19 this November, Mia Goth is the half Brazilian, half Canadian picture of innocence, actress and model who’s about to break, for reasons listed below.
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Mia Goth (last name German origin, not stage made) barely exists on the Internet, except for a small credit in a Daily Mail shot next to Lars Von Trier, an empty imdb page and her Storm model profile. But sooner than you think, this lady luck from Lewisham will be the girl every style magazine that thinks about culture and context will be fighting for. Why? Because she’s the chosen one. Film director Lars Von Trier has picked little Mia to star alongside Charlotte Gainsbourg, Willem Dafoe, Christian Slater and Stellan Skarsgard in his new film Nymphomaniac, released next year. Bambi-eyed, full lipped and button nosed, Mia has the beauty of youth and her grasp on life seems strong, taking advice from her grandmother and itching to get involved with politics, demonstrating a level-headedness that will serve her well in the buzz to come.
i-D online asked Mia what she thought about life, while photographer Nicole Maria Winkler and stylist Leanne Trigg shot the bare faced beauty, straight up.
Where are you from? I was born in London, my mum is from Brazil and my dad is from Canada so I grew up travelling a lot! For now I live at home in Lewisham with my mum, and me and my friends just hang out in the park, chilling on sunny days.
Where does your surname Goth come from? That’s a very good question! I’m not completely sure, but I think I remember my dad telling me the name has its origins in Germany. It is quite similar to the German writer Johann Goethe, so I just go with that.
How were you scouted? I was scouted at the underage music festival in Victoria Park. The photographer, Gemma Booth, allowed me to do work experience with her when I was 15. Then, on my final day, she took me to Storm. Everyone was so lovely at Storm that I was happy to sign up with them.
How would you describe your style? I tend to buy most of my clothes from charity shops and second hand stores, it’s cheaper and I find really beautiful pieces. I also like to invest in valuable items such as good shoes, bags and coats. I would say my style is a combination of classic items meets casual street wear.
What’s your first thought when you look in the mirror? Ermm probably ‘Who am I?’ I am still very young and learning new things everyday about the world I live in and about myself. I’m interested in psychology and how your surroundings can influence your character and because of that I think I try and take the very best from a situation, good or bad, and constantly work on myself.
If you weren’t modelling/ acting, what would you be doing? I love journalism, especially political journalism. I would love to be a reporter and spend time with the people who are experiencing first hand a revolution of some sort, or any kind of pivotal moment, that would be amazing.
What would your ideal date be? Something very simple. Maybe just stay in and cook and watch a great movie, I’m obsessed with film.
What was the last thing you listened to on your iPod? A Brazillian band called Tribalistas. They have one song called Velha Infancia, which is my favourite song of all time. I think if I could only listen to that one song for the rest of my life I would be content!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? My grandmother from Brazil, my vovo, once told me that for me to be a successful actress, I have to live life. I think that’s kind of become my philosophy. I try to embrace all opportunities and I try and not ignore the difficult times. I think I am coming to the realization that it’s actually the tough times which will make you grow and develop. Then, ultimately, these experiences get put into a kind of bag, which I will hopefully bring out again one day and use for my work.
Text: Sarah Raphael
