Alysha pens music for the souls that are equal parts emotional and and intuitive. The London-based Cuban-Indian singer-songwriter hasn’t just entered the music scene, but is carving out a space entirely unique to her. Fusing a myriad of genres, her songs mirror that of a kaleidoscope; a mix of synths, R&B basslines, and the pop hooks that you just can’t seem to get out of your head.
Schön! Magazine chats with Alysha to learn about her beginnings in music, where she’s headed, and more.
What was it about music that made you want to pursue it as a career?
I’ve always loved music growing up and I’ve enjoyed singing for as long as I could be able to remember. I believe music is my way to express myself and relieve stress, I also believe in the saying “do what you love”.
As a London-based Cuban-Indian singer, how do all three of those places inspire the music you make?
To be honest, being British has had a huge role in my musical ear. Yes, my mum’s Indian but her taste in music is very western and I grew up listening to Amy Winehouse, Lana del Ray and so many other great artists. I don’t feel like my ethnicity has really influenced my music so far apart from “si me quieres” which was a vibe we were messing about within the studio. Eventually, I do want to be able to add hints of both Cuban and south Asian influences into my music but right now I’m working on a lot of neo-gospel r&b vibes for my next project.
dress. RICH MNISI
opposite
full look. Luis De Javier
You released your debut EP at the start of 2020. How have you grown and changed as an artist in the last two years?
I’ve definitely grown, not just as an artist but as a person. my voice has matured and I am a much better singer, songwriter and creative now than back then. I can’t tell you how because I don’t know exactly what it is but it’s definitely my confidence and learning not to give a crap about what people think of me anymore. It’s also me changing from teenhood into womanhood and understanding myself much better.
You blend a myriad of genres together, from neo-soul to R&B. Has it always been important to you to make sure you don’t stick to one type of genre or get put into one category of artist?
No one can define me or my music. I’m myself, I’m not r&b, I’m not pop, I’m not soul. I take inspiration from everything and therefore I am everything.
full look. Alejandra Muñoz
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full look. Luis De Javier
You’ve been hard at work on your upcoming album, working with talent like A&R and dizzycleanface. What has the collaboration process been like for you and these other members of the industry?
Hard-working, that’s for sure. We were all put under pressure while making my project but the outcome of it was insane so I’m looking forward to everyone hearing it. everyone on the team is super talented and down to earth.
What are some of the themes that you’re exploring on this album?
Life, love, God, myself.
You have a number of performances coming up in London later this autumn and spring of next year. What can audiences expect from these gigs?
Me making jokes and then singing soul-influenced versions of my songs to you for 45 minutes straight. Also, new material that will hopefully be enjoyed.
Lastly, if you could manifest something for yourself this year, what would it be?
Guidance.
corset. T*MITROVSKA
To keep up with all things Alysha, follow her on Instagram at @alysha_gr.
With every video, model and content creator, Calum Harper offers a new lens through which to view the fashion world. He’s speaking with us from his bedroom in New York, sitting down following his digital cover shoot for Schön! 48 dressed in Lacoste. He’s holding his phone vertically and, in a way, it feels like stepping into one of his vlogs — intimate, candid, and full of insight. “The modelling industry is known to be quite serious and exclusive,” he shares. “I thought I could put a twist on it and make it kind of fun; showing the ins and outs of what it’s actually like to be a model. And that was the best decision I’ve ever made!”
At just 22, the Gloucester-born talent is making waves both on the runway and online and he’s about to take on the big screen as well. Harper first caught the spotlight on TikTok, where he began posting behind-the-scenes footage of life as a working fashion model. One of his most viral videos, in which he demonstrates how to perfect the model face, has racked up over 50 million views.
It’s surprising to learn that Harper’s first two years in the industry were marked by scarce work. After moving to London post-pandemic to attend drama school, he began reaching out to modelling agencies to gain exposure. Though he eventually signed with one, nothing really took off until he met his current agent, Patrick Egbon-Marshall, at a party. “Patrick completely changed my life! The big shift was having someone believing in me and pushing as hard as they could for me,” he explains. Soon after, Harper was sent to Japan to develop his career, and began documenting his modelling journey on social media.
He’s well aware that good looks alone aren’t always enough to make it in the industry. “There are so many top boys in the industry that don’t have Instagram. If you look that good, you don’t need anything else, but some of us need social media!” he laughs.
