Alexandra The Great

Reprising her role as Marvel heroine Storm and lighting up the big screen in the hyped Love, Simon, 2018 Women in Film Max Mara Face of the Future Award winner ALEXANDRA SHIPP is in the fast lane to superstardom. Here, she chats to Divya Bala about neighbour disputes, (in)equality in Hollywood and the liberating power of a shaved head.

- Divya Bala

When Arizona-born actor Alexandra Shipp is curled up on a plush armchair opposite, sinking into an even plusher Max Mara robe coat that manages to look both snuggly and glamorous at the same time, it’s easy to forget you’re in the presence of one of Hollywood’s most promising rising stars. Despite the palatial surrounds of Milan’s Mandarin Oriental hotel and a corner-dwelling agent, a conversation with Shipp is as real, raw and entertaining as a Friday night on the couch with your most trusted girlfriend (and comes with an infectious side of sass that you have to consciously try to not give back).

We had both been at the Max Mara runway earlier, so conversation quickly turns to a mini review of the office wear-heavy show, which was somehow homey with a rock’n’roll edge. Max Mara clearly has high-end cosiness cornered. “Oh my god, fffff-fabulous, fabulous, fabulous,” Shipp effuses. “So gorgeous. I’m gonna wear every single piece. It’s so beautiful. There’s something about these classic styles with modern twists …” She lists a fringed camel jacket among her favourite pieces, before gushing about show stylist Carine Roitfeld’s choice to push coat sleeves above the elbow to reveal biceps-length leather gloves. “I had never thought to do that! Like, how fabulous is that?”