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It’s been a big end of the year for rising actress Bella Maclean. After her breakout role as Jem, Adam’s straight-talking, horse-riding love interest in the final season of Sex Education last year, Maclean received critical acclaim for her National Theatre debut this past April. Now, she stands out in the new Disney+ series adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s cult ’80s literary romp, Rivals.
Holding her own against established stars like David Tennant and Aidan Turner, the show is as camp as it is silly. The 23-year-old portrays the delightful Taggie O’Hara, whose journalist father Declan [Turner] relocates the family from London to the Cotswolds to the fictional county of Rutshire, dropping them right into the midst of the upper class’s no-good antics which sees Taggie become romantically entangled with bad-boy ex-champion show jumper and Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black.
Naturally, Maclean has become something of a style icon — so much so that Chanel invited her to their latest show. Before the premiere of Rivals, Bella Maclean went on a whirlwind trip to Paris to attend the House’s SS25 show and took 1883 along for the journey.
On the way to the hotel! Just touched down in Paris.
What I arrived to at the hotel!
The fitting.
Hi Bella! You recently attended the Chanel Paris Fashion Week show. What went through your mind when you got the invite?
I was so delighted and really touched. It’s a very famous and beloved show, so I felt thrilled.
Tell us a bit about getting ready for the event — what were you feeling? What music were you listening to? Who was helping you get ready?
I had such a great time getting ready. I got ready with my publicist, Victoria Bond, who did my makeup, and Anastasia Stylianou, who did my hair. We didn’t listen to music; we were just talking the whole time. We were all on the same vibe about the look we wanted to create. Sometimes getting ready for these things is my favourite part.
What did you wear to the show?
I wore a denim set, a denim dungaree with a knitted black and white hooded top underneath, and a denim jacket over my shoulders. I wore heels with a sort of suede black toe at the front and carried a little Chanel bag. It was gorgeous.
Was there anything that you were surprised by or weren’t anticipating when attending your first show?
I was surprised to see Riley [Keough] come out and sing. I was even more surprised when she walked into the birdcage and sat on the swinging chair. It was such an amazing moment. Everyone around us had goosebumps and chills. She sang beautifully and looked incredible with black flowing material draping off the back of her. It was incredible watching her swing back and forth through the birdcage while all the models crossed underneath her. That was a pretty incredible moment.
The first of many meals.
The team!
Walking on the way back to the hotel.
What is it about Chanel and their garments that have made you fall in love with the House?
Any Chanel I have worn so far makes me feel confident. There’s something about how they’re made and fitted to enhance your natural shape. You feel very powerful, elegant, and chic, which is a wonderful feeling.
Have you been to Paris before? What do you love most about the city?
I’ve been to Paris a few times, and the food is incredible. When I wasn’t involved with fashion events, I was running to every restaurant and eating copious amounts of bread and butter with my publicist. The art is also fantastic. I saw the Rothko exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Foundation earlier this year and was completely blown away by it.
You have Rivals coming up, working alongside the likes of David Tennant and Aidan Turner. Can you tell us a bit about your character, Taggie O’Hara?
I play 20-year-old Taggie in the show. Taggie is the heart of the story. She has an incredibly strong moral compass but is also 20, insecure, and still getting over her teenage years. She’s sensitive, dyslexic, lacks confidence, but is very creative and loves cooking. She’s obsessed with nature, so moving to Rutshire for her father’s job is a dream come true for her.
What initially attracted you to the role?
I was amazed by Taggie’s strength in staying true to what she believes in despite being surrounded by strong characters. She stands up for what she believes in, even though she’s insecure and lacks experience. Throughout the season, I enjoyed balancing her strong moral compass with her insecurity. It’s wonderful playing a really good person.
The grand Palais.
My seat at the show.
Rivals is out now on Disney+.
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