Breakthrough star Meredith Mickelson is one of its covers DSCENE magazine‘small Design under pressure issue. Fashion photographer Mylena Saza recorded the story inside the Villa Albertine headquarters in the Payne Whitney mansion on Fifth Avenue. His presence is undeniable, giving the feature the feeling of stepping into a living archive of New York’s cultural history. Styled by Amanda Gaio at AG New YorkMickelson models a VIOLENT HIT look for the cover, with styling by Takayuki Umeda and makeup by an artist Lau Pantoja.
Design Under Pressure takes its title from the conditions surrounding creative work today: pace, control, expectations, money and the demand to remain visible. The issue examines what this pressure does to artists, actors, designers, musicians and cultural figures as they continue to produce work in the public eye. It asks what survives under that weight, from art and imagination to the human side of making something that still feels honest.
In the interview, by the publisher of DSCENE magazine Ana MarkovicAmerican model, actress and social media influencer Meredith Mickelson, repped by Wilhelmina New Yorkhe reflects on three very different works: her Sports Illustrated debut in botswana, The Beautyand Euphoria. She says she managed the transition between them by taking each project one day at a time, trusting her preparation and staying present. Sports Illustrated gave her a space to embrace her individuality and self-acceptance, while The Beauty placed her within a character shaped by the pressure to live up to an unrealistic ideal.
He also talks about the physical reality of filming The Beautyrecalling over 30 screams and stunt rehearsals, while crediting the cast, crew and production team for bringing the project together. The conversation then turns to beauty, which Mickelson defines through kindness, energy, self-love and how people care about each other.
Euphoria brings the conversation to visibility and validation. Mickelson says joining the cast for his latest chapter was inspiring, especially because she could learn from the actors around her. It also reflects on the pressure young people face when trying to perform and how easily that performance can affect a person’s sense of self. Looking ahead, she says she wants to stay open, continue to challenge herself and trust the right opportunities as they come.
Photographer MYLENA SAZA
Stylist AMANDA GAIO at AG NEW YORK
Styling Assistant DANIEL ZACINTO at AG NEW YORK
Makeup artist LAU PANTOJA
Hair Stylist TAKAYUKI UMEDA
Photographer’s assistant MANUELA LOURENÇO
Fashion assistant DEBORAH MEDIROS
Retouch MARCOS BIRTH
Talent MEREDITH MICHELSON at WILHELMINA NEW YORK
Location VILLA ALBERTINE – FRENCH EMBASSY IN THE UNITED STATES
