Alexa Demie is living her own Dolce Vita

Cover Story

Oct 4, 2019 @ 12:00 pm By Kelly James

A picture of Alexa Demie could be easily mistaken for being a fond memory of an early 90s glamazon. The headstrong actress behind Maddy Perez on HBO’s Euphoria instantly captivated their vast young-skewing audience with her reminiscent style of the very fashionable 20th century. This became even more evident through her very vocal and growing internet fanbase. Alexa Demie’s timeless elegance paired with her vintage-esque wardrobe is a tremendous reminder of some of fashion’s most extraordinary moments that seem to be inextinguishable in terms of trend longevity.

The 24 year old breakout actress consistently pays homage to her Mexican American heritage through the way she slicks back her baby hairs, throws on her gold jewelry, and effortlessly applies her winged eyeliner. Alexa’s eclectic passions for high-fashion and unique make up looks have allowed for Maddy Perez to leave quite an aestheticized impression on the minds of many millennials and Gen Z-ers.

The volatile relationship dynamic between Maddy Perez and Nate Jacobs (played byJacob Elordi) continues to leave many viewers confused on whether they should feel supportive towards Maddy or in opposition. Nonetheless, their troublesome relationship provides an explicit glimpse within the psyche of a teenage couple in dismal suburbia. Constantly being socially pressured by her family, peers, and even close friends; Maddy Perez is at the epicenter of what makes Euphoria a groundbreaking spectacle to watch.

While Alexa plays the role of Maddy Perez wholeheartedly, the audience cautiously feels empathetic for Maddy’s unwise but stubbornly relentless decision-making. The moral entrapment Maddy has placed herself in as she attempts to navigate through the web of lies she has created will be revealed in the highly anticipated season 2 of HBO’s Euphoria coming in 2020. We talked with Alexa about her beauty inspirations, what it’s like growing up in Los Angeles, and the steadfast rise of her career in music. See the full interview, as well as our exclusive shoot with Alexa below!

How did the role of Maddy in “Euphoria” come about, and when you first read the script was it love at first read? I received the script and I couldn’t stop reading it. Most of the time I can’t even get past the first page in a script. I fell in love with Euphoria and I knew I had to be apart of it.

Maddy is such a bad ass bitch, and we love that so much here at Galore. Do you connect personally with this character? There are parts of Maddy I connect with. Most of it I don’t and I think that is what drew me to playing her. She pushed me out of my comfort zone and she also helped me express parts of myself that were suppressed at the time.

If you could have been the lead in any 90’s film, what would it be and why? There are soooooo many of that time that I would have killed to be the lead in but one would have to be Casino. I love mob movies. Scorsese. I love every aspect of that film. The story telling, the costumes, the sets, it’s one of my favorites. & THELMA & LOUISE!!!

Who are your heroes? The women in my family. Anyone who didn’t have an easy upbringing but didn’t let that be an excuse to give up or fail. Anyone who doesn’t compromise their art.

How would you describe you upbringing growing up in LA? Traditional on my moms side. Lots of family parties and bbq’s. I would walk everywhere in the summer. I loved being outside and feeling the sun on my skin. I was friends with a lot of the kids in the neighborhood and we would ride bikes and have water balloon fights. I felt independent at a very young age and I lived in a lot of different places within LA.

Tell us about your music. What we can expect on your debut record, and any fun collaborations? My music is my heart. I have had to put it on hold for acting but now that I have some time off I’m finishing up. I am very conceptual and love to story tell so this will play a part in my project. That’s all I can say for now.

What song is currently on repeat for you? Madonna Crazy for You & Take a bow

Top and Skirt by Danielle Guizio
Earrings, bracelet, ring by Moschino
Anklet ByLolita
Rings ByLolita

What the most sagittarius thing about you? Definitely blunt and generous.

What’s your daily morning beauty routine? Depending on what I have going that day I’ll start with washing my face with a gentle cleanser, spritzing with a toner and lots of SPF. If I have a shoot I will always do a mask a few hours before.

