LaKeith Stanfield, the Oscar-nominated actor, recently arrived in Paris, shaking off jet lag to prepare for the Dior menswear show, showcasing his willingness to push boundaries in fashion and beyond. Known for blending creativity and bold choices, Stanfield’s latest work, including collaborations with Al Pacino, reflects his evolving artistic journey.
Despite the 12-hour time difference, Stanfield enthusiastically immersed himself in the Dior experience, testing a layered outfit crafted from patchwork denim. Wrapped in a white bathrobe while working with Parisian makeup artist Angloma, he enjoyed the lively atmosphere to the backdrop of Etta James. His playful energy was clear as he directed camera cuts and explored his new look.
Pushing Fashion Boundaries and Career Exploration
Stanfield expressed excitement about stepping into unfamiliar territory with his outfit choice at Dior.
“I haven’t appeared in any looks that are similar to this. So I’m like, let me stretch the boundaries a little bit. Do something new, do something different, get into a new comfort zone,”
he said. This openness to experiment also marks his approach to selecting film roles.
His upcoming film, Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters, starring Keke Palmer and Naomi Ackie, highlights characters described as fashion mavens, yet the storyline remains under wraps.
“What I think I can safely say is no one has seen anything like this,”
Stanfield noted. The movie critiques themes of greed through a fantastical, genre-bending narrative without feeling overbearing.
He added,
“It was nice to have a piece of art that can critique it. [It] seems like we live in a world increasingly spearheaded by greed, so it’s nice to kind of survey that and then think about how it impresses upon us.”
Stanfield also revealed an intriguing character detail:
“I play a vampire. So there you go.”
The film, set for release in May, is a contender for screening at Cannes.
Heritage and Inspiration from Europe’s Rich History
The California native recently discovered through a DNA test that he is approximately 15 percent English, a revelation that deepened his appreciation for his lineage. Reflecting on this, he said,
“I love lineage and trying to trace my lineage back. That’s one thing I like about Europe — there’s a lot of rich history.”
He linked this sense of history to Dior’s new creative direction, praising the brand’s creative director Jonathan Anderson.
“Jonathan Anderson is doing new stuff and making history as we speak. That’s what you hope to do — make history,”
Stanfield remarked. He described Anderson’s work as daring and contemporizing historical references without rigidity, framing the fashion show as part of a broader creative experience.
Collaborating with Al Pacino on a Fresh Take of King Lear
Stanfield’s upcoming projects extend beyond fashion and Boosters. Among several films in development, he is involved in a reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s King Lear, co-starring Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain. This production reimagines the classic tragedy without strictly adhering to modern or traditional forms.
Working alongside Pacino has been both enjoyable and rewarding for Stanfield, who described a meaningful moment when the acting legend complimented him.
“That feels quite beautiful to hear from him,”
he shared.
“It’s fantastic. That’s like grandpa. He’s so cool, man, I love him.”
Photography and Music: Expanding Creative Outlets
Away from acting and fashion, Stanfield pursues photography passionately. Originally a hobby, it has become a serious creative outlet offering him a unique viewpoint. Well-versed in camera models and technical specifications, he often engages deeply with photographers on set.
Photography provides a different pace compared to his acting and music endeavors, focusing on more personal subjects such as his wife and family. When asked about the possibility of publishing a book or holding an exhibit, Stanfield did not dismiss the idea.
He described his creative engagement as a way to maintain balance, saying it helps him
“do something other than otherwise going crazy.”
Following the release of his single Fast Life with Kid Cudi last year, Stanfield intends to return to the studio to continue his music work.
Stanfield’s Call for Unity and Peace in Challenging Times
Beyond artistic pursuits, Stanfield expressed a heartfelt desire for greater harmony worldwide, especially during times of division.
“I want love and peace across the Middle East and across the middle west and everywhere — more peace in the world, more harmony,”
he said.
He emphasized the importance of connection and reducing distractions, adding,
“Hopefully people come together, put their phones down a little bit, share with their people… It’s a lot of white, colors and borders. Let’s just come together. I would love to have that message resonate.”
