Gillian Zinser is an actress we always love to see, known for roles in 90210 and Smile. She’s also a director, best known for her short film, Bad Habits. Zinser just shared some highlights of a trip she took to Buena Vista. In them, she, her husband, and their dogs ran on the beach. She captioned the post, “My kinda heaven.” How does she stay so fit? Read on to see 5 ways Gillian Zinser stays in shape and the photos that prove they work.

1 – She Wants To Share Positive Messages

Zinser talked about making the film Bad Habits with Interview Magazine.

“I think I was inspired to share the Sisters’ work as a direct response to the frustration (severe understatement) I’ve felt living through this current administration, bearing witness to all the hateful, sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic (we could go on…) rhetoric, and behavior they’ve tried to ignite. The Sisterhood has devoted the last 40 years to challenging these forces of hate, promoting human rights, respect for diversity, and inspiring a message of freedom and equality. I can’t really think of a more appropriate moment to celebrate that than right now.”

2 – She Wants To Educate Others

Zinser tells Interview Magazine that she wants to use her film to educate others.

“I’m interested in making work that promotes connection and empathy, explores and confronts stereotypes, and broadens perspectives. So I’m mostly attracted to stories focusing on unique and fringe communities, those on the margins fighting for acceptance and visibility, and generally anyone going against the grain and being unapologetically themselves in the face of adversity.”

3 – She Swims

Zinser spends a lot of time outside. One thing that she likes to do is go swimming. She shared this photo on Instagram of herself floating on her back, captioning it,

“Bury me here.” The Cleveland Clinic states that swimming has a lot of benefits. “We’re not saying that swimming is easy (far from it!), but swimming takes much less of a toll on your body than, say, running or riding a bike. That’s because exercising in water lessens the impact of your body weight on your joints.”

4 – She Goes After What She Wants

Zinser goes after her dreams. She talked about this in an interview.

“The cool thing about dreams is that they grow and evolve alongside us as we do. I’ve started to dream about making my own films and learning how to tell my own stories, and having been raised in front of the camera has given me this invaluable education and preparation to be able to move behind it.”

By the looks of things, she’s succeeded.

5 – She Walks

Zinser owns a bunch of dogs, whom she features on her Instagram. One thing she likes to do with them is go on walks. She shared several posts on her account of herself walking her dogs. Harvard Health states that walking has a lot of benefits.

“Several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain, and that walking five to six miles a week can even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place. Walking protects the joints — especially the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis — by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that support them.”

‘Smile’ – Gillian Zinser talks about her character in the movie

Smile is a 2022 American supernatural horror film written and directed by Parker Finn in his feature film debut, based on his 2020 short film Laura Hasn’t Slept. The film stars Sosie Bacon, Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Caitlin Stasey, Kal Penn, and Rob Morgan. Smile had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 22, 20.

In June 2020, Parker Finn was tapped by Paramount Pictures to write and direct a feature adaptation of his own short film Laura Hasn’t Slept, which saw a young woman seeking the help of her therapist desperate to rid herself of a recurring nightmare. Earlier in March that year, the short film won the Special Jury Recognition Prize for SXSW’s Midnight Short category. In September 2021, the film was announced under the title Something’s Wrong with Rose with Sosie Bacon cast as the titular character. Paramount Players and Temple Hill Entertainment had boarded the film to co-produce. The following month, Jessie T. Usher, Kyle Gallner, Rob Morgan, Kal Penn, Judy Reyes, Gillian Zinser and Caitlin Stasey joined the cast. Principal photography began on October 11, 2021, in New Jersey, including in the city of Hoboken, and finished on November 24, 2021. Editing and post-production started on December 3, 2021, and lasted through the end of May 2022,when the film was simply retitled Smile.By the end of the month, Cristobal Tapia de Veer was attached to compose the film.

Smile is scheduled to be released in the United States on September 30, 2022, by Paramount Pictures.

Synopsis: After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can’t explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

 

Director Gillian Zinser is bringing to London-based production company Lief a fresh and inspired voice in human-interest storytelling.

Lief is not just about the very established; its #NEWLIEF division is where founder Margo Mars and her team discover, introduce and build directing talent that have clarity. And the perspective of Zinser, a filmmaker, actress, activist and photographer with a background in humanitarian aid and journalism, is firmly fixed on the underdog.

Zinser’s directorial work marries a raw, intimate style with a focus on unique and fringe communities searching for acceptance. Her short films and advertisements aim to promote connection and empathy, explore and confront stereotypes, and broaden our understanding of beauty.

“We are very excited to have Gillian on board,” says Margo Mars. “Her curiosity and compassion shine light into hidden corners of our world, showing us that the exquisite can be found in unexpected places.”

Zinser has directed several short films, each one poignant. Among them are the docu-pieces “Kodak Presents: Nightlight” and “Get Off Your Damn Phone,” and the brilliant 8-minute “Whoever You Are” about a Vietnam vet who finds salvation in a stranger and in which Zinser plays the supporting role.

Her talent for capturing authenticity from her subjects and diffused, ethereal style has naturally led her into the commercial space, crafting work for clients such as Chanel, Bode, Datura, Araks, Dôen, Matches Fashion, Free People, and the XP Foundation.

Zinser’s artistic talent stretches to her career as an actress, most famously for playing Ivy Sullivan in The CW reboot of 90210. Says Zinser,

“Acting has given me such an incredible education and foundation for directing. It allows me to engage with my subjects in a far more personal way, knowing and appreciating the vulnerability it takes to be on their side.”

Given her travel and humanitarian work, Zinser’s current focus is creating documentary films that combat stereotypes, celebrate resilience and which deepen our understanding for one another. One such project focuses on liberation and bravery within the transgender community in Cuba, inspired by Adela Hernández, a trans woman who was elected to public office despite the systemic cultural repression of the LGBTQ+ community there.

On her first official signing with a production company, Zinser says,

“Mars has such incredible taste and a remarkable understanding of how and where to push this industry’s boundaries. I’m very grateful to have found a true creative partnership with the Lief team who are not only interested in supporting my projects, but also invested in challenging my process and cultivating my artistry in this early moment of my directing career.”

Gillian Zinser has been called actor, photographer, director, activist, and traveler. Although, a more accurate word to describe her is artist. She is motivated through feeling(s), of which she has plenty. When she’s not wandering around the world, documenting her adventures (using film, of course), she splits her time between the city of Angels and the one that never sleeps. Oh, and you can add self-published to the list of words to describe her. She recently published a photography book titled Psychogenic Fugue. All print sales are donated to My Friend’s Place, homeless youth shelter in Hollywood.

What was your first “professional” gig?

It was a guest star role working with Bobby Cannavale and Sarah Paulson on a show called “Cupid.” I don’t even think my character had a name, I was just called ‘Beatnik Sexpot’ on the callsheet.

I had to urban dictionary “sexpot,” what a charming replacement for a character name. Moving on — we’ve established that you wear many hats: actor, photographer, director, etc. How do you do it all? And how do they all relate?

I think they’re all just different forms of the same need to express and create in order to make sense of things. Different feelings, experiences and stories call for different mediums …. Sometimes I find it easier to take photos of moments I can’t share with words and sometimes a static image can’t possibly convey the same thing that a moving picture can. Other times, it takes stepping out of my skin for a moment and into a character’s in order to share another experience.

And how did you get to a place where you are able to do all of these things you love so much?

I don’t know, I think we’re taught to pick one career and become the best at it but, I’ve always been so attracted to so many kinds of expressions that it never felt right to me to just try and stick to one thing. So I haven’t. I feel like the artists’ work is simply to help share and reflect the human experience and there’s a million ways to do that so, why create boundaries?

You split your time between L.A. and New York, is the West Coast really the best coast? What do you love and hate about both cities?

I love that California makes me slow down. And that New York doesn’t let me. What I don’t dig about L.A. is that there’s no seasonal change, which can slowly drive you crazy. But then again New York winters often get me daydreaming about that ocean, the mountains, road trips. So. Happy not to have to choose between the two.

You’re a bit of a wanderer. Where does your love for travel stem from? What does it do for you and your creative process?

I travel to keep myself awake, to keep curious, to learn about people, cultures, to better understand the human condition, to take me out of my ego and into the bigger picture. All of which only makes me a better creative/human.

I think it’s so important to not be afraid of letting go of the comfort, safety and stability in routine jobs and income—choosing the uncomfortable and unknown over the easy and expected. Not being afraid of being broke for a second. Or lost. Or having to start over again. To make it a priority to invest in experience, knowing that adventuring outside of your own little bubble can only make you better at whatever your work is.

We all need an outlet outside of our day to day to refuel, re-calibrate, inspire and keep us reaching. That’s what travel is for me.

You’re an advocate for film. For the non-photographers and filmmakers out there, what does film have that digital or smartphone cameras just don’t?

I love film for its fallibility and that it begs you to be thoughtful. With digital, you can just shoot a million frames and count on one being decent. But film is a much more meditative, precious form of creating. I also love that it doesn’t come with the instant gratification that we’re so used to.

What was the first camera you ever owned or shot with? What do you use now?

The Yashica T5 has always been my favorite but I also love the Canon AE and Olympus Stylus Epic for photos and my Canon Super 8 and Panasonic VHS camera for filming.

Was there an actor, director or photographer that has especially influenced you?

Oh, so many. Francesca Woodman, Éric Rohmer, Andrea Arnold, Agnès Varda, Chris Marker, Xavier Dolan, Mike Mills, Miranda July, Joe Swanberg, Robert Altman, Jacob Holdt, (William) Eggleston, Yasujirō Ozu, Sebastião Salgado, to name a few.

And as for your work, do you have any particular subjects you especially enjoy shooting and why?

I love trying to capture loose, fragmented portraits of places I travel.

You recently self-published Psychogenic Fugue. Tell us what the creative process was like. What does the title mean to you?

So a Psychogenic Fugue is defined as: a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by temporary amnesia for personal identity. The state can last days, months or longer and usually involves unplanned travel or wandering, and is sometimes accompanied by the establishment of a new identity — which, kinda sums up my 20’s (not in the literal sense of course). I feel like a lot of the photos I have taken up until now, were mostly I think, about escapism — running — not necessarily away from anything, just, the act of seeking, exploring, disappearing. The desperation and curiosity to let go of who you think you are and venturing into the unknown. So last year, I went through all the photos I had accumulated throughout the last decade and curated a little photo book of my favorites and that’s why I chose that title for the series.

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? What would be on the menu?

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. because he’s the best human to ever live. And I’d make handmade butternut squash ravioli. Or actually, maybe we’d just order in Thai. Less pressure.

What’s the one thing about you few people know?

I … speak french?

What do you like most about yourself? What do you like most in others?

I’m insatiably curious and never bored … honest … write a killer love letter … throw a mean dinner party.

As for others, same shit probably: humor, honesty, passion, curiosity, loyalty, thoughtfulness.

What motivates you in work or in life?

Feelings.

Share a guilty pleasure.

“New Girl”

What are you working on right now?

I’ve been writing a bunch of projects and am in preproduction for my next film I’m shooting end of this month.

Nice! Name three items in your closet most special to you.

I’m really not attached to much stuff anymore. I keep a stuffed animal named Binny in my closet that I’ve had since I was born though — does that count? He got moved there after a few too many people pointed out that it was like, pretty strange to sleep with a stuffed animal at my age…

Yes, Binny totally counts. And what advice would you give your younger self?

Start making things right now, don’t give a fuck and don’t stop and DON’T PLUCK YOUR EYEBROWS.

What’s something you do when no one is watching?

Have full-blown conversations with my dog.

What keeps you up at night?

The crazy state of the world. What I wanna make next. But mostly just my dog snoring which kinda sounds like a wheezing panda.

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Where do you live, what do you do?
I live in between New York and Venice Beach, I’m and actor and I make photos and films.

What excites you about the city you live in?
In New York the constant stimulation; In Venice the lack of stimulation.

What makes you happy?
Being on the road, helping people, traveling anywhere I’ve never been, cooking for someone, my animal buddy, dancing, waterparks, tacos, getting a roll of film back, getting letters in the mail, sending letters in the mail, coconuts, sweatpants.

What do you care about?
Doing my part in making this world a slightly more tolerable place for as many people as possible.

Tell us about your recent film project. What are the worst/best parts of directing vs. acting?
Best part about acting is getting to explore pieces of yourself you wouldn’t dare dig into without the excuse of a character and script. Worst part is probably all the time spent sitting in a trailer waiting to actually work. Best part about directing is having 110% of your brain working 24/7. Worst part is that it’s on you if the film is shit!

Who do you think is changing the game?
Elon Musk and whomever invented those period-proof panties of course.

What’s one small thing we can do to help others?
Throw a fun dinner party, ask everyone coming to bring something warm (an old coat, hat, scarf, gloves, socks) then donate that collection of goods to your local homeless shelter.

What do you want to do next?
Make more short films. Put out a book of all my favorite letters I’ve ever written. Travel to Croatia.

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In certain circles, Gillian Zinser is best known for her role as Ivy Sullivan in the recent spin-off of Darren Star’s “90210”. But to us, Zinser is a photographic storyteller whose dream like images move us out of the ordinary and into the surreal. Shooting primarily with a 35mm Yashica T5, and mostly on the road, Zinser divides her time between LA and Brooklyn – and beyond. The photos featured in this issue are from a series called PSYCHOGENIC FUGUE, from a road trip Zinser took around Iceland in the summer of 2015. The artist spoke to AWT about her process, the importance of escapism and the 30-year-path into female friendship.

AWT: You’re a contemporary storyteller. You share your process with the viewer, and it seems as if you’re not trying to be perfect with your work. Tell us about your artistic style.
Gillian Zinser: I’m not sure what my style is, or if I even have one yet. It feels like it’s a lot about seeking. A sort of romantic… placelessness? Escapism. “The blessed unrest” that Martha Graham talks about. A reminder to press pause. I don’t know – I’m just waxing poetic here. Really I just take photographs to try and capture feelings and moments I wouldn’t know how to recall or share through words. To try and transform simple, mundane pieces of my life into something memorable and tender.

AWT: Legs are a recurring theme in your photos. You’ve dedicated an entire series called “Escape Routes” – what’s the story behind it?
GZ: A lot of my photos are about escapism – running – not necessarily away from anything, just… the act of seeking, exposing, disappearing. “The Escape Routes” series is a visual play on the idea of falling into portals, finding secret ways out. It’s just a silly little series about disappearing acts… the desperation and curiosity to venture out of our realities and into the unknown.

AWT: You’re a traveler, a photographer and an actress. From afar, it looks like you’re doing everything you want to. Which decisions allowed you to live your life in a way that many people are too afraid of trying?
GZ: For me, it was about not being afraid to let go of the comfort, safety and stability of routine jobs and income. Choosing the wild, uncomfortable and unknown over the easy and expected. Not being afraid of being broke for a second. Or lost. Or having to start over again. To make it a priority to invest in experience, knowing that adventuring outside of your little bubble can only make you a richer creative, or better at whatever your day-to-day work is. I’m lucky enough to be able to travel for work now. But even before I was acting, when I was working boring, shitty jobs in college, I would work to save up enough money to buy a plane ticket somewhere new, or spend my time off on a roadtrip with a friend, or take the train somewhere for a day by myself and just wander. It doesn’t work for me to sit still and do ONE thing. There’s too much to see. Feel. Learn. I travel to keep myself awake. To keep curious. To learn about people and cultures to better understand the human experience, to take me out of my ego and into the bigger picture. All of which only makes me a better creative, performer and human. We all need an outlet outside of our day-to-day to refuel, calibrate, inspire and keep us reaching. That’s what travel is for me. Without it, my other work would suffer.

AWT: You’re supporting a non-profit with your print sales. Tell us about my friendsplace.org
GZ: My Friend’s Place is an amazing homeless youth shelter in Hollywood that serves over half of the kids living on the streets of LA, helping them build self-sufficient lives. I started a street photography program there with a bunch of kids and have been so inspired by their work so far.

AWT: Women are often the subject of your photography. Can you describe your relationship with the women in your life or the women you meet?
GZ: It’s taken me a long time to find steady, inspiring, supportive, healthy female friendships. Girls weren’t always nice to me growing up, especially in high school: there was so much shit-talking, backstabbing, manipulation, competition. It always just felt easier to hang out with the guys. Less drama. Now, however, the tables have turned, and I have the most amazing tribe of women in my life and far fewer male friendships. I think the female friendships I’ve found in my later 20s age stronger because we’re all so much more comfortable in our skins and can therefore honestly support and uplift one another instead of feeling pitted against each other. I love using my girlfriends as studies and finding ways to celebrate and capture their beauty.

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”I’m half German half New Yorker- born and raised in downtown DC. Mums a crazy beautiful painter and dads a brilliant architect. My folks were the coolest – super supportive and encouraging of exploring all forms of creative expression growing up.

I first fell in love with the idea of being a performer when my folks took me to see this play ‘THE FANTASTICKS’ off Broadway when i was 7. The first scene just really got me, the curtain came up and there was this young girl my age, rocking back and forth on the floor in prayer saying ‘please god, please! don’t let me be normal!’ over and over and over again it was so weirdly powerful to me in that moment as a kid and comforting to be reminded so simply that it was okay – cool, even – to be a weirdo and an outcast in such a uncomfortable and confusing chapter of youth when there was so much pressure to ”fit in” with the crowd which i never did. So anyways, i dug that moment so much and it just made me fall madly in love with the power a performance can have to inspire others. I think it was then that i knew i wanted to act and be a part of the storytelling business so i latched onto theater quite young, but didn’t pick up my first real film camera til after college, actually. i guess its a newer hobby.

At the moment i am curating an awesome art show in LA featuring a wild group of my favorite local artists and influencers, a photography project with kids from a homeless youth shelter in downtown LA, and putting together the first film i’m directing!

Fashion to me is just passing trends. I do appreciate style, style is someones unique sense of self and the way they share that with the world. Their voice and it goes so far beyond clothing but clothing is definitely a fun form of creativity to express oneself with.”

You can see new photoshoot with Gillian and her HANDWRITTEN interview in the gallery!

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Mushrooms, glacial lagoons, moss-covered lava, rainbows, rowdy volcanos, Dr. Seuss, Northern Lights, icebergs & wild horses.

Highly addicted to road trips, I went to Iceland last summer to drive the entire circumference of the island by its Ring Road. It’s almost an impossible travel experience to describe, which is why it’s a photographer’s wet dream. I’ve never experienced anywhere with such an ethereal, spiritual, dreamy, diverse landscape. I felt like I was tripping on mushrooms on a different planet at times. If you’re searching for an unforgettable, supernatural adventure riddled with glacial lagoons, geothermal hot springs, 20 hours of daylight, rowdy volcanos, epic hiking and camping, rainbows, breathtaking waterfalls, sunshine and hailstorms, all in the same ten minutes, this is the place. There are mountain colors you didn’t even know mountains came in, electric blue icebergs, wild horses, glacial ice caves, stunning fjords, rolling hills of moss-covered lava that looks like something Dr. Seuss dreamed up—and of course, the legendary Northern Lights.

(N) How do you take your coffee in Iceland?

(GZ) Black at sunrise.

(N) Most memorable experience in Iceland?

(GZ) Going out at sunset on a boat on Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon riddled with the most beautiful electric blue icebergs that are thousands of years old. And cracking a beer in the nature baths in Myvatn at night, staring up at the Northern Lights.

(N) What is the most important item you bring when you travel?

(GZ) My 35mm point and shoot camera

(N) Who is a role model/mentor in your life?

(GZ) I don’t really have one. Any interested applicants please apply. But my favorite photographers of the moment are: Alec Soth, Nan Goldin, Francesca Woodman, Diane Arbus, William Eggleston, Ryan McGinley, Jordan Sullivan, Max Doyle, James Nachtwey and Sebastio Salgado.

(N) Why do you make art?

(GZ) I’m not ever sure. I guess I take photographs to try and capture feelings and moments I wouldn’t know how to recall or share through words.

(N) What are you working on now?

(GZ) Shooting a short film called “End Of Babes” directed by wunderkid Jimmy Marble.

(N) Where are you going next?

(GZ) Cuba.

(N) What was the first thing you ate when you got back?

(GZ) Probably a burrito.

– Gillian Zinser is an actress, photographer and professional wanderer living between Los Angeles and Brooklyn.

Actress, artist and devoted Somme Institute fan, Gillian Zinser, uses our Regimen for clear, glowing skin. We’re obsessed with her style (check out her recent feature on The Coveteur where she shares some of her vintage pieces and prized possessions like her hat collection) and her flawless beauty looks! Today she shares some of her best beauty tips and tricks with us.

“I’m absolutely sworn over – the products are BRILLIANT – my skin’s clearer and smoother in texture than any time I can remember before.”

What is your favorite Somme Institute product?

GZ: I especially love the Transport pads! My skin is really pale and sensitive but constantly congested, so it’s hard for me to find a gentle yet effective enough exfoliant. This product is the perfect balance for me.

What is your daily beauty routine in the AM/PM?

GZ: I wash my face and follow with a vitamin C serum and sunscreen in the am and wash, exfoliate and moisturize at night. I also drink a few ounces of aloe vera juice daily which really helps to keep my skin clear, and try not to wear makeup if I’m not working.

What are some of the best beauty tips and tricks you’ve learned?

GZ: Don’t over pluck, never pick, sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen, and keep hydrated with lots of water throughout the day!

We hear you love shopping in your mom’s closet. Any beauty tips that she has passed along to you as well?

GZ: keep it simple – less is more!

Any red carpet beauty looks that you’ve done?

GZ: I honestly never feel comfortable in a ton of makeup, so i tend to stick to a fresh, bare face with bright lips when I’m feeling fancy!

When do you feel the most beautiful?

GZ: When I’m creating!

You eat mostly whole, raw foods. What does a day of eating typically look like for you?

GZ: I’m a huge believer that we can balance our bodies, minds and moods through a simple, natural diet so i eat mostly whole, organic foods, juice a ton, and when I can i cook most of my meals at home, ‘The Esalen cookbook’ and ‘Superfoods Cookbook’ are two of my favorite sources for recipes.

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The 90210 star gave us the lowdown on what inspires her.

You probably know Gillian Zinser best as 90210’s resident surfer girl, Ivy. Her character’s Cali cool style is certainly enviable, as is the actress’s own edgy look. Gillian hosted an event with Urban Outfitters and MinkPink in Los Angeles last week (“I love collaborating with movers and shakers and anyone wild enough to push the borders,” she explains), and we were able to ask her about all things fashion.

What three words would you use to describe your personal style?
Quirky, mindless, and moody.

How does your look differ from Ivy’s?
Ivy’s style is truly Californian and bohemian. My own is all over the place and doesn’t belong in a niche.

What was your favorite outfit as a teen?
I’ve always been a jeans and a T-shirt kind of kid!

Where do you like to shop?
Topshop, flea markets, vintage stores, and my mom’s closet.

Who are your style icons?
I’m inspired by anyone who’s honest in their own expression, people who truly beat to the rhythm of their own drum. I love the way little kids dress themselves! They’re completely carefree about how others perceive them.

What’s the one piece of clothing or accessory you can’t live without?
Chapstick!

What has been your best Halloween costume?
Jem and the Holograms.

What fall trend are you most excited about?
Layers!

Were her!

When we asked The Company Collective (not a member yet? Find us on Facebook!) who they wanted to see on the cover, one name came up several times. Well, here she is.

We’re going to let you in on a little secret. Here at Company HQ, we don’t just randomly throw style ideas at you – that would be far too easy. We’d much rather get fashspiration from your street style and then give it that Company edge.
That’s why we set up The Company Collective. It’s a closed group on Facebook where you can tell us what you’re wearing, how you’re wearing it and where you’re shopping for it. So when we asked who you style-stalk the most, one name popped into the timeline over and over.

You may know 26-year-old Gillian Zinser as the all-Californian surfer ckick, Ivy, from E4’s 90210. You may know her from uber-cool Tumblr, Indelible Shadows (gillianzinser.tumblr.com) an edit of music, images and quotes. Or you might be one of her 63,200 (and rising) Twitter followers (@msGILLIANZINSER). But, probably, like us, you’ve simply style-spotted her laid0back LA look on countless blogs and indie fashion mags – and got instant beach hair envy.
About time we met her then really, isn’t it? Over to The Company Collective girls…

Gemma Kohnson: How do you get that sun-kissed glow?
I’m actually quite pale and a big advocate of using sunscreen, so I’m not often tanned. I’m a big fan of Laura Mercier moisturiser with SPF. On set, they use bronzing make-up but in real life I just wear mascara, Chapstick and a spot of blush. I’m a Chapstick whore. I think less is more.”

Elena Cristin: Do you love surfing like your 90210 characted? And what’s you beach beauty must-have?
Yes. I love long-boarding in warm water and, as I’m mad about SPF, I also use it on my hair. My hair is really dry and brittle so I started using SPF to protect it from the salt water and sun. I love the look of ruined hair. It looks cool but I’m queen of split ends and SPF has definitely preserved the lenght and quality of my hair.

Rachael Victoria Wynne: What’s your tip for a fail-safe hairdo on a bad hair day?
I have a lot of bad hair days and when they come about I just throw it up in a top knot to get it out of my face.

Molly caughlan: How would you describe your style?
What’s important to me is always expressing yourself honestly. So when it comes to fashion, I think the less seriously you take it, or the less you think about it, the more unique your look is. A lot of people ask me how I describe my style and I never know how to answer that because fashion to me is simply a daily form of expression. I’m inspired by my moods. I think things tend to be more interesting when you’re not over-thinking them or trying to look one way or another.

Georgina Fineman: How would you describe the LA look?
That’s interesting because I would normally describe the classic LA style as quite awful! Maybe we’re talking about two parts of LA. The LA Hollywood is a hyper-conscious community, so there’s little unique expression as people to dress for trends rather than for themselves. Whereas the west coast has a bohemian beach look, which is more me – and I think that’s what a lot of Californians do so well. That laid-back look where you throw on your dirty, ratty t-shirt, denim shorts and biker boots. I guess like East London.

Nathalie Ward: Whose style are you coveting for S/S12?
No two people are alike so trying to mimic somebody else’s style never seems right to me. I’m sad to say that I don’t follow catwalk trends. I’m not as in-the-know as I’d like consider myself. I’m totally out of tune but I feel more comfortable there. The less I know about what’s going on, the more I feel I can do my own thing.

Alys Penfold: Do you have any style icons?
I’d have to say Anna Karenina, Patti Smith and Audrey Hepburn. Each of those women had such a unique way of expressing themselves in their own time.

Kirsty Whittaker: How did your love for fashion begin and you make any fashion fails?
Naturally! In hindsight, very little make sence. But, luckily, I’ve never been self-conscious enough on the moment to worry about what I looked like. I try not to look back but we all have pictures of those dumpy overalls and terrible flared jeans from middle school and it never guite translates. But I don’t really believe in fashion fails because it’s about growing up and expressing yourself.

Elena Cristin: What are your favourite stores and why?
I went back to New Your last weekend and I think my favourite kind of shopping is wandering around and finding a gem in the rough of a thrift store or vintage shop. The only contemporary store I walked into was Topshop and I just fell in love with it all over again. I’m really bummed that we don’t have one on the west coast yet because it’s a brilliant go-to for quick, simple, affordable pieces that you can layer with your one-off pieces. Little black dresses, oversized cardigans, t-shirts… I went a little stir-crazy in there!

Rachael Victoria Wynne: How did you first get into acting?
I started proffesional acting only a few years ago. I did it as a kid then I started teaching theatrical courses in a local community centre for under-privileged kids. I don’t think I feel in love with perfomance and acting until I saw it from an audience perspective. THose kids really came into themselves.

Lucinda Bounsall: Your 90210 character is different from the other characters like Naomi and Adrianna. Do you see yourself as different to them, and the Hollywood set, in real life?
We’re all incredibly different girls and that’s part of the pleasure of acting. You’re never going to be cast for something that you’re not right for because you’re always bringing a huge part of yourself to every role. But I agree that there is a ‘type’ in Hollywood and I don’t see myself in that bracket. I’m simply an actor who is in Los Angeles for work, and I keep my personal life quite separate to work. I live in a small bungalow by the beach and I think there’s something to be said for not having to run around town and be on show.

Stephanie Louise Saxton: If you could date any of your co-stars who would it be and why?
I am so madly in love with my own man that I don’t even know how to answer that! I’ve been with my guy Luke for a while now. But if I had to answer, I’d have to say Jessica Stroup.

Alexa Baigent: You always know hot to wear casual pieces, but what would you wear for a night out?
When I go out at night it’s usually for business so you’re there as some form of doll and have to dress up and have your hair and make-up done accordingly. It makes me feel a little uncomfortable because I’m still a tomboy, so when I have to throw on a dress and heels I try to clash it with something that holds on to a bit of me. No matter how high the stiletto or tight the dress I’m being told to wear, I add my own edge. Whether that’s a fancy floor-lenght dress with a cowboy hat, or a tight mini dress and biker boots, or even just red lips. It creates a balance between the appopriate attire and my own comfort zone.

Anna Hussain: What’s the one item in your wardrobe you’ll keep forever?
My grandfather’s bowler hat. I wear it all the time. Probably too much. It’s like my safety blanket.

– Season 4 of 90210 is out on DVD in October. Gillian’s new movie Savages is out on 28 Sept

InStyle: Your mother is from New York, your father from Berlin. Do you speak German?
Gillian: (In German) Yes, of course! I’m half German. But I have a lot to learn.

InStyle: So I guess you’ve been to Germany a lot?
Gillian: Oh yes! Berlin is my absolute favorite city in the world. My younger brother Max only just moved back to the States from Berlin. We used to go there a lot. Nowadays I unfortunately don’t have the time to go.

InStyle: You grew up in New York.
Gillian: Yes. But I see Berlin today, as I imagine a New York back in the 70ties and 80ties. The art scene there is unbelievably inspiring. Everyone seems to enjoy expressing themselves in their very own, unique way. I wish to have a small apartment in Berlin one day, just so I can spend more time there.

InStyle: On 90210 you play surfer girl Ivy. Were you a fan of the original series?
Gillian: Oh yes, totally! Even though my parents forbid me to watch it. I was a little bit too young.

InStyle: Do you have any impact on the outfits you wear on the show?
Gillian:Yes , a lot actually! We have a great costume designer, Kime Buzzelli. She is the one who organizes the most amazing clothes you could ever imagine – but never afford. From her selection of clothes I can create the outfits myself.

InStyle: It’s mostly your private style that is being copied worldwide.
Gillian: I always feel very honored that I’m getting that much positive feedback. My style is just me expressing my personality. There is no concept behind it. But that’s part of the fun. Many women are taking their styling too seriously and putting too much effort in it, just to fit in the image society expects from them.

InStyle: You like to wear no-name labels just as designers and vintage.
Gillian: Yes, but I have to say my passion is second hand fashion. I like the idea of recycling fashion. I used to always go through my mum’s closet. I use these basics and worn clothes to create looks which I combine with stuff I have to invest in. They last forever.

InStyle: What do you think you have to invest in?
Gillian: In a perfectly fitting leather jacket. You have it you’re entire life.

InStyle: You seem to be able to always look sexy but never cheap or fake . What’s your secret?
Gillian: You can only be sexy if you beat to the rhythm of your own drum. Or it always seems fake. Mostly, people dress sexy to impress others. I dress just for myself. And I only wear what I feel comfortable in. If I’m going to a red carpet event and I’m wearing a long, elegant dress I normally break it with something completely opposite, e.g. my grandfather’s bowler hat. If I’m wearing a tight, short dress I combine it with biker boots. For me, elegance and sex appeal don’t work without confidence. Even if that means biker boots and Converse on the red carpet.

InStyle: …Or a hat that you seem to wear quite often at events.
Gillian: Hats are somewhat of protection for me. They’re like a security blanket. If I’m on the red carpet, it is still not a normal or totally comfortable situation for me. Even though it is a lot of fun. I then normally put on one of my vintage hats , or, my grand-dad’s and I feel safe. Just like being all cuddled up in a blanket.

InStyle: What is that one piece in your closet that you cannot spare?
Gillian: My Doc Martens from the nineties. They’ll never be out of style for me. I’ve got quite a few pairs but my favorite are the ones with flower print and in dark green. Doc Martens are forever cool.

InStyle: Coachella is almost here. What are you bringing?
Gillian: Definitely old, worn jeans shorts, an old band shirt, bright red lipstick, Ray Bans and my Polaroid cam.

InStyle: Who is accompanying you?
Gillian: Just my boyfriend ( Luke Grimes) and my brother. I’m a light traveler. (laughs)

InStyle: You three in a camping bus?
Gillian: If I’d be going all privately I would. I’m living with them at the moment, too, so we’re used to do almost everything together. But at Coachella I’m hosting a party with ‘Planet Blue’ and ‘Foam’ magazine. And they kindly booked a hotel for us.

InStyle: Camping isn’t for everyone, I guess.
Gillian: I love it! My boyfriend has an Airstream, you know, this silver trailer and we spend the weekends with it in Topanga Canyon. The Airstream is only 18 ft long and like 9 ft wide and you could think it’s hell on wheels. But the truth is, it’s the exact opposite. It’s incredibly liberating. And it makes you realize how little space and comfort you actually need.

InStyle: Where have you met Luke?
Gillian:In L.A. at a red light and crazy traffic. That was true fate. Our first date was in the desert.

InStyle: Red lights, rendezvous in the desert – sounds very Hollywood.
Gillian: L.A. is such a surreal, artificial city, so I figured the desert is the perfect place to get to know someone. You have no choice than to expose yourself. You just shake off the business and all clichés. Especially with my job it is great to get to know someone away from the industry, in all loneliness. Then there’s no one there except for that person and yourself.

InStyle: Is it more difficult to find real friend in a city like L.A.?
Gillian: I have a very small but close group of friends, they’re very grounded, wonderful people. In Los Angeles, everything is so far apart and so insanely focused on the business that you have to value the little free time you get. That is why you are basically being forced to look closer at who you want to spend this time with and who not. I spend a lot of time on set, so I enjoy just being by myself when I’m off. Or of course my boyfriend, my close friends or my brother.

InStyle: Is your brother an actor, too?
Gillian: No, he’s an interior designer. He’s an absolute phenomenon! And of everyone else my favorite person in the world. He might be two years younger than me but mentally he’s much older. He protects me.

InStyle: And your friends, are they also in the business?
Gillian: Jessica Stroup just moved in across from me. She’s the only cast member I see a lot off set. The rest of my friends are mostly artists.

InStyle: Years ago, there were talks about Young Hollywood , a clique including Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Ritchie and Mischa Barton. You seem to live a completely different private life.
Gillian: Oh yes, I’m far away from that. I’m just no Hollywood kid. I purposely chose to live by the beach in Venice. I don’t really go out a lot and go crazy. I enjoy my small, peaceful neighborhood. It is a very simple, chilled lifestyle, very quiet. I am by the beach, I go swimming. You run errands by bike or just walk. The social scene is way less crazy than the one in Hollywood, which I definitely prefer.

InStyle: Do you sometimes get homesick for NYC?
Gillian: I miss the beat of the city. New York has its very own pulse that you’re never going to find anywhere else. The energy, the people – everything is just really rough and in constant motion. Every time I go back I still find it very refreshing and inspiring, but right now , for me, I’m finding my life here in L.A. way healthier. New York is like an ex-boyfriend that you visit from time to time and share some nice moments with. But the next day you’re glad to have left him because everything is just better without him.

InStyle: Speaking of healthy life style: Especially in Hollywood everyone is focusing on being skinny. You recently told People Mag that you would like to put on a few pounds. How does that fit?
Gillian: That’s what they wrote? (laughs) Well, I’ve always been kind of thin. But more and more I’m coming to the point where I learn to appreciate my feminine charms. It would be nice to put on a little weight and be more chill in general. I definitely don’t think that being skinny equals being sexy.

InStyle: Still it is size zero that reigns over Hollywood.
Gillian: Yeah, probably. But I just don’t think that actors have to look like runway models. Models have to look like models, you put clothes on them. For us actors, it is more important to look like normal human beings, because who and what we play should be relatable for normal people.

InStyle: And they rarely have the ideal body.
Gillian: It’s probably human nature to want what you can’t have. But at the end of the day I feel quite comfortable in my skin.

InStyle: And what helps if you don’t?
Gillian: Bright red lip stick and my worn-out Converse. And my lucky charms.

InStyle: And those are…
Gillian: A necklace with a pendant from my boyfriend and my parents’ wedding ring.

InStyle: YOU are wearing your parents’ wedding ring?
Gillian: They bought many small rings in Bali back then which they use as wedding rings. When I moved away, they gave me on of them. It’s my mojo, I never take it off.

Thanks a lot to Sway for magazine scans & witheverythingiown@tumblr.com for translated interview!

Gallery Link: x8 | InStyle Germany – May 2012

90210 star Gillian Zinser has crossed over to the dark side.

The naturally blonde actress, 26, showed off her new brunette hair color at An Evening for Cambodian Children’s Fund in Beverly Hills on April 17. Zinser — who’s sported pink hair streaks in the past — recently spoke to Us Weekly about what’s coming up next on The CW’s 90210 (airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST).

“There are some huge changes towards the end of the season. Someone gets married, somebody passes away, there’s a ton of breakups and reconciliations and triangles,” Zinser teased. “My character in particular goes way off the deep end, which has been really interesting to play around with.”

Off camera, things are much less dramatic.

“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes,” Zinser told Us. “In fact, we always joke that it would make a really great reality show to show the behind the scenes on 90210. What goes on in hair and makeup is far more entertaining that a lot of what’s out there!”

So: do you like Gillian Zinser as a brunette?

Institute: Do you remember the first time you realised you wanted to become an actress?
Gillian: My mum took me to see ‘The Fantastiks’ off broadway when I was a kid and the opening scene was a girl my age praying at the foot of her bed pleading “Please God, PLEASE! Please don’t let me be normal!” I was an awkward kid trying to figure out where I fit in, and watching that character in that moment was so comforting and inspiring at that age where I felt so much pressure to conform to the ‘norm’ but didn’t really want to or know how to. The relief and inspiration that that one simple scene gave me was probably the first time I realized how powerful, effective, and inspirational performance could be.

Institute: Could you single out an actor or performance that has had a profound impact on you in the last five years?
Gillian: I dont know about five years, but some of the most influential performances in my lifetime have been…Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of a spotless mind Audrey Tattou in Amèlie Diane Keaton in Annie Hall Annette Bennington in Running with Scissors Juliette Binoche in Lovers on a Bridge Ryan Gosling in Lars and The Real Girl

Institute: What can you reveal about Liars All?
Gillian: Obsession. Ego. Lust. Revenge. Murder.

Institute: You play Missy, can you tell us about the character?
Gillian: Missy was a hard character to understand let alone empathize with in order to play her. She’s a dark creature, a wilted flower suffering from manic depression.

Institute: Do you like to do a lot of research into your roles?
Gillian: Yes. Although I’ve yet to work a role that requires the depth of research I’m eager to challenge myself with.

Institute: Do you ever become emotionally involved with your characters?
Gillian: Inevitably.

Institute: What was the most valuable lesson you learnt from being on set?
Gillian: Technicality, professionalism, and the importance of being a team player. I find there’s just absolutely no room for ego in this business.

Institute: What do you look for in a character or film?
Gillian: Meat. Dimension. A la ck of comfort. Something I’ve yet to fully explore within myself.

Institute: What are your thoughts on fashion today?
Gillian: I wouldn’t say I take fashion very seriously. I just look at it as another daily form of self expression to have fun with. I find inspiration in my moods and throw on what makes me feel good.

Institute: As an actress do you feel more aware of the way you dress?
Gillian: Perhaps less so. I get so used to people dressing me for the characters i play that when its time to take the costumes off and slip back into my own skin, i’m only left with the energy to be as comfortably myself as possible.

