Photograph of Allegra Ream © Allegra Ream

From modeling to photography to production, Allegra Ream has left her unique mark on the creative scene. Currently based in Paris, she chatted with Artsper about her background in the fashion industry, her interest in digital technology and art, and her advice for young creatives.

1. Hi Allegra, can you tell us a bit about your journey in the fashion world so far? How did you get into this industry?

Entering the fashion industry had been a really unexpected direction. I was 17, first year of University in Hawai'i, complete “tomboy," and aggressively into running. I had been scouted on a beach in Waikiki by agents from NYC. I never saw myself as pretty or conventionally appealing, so it came as a complete shock when I was offered a plane ticket and contract to go to NY. I was apprehensive but ended up discovering a new avenue of income. I immediately became immersed in the creative and art driven fields and shortly moved to Paris after my first year of uni. I never gave up the dream of pursuing political science and ended up graduating with that degree, but I also gained agencies worldwide and a couple of different languages. Fashion did more for me than most would assume. I acquired a new confidence within myself, attitude about life, knowledge on culture and history by visiting some of the oldest places on earth for productions, and a new set of skills and interests.

2. How did you spend Paris fashion week this year?

This fashion week was quite unique. After the pandemic I took a step back from fashion, focused on my personal life and wellness, and worked on different projects abroad. It was my first fashion week back after the pandemic and I was more interested in the installations and humanized interactions. I enjoyed the conversations this year. Rick and Lala's dinner fostered valuable tete-a-tete with many about art, politics, and world matters. Networking, cultivating new relationships with creative visions and ideas, and enjoying a good party or two, kept me on my toes.

On the left: photograph of Allegra Ream outside Gio Forma Studio Associato, Saudi Arabia, on the right: photograph of Allegra Ream © Allegra Ream

3. Your creative space seems balanced between fashion and digital technology. Where do you see the intersection between the two and where is the industry heading, in your opinion?

As much as I value fashion, I am entranced with the expansion of the metaverse. Every major company is joining the metaverse and it's the fastest growing “civilization" the world has ever observed collectively. Predictions on growth range from 800 billion to 13 trillion by 2030. High valuations by McKinsey for example show not only hope, but credibility in the blockchain calculations. Of course there is disparity amongst valuations but from what I can ascertain, I only see an upward future. Fashion houses like Balenciaga have already developed a meta department. Fashion can be timeless, but Meta is limitless. I used to go on Instagram live and post advice on crypto and blockchain.

4. Do you consider yourself an art-lover? If so, what are you most drawn to in the arts right now?

Absolutely. The relationship between the unrefined and digital have inspired me the last months. Anything brutalistic I want to be in. Architecture and photography speak to me the most right now. They make me feel something I'm about to feel. Whereas paintings make me feel something I've already felt.

My favorite photograph right now is Nugush snake by Konstantin Tsibin. Looking at it makes me want to surf or wear a silver slip dress. Intact dichotomy I can't explain.

Max Lamb's pieces have significant meaning to me currently. The combination Lamb is able to create between primitive design methods with digital influence are very direct. Literal furniture. I dream to have a dining room table and chairs by him.

James Turrell. I liked being able to go to Pomona and see his installation. He captures light and space in a way I think no one can. Turrell's art introduced my curiosity with architecture and lighting. I don't think I will be able to live in a home I don't build on my own without evident purposeful relationships between lighting and building.

Urs Fischer is someone I've been watching for well over a year now. I was introduced to Loic Gouzer last year and he opened my eyes to more than just NFT art, but the influence of contemporary art and the intact dichotomy between digital and tangible. Fischer's NFT Series “CHAOS" is addictive to follow. The one he did with Tiffany's had me.

I also think the young Hunter Amos has something special going on. His paintings remind me of a familiar feeling. I would love to be in his head to see how he sees the world and processes light and information.

On the left : Nugush snake by Konstantin Tsibin © Konstantin Tsibin, on the right : CHAOS #101 Design by Urs Fischer © Urs Fischer

5. What emerging digital artists do you have your eye on at the moment?

Right now I've become fixated with architectural 3D renderings. I love what Riccardo Fornoni is doing at Cream Atelier. I forecast a huge demand for artists like him by major design houses, corporations and other artists.

6. Finally, what advice would you give to other young creatives looking to enter the fashion industry?

Focus on your art. Post and then get off Instagram/Twitter/etc, all those platforms pollute influence. Read if you paint, write if you build, paint if you photograph; my point being, keep your senses limber. People will notice your ideas and art more than a desire to enter into an industry. The recognition will come.