Why I’m Obsessed With The Playful Fashion Of ‘Heartstopper’ Star Yasmin Finney

Positively obsessed, I tracked down the Heartstopper cast on Instagram and quickly figured out that 18-year-old Yasmin Finney, who plays Elle, is a bonafide star on screen and off. She has an impressively playful and confident sense of style. One day she will be dressed in a ’70s getup, complete with a halter top, low-slung velvet pants, and an in-your-face afro. Next, she’s giving Y2K-era Pamela Anderson, with a motorcycle jacket, skimpy bra, and long blonde wig (that reminds me of early Kim Zolciak from Real Housewives of Atlanta in the best way possible). Finney is serving up an increasingly rare breed of celebrity fashion: shapeshifter.

Another moment I can’t stop thinking about is when Finney showed up to a GQ Style Magazine party in April dressed like an early ’00s rap diva, wearing a fur-trim denim jacket, midriff exposed of course, and bootcut jeans. The outfits feel similar to early Gaga or Nicki Minaj. She seems to be trying on different alter egos not as costumes, per se, but artistic explorations. It’s a reminder that fashion does not always have to be a declaration of how you do and always will dress. Playing dress-up is stylish, and useful, too.

The most surprising part? Finney does not work with a stylist, according to her team. Regardless of this, Finney is finding her footing within the world of fashion: She recently partnered with Marc Jacobs Fragrances for a promotional post.