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INTERVIEW
Photographer: Sam Delpech
From her breakout role as Genevieve in the fourth season of Emily in Paris, to making a statement attending Paris Fashion Week, Thalia Besson is quickly rising as a starlet to watch. Following her impactful introduction in the Netflix binge-worthy favourite, she is a force to be reckoned with, both in front and behind the camera… as well as in couture.
French-born, and relocated as a child to the USA, Thalia's statement style has been sculpted by her journey of self discovery, paying homage to the cities that she calls home. Blending established brands and up-and-comers in her day-to-day wardrobe, she brings together timeless classics with bold shapes to create a cutting-edge Gen Z look. Whether she’s wandering the streets of Paris or finding her favourite LA burger joint, her style tells a story.
Detailing the bittersweetness of navigating life across two continents, Thalia sat down with CSP Times to discuss her favourite cities, all they have to offer, and how her personal experiences helped shape her character, Genevieve.
What do you personally love about Paris, and what is one thing you'd recommend for any visitor?
Well, I'm French, my whole family's French and all live there. I was born in Paris and I also grew up there—I went to school there, so it's it's my home and I feel really safe there. For anyone visiting, what I would recommend—honestly—is just walking around. My favourite thing is to just get lost in the streets and admire the buildings, admire the streets.
Specifically, I like the Tuileries Park. I like to just stroll around in there, go write, read a book.
What is your favourite café or restaurant in Paris?
This is a tough one, but I love Café Costes—a classic. I would also definitely say a spot called Ferdi, for the best burger in Paris. Delicious. They pretty much only make burgers, but they are so good. I'm a huge fan of In N Out—every time I go to the States, that's my first stop.
What's your go-to In-N-Out order?
Oh, it's a little weird and very specific. It's a cheese fry, extra extra well done with four extra slices of cheese, and then just a plain double-double.
You and your Emily in Paris character, Genevieve have lived in both France & America. What fashion influences do you both take from these two countries?
When I lived in the United States I was very young, and I was still at a point where I was figuring out my sense of style and discovering what I like to wear. I think it's a combination of both French and American influences, because when I lived in Paris I was dressing more Parisian, very classy, very simple, black or white. Then, when I moved to the US it was like a complete opposite, it was very colourful. I've also always had a tomboyish style, and as I've grown, I've kind of picked pieces from all of those eras in my life and made a blend of all of these influences and inspirations.
What is your go-to brand right now?
Since I was little I have loved Givenchy, it has always been one of my favourites.
Recently, there is a brand that I discovered called Geel—they're amazing. Also, this brand called Left Hand LA, which is where my first job was. They were just starting out, and I would go to the designer's house, then we would design pieces together, and she actually taught me how to sew. So that's always my go-to brand.
You clearly have great style—What is one thing that you'd love to see your character, Genevieve, wear?
I would love to see her in a classic suit and tie, or even a tie with a skirt and dress shirt. I think she needs a tie moment.
Genevieve moved from New York to Paris to pursue a career in fashion. You, on the other hand, studied in Paris and have spent time living in New York. Do you feel a close connection to your character because of your similar background?
Yes, and this is something that I thought about a lot while I was prepping for the character and for the role. When I initially moved from Paris to Los Angeles at thirteen years old, I was very young and I had this big culture shock. I had a really hard time making friends and fitting in because the cultures are so different. So that was something that I found in the character and tried to understand where she was coming from, as Genevieve is just wanting to please everybody.
As a character, she is a little bit lost and sometimes doesn't go about things in the best way, but I could really understand that feeling of being in a new place with a completely different culture and just trying to find your place, and that really helped me connect with her.
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