What is the beauty product you don’t go a day with out wearing? My rosewater mist and spf.

Favorite lip color? Any brown/nude.

Lipgloss or lipstick? Lipgloss on top of my lipstick.

What is one beauty item you never leave home without? Lipliner

Joyride Dress by Muehleder
Earrings: Prisma Slice Earrings by Onirikka SS19
Serpentine Ring by Maniamania FW19

Being a strong Latina woman what advice has your mom or grandma ever given you that you try to live by? I was taught to pray at a very young age and that has been something that has really stuck with me. I remember being in school and putting my book up in front of me so that I could pray and bless myself in class. I still pray a few times a day and just trust in the divine plan. The women in my family are extremely strong. They have all dealt with so much but they never gave up and made sure to give their children beautiful opportunities that they never had. They taught me a lot without even having to say much.

How would you describe your personal style? It honestly changes daily. Depending on how I’m feeling. I like to mix and match colors and styles. I don’t like anything too put together.

What advice would you give your 16 year old self? Be gentle with yourself. You’re worthy. Don’t let the negative thoughts control you, life is what you create it to be.

What advice do you have for young girls and guys going through a toxic abusive relationship similar to what Maddy and Nate are dealing with in Euphoria? That isn’t love. Love shouldn’t be a challenge. Love shouldn’t be hurtful or toxic. Give yourselves the space to love yourselves and through doing that you will grow and attract a beautiful relationship that you don’t have to question.

What was school life like for you, and what character on Euphoria hits closest to home? Everyone always assumes I was a cheerleader or super popular and really I was a bit of a loner. I didn’t go to prom. I didn’t date anyone inside of my school. I would say I relate most to Rue minus the drugs with a bit of Maddy and Jules. I dealt with a lot of sadness and depression growing up. I think I just felt alone and misunderstood at that age but always hopeful. I was already using clothes and makeup as a way to express myself and create characters so that’s where Maddy comes in. I always knew I wanted more and that’s where my Jules energy comes through.

Ok we heard you got to style Nicki Minaj, tell us more about this, and how do you feel about her retirement? I wasn’t her stylist, but I assisted her stylist and I remember telling her I could design and get a costume made for Nicki so I did. I sketched it out and my uncle helped me get it made. I handmade some sunglasses to go with the look and she wore it for a music video. I ended up helping on a couple more projects that week. I love her. Whatever makes her happy. She’s given us a lot.

So you just finished a film directed by Gia Coppola , how was that experience? Working on Gia’s film was incredible. I jumped in right after Euphoria. It was a small role but I fell in love with the script and Gia’s energy. I also got to work alongside Andrew Garfield who is so talented and kind.

Tell us more about your film Waves, and your character Alexis in the film?Waves is such a beautiful film. I made it with a special group of people in Florida. Alexis is loving and has a strong sense of self. She isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes is right.

In a world obsessed with seeing everything, you are pretty good at keeping your private life private, and you rarely post on social media? I’ve always been a private person. Everyones always telling me to post more..

So many young people seem to be doing Euphoria-esque costumes this Halloween, what are some tips on becoming Maddy Perez from the attitude, beauty, and wardrobe… Get a haute yet ridiculous matching outfit, snatch your eye with liner, add some gems in your brows and along the wing liner, sharpen your lip liner before applying, get your nails done to match the look, and LOVE YOURSELF.

We are obsessed with Telenovelas, growing up Latina did u watch novelas with your mom? I didn’t watch with my mom, I watched with my grandma. I loved it. We would watch on a tiny tv in her kitchen.

If you were starting in a Telenovela what would be your ideal story line? That’s a good question because Novelas end up having like 20 different storylines within one. I would probably be a mob wife that kills her husband for cheating on her with her best friend’s mother, takes over his business and has all of his guys working for her..falls in love with the enemy, they almost kill each other but end up making love and combining their businesses.. and the story would just keep going deeper and deeper..