Katy O’Kane is a Los Angeles girl. Born in the San Fernando Valley, this young singer, model and actress perfectly represents the essence of the mythical Californian city. Magnetic, creative, mysterious and absolutely remote, Katy is a true enigma in broad daylight. Her career as a model has led her to work with the best brands and designers. Katy’s charisma manages to transcend the photographs and attract everyone who sees them for that mixture of strength and fragility that the artist exudes.
She is now entering a new phase in her life, marked by her passion for music and film. Her first song “Pavement” was a real discovery thanks to its folksy touches and delicate sensibility and her next film, Purple, directed by Ben Gilbert and written by and co-starring her friend Aaron Therol, promises to be an unforgettable experience thanks to a script that analyzes the tribulations, longings and disenchantments of everyday life. It’s clear that Katy is not afraid of anything and is ready to conquer every one of her dreams – the journey into the future has only just begun.
layered bodysuits. Barreto
scarf worn as top. Vintage
skirt. KURRIIZMATIC
earrings. Justine Clenquet
Oh, I have to confess Katy, I love Los Angeles! I was a big fan of that MTV guilty pleasure called The Hills. You are a true L.A. girl from the San Fernando Valley, how has that city inspired you?
I really did enjoy growing up in this city. I definitely made friends for life here and we’ve all helped one another navigate this crazy town. As I’ve gotten older it’s been inspiring seeing those who come from out of town to pursue their dreams. My partner has shown me a lot of grit by coming here right after college from Boston with a big group of friends. They have inspired me so much because any time you go to their house it’s like four different genres of music playing out of each room. Grinding, hustling, never-ending passion. It’s really wonderful.
I know you’ve lived in many other cities, do you remember any that have made a special impression on you? Which ones would you like to visit next?
Oh, it’s so hard to choose. In my opinion, the real world begins once you leave LA. I would say two places because I simply can’t pick. The first time I landed in New York City when I was 17 I knew I was in love. That city changed me in so many ways emotionally and forced me to grow up whether I wanted to or not very rapidly. My other city choice would be Nosara, Costa Rica. Pure magic and love. The locals make me want to visit all the time because they are so welcoming and warm. I would love to go to Japan next.
dress. Prada
boots. Dries Van Noten
earrings. Justine Clenquet
opposite
dress. Prada
earrings. Justine Clenquet
Some of my friends also work as models and are on a plane all day. How do you deal with constant travel?
Well, I am writing the answers to this while on a plane to Rhode Island for work actually! I honestly love to travel. I do get sleepy in LA sometimes and need that adrenaline rush. Perhaps it’s sadistic behaviour but I’m not ashamed! I get inspiration from meeting people who come from all walks of life. I’ve learned we’re not all that different after all.
Music, film, art, fashion… you have explored all these fields, is Katy O’Kane an adventurer?
Absolutely. I want to try everything in this life at least once. What are we all doing here if we aren’t willing to try and push ourselves out of societal norms? There is creativity everywhere I believe as well. If you love whatever you do or you can find something you love, do that. My dad always used to tell me that when I was just starting. I only really found my love for music, film, and modelling by giving them a fair shot. It was scary- trust me! I was sobbing and crying during the first acting class I went to as an adult. That’s a story for another time. I have found what I love and that is to tell stories.
blouse + shorts. Chanel
shoes. ARIEL OF JERSEY
earrings. Justine Clenquet
Following on from the previous question, I’d like to ask you about your own creative processes – is your approach to a music project different to that of a film project?
I had to think about this for a while actually. When approaching music it’s very spontaneous and usually, I cannot plan when I’ll get an idea whereas for acting it feels almost more calculated but at the same time not at all. It’s really all about listening for me. I find that’s how I feel the most authentic.
‘Pavement’ is the first song you have released, could you tell me a bit more about the process of creating this song?
