Nathan Stewart-Jarrett of Generation and Candyman on Acting, Fashion and More

Christopher Fenimore

I am excited to bring my next subject to all of you. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett currently stars in HBO Max’s Generation—finals airing tonight, July 8th—and starring in the upcoming film soon candy man. I met her on a very hot May afternoon, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at these photos. He was extraordinarily cold, with radiant skin, a radiant smile, and a gentle and thoughtful demeanor. Soft, but firm and focused.

Incidentally he is also a fashion fan. Below, we dive into topics that go much deeper than just clothing. We discuss being a black actor and what it means for Nathan to choose roles, how men’s styles and individual expressions change our view of the norm, some of Nathan’s favorite shops and designers, and more.

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

It appears that you have starred in particular projects that have some form of social relevance, raising issues or questions on important topics such as race, gentrification, climate change, and sexual identity. Was this intentional, and if so, why?

Ha! I’m not sure it was entirely intentional, but flattered you think so. Mostly about the story, then the characters. I’m black so of course there will be stories about race, although luckily there is an expansion of topics and stories with people of color. But really it’s all about narrative; that’s what’s important to me. Again, fortunately, there are big socio-political changes right now and I think culture reflects that, so that’s why I look that way. I’m also in some very escapist projects—which I love!

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

How do you think fashion, from the things you buy to the way you put them together, relates to the same topics you cover in your acting work? Can fashion be a tool for change, and for starting a conversation?

We are seeing changes in the way men dress, in both gender identification and sexuality. The good one. And too late. The British tabloids are agog with Beckham in the holster any time and now we have Lil Nas X! So amazing. But I guess we can’t really talk about it mode and climate change and also need to be aware that often socio-political movements are co-opted by big brands and monetized. So yes, fashion can be a tool for change, but I think that expression and conversation starts with the individual.

You star in Nia DaCostas candy man, released this summer, and produced by Jordan Peele, who is clearly at the forefront of the horror genre today. Why do you want to be in it? Do you think the release time is significant?

I’m very excited about the upcoming release. Well… that candy man so I will never not want to be in it. The film deals with race in America, gentrification, and oral history—making it very and somewhat sadly still relevant, especially given the events of 2020. However, it’s also horror royalty in the canon. I am very happy to be a part of it. Even though OG movies messed up my childhood.

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

What are your favorite designers? Do you have a favorite store worldwide, or online?

Sander Lak for Sies Marjan, which is still my favourite. But I went through phases with the designer. Right now it’s Wales Bonner, who’s making great work with Caribbean echoes of the ’70s, and also Martine Rose—I miss London a bit and she has such a strong sense of ’90s rave culture. All my favorite shops are gone like Opening Ceremony, Barney’s and Jeffery’s. Oh. There’s a Departmento in LA. It’s still there. I have one left. For online, I like Mr. Porter, Matches, and SSENSE.

Do you remember when you first felt fascinated by fashion or clothing? What is it about clothes that moves you?

My cousin really introduced me to clothes. He would take me to all of these shops when I was younger and although he loves designers, he really focuses on the cut, the fabric, etc. It’s a little purer than just a label. Now it’s still like that. I have stuff from people whose names I can’t even pronounce—I just love the shape of the collars. Ha! Ver-sayce!

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Has more fame and success in your career changed the way you present yourself in public? How has your style evolved from when your career was just beginning to now?

I think I’m trying less now. I’ve always needed to be myself and feel comfortable, confident in my choices about what I’m going to wear, but I definitely feel more relaxed now. I made this rule to only buy things I love—within my budget; so sometimes…nothing!—which means I don’t have to think about what I’m wearing because everything feels good. I’ve seen a lot of actors at shows in the ’90s, and everyone looks very relaxed. I’ll get back to that.

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Christopher Fenimore

Since you live in New York City, I want to know some of your favorite places.

For bookstores: Three Lives & Company, Codex, Book Club, Left Bank, Mercer Street Books, and Alabaster on 4th Avenue. We need to protect these places. Hmm, restaurant. I’ve been out of town until recently so out of the loop but anywhere with a good scallion pancake. Dan Buvette. Honestly, my new favorite place is Cara in LA That. Lemons. Some kind of spaghetti.

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