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| Koukla wears earrings and necklace by Pomellato and an Isabel Marant dress. |
Koukla Lapidus exists in a space where art and identity blur into one. Actress, model, and now painter, she approaches each medium as an extension of an inner dialogue, quiet, layered, and constantly unfolding. There is no urgency in the way she moves, only a sense of exploration, as if each role, each canvas, is another step toward understanding something just out of reach.
On our cover, The Art of Becoming, she captures a more contemplative rhythm of her generation, one that embraces transformation as a lifelong process. Shaped by her Lebanese roots, she carries a subtle depth, where emotion lingers beneath the surface and expression feels more sensed than declared.
Fashion Editor & Stylist: Victor Concepto
Photographer: Najib Hajjar
Filmmaker: Maïssane Fritz
Makeup Artist: Karine Marsac
Hair Stylist: Natalia Sereda
Location: Hotel Pourtales, Paris
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| Ring and cuff bracelet, Repossi. Dress and handbag, Longchamp. Shoes, Daniel Essa. |
AM: As an actress and a model, where do you see yourself the most, in front of the camera or within a character?
Koukla
Lapidus: Both! I love them equally, and I think embodying a character
is just as possible and interesting in both professions, even though
they are different. It’s always fun to step into someone else’s shoes,
whether it’s a film character or posing for a magazine in a Marie
Antoinette dress.
AM: You’re now exploring painting. What does the canvas allow you to express that acting or modeling perhaps cannot?
Koukla
Lapidus: Oh, great question, I’d never thought about it before haha!
I’d say it’s just another way for me to express myself. I feel free.
With my brushes and pens, I just have fun. And I have a collection of
illustrated poetry that is coming out soon!
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| Necklace, Roberto Coin. Dress and belts, Barbara Bui. Shoes, Isabel Marant. |
AM: Do you approach
painting with the same discipline as your on-screen work, or is it more
instinctive, almost like a form of release?
Koukla Lapidus: It’s
definitely a form of letting go, allowing your imagination to express
itself. It’s very instinctive. Sometimes I don’t think at all before
drawing, I just let my hand guide me. On screen, even though there is
some letting go, discipline is still required, whereas here it’s
completely different.
AM: Arabian Moda often celebrates cultural
dualities and cross-border identities. You have a connection to Lebanon
through your mom, how has that influenced your life?
Koukla Lapidus:
My mom grew up in Lebanon during the war, and she had to learn to grow
up faster than others. She always told us what our Teta taught her:
never let anyone judge you or tell you that you’re not capable. It has
greatly influenced my life and my vision, being fearless, being
generous, enjoying making others happy, and appreciating every moment in
life.
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| Earrings and ring, Pomellato. Full look, Ba&Sh. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik. |
AM: You launched your career alongside your sister, though
you have different styles. How do you plan on working together in the
future?
Koukla Lapidus: Yes, she’s my other half haha, we’re
opposites, but so similar in so many ways. We share the same big heart
and the same values. We don’t have the same style or personality, but
deep down we’re alike. I loved the idea of being a duo at the beginning,
and now we’re each spreading our wings and following our own passions.
We do have a series project together, which is our original idea, so
that will probably be how we work together again, this time on screen.
AM:
Your personal style carries a certain quiet confidence. How would you
describe it today, and do you see it reflected in this cover shoot?
Koukla
Lapidus: I’d say self-confidence evolves every day, but the confidence I
have in myself is being a good person. Trying to understand others and
be there for them gives me confidence, the love I give and the love I
receive. This cover is very soft and pure, and I think it reflects the
woman I want to be throughout my life.
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| Full look, Ba&Sh. |
AM: Looking back, what is your proudest career moment?
Koukla
Lapidus: I would say the illustrated poetry collection I’d like to
publish. It’s a project I’m very proud of because it means a lot to me.
I’ve been working on it since I was 17, and I can’t wait for it to
finally come to life.