IN CONVERSATION WITH LARSEN THOMPSON

interview by JANA LETONJA

Numéro Netherlands Digital presents American actress, model, and dancer Larsen Thompson as the Cover Star of the day, captured by Ben Cope. Larsen was most recently seen as one of the leads in Sony’s supernatural horror film ‘Tarot’. Previously, she has also recurred in Netflix’s series ‘The Midnight Club’. Larsen first made waves as a dancer in a viral fan video for Beyoncé's hit "Run the World (Girls)”, has appeared in several music videos and has been a backup dancer for many artists.

dress 1998 F/W GIORGIO ARMANI from THE REALLIST
jewelry TIFFANY & CO
boots 1999 GUCCI BY TOM FORD from THE REALLIST

Larsen, the most recent film we’ve seen you in was the horror film ‘Tarot’. How was working on this project for you, and what did you enjoy the most about it?

Working on ‘Tarot’ was one of the greatest experiences. The whole crew made the overall set environment one of collaboration, determination, and encouragement. Our writers and directors Anna Halberg and Spenser Cohen led us as actors with such a clear vision, but gave us the freedom to play and explore in this world they created. I enjoyed getting to work alongside a stellar cast with chemistry that came so naturally and brought us all together overseas in Serbia with memories made on and off camera. Horror is a genre I’m very passionate about and has found me since the beginning of my career, so I’m very thankful to have had it come full circle for my first time on the big screen.

skirt suit & beret 1991 RUNWAY AZZEDINE ALAIA from TAB VINTAGE
jewelry TIFFANY & CO
stockings CALZEDONDIA
shoes LOUBOUTIN

Acting is only one of the aspects of your career. What creatively challenges and fulfills you the most about acting?

Acting has taught me more about myself, and continues to teach me with each character I have the opportunity to portray. I really appreciate the vulnerability and openness it requires to take on this craft, and getting to express myself in deeper ways that hopefully resonate and connect to people. 

Which project you’ve starred on so far had the biggest impact on your career and why?

My first indie film ‘Pearl’ directed by Bobby Roth was a project that was a real stepping stone in giving me the confidence to take on a lead role. I had the opportunity to work alongside Anthony Lapaglia, who shared a lot of his own experience and wisdom with me and really challenged me to be a better actor. 

One of the biggest passions and another part of your career is dancing. What drew you to dance from such an early age?

From a young age, my love of performing was always there. Little me would demand my family’s attention as I put on a show in the living room. My parents knew to put me in dance classes and from that moment on, I couldn’t get enough. I spent majority of my childhood and teen years in the studio training about 50 hours a week and only because I wanted to be there and get better. 

left
denim skirt suit 1986 AZZEDINE ALAIA from TAB VINTAGE
jewelry ALEXIS BITTAR
sunglasses GUCCI
shoes 1999 GUCCI BY TOM FORD from THE REALLIST
gloves PAULA ROWAN

right
dress 2009 MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA from TAB VINTAGE
jewelry ALEXIS BITTAR
stockings CALZEDONDIA
shoes JIMMY CHOO

You’ve trained hip-hop, tap, contemporary and ballet. Which of the styles do you enjoy the most and why?

I have a deep appreciation for all styles of dance, but I love dancing hip hop the most. I find this style to come naturally to me when getting lost in the rhythm and beats of the music, while also bringing out a tougher, stronger side to myself. 

Your dancing career has led you to being a backup dancer for artists like Christina Aguilera and Janet Jackson. What was the most exciting aspect of being able to dance alongside them on stage?

The feeling of dancing live on stage is one of the most exhilarating feelings, and to be able to do it alongside some of music’s legends is something special. From each experience I’ve had the opportunity to work on, I am always in awe watching these creatives bring their vision to life. I have learned so much seeing the behind the scenes of what it takes, which has only inspired me to take into my own career. 

You’ve also appeared in music videos for Sia, P!nk and Katy Perry. How does starring in a music video connect your passions for acting and dancing?

Music videos are all about story telling, which allows me to fuse my love of dance and acting to bring performances to life. Playing the role of Beautiful in P!NK’s 'Beautiful Trauma' was empowering and authentic to mirroring the artist's vision for this character. This is by far one of my favorite projects I’ve worked on to date in my career.

dress DIOR
jewelry TIFFANY & CO
shoes LOUBOUTIN

You’ve also done some modeling, having worked with brands like Dior, Fendi, Givenchy and others. When working on a modeling project like these, what do you generally the most exciting about it?

My favorite part about being on photoshoots and working with these different brands is the inspiration I get from the clothes. With each outfit, I feel as though I’m embodying a different character depending on the style and mood of the project. It excites me getting to be on set in any capacity, meeting new people and collaborating with other creatives.

What role does fashion play in your life, and what is your favorite item in your closet?

I see fashion as an opportunity to express my personality and find ways to explore and take risks. My favorite item in my closet would have to be an oversized black blazer. That seems pretty basic, but I find it to be a statement piece that can be paired with so many things to create many different looks.

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects, that we’ll be able to see you in soon?

I am continually working at perfecting my crafts and challenging myself to take on roles that push me out of my comfort zone. I am in the process of making a music video for my next single, so I’m very excited to bring my love of performing to life through my music. 

full look LOUIS VUITTON
gloves PAULA ROWAN
shoes YSL
bracelet & sunglasses VINTAGE

TEAM CREDITS:
talent LARSEN THOMPSON
photographer/video/music BEN COPE at MMG ARTISTS
stylist MAREN TAYLOR at THE ONLY AGENCY
hair ERICKA VERRETT at A-FRAME AGENCY
makeup ROB RUMSEY at A-FRAME AGENCY
location TERRAFORM LA
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN