From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Robert - Boyd - Holbrook, with an angelic face and a hint of youthful fragility between his brows, was a year older than Anson. Yet, his slender and tall figure accentuated his boyish charm, tinged with a touch of melancholy when he was quiet.

He, a model.

He was discovered and became a model while working as a carpenter in a theater in Kentucky. He hasn't been in the industry for long, but he was appreciated by Hedi Slimane and became a part of this year's Dior October Fashion Week, about to step onto the highly anticipated stage and truly stand in the spotlight.

Prior to this, he had always been active in print magazines. This is his first official runway show, and also his first time leaving the United States, so his nervousness and unease are imaginable.

Hearing Anson's teasing, Boyd looked around somewhat flustered, "No, I didn't drink… Where would I…"

A beat later, Boyd realized Anson was joking, and a slight blush crept onto his pale face, finally bringing some color to it.

Boyd revealed a hint of helplessness, yet didn't know how to defend himself, "I, I prefer people to call me Boyd."

Robert?

Such a name is indeed too common and wouldn't stand out in the modeling world, but Boyd is different, easily able to stand out from the crowd.

Anson gently raised his chin, "Boyd, so, is the bottle well hidden?"

Boyd looked at Anson speechlessly, and finally could only resignedly lower his head, "Hidden."

"Shhh. I'll keep it a secret for you," Anson said, looking at the despondent Boyd with a serious expression.

In fact, when Anson knew Boyd in his previous life, he wasn't a model, but an actor—

Although the barrier for models crossing over to become actors still objectively exists, with the development of the internet, the rise of grassroots, and the popularization of self-media, the diversification of artists is a common trend, especially with the emergence of streaming media providing more opportunities for work, and the scope of actors is also gradually expanding.

In 2017, Boyd appeared in the critically acclaimed "Logan," playing a villain that made people gnash their teeth. His rugged and tough evil image sparked a lot of discussion, which became a turning point and breakthrough in his acting career, leading to more performance opportunities.

That was when Anson first learned about the actor Boyd.

From the brutal tough guy in "Logan" to the innocent angel in front of him, it was a visual shock, completely subverting the stereotype.

In fact, this also proves that actors are malleable, whether it is shaping a character according to stereotypes, creating contrast by breaking stereotypes, or breaking certain shackles through their own changes, different methods can inject vitality into the character, thus bringing surprises.

At this moment, looking at Boyd in front of him, Anson had some inspiration for the upcoming "runway audition."

"Anson…"

"Anson."

Continuous calls interrupted Anson's thoughts. The crowd automatically parted, and then a figure could be seen swaying in the rolling heat.

Hedi Slimane.

Behind him was another figure, who even preempted Hedi, taking a step forward before Hedi could speak, "Anson, three minutes to countdown."

This was the stage manager, responsible for ensuring the models appeared on time, adjusting the order of the runway show, and coordinating the entire show process, completing the entire show according to the vision of the show director and designer.

Undoubtedly, he was a key figure on the runway show site. Even when facing Hedi, he still needed to issue his reminder to ensure everyone knew their current position—

If Hedi and Anson already knew the time but still delayed the runway show, then the responsibility would not lie with him.

After speaking, he looked at Hedi, politely nodded slightly to indicate, and without stopping, turned around and continued to walk down, continuing to notify the next group of models.

Hedi: …

Although his words were interrupted, although he was now anxious and irritable, he still controlled himself, took a deep breath, and looked at Anson.

"Huff, how are you feeling?"

Anson could see that Hedi's face was slightly pale, with no sweat or color, and his eyes were slightly unfocused—

Anson shrugged slightly, "So, does the great designer have any other instructions?"

Hedi wanted to say: Yes.

But at this moment, truly seeing Anson, Hedi's tension and anxiety slowly subsided.

Hedi has stated more than once that Dior's first menswear collection was inspired by Anson, which is why he extended the invitation to Anson.

Hedi knew that it was risky for an actor to guest star as a model on the runway. The launch of this menswear collection was already full of variables, and if an amateur model was chosen, it would face even more challenges; but Hedi still extended the invitation without hesitation, for a very simple reason—

If anyone can naturally showcase the essence of his design, it would be Anson.

Hedi hoped to see Anson standing on the stage, and even more hoped to see Anson perform and interpret these clothes in his own way and style.

Thinking of this, Hedi regained some composure, "No, just be yourself."

Since Anson arrived in Paris, they had rehearsed repeatedly, and everything that should and should not be said had already been communicated.

Speaking of this, Hedi remembered another key point, "Boyd, remember, relax your shoulders, steady your steps, and stabilize your entire center of gravity."

This was also Boyd's first runway show, and his problem was that he walked too floaty and flustered, his heel's center of gravity was unstable, the swaying was serious, and the entire runway walk seemed erratic; in fact, he was not suitable for the runway, but more suitable for print, where a unique temperament could be captured in still images.

In this way, Boyd and Anson were exactly the opposite.

But no matter what, Hedi believed that Boyd was the model who could best interpret the essence of the design besides Anson, and after hesitating again and again, he still summoned Boyd to Paris.

Boyd was also a little nervous, nodding repeatedly.

The atmosphere that had finally relaxed became tense again.

Anson no longer persuaded, "Rock and roll. Guys, let's rock and roll, we should let the audience see the rock and roll spirit beneath these ordinary fabrics."

However, no one responded—

One or two mouths were eager to move, and their arms, shoulders, and bodies couldn't help but want to move, but seeing Hedi, no one dared to move after all.

Hedi looked at Anson, revealing a smile, a shy smile like a skull, as if a resurrected skeleton from "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Outside the venue.

Steven was a little nervous, even more nervous than the models, feeling uncomfortable all over, truly and sincerely unsuited for such occasions, especially sitting in the front row, every cell screaming "escape."

He originally thought that Tom would also be uncomfortable, but when they arrived at the scene, Tom was completely in his element, which made Steven feel hopeless.

He was thinking about whether he should leave early, anyway, he could audition another day, when he heard Tom's voice in his ear.

"It's starting."