Institute: Where do you think trends are created?
Gillian: Through the infectious confidence of those unafraid to beat to their own drum.

Institute: Do you have a favourite fashion designer?
Gillian: Balmain. Zac Posen. Chloe. Kimberly Ovitz. Rick Owens.

Institute: Top five fashion essentials?
Gillian: Chuck Taylors. Leather biker jacket. Red lipstick. Old Levis . White Hanes t-shirts from Target.

Gallery Link: x3 | Institute Magazine – 2012

The leading ladies of 90210 are known for their tiny frames, and Gillian Zinser is no exception.

“I guess I’m just built this way,” the svelte 26-year-old told Us Weekly at 2nd Annual Hollywood Rush Benefiting the Baby Dragon Fund in L.A. Sunday. “I’d love to put on a few pounds, so I hang out by the doughnuts [at craft service], but it hasn’t hit yet.”

Zinser joined The CW hit in 2009 as surfer chick Ivy Sullivan; she was promoted to series regular in February 2010.

“It’s a fun set and we’re all close in age and spirit,” Zinser said of costars AnnaLynne McCord, 24, Shenae Grimes, 22, Jessica Stroup, 25, Jessica Lowndes, 23, Matt Lanter, 28, Tristan Wilds, 22, and Michael Steger, 31.

“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes. In fact, we always joke that it would make a really great reality show to show the behind the scenes on 90210,” Zinser told Us. “What goes on in hair and makeup is far more entertaining that a lot of what’s out there!”

“The whole cast is a bunch of pranksters,” Zinser added. “We’re always laughing.”

We managed to snag a quick interview with 90210 star Gillian Zinser at the opening of the new Converse store on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. The shop has an eclectic vibe, evoked by street-style designs and graffiti art.

We asked Zinser what her favorite part of the store was?
GZ: The collaborative effort between the brand and customers through the customization station.

What are your favorite Converse?
GZ:The Chuck Taylor All Star hi tops, are the only sneakers I wear.

The store offers roughly 200 different styles of footwear and the customization station gives shoppers the unique opportunity to screen-print their Converse in less than twenty minutes. You can choose from 150 pre-loaded images or you can bring in your own images to be screen-printed onto your kicks.

Gillian Zinser featured in Genlux magazine winter 2011 issue. I have added in the gallery magazine scan and high quality picture of photoshoot. Huge thanks to Melanie Doutey Web for heads up!

GENLUXSHOP
STYLE I.D.

THAT’s GILLIAN WITH A ‘G’
Some girls have all the luck. Take Gillian Zinser: equal parts talent, charm, quirkiness and smarts. The beautiful, young, and successful actor, who recently graduated from NYU, has places in both New York and Los Angeles. Gillian plays Ivy, a carefree, Bohemian-spirited California girl on television’s 90210. Here, she gives us a few morsels that define her personal fashion style.

How would you describe your personal style?
Cowgirl meets Pirate.
What’s your favorite item in your closet?
My grandfather’s vintage bowler hat.
What’s always in your purse?
A plethora of Chapsticks, a good book, Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses, and my Polaroid camera.
What’s your weekend look?
Jeans, an old t-shirt, and red lipstick.
If you could wear only one designer from head to toe, who would it be?
I don’t know if I could choose just one – I’m too addicted to clash! I’d say Chloe, Acne, The Row, Kimberly Ovitz or Alexand Wang.
What’s your favorite low-price secret weapon store?
Topshop.
What are your earliest fashion memories?
My addiction to overalls, Doc Martens, and the “Jem and the Lolograms” cartoon in the early 90s.
What do you sleep in?
An ex-boyfriend’s old, ratty band shirt
What kind of watch do you wear?
I don’t own a watch. Time scares me.
Who are your favorite fashion photographers?
Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.
What’s your favorite scent?
My boyfriend’s Old Spice deodorant… but I wear Chloe.
What’s your dream vacation destination?
I think I just got back from it! I spent the last week in Hanalei Bay up on the north shore of Kauai, and I’m just mad for it. It’s the most simple, rejuvenating, beautiful lifestyle I’ve experienced thus far. I’d like to build a tree house there someday.
What are your go-to boutiques?
I love The Reformation and Opening Ceremony when I’m feeling fancy, but usually I just live at flea markets.

Gallery Links:
x1 | Genlux Magazine – Winter 2011
x1 | Photoshoots: 017

GILLIAN ZINSER, actress/artist/philanthropist and 90210 cast member tells i-D about the hills.

Chatting with Gillian Zinser, actress/artist/philanthropist and 90210 cast member, we were pleased to discover the exhaustingly talented 26- year-old is every bit as awesome as we had imagined.

Articulate, warm, switched on and straight-forward, the precocious performer is graduating from West Beverly Hills High to the big screen this year with high-profile parts in upcoming features Manson Girls and Oliver Stone’s Savages. A former student of NYU, Gillian continues to explore her studies off campus, which include the inter-disciplines of art, film and philanthropy. Creating self-reflexive portraits and volunteering with projects such as ‘Artists For Peace and Justice’ in Haiti, Gillian has built up a well-balanced CV and loyal following. Returning to UK screens this week as surfing tomboy Ivy Sullivan in Season 4 of 90210, Gillian Zinser speaks to i-D online about the revamped TV teen classic and her own adolescence, talks performance art and shares her top 10 artistic influences.

What was the all-American high school experience like for you? I had an odd experience in high school – remember that movie Mean Girls? Tina Fey adapted that from a book about my school written by someone that went to it… I wasn’t exactly the most popular and I didn’t have the best experience. I was itching to get out.

Did you watch 90210 back in the day? Yeah, of course. I wasn’t allowed to though – I used to sneak off to watch it.

Are you a Kelly or a Brenda? I can’t really tap into my bad girl very easily, I’m going to leave the Brendas to the AnnaLynne McCords of this world. Ivy’s not like Kelly either, she’s more of an Emily Valentine, that’s the direction I would have liked to take her in but they took me on a really different path.

What attracted you to the part of Ivy? She’s not your typical teen drama character. I think just that. I’m not one to watch soaps and, as I explained, my high school experience was very trying and tumultuous and often not a fun one. I guess, in short, I was attracted to Ivy as a character because she was more of a black sheep than anything else and even though she’s your average teenage girl who is riddled with insecurities, she’s found a way to be comfortable enough in her own skin not to conform. That’s a really fun and important thing to bring to television and our audiences in particular because we’re speaking to a large group of teenagers who for the most part are going through such a formative period of development.

What’s working with Tristan Wilds like? Had you seen The Wire before joining the cast? Tristan is the classiest cat around. He’s an extraordinary artist whose talents are far underutilised on the show.

