jacket. Gestuz
dress. Tiger of Sweden
sandals. MCM
earrings + necklace. Messika
opposite
full look. Polo Ralph Lauren
sunglasses. Carrera
jewellery. Swarovski
Known for her magnetic presence and versatility on screen, Lena Meckel effortlessly brings her characters to life, drawing audiences into their world with every performance. Her journey began in theatre, where her passion for storytelling blossomed, and her commitment to her craft has made her a sought-after actress in both film and television. Meckel’s role in Un/Dressed showcases her ability to navigate complex characters with grace and intensity, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and skilled performer. Beyond acting, Meckel’s creative spirit finds expression in her comedy podcast “Short Night,” co-hosted with her partner, David Helmut. This project highlights her wit and charm, allowing her to connect with audiences on a personal level. Her foray into podcasting and social media showcases her multifaceted nature and her desire to explore new creative avenues.
Schön! chats with Meckel about her latest role in Un/Dressed, preparing for the character, and more.
top + shorts. Sandro Paris
bra. Purple Brand
jewellery. Tiffany & Co
opposite
dress. Cividini
shoes. MM6 Maison Margiela @ Zalando
collar. Rita in Palma
Lena, what initially drew you to the role of your character in Un/Dressed, and what personal connections did you find with the character?
As soon as I read the synopsis for the casting, I knew immediately that I wanted to play this role. The world of Un/Dressed captivated me instantly. It’s a mix between “The Devil Wears Prada” and “50 Shades of Grey”—this glamorous facade on one side and the dark family secrets on the other. I could immediately identify with my character, Elle. I was fascinated by the extreme game of fire that drives the character. I also liked her controlled, ambitious, and powerful personality, which masks a vulnerable and insecure interior. I wanted to join her on her journey to find herself and her true desires and goals.
How did you prepare for this role, both mentally and physically, considering the intense themes of the film? Did you discover anything new about yourself during this process?
I spent the two months before filming extensively in the gym, with my coach preparing me for the shoot. It was important for me to feel comfortable in my body for the intense scenes. Good nutrition, fitness, and plenty of sleep were essential. Interestingly, I also walked around my apartment naked a lot to feel comfortable and confident in my body without clothing. Initially, it was strange since I never usually do that, but it was a new and liberating experience.
Can you describe a particularly challenging scene you had to film in Un/Dressed and how you approached it? How did you unwind after a tough day on set?
The best thing for me after a long and intense day of filming was to have a cozy dinner with the team and enjoy a relaxed end to the evening. This always gave me a lot of energy and strength for the next day of shooting.
full look. Ferragamo
sunglasses. Dsquared2
What was your experience working with the director and the rest of the cast? Were there any standout moments or unexpected friendships formed?
Working with our director Tim Trachten was simply wonderful. Tim is an incredibly empathetic and warm-hearted person who places a lot of trust in you, making the work on set incredibly pleasant. He has a clear vision of the characters and the story, allowing them to unfold naturally. We all definitely gained a friend in Tim after the project.
The film explores personal and emotional themes. How do you balance such intense work with your personal life and well-being?
Projects requiring a lot of physicality are usually never easy, especially for personal life and relationships. I am very fortunate to have a partner who works in the same industry as a director and understands my work, supporting me 100%. This strong basis of trust has been built up over the years and is essential for maintaining balance.
How do you think the themes of Un/Dressed will resonate with viewers, and what impact do you hope the film will have on the audience?
Given the film’s unique genre, I imagine it might attract viewers interested in erotic thrillers. This genre peaked in the mid-90s, but few films have been seen since then. I hope ” stirs things up a bit and excites the audience with its themes.
jacket. Duno
swimsuit. Helene Galwas
sunglasses. Etro
heels. Max & Co
opposite
dress. Black Palms
necklace. Swarovski
Were there any moments during filming that were particularly memorable or unexpected? Perhaps a funny or touching story you can share?
A very special moment was when our director Tim Trachten and cinematographer Fabian Rössler presented me with one of the coveted clapperboards at the airport in Tallinn on the way back to Munich. The team kept one for me, and everyone signed it, which touched me deeply. It is a beautiful memory of those two months and now stands visibly in my cabinet at home.
Outside of acting, what are some passions or hobbies that you enjoy? How do they help you in your career and personal growth?
Besides acting, I co-host a comedy podcast called “Short Night” with my partner David Helmut. We address everyday topics and problems humorously and not entirely seriously. The exchange as a couple and with our listeners is incredibly fun, allowing us to explore various topics weekly. Additionally, I love being myself without slipping into a role, both on the podcast and on social media, where we upload not-too-serious clips.
leather set. Longchamp
earrings. Cartier
opposite
blouse jacket. Colmar
jacket. Emporio Armani Icon
bra. Materiel via Zalando
shorts. Black Palms
ballerinas. Max & Co
earrings. Tiffany & Co
socks. Hudson
How did you spend your downtime on set? Did you have any rituals or activities that helped you stay focused and relaxed between scenes?
I hardly had any downtime on this project as Elle is present in almost every scene. However, if I did have a short break, I liked to stare into space and treat myself to an ice-cold Coke from a can. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a difference.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring actors based on your experience with Un/Dressed, what would it be?
Set boundaries. Ask yourself what you are willing to do for the job and what you are not. Also, understand what you want and avoid being available 24/7 for everyone and everything. I’ve been in this industry since I was 13 years old, and it means everything to me. However, I have noticed how often I have put my personal life and desires aside for the next possible job. As actors, we experience a lot of rejection and failures, which we must learn to handle. Therefore, set priorities, clearly define your boundaries, and do what feels right and good for you personally.
jacket + skirt. Sportmax
bikini. Helene Galwas
opposite
vest. Circolo 1901
dress. Otto d’Ame
Un/Dressed is out now.
photography. Thomas von Aagh
fashion. Oliver Rauh
model. Lena Meckel
hair + make up. Evangelos Tzimikas @ Fame Agency using Hourglass + Augustinus Bader/Maroccain Oil
interview. Alper Kurtel
