AN INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH TAN

Every fashionista has their ride-or-die designers. Who are yours?

I’m very curious and open about fashion, and love to try and wear new designers.  At the moment, I am following and supporting some British talents and really love Rockins, particularly their suits and scarves.  I also wear Simone Rocha, David Koma, Christopher Kane, and Alexander McQueen. Recently, I was dressed by Patrick McDowell and Paul Costelloe and was blown away by their artistic collections. I also like many of the established designers. I’ve recently worn Chanel, Valentino, Tom Ford, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Prada for events and photoshoots and I adore these brands. 

How would you describe your personal style, both on and off the screen?

It’s quite eclectic. It can be very casual and I love relaxing in wide jeans and jackets but I also love getting dressed up. When I was a younger I was such a tomboy and it was impossible to get me in a dress. I’m still a bit of a tomboy but these days I love going out in dresses, even if it’s just a casual jersey dress and heels.

What are some of your go-to fashion staples or favourite wardrobe pieces?

I love boots: long boots, military boots, cowboy boots and sometimes I’ll wear them with skirts or dresses. I also like hats so you’ll sometimes see me in a Marlon Brando hat or a cowboy hat with cowboy boots.  I just really like that look!

You have recently just starred in Irish wish playing Emma Taylor, Can you tell us a bit about your character and what drew you to this role?

Movies have such a power and can really impact and change people’s perspectives and feelings, so I am drawn to projects and roles which have something relevant to say or can lift the audience and make them feel good in these challenging times. This movie does both. It is an uplifting and funny movie but it also has some very meaningful messages. And my character is very different from all the characters I played before. Emma is very exuberant, carefree and also has an appreciation for even the most superficial aspects of life; she is completely non-judgmental. Emma is a stylist at the very high end Bergdorf Goodman in New York. That profession and New York life has always intrigued me. I really enjoyed researching this character and tapping into those qualities. 

Reflecting on your collaboration with Lindsay Lohan, could you provide insights into working with her on this project?

Lindsay is a great scene partner and we had great comedic chemistry. She is a lot of fun and extremely professional, hard-working and brilliant at the physical comedy too.

Are there any specific scenes or moments in the movie that you're particularly excited for viewers to see?

So even though this is a comedy, there are some very moving moments which celebrate friendship and finding true love. I think the audience will enjoy this movie as it is not just fun, but it is also sending some provocative messages on how we live our lives. 

How does 'Irish Wish' compare to other projects you've worked on in the past?

Irish Wish is a vibrant comedy. My other major projects, have been more dramatic and gritty, like Top Boy which is a crime drama, and The Singapore Grip which is a World War II series. However, I really do enjoy acting in different genres and bringing very contrasting characters and stories to life.

Okay, reflecting on your journey, what's the big lesson that's lighting the way for your next career steps?

One of the big lessons is to always have great empathy for everyone. It definitely helps in connecting deeply to the characters I have played in a genuine way. And it also creates a truly collaborative approach to the storytelling with other creatives. But most of all it is a great ethos for life and makes everything a lot more fun and pleasant on any project. 

Who are some of your biggest influences or role models?

I adore Cate Blanchett, as she is always so believable and charismatic in her portrayals. She has also trained in the Yat Malmgren techniques which express the inner state of a character through physicality/movement and I love that way of working. I feel Cate Blanchett’s screen presence has that visceral quality. 

What projects do you have coming up next that you're excited about?

I have another movie coming out called High Wire, where I play a champion ice skater. It tells a powerful story about sacrifice, family and pursuing your dreams. It was also wonderful to learn how to ice skate and get into the mindset of someone so driven. I’m currently shooting another Netflix project in Paris and will be playing a psychopath in another project later this year. Terrifying but I’m looking forward to it!

Credits

Photographer: Jack Lee

Stylist/Creative: Taylor Rose Bowe

Hair and Make Up: Min Kim

Styling Assistant: Sophie Thomalla

Production: PLab Studio

Talent: Elizabeth Tan @Telescope

Designs by: KATA HARATYM, Retro Chic, Celine , By Cookie H, ByVarga, Weekday and Vagabond.

Special Thanks: Limitée PR & Crescent Agency