I see myself at the intersection of fashion and entertainment, being intentional about what I wear to public events and how it aligns with my projects. Icons like Zendaya & Law Roach, Colman Domingo, Timothée Chalamet, and Taylor Russell master this art — using fashion as an extension of their storytelling. That’s the vision: to collaborate with world-class stylists, designers, and fashion houses to bring a character, a moment, or a narrative to life.
With several productions in the works, is there a particular role or project that excites you the most right now?
I’m incredibly excited about a few upcoming projects, including a play and an indie film that I can’t speak too much about yet. But I will say this: they are game-changers. They will challenge me as an artist and push me to new creative heights.
You’ve spoken about pushing creative boundaries—what does that mean for you personally and professionally?
For me, pushing boundaries means fully experiencing life — feeling every emotion deeply instead of suppressing it. The more I live, the more I have to pull from in my art. Professionally, it means having a deep reverence for the craft but also thinking beyond just being an actor. I want to approach this industry like a studio — not just talent, but a creative force that builds worlds, amplifies voices, and disrupts traditional models. It means staying true to my culture, taking risks, and using my platform to help others where it’s needed.
If you had to create a short film where your wardrobe tells a story — perhaps featuring pieces from Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and HOKA—what would be the central theme or narrative?
The Gospel Of The Burg — a short film where wardrobe tells a story of legacy, faith, and style. It’s set in a small church where my Nana, a woman who never owned a Louis Vuitton purse but worked tirelessly to uplift her community, is at the heart of the story. The church is the soul of the neighbourhood—where hard work, faith, and fashion collide. I imagine the whole congregation decked out in Louis Vuitton: choir robes embroidered with LV monograms, the pastor in gold-rimmed LV glasses with a single LV-engraved gold tooth, and the offering tray — gold with LV detailing—circulating through the pews. The church ladies wear extravagant LV hats, men in tailored suits, and the stained-glass windows shimmer with the monogram print, symbolizing wealth, faith, and aspiration.
The soundtrack? A full “Church of God in Christ” gospel choir delivering powerful harmonies, blending traditional hymns with a modern, soulful twist. The tone? A mix of comedy and heart—think Friday After Next meets The Color Purple. The pastor played in the style of Katt Williams, is hilariously over-the-top yet wise, dropping gems in between his stylish sermons. At its core, the film is about luxury in the eyes of the people — the idea that success isn’t just about material things, but about the community, love, and legacy that live beyond possessions. It’s a love letter to those who came before us, to Black culture, and to storytelling through fashion.
Imagine you have just 24 hours to prepare for your dream role, with no prior notice. What’s the role, and how do you prepare mentally and physically to bring it to life?
That role would definitely be playing the live-action Miles Morales in Spider-Man. It wouldn’t just be a career milestone — it would be a cultural moment. With only 24 hours, my focus would be on embodying Miles’ heart, movement, and mindset. I’d study his journey, tap into his Brooklyn energy, and work on agility and fight choreography. More than anything, I’d live in his world—improvising scenes, moving like Spider-Man throughout the day, and carrying his confidence and vulnerability in every step. But at the end of the day, preparation is about trust. Trusting that everything I’ve done — every lesson, every role, every moment of training — has led me here. Miles Morales is about stepping up before you feel ready. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing my whole life.
suit jacket + shirt. Hipolito Pollantins
vintage tee shirt. Betty Boop
skirt + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes + bag. Gucci
suit jacket + shirt. Hipolito Pollantins
vintage tee shirt. Betty Boop
skirt + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes + bag. Gucci
London got their taste of Tinashe‘s Match My Freak world tour on 23 February as the Grammy-winning singer brought the sounds of her latest album Quantum Album to life on stage at O2 Academy Brixton. Known for her dynamic choreography, infectious pop hooks and magnetic charm, the Schön! 40 digital cover star has spent her 2025 touring Asia and Europe. After a successful run of hits in the past year like Nasty and No Broke Boys, fans got a dive deep into the star’s discography on the penultimate night of Tinashe’s tour. Relive the evening captured by Schön!
jacket. Stylist’s Own
top. Junya Watanabe
skirt. Comme des Garçons
shoes. Christian Louboutin
jacket. Stylist’s Own
top. Junya Watanabe
skirt. Comme des Garçons
shoes. Christian Louboutin
Credits
The Art of Tarot reimagines the classic deck through a fashion-forward lens, where every card doubles as a canvas and a prophecy.
Two of Pentacles; the art of balance; playful yet poised ensemble reflects the card’s core meaning: juggling priorities with grace. Clashing patterns, layered textures, and unexpected silhouettes mirror life’s constant ebb and flow, a dance of chaos and control. Knight of Wands; Bold, brash, and brimming with energy, this look channels the Knight’s unstoppable momentum. A fierce combination of structured corsetry, towering headwear, and fiery accents captures the essence of ambition and adventure. The Empress; Regal and radiant, the Empress commands attention. Luxurious fabrics, fluid lines, and an air of effortless elegance embody her nurturing yet powerful presence. A statement piece worthy of a throne, this look celebrates creativity and abundance.
Two of Swords; The power of choice; embodies stillness and tension, with structured, symmetrical designs and a monochrome palette representing inner conflict and the search for clarity. Accessories with sharp lines and veiled fabrics hint at the card’s message of difficult decisions and concealed truths. Page of Cups; Whimsy meets wonder. The Page invites us to dream with an ethereal mix of soft, romantic layers and edgy undertones. Think delicate details clashing with bold accessories — a nod to the card’s message of imagination and emotional exploration.
This editorial was photographed by Kirk Lisaj with art direction by Andrea Nazarian and fashion by Ciggaria Abdulrazaq who styles model Martina Breit in looks by Issey Miyake, Vivienne Westwood, Christian Louboutin and others. Hair and make up by artist Nate Palacios.
dress. Issey Miyake
shoes. Dries Van Noten
hat. Model’s Own
dress. Issey Miyake
shoes. Dries Van Noten
hat. Model’s Own
Credits
top + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes. Dries Van Noten
leather scarf. Junya Watanabe
top + trousers. Stylist’s Own
shoes. Dries Van Noten
leather scarf. Junya Watanabe
Credits
blazer. Alexander McQueen
trousers. Junya Watanabe
shoes. Vivienne Westwood
blazer. Alexander McQueen
trousers. Junya Watanabe
shoes. Vivienne Westwood