‘Pavement’ was written with my partner and co-writer/producer Johannes Burger. One night in New York I had been reflecting on a relationship with a loved one that was particularly painful and complicated. I wrote the song in the POV of losing someone you love and doing everything you can to save that person even when they couldn’t help themselves. The lesson is that you can’t change anyone. I know so many of us feel alone and angry when we want the best for those we love but eventually, I had to let them go because I felt I was losing myself. That person passed away a couple of months later. Finishing the production and having the amazing musicians contribute to this beautiful project was the beginning of my grieving journey. It was like a warm hug for many months during the darkest time of my life. It felt like my anger and sadness were festering for years and I could finally put those feelings to paper.
layered bodysuits. Barreto
scarf worn as top. Vintage
skirt. KURRIIZMATIC
earrings. Justine Clenquet
opposite
bodysuit. Fleur du Mal
denim patchwork trousers. CHERESHNIVSKA
platform boots. Dries Van Noten
I know you spent many years without being able to finish your songs, at what point did you see the light and were able to complete your songs? Is music a way to heal?
Eventually, I realized how unfulfilling it felt to be constantly living out of fear. I’m still learning what it means to not be a “shadow artist” anymore (as Julia Cameron calls them.) It’s so much more uncomfortable at a certain point to stay in the unknown than to be free and create art without judgment. I had this realization with acting and other ventures as well. I internalize a lot of feelings like so many of us I’m sure. I think that’s what makes art such an important tool to live a healthy life. It allows for new connections and self-exploration. Writing acts as a funnel for all of my anger, pain, or the thoughts I can’t exactly tell the people closest to me. It’s very therapeutic and sacred.
What about fashion? When you work as a model, do you prefer an instrumental role or are you actively involved in the process?
It depends really but I am always eager to give feedback especially if they need help deciding on styling. We all have unique styles but I love seeing the vision for each brand and helping form a cohesive outfit for the client that everyone is content with. Sometimes it is super nice to be a fly on the wall, especially while grieving I’ve definitely taken a liking to being alone.
coat + top. Tanner Fletcher
earrings. Rinaldy A. Yunardi
You have been working in the fashion industry for several years now, have you met anyone who has been inspiring to you?
The list is endless! I cherish every person I’ve been able to work with.
Can you tell me about any special memories you have from your years in the fashion industry?
Some of my fondest memories are when I went to Paris with my mom for the Louis Vuitton FW 2015 show. My mom and I had so much adrenaline and she was my biggest cheerleader. Another fond memory was living in Australia and travelling in that beautiful country. It was one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen. I would say that the one that always sticks out to me is when I travelled to Patagonia for a job and it was 10 o’clock at night with blue skies. It was memorable beyond words. If anyone has the chance to go they must.
Purple is your first feature film project directed by Ben Gilbert and written by Aaron Therol, how did this project come to you?
Aaron and I met years ago in an acting class and we started dabbling in little shorts here and there. He came to me in early 2022 with the script for Purple and said “this part was written with you in mind.” Immediately I agreed to the project. Who wouldn’t want to work with their good friends?
blouse + shorts. Chanel
shoes. ARIEL OF JERSEY
earrings. Justine Clenquet
opposite
knit top. Tanner Fletcher
checkered sheer trousers. Kim Perets
sandals. Prada
Aaron Therol not only wrote Purple but he also stars in it. How did you work on the chemistry between your characters, these two strangers rediscovering their lives?
Aaron and I have a pretty childish and innocent friendship already so it definitely felt comfortable working with him. My character is pretty forward with him which I think helped us develop how they can act as strangers in the beginning of the film. The way the two characters’ relationship develops is very moving.
Tell me about your favourite films, who are your references? Have you seen any film recently that has moved you?
Okay if you have not seen Theater Camp you MUST. If you grew up in theatre or around theatre kids it is truly the funniest and most heartfelt movie to me. I also think that Past Lives was one of the best movies I saw last year. It is so raw and brave to show the reality of love and life, especially as immigrants. Greta Lee is FANTASTIC and I was left absolutely wrecked after that film.
dress. Prada
earrings. Justine Clenquet
direction + photography. Mynxii White
fashion. Lisa Bae
talent. Katy O’Kane
hair. Nevada
make up. Satya Linak
fashion assistant. Jaslynn Espinoza
assistant. Madeline Bonn
interview. Juan Marti
