Between attending modeling appointments in New York City, filming projects in Rome, spending time with family in Paris, and enjoying downtime in Rio de Janeiro, keeping up with Deva Cassel is an adventure in and of itself. At only 19 years old, the French-Italian starlet has done what most only dream of—catwalks, campaigns, and coveted roles in buzzy new projects, including her acting debut this year in the indie film The Beautiful Summer.
On eyes Diorshow On Stage Crayon in #099 Black, Diorshow On Stage Liner in #096 Satin Black, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl in #090 Black Rouge / On lips Rouge Dior in #219 Rose Montaigne (Satin) / On nails Dior Vernis in #108 Muguet
As the child of Italian model and actor Monica Bellucci and French actor Vincent Cassel, it seems that the worlds of fashion and film have become her oysters. Now set to star in the upcoming Netflix series The Leopard, based on the classic novel of the same name by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, Deva is only just getting started. And let’s be honest: Is there anyone more powerful than a teenage girl on a mission?
GEN V: From a young age, did you always plan to pursue acting?
Deva Cassel: No, as a matter of fact, I really did not want to be an actor for most of my childhood. It was something that everyone kept asking me as a kid and it really pushed me away from that career path. However, with time, I started getting more and more interested in the cinematic industry, the people, and the experiences it could offer. What really pushed me to try was the script Laura [Luchetti] wrote and sent me. It was also a great way to get me to do something new and out of my comfort zone.
GEN V: What are some of your earliest memories from childhood that inspired you to explore modeling?
DC: I always had a passion for clothes, aesthetics, photography…. I remember browsing through my mom’s huge fashion books that she kept in the house for as long as I can remember. Everything was so looked after and beautiful. I knew I wanted to work in that industry at some point in my life, but I definitely didn’t expect to love it this much and make a living out of it.
GEN V: With a few film and fashion projects under your belt, you’re still at a very early point in your career. That said, what are some things you dream of accomplishing?
DC: One of my dreams would be to create my own capsule with a brand and to have traveled the world by the age of 30.
GEN V: Between jet-setting around the world for roles or preparing for a fashion campaign, what does your ideal day look like?
DC: Immediately after waking up, I have a coffee in the sun then have a super long walk to a new restaurant, eat something delicious, and then simply go back home to rest. Maybe see some friends.
GEN V: What can you say (at this early moment) about The Leopard?
DC: I haven’t seen anything yet since we finished filming, but I can say that, visually speaking, this series is going to be insane. We worked in some of the most beautiful places in Italy and the decor was stunning. I cannot wait to see what we’ve done.
On skin Dior Forever Glow Veil, Dior Forever Skin Glow in #1N, Dior Forever Skin Correct in #1N
On brows Diorshow Brow Styler in #03 Brown
On eyes Diorshow On Stage Crayon in #099 Black, Diorshow On Stage Liner in #096 Satin Black, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl in #090 Black
On lips Rouge Dior in #999 (Velvet)
GEN V: What industry lessons have you learned from your parents?
DC: They taught me to always look forward, to always protect myself, to always be kind, and always keep wonder in mind. There’s much more, but the point is that they’ve taught me how to handle unexpected situations and live by my own rules, while always respecting people and the environment I’m in.
GEN V: With 2024 approaching soon, what are some of your goals as we enter the new year?
DC: Get my driver’s license, visit Japan for the first time, and spend more time with my family.
V: What is something no one knows about you?
DC: I was 100% fully convinced I could communicate with the ocean as a kid.
V: Where will you be spending the December holidays?
DC: In Brazil. I haven’t been there in years so I’m very excited to go back.
V: Where do you live now and where have you lived?
DC: I am currently based in Paris, which is where I’ve lived most of my life. I have also lived in Rome and Rio.
V: What’s your favorite spot on Eearth?
DC: I can’t choose only one, but Lithuania is high on the list for sure.
This story appears in the pages of GEN V4: now available for purchase!
Photography Richard Burbridge
Fashion Nicola Formichetti
Makeup Peter Philips (Art + Commerce) using DIOR BEAUTY
Hair Stéphane Lancien (Callisté)
Model Deva Cassel (DNA)
Manicure Elsa Deslandes (Majeure)
Production Michaël Lacomblez (Louis2), Ambre Silvestre
Digital technician Victor Gaultier (D Factory)
Photo assistants Jesse Russell, James Fonteneau
Makeup assistant Estelle Jaillet
Hair assistants Julian Sapin, Sonia Messaoudi
Production assistant Mathilde Barniaud (Louis2)
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