That self-deprecating British humour is part of what draws people to Harper’s content. His authenticity is a key ingredient in his connection with followers. From job bookings and billboard sightings to attending the Academy Awards, his excitement is palpable. “Honestly I couldn’t believe I was there! I’m from a very small town in the UK, this kind of industry was very foreign to me, to my family,” he says. “But for some reason, I knew I was going to do something in this line of work. I don’t know how, but I always knew, and I’m so glad I trusted my gut.”
top. Ernest W. Baker
rings throughout. Calum’s own
opposite
suit. Bode
shirt. Hanro
shoes. Prada
top. Lacoste
opposite
full look. Ulla Johnson
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full look. Diesel
For Lovie Simone, acting has never been just a career choice. From the moment she stepped in front of the camera, the young actress carried with her an unshakable sense of purpose. “I’ve always known this is what was for me,” she says. “This craft is something that I have chosen for me in every version of myself in this lifetime.” That kind of self-possession isn’t learned, it’s lived. Simone, raised in a creative, affirming household, has been living it from the start.
It’s this clarity of vision and deep emotional intelligence that makes her portrayal of Keisha in ‘Forever’, the bold, fresh reimagining of Judy Blume’s coming-of-age story. Whether navigating the complexities of young love, strained family dynamics, or the political pulse of 2018 Los Angeles, Simone approaches each scene with striking honesty and depth. “I’ve always been attracted to characters who display human complexity,” she explains. “They make the unpopular choices at times.”
In ‘Forever’, Simone not only steps into a lead role — she steps into a moment. Working under powerhouses like Mara Brock Akil and Regina King, she anchors a series that reframes Black teenage girlhood with grace, grit, and cultural authenticity. And for Simone, this role is not just a personal milestone — it’s a reflection of the very stories she’s always believed deserve the spotlight.
Schön! chats with Lovie Simone about working on ‘Forever,’ the acting idols she’s dying to work with, and more.
You began acting at a young age — what was the moment or experience that made you realize this was your calling?
I’ve always known this is what was for me! This craft is something that I have chosen for myself in every version of myself in this lifetime.
Growing up in a creative family, how did your environment shape your artistic ambitions and confidence as a young performer?
I grew up with a lot of reassurance about where I was headed with my dreams. My entire family is so uplifting, and therefore I am with myself. Everything is a chance to learn and grow.
Were there any particular performances, films, or actors that deeply inspired you as a child and still influence you today?
Your breakout role in Greenleaf introduced you to many audiences — how did that experience prepare you for the emotional depth required in a role like Keisha in ‘Forever’.
I’ve always been attracted to characters who display human complexity. They make the unpopular choices at times. Zora Greenleaf and Keisha are definitely those young women.
Keisha is portrayed as a confident and ambitious young woman. How did you approach embodying her strength while also conveying her vulnerabilities, especially during pivotal moments like the prom night decision?
I tried to remain honest to playing someone who has deep desires with external happenings bringing up these internal and external conflicts. So I would say staying aware of the desires that Keisha has.
The series is set in 2018 Los Angeles, amidst significant social movements. How did this backdrop influence your portrayal of Keisha, and what nuances did you incorporate to reflect the era’s challenges?
This time period was when everything felt like it was coming to a head politically and socially! But there was a freedom in how Keisha moved through the world pre-pandemic! We, the audience, get to experience this life with her and have that nostalgic feeling with us.
Keisha’s relationship with her family, particularly her mother Shelly, is complex. Can you delve into how these familial dynamics shaped Keisha’s decisions and your interpretation of her character?
The closeness as well as the craving for her mother’s respect as an adult weighed on Keisha heavily. There was always something proving to be done in her eyes, which makes decision making look a little different as an individual.
The series explores the intricacies of first love. How did you and Michael Cooper Jr. cultivate the on-screen chemistry between Keisha and Justin, and what discussions did you have to ensure authenticity in their relationship?
Michael and I have had so many conversations leading up to filming about comfort levels as well as excitement about the project! That excitement definitely translated into our interactions on set. BUT! We didn’t talk much when first filming to keep a sense of mystery and anxiety [laughs]. We were familiar with one another while wanting to connect and I believe Justin and Keisha delivered!
Keisha and Justin’s decision to part ways is both heartfelt and heartbreaking. What insights did you gain about young love and personal growth through this narrative arc?
I was reassured that although young love may not be the wisest, there’s a special kind of wisdom one gains from it.
Given the show’s modern take on Judy Blume’s novel, how do you think ‘Forever’ addresses contemporary issues of teenage sexuality and autonomy compared to the original work?
It highlights the spaces in which teenagers take up space in today’s world. In the outside world, in schools and on social media. It addresses consent in a natural way that would come up for an awkward teen. I appreciate how tasteful it is!