Can you tell me more about your childhood growing up? I grew up in Washington, which I shy away from talking about because I feel so detached from the city because it was so devoid of artistic culture and I grew up in a family of artists. My father’s an architect and my mother’s a painter – we didn’t come from a family of politicians, and I often found that I couldn’t really relate to or associate with the city I grew up in. My Dad’s from New York and my Mom’s from Berlin so I spent a lot of time in between the city (NY) and DC, taking the $10 Chinese Fung Wah bus up every weekend just to hang out with people and seek out forms of inspiration that I could actually understand. The minute I could leave DC I did – I moved to New York for college and never looked back.

Did you study art or acting at New York? My parents didn’t allow me to go to Tisch so I went to Gallatin, which is a tiny school within NYU. They let you choose your own major so I decided to study the relationship between fine art, the entertainment industry and philanthropy and see where we can build bridges between them.

How did that lead into acting? All my life I’ve just wanted to be a storyteller, to share my take on the human experience and explore the consequences of what we do and why. I’ve been infatuated with the potency of film as a platform to tell stories and I guess at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if you’re talking through a script or the camera, I feel like I’m just here to share my perspective on things.

Are you still making art? Yeah, I’m always itching to make and create something. We have a million moments in between takes and scenes at work so I always have a pencil, a notebook or a camera on me – I’m addicted to the process of creation.

Have you ever done any performance art? I thought that might be a good medium for you… combining the two. A lot of people ask me that but no, I haven’t really had the desire to do that. For the moment I’m sticking to portraiture. I’m inspired by artists like Cindy Sherman… I’m on a show that takes up most of my year and I don’t get to play a lot of characters that I’d love to. Using my downtime to dress up for two seconds of a snap shot to play a character lets me sneak into the skin of someone I would one day like to be able to play but don’t have a chance to. So I guess that is a form of performance art.

What was the last exhibition you went to? I just got back from New York where I saw the Tim Burton exhibit. And did you go to the Tracey Emin show in London? At the White Cube Gallery? She’s so dirty, I love her!

Gillian’s Top 10 Artistic Influences

1. I’m currently obsessed with Marcel Dzama – he’s a Canadian contemporary artist.
2. Kati Heck is an artist I found in Berlin while I was travelling over there and I’ve been infatuated with her work ever since.
3. Goran Djurović – he’s a Serbian artist who I just discovered out at this gallery Obsolete, here in Los Angeles.
4. Mark Whelan is a good buddy of mine I met in Australia and he does something that looks like dipping dots mixed with S&M!
5. There’s a filmmaker, a guy named Cam Archer who just blows my mind… he made a film over here called Shit Year with Ellen Barkin and Luke Grimes and that’s definitely my favourite film of the year.
6. Also have you heard of a guy called Robbie Basho? He’s like one of THE uncelebrated 60s acoustic guitarists.
7. Also, a guy named Moondog – you have to look him up, he’s phenomenal. He dresses up like a Viking!
8. Then a band called Wiseblood who just put out their first EP this year.
9. My friend Malcolm Ford, he’ll be releasing a record later this year produced by Queens of the Stone Age.
10. Lastly a writer, a Kenyan author whose first novel/memoir is called ‘One Day I Will Write About This Place’. His name is Binyavanga Wainaina – he writes about the kind of Africa that’s long been forgotten. It provides a better perspective than that of the Western world, looking in on what we imagine Africa to be.

Text: Frankie Mathieson

The latest in a series of intimate moments with beautiful women — in their own homes, in their own clothes (most of them, anyway), and at their invitation. Come on in.

For someone who is on 90210 — there’s a new one, and that’s perfectly fine that you didn’t know that — 26-year-old Gillian Zinser is a lot more like the “normal” women you see regularly on MeInMyPlace.com. She has one of those Tumblrs and she looks like she came out of the DVD extras of Dazed and Confused and she travels a lot for no apparent reason and she talks about things like “the responsibility of artists.” And yet: “I’ve never considered myself hip or in the know or cool by any means.” Well you should know her soon, not as your teenage cousin’s favorite hip surfer girl so much as one of those hippies in the new Oliver Stone movie about pot and guns and NAVY Seals. And because she invited us over. —The Editors

I found myself running in a lot of circles. I was willing to pick up anything from pencils to cameras to scripts to paintbrushes and make anything with them. But as soon as I graduated, I went to Kenya to photograph these slums of Kibera. And I met someone who convinced me to move to L.A. the minute I got back. So I went from the slums of Kibera to 90210. That wasn’t exactly the path I imagined. I didn’t come out here to be a part of a soap opera. I’m very, very appreciative of this job, but I think it was more of a learning platform. And from here I’d like to get back to the reason I wanted to be a part of storytelling to begin with.
Oliver Stone asked me to do a role in his film, Savages, and I have a tiny debut, but it was fun to be a part of his world for it. And I look back on all these experiences that I’ve had that maybe didn’t make so much sense at the time, and now I understand them as everything that I needed to give me the tools and experience to be able to now tell the stories that I want to be a part of.
I spent the winter down in Costa Rica learning how to surf. I’m partial to warm water — to not having to wear a wet suit — and I ride a long board, so it’s a very different sport than what you see my character do on the show.
No, I’m a water temperature snob. And the water here is insanely cold. It’s far colder than you would imagine. It’s a succulent collection back there. I mostly just like cactus because I don’t know how to care for plants — or water them, really. I’m a bad gardener.
T-shirts. Old t-shirts. And my mom’s old sundresses from the 60s, definitely.
I think everyone’s home is a pretty good reflection of what goes on inside their heads.

Gallery Links:
x10 | Photoshoots: 014
x144 | BTS: Me in My Place with Gillian Zinser

Season four of 90210 is all about “transitions,” Gillian Zinser says, as the characters we’ve followed for years are growing into themselves, taking on various adventures in the world, figuring out where their lives will take them next.

Except for Zinser’s Ivy, that is. She has already established her position in life, dedicating it to taking care of husband Raj.

“Ivy is in a completely different world from everyone else,” Zinser told me over the phone. “She’s struggling between finding a balance between her marriage and living for herself. What makes her happy? What does she truly want to do?”

Those questions do seem a bit more pressing than what kind of party Naomi will next throw.

When Ivy and Raj got married, they did so with an understanding that an “expiration date” was attached to the relationship, Zinser explains. He was sick. The concept of forever was actually not abstract. But now Raj’s cancer is in remission and Ivy is questioning whether she fell in love with who Ray brought out in her, as opposed to Raj himself.
“There’s a bit of romantic confusion,” Zinser says and 90210 viewers know why: Ivy seemed taken with photographer Nick last episode.

What can we expect to go down between these two? The actress teased:

“A triangle will form that will test Ivy’s devotion and dedication to Raj. They will re-examine their relationship.”

Starting tonight? Tune in and find out. The gang heads to Las Vegas this evening.