Lucy Boynton on the Pleasures of London Parks, 1960s Escapism, and Chloé’s Latest Perfume

Since the world has known Lucy Boynton—Through her turn in 2016 Sing Street, Set in mid-80s Dublin, followed by a 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody—She gave the incredible impression of a flower hothouse, simulated reality splendor on the Hollywood red carpet. The actor’s fashion choices dip into mod hemlines and fanciful bows. Her makeup is like an exercise in stylized improvisation, with delicate arcs of liquid liner or a fiery red eyeshadow; a Twiggy eyelash is a trusted signature. It all speaks to Boynton’s innate ability to play the character. More than anything, she told As I am in the early stages of a pandemic, dressing up is “an opportunity to feel who I am — or yet, I want to feel — in a slightly uncomfortable or less natural environment.”

Over the next year, marked by a period of collective inactivity, Boynton found another way to feel grounded. “I think you really re-learn to appreciate those London parks when you’re only allowed out for an hour a day,” Boynton said by phone, recalling the prolonged lockdowns since early 2021. The deserted city, stripped of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, is a strange place to lie low, even for a native. “Walking through Regent Park and just taking the time to consider everything around you has had a surprising impact,” she says. “I’m pretty, I don’t know, shame I didn’t do it sooner.”

Nature has a way of calming the nervous system: the soles of the feet connect to the earth’s electromagnetic field, or modulate the sensations believed to accompany bathing in the woods. If Boynton finds tranquility among the park’s yew and maple trees, she also appears comfortably nestled in the trunk of a giant, spiky tree in the campaign for a new fragrance. Chloe’s best. Summon Eau de Parfum Naturelle, it’s the first scent under the leadership of the creative director Gabriela Hearst—A champion of sustainability at the luxury level — and fittingly, this is an all-natural fragrance. “Fresh, airy and crisp” is how Boynton describes the soft, luminous rose scent from citrus cedar. “It immediately took me somewhere barefoot — maybe barefoot in one of those beautiful London parks,” she said, “perhaps with a little Dylan or Leon Bridge in the background. That sounds pretty idyllic.”

Chloé Eau de Parfum Naturelle

Chloé’s emphasis on good governance resonates throughout the industry, where fashion and beauty companies are re-evaluating not only what goes into their merchandise but also the ramifications of manufacture. “It sends a really important message when a brand as famous as Chloé holds itself accountable in such a public way,” says Boynton, “and does it without compromising the delicate end result,” says Boynton. he pointed out. Here, the actress shares her own natural beauty philosophy, a gripping Aldous Huxley novel, and scenes from her upcoming six-part miniseries, Ippress file. Based Len DeightonThe 1962 spy-thriller novel (inspired by a 1965 film with Michael Caine), it’s heading to ITV in February, with an upcoming US release date.

Vanity Fair: This new fragrance focuses on nature. What have you read recently—or perhaps something from your personal classic—that touches on that topic?

Lucy Boynton: Recently I’ve been reading Island by Aldous Huxley, and I found it to be a profoundly impactful read. It explores the idea of ​​stripping away everything – removing the superfluous of life and human experience, everything that humans project onto this earth – and the idea of ​​going back to this core concept in the environment. school. I really loved that book. And I remember – I don’t know why, I haven’t read it in years – but reading EM Forster in school: Room with a view. The essence in it is a catalyst to express the commentary emotion of the story. I recall that it was really beautiful.

Chloé’s creative director, Gabriela Hearst, grew up in a household where items were repaired before being thrown away, and she values ​​quality over quantity when it comes to clothing. What about your own wardrobe – are there vintage pieces that have been kept or do you have a habit of wearing weatherproof boots to extend their life?

My sister has always been very good at vintage shopping, so from an early age I followed eBay and antique stores in London. But my favorite pieces are the ones I inherited from my mother – obviously for sentimental value, I think. My favorite shirt from her that I always seem to carry with me is this really nice DKNY top, black and sheer, and the perfect oversize so it could be a dress or a dress. shirt with jeans. I don’t want to butcher it with a lot of description, but it’s just a perfect piece of work. I try and take extra care with my clothes, but I like to wear everything. Although waterproof shoes will be very useful!

In the beauty sector, the conversation around natural ingredients has expanded to focus on sustainability in sourcing and packaging. As a result, how has your skin care approach adapted?

Anyway, I always lean towards organic and natural products because my skin is really sensitive. I love Weleda Rose moisturizing cream and cleanser—And those things are only truly beautiful and gentle. Now I’m trying to expand my organic consciousness to more sustainable products. There’s this amazing makeup artist I’ve worked with a few times in London, Justine Jenkins, and she uses only organic, sustainable and toxin-free products. She’s always been someone who has insight into the fact that this consciousness isn’t about any kind of compromise. I think more and more brands are adjusting to that — that you can still maintain product quality and be conscious of all these ways.