The transition from model to actress isn’t an easy one: for every Sharon Stone or Diane Kruger, there are countless others who are little more than eye candy onscreen. Those who do gain credibility do so by getting ugly: Exhibit A - Charlize Theron’s Oscar for Monster. British beauty Clara Paget is set to turn that formula on its head, proving looks and dramatic talent aren’t mutually exclusive. The daughter of a writer mother and painter father, posh 24-year-old Paget is a staple of the society circuit back home, flitting from the Cannes Film Festival to charity benefits to fashion editorials without missing a beat. In between, she’s managed to snag roles in the recent Anne Hathaway film One Day, and she’s just wrapped up shooting the LA indie Acid Girls. All while maintaining her fashion credentials.

S.T. What’s your first fashion memory – you know, the first time when you thought, “This looks good on me”? C.P. I had a pretty cool frilly swimsuit with floats stitched inside it when I was a baby.  S.T. What three things do you always carry with you when traveling? C.P. A pillow, an iPod, and a big bag of sweets.  S.T. What would you refuse to wear, even if it were to become hot in fashion? C.P. Crocs. S.T. What's your beauty regimen? C.P. Cleanse with Bioderma: it's really gentle. Then some rosehip oil or some Clarins, especially their beauty flash balm.   S.T. Who are your favorite designers? What specifically do you like about them/their work? C.P. Accessories wise, I like Dominic Jones: He does the best jewelry. And I love Charlotte Olympia shoes. I mostly wear vintage over new stuff from designers – but even better if you can mix the two, like old school Gucci or big Medusa head Versace prints from the Nineties. I really dress depending on my mood and what's nice, no matter what the label says. S.T. Who are your favorite models? C.P. My fellow London girls Suki Waterhouse, Cara Delevigne, Georgia Jagger and Alice Dellal.

S.T. Your favorite actors? C.P. The list is endless. But I'd love to work with one of my favorite boys: Jack Nicholson or Robert De Niro.  S.T. How would you describe London versus New York versus Paris? C.P. I love all three in their own ways, but London is home: it’s where I feel most comfortable. Then again I’m a born and bred Londoner, so I’m very biased! S.T. What thing about you would most of your fans be surprised to learn? C.P. My first job involved handing out flyers for an Indian takeaway and a drum 'n' bass club night in London!  S.T. Transitioning into acting has not been easy for many models. How are you going about it? C.P. I don't want to stress myself out about it. It's so unpredictable. I'm just taking one role at a time, and learning as much as I can along the way.   S.T. What former model turned actor's career do you most admire? C.P. That’s easy: Charlize Theron. S.T. What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? C.P. Not to take life too seriously…no one makes it out alive anyway! S.T. You've been described as a London It-Girl by British Vogue. How do you feel about that title?  C.P. People always want to pigeon whole you. I appreciate any admiration, but I don't really identify with that title.  S.T. Finally, where do you see yourself ten years from now?  C.P. Alive and happy is a good place to start!

Article: Steven Tate Photographer: Kevin Sinclair Stylist: Harold Jay Melvin Hair: Dennis Fei Makeup: Roudini Raphael Photo Assistant: Leonard Hughes Model: Clara Paget @ Next

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