Harriet wears TOP Ottolinger PANTS No Faith EARRINGS Pilgrim BRACELET Pearl Octopuss.y.
Harriet Herbig-Matten has been making waves in the German acting scene. Despite nearly a decade in the industry, it’s her breakout role as the lead in Amazon’s Maxton Hall that has solidified her as one to watch. Yet, even as her star rises, Harriet remains refreshingly down-to-earth, staying true to the person she’s always been.
The editorial Love Sucks visualizes the different stages of heartbreak, a theme Harriet has already explored in her role in Maxton Hall.
SLEEK talked to Harriet Herbig-Matten about getting into roles, a day on set and who the young actor is behind the camera.
Harriet wears FULL LOOK Sheena SHOES Balenciaga via Nightboutique.
Harriet wears JACKET & PANTS &Other Stories TOP Acne Studios.
SLEEK: What fascinates you about acting?
Harriet Herbig-Matten: I love developing a role, building a character, and infusing it with life and emotions. Through this process, I can bring my own emotional world into the role, allowing me to grow and learn from the character I’m playing. I also love inspiring people, evoking emotions and thoughts through my performances.
S: How did it change you as a person and own growth when you started acting?
HHM: When I started acting, I was at the age of 12 and very young; a time when you are already developing and changing a lot anyway. Personally, it gave me an incredible self-confidence and strength to know where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. That’s actually very interesting, since acting, by its nature, is very insecure.
Harriet wears DRESS Gerrit Jacob.
LEFT Harriet wears TOP MM6 Margiela via Zalando SKIRT Maje via Zalando BAG Puma x Ottolinger JEWELLERY Pearl Octopuss.y RIGHT Harriet wears TOP Ottolinger PANTS No Faith EARRINGS Pilgrim BRACELET Pearl Octopuss.y.
Harriet wears FULL LOOK David Koma.
S: Is a day on set like a normal working day for you, where you can just put your role down after work?
HHM: No, not really. Sometimes I can still feel a character weeks after filming has finished. I find it difficult to completely separate a role from myself. I’m working on finding a healthy way of dealing with. But I also enjoy living in a completely different world for months on end. It has its pros and cons.
S: How has the rapid success of the “Maxton Hall” series affected your life? Is there a version of you before the series and one after?
HHM: Oh, so many things have definitely changed in my life. The attention has increased, not just on social media but also in everyday life. But the nice thing is that I haven’t changed myself. I’m the same person I was before, with the same character traits, passions, fears and problems. I am very grateful for that.
S: Who is Harriet outside of acting? What does a normal day look like for you?
HHM: When I’m not filming, I try to spend time with friends and family, but I also prioritize time for myself. This includes learning and experiencing new things, traveling, discovering new passions, and continuously working on personal growth. I strive to be someone both I and those around me can be proud of, which means not losing myself and, above all, preserving the inner child within me.
Harriet wears JACKET & PANTS &Other Stories TOP Acne Studios.
LEFT Harriet wears DRESS Gerrit Jacob SHOES Ottolinger RIGHT Harriet wears FULL LOOK Sheena SHOES Balenciaga via Nightboutique.
CREDITS
Photography: Paul Hepper
Styling: Sophia Friedl
Hair&Makeup: Leo Stern
DOP: Kevin Kaczynski
Talent: Harriet Herbig-Matten