Working under the direction of Mara Brock Akil and Regina King must have been impactful. Can you share specific moments or guidance from them that influenced your performance?
I was influenced by these two amazing women every day. I like to say that I’m observant, and just by watching, one can learn so much! They move through the industry with such grace and happiness as well as a deep appreciation for the story! It gets no better than this, honestly.
top. Barabara Bui @ CLOAK WARDROBE
skirt. Bach Mai
shoes. Marc Fisher
earrings, necklace, bangles + cuff. Alexis Bittar
rings. GRISÉ NYC
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full Look. PROCODE DRESS
earrings. MISHO
bangles. Dinosaur Designs
rings + ear cuffs. Elena Matallana
Music plays a significant role in setting the show’s tone. Were there particular songs or musical themes that resonated with you and helped you connect deeper with Keisha’s journey?
I made a Keisha playlist while prepping for ‘Forever’! One song that played a lot was “While We’re Young” by Jhene Aiko!
The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of Black teenage experiences. How did the production team ensure cultural authenticity, and what role did you play in that process?
Production stayed true to the black LA life by hiring people who live or love LA, which doesn’t get any better for storytelling. Those that can really lend a true perspective. And for those who are not from LA, the majority of the cast and crew were black! It was like being with family, working on our story! Our collective as well as separate upbringings.
As someone who has transitioned from supporting roles to leading a series, how has this experience shaped your perspective on storytelling and representation in the industry?
It’s confirmed everything I’ve always believed. There is a universal truth as well as an appreciation for stories that involve people who move through the world that look like me.
Reflecting on your journey with ‘Forever’, what message or feeling do you hope viewers take away from Keisha’s story?
I hope they take away understanding. Keisha is complex and lovable, making her like all of us!
Swept through time on the current of music, Zoë Bleu finds reflections of herself in the characters she embodies — gathering fragments of identity, drifting from dreams into a life steeped in enchantment. We find her strutting the streets while wearing Valentino when we speak to her for her digital cover story for Schön! 48, where she opens up about her character, Elisabeta, her 15th-century role in the upcoming film ‘Dracula: A Love Tale’. “She knows what she wants. She gets what she wants when she wants it,” Sidel says. She’s a princess, but she acts like a queen. She’s got a regal, kind of bitchy presence,” she jests. “The clothes really bring the role to life. I have a beautiful velvet dress encrusted with pearls, and it makes the bosom look amazing. Everything is covered, but it’s done in such a way that you can see that she’s sensual.”
Inspired in part by Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 interpretation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, French director Luc Besson’s Dracula: A Love Tale reimagines the legend through the lens of eternal love and reincarnation. “The very classical, historical way of thinking about ‘Dracula’ is ‘I’m going to suck your blood,’ and ‘You are mine,’ but that’s not this Dracula. It’s really something else; it’s a love story, not a horror film. It’s like ‘Romeo and Juliet’,” Sidel explains.
In Besson’s telling, both Elisabeta and Mina—the dual characters portrayed by Sidel—share an everlasting connection with Dracula, played by Caleb Landry Jones. This bond transcends time and identity. Sidel calls it “soul love.” To cultivate this depth of emotion on screen, Sidel and Landry Jones engaged in Butoh, a distinct form of avant-garde dance theatre marked by deliberate, expressive motion and inward emotional focus. “It was interesting to try and create a friendship through dance and music,” Sidel says. This nonverbal approach offered a profound avenue for connection, grounded in emotion and presence.
Another technique they used to sync emotionally was simultaneous music listening. This shared experience became particularly important for anchoring pivotal scenes. A recurring lullaby, for example, acts as a sonic thread linking Elisabeta with Mina — bridging centuries through melody. “My music project L’ESPIRAL was heavily impacted,” she continues. “I’ve made four of those [poems] into songs that I’m going to record this summer.”
Sidel sees a rhythmic logic in existence itself: “Everything is music, isn’t it? All of existence has a vibrational frequency; that’s music. Love is a frequency; it’s music. Like star-crossed lovers, a world begins between these two souls, these two people fall in love. And there is a music to it.”
jacket. CHANEL
top + skirt. Yohji Yamamoto
earrings. Swarovski
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dress. Rokh
shirt. Les Fleurs Studio
shoes. Roberto Cavalli
coat. Mossi
dress + bra. Dolce & Gabbana
shoes. Dior
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jacket. Emporio Armani
dress. Louis Vuitton
boots. Christian Louboutin
jacket. CHANEL
top + skirt. Yohji Yamamoto
shoes. Christian Louboutin
earrings. Swarovski
