For many, New York City is the place where dreams come true. It’s the place you go to live out your wildest fantasies or try your hand at becoming the next Carrie Bradshaw. But between the pandemic, the recession and the housing crisis, whether or not you can still ‘make it’ in New York — especially in the arts — is very much up for debate. The thing about New Yorkers, though, and the type of folks this city attracts is that we’re going to try our hardest either way. The sentiment seems to be echoed even by a new generation of creatives, captured in the new Hulu docu-reality series The Come Up.
The show follows model Fernando Casablancas, photographer and i-D contributor Sophia Wilson, nightlife maven Ebon Gore, aspiring actress Claude Shwartz, Ben Hard, who’s the new kid on the block, and Taofeek Abijako, the Nigerian fashion designer behind Head of State, as they navigate life in the city.
Though it’s been billed as the ‘Dimes Square Reality Show’, and a number of scenes take place in or around the downtown micro-neighborhoood, the show spans boroughs and contains multitudes — honing in on what it’s like to move to the city and the freedom of finding yourself it offers.
You’ll want to get to know the all-star cast, who are all unsurprisingly charming and clearly destined for big things. Ahead of the finale (or your impending binge watch this weekend) we spoke to the cast of The Come Up about finding community in New York City, following your dreams and the tea. Read it here.
Fernando Casablancas, 23, the supermodel
Who is Fernando?
Fernando is more than meets the eye.
What shifts have you seen in the modeling industry since you started, and how do you hope to change it for the better?
We’ve seen a huge improvement when it comes to representation. I’ve always been in love with beauty and how I can add to capital ‘C’ Culture, maintaining true to my identity and honoring my queerness. I’ve learned that my fluidity is my biggest asset.
What advice would you give to folks who aren’t feeling confident in their own skin?
I’m able to tap into the feeling of confidence in moments when I am not confident at all. It wasn’t always my case, but it’s a skill that I continue to develop. I think the most important part is to remember what confidence feels like. Find things that make you feel centered, in your own light and remember that feeling of confident joy. Put it in your pocket and save it for a rainy day, so that when you’re in a moment of low self-confidence, you can tap into the memory of feeling full and channel that into whatever area needs the boost.
What about the city and your community, specifically, makes it a safe space for exploration and experimentation?
The New York City I’ve gotten to know has always celebrated those who are different. In a lot of ways it took losing myself [on the dance floor] in order to find myself. The community I am a part of has always been a space that welcomes exploration and experimentation. Being queer is complex and requires a long journey of rediscovering yourself. For this process to be held in a space that allows change and welcomes it in is a privilege that people tend to overlook.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself over the course of filming The Come Up?
The show really caught me in an important moment in my life. I’ve gone through shifts that have taught me to trust myself more than ever. I’m a little psychic, and I’m working on listening to my intuition.
What’s the tea?
The Come Up is streaming on Hulu! THAT’S the tea!
Ebon Gore, 22, the life of the party
Who is Ebon?
I’m Ebon, known as the pretty girl who gets her way and very rarely takes no for an answer. Also may or may not be known for throwing one of the best parties in New York City (Baroque Ball, Google it!)
How has the city’s nightlife scene evolved since you moved here, and how do you hope to change it for the better?
New York nightlife definitely has become infiltrated with queer and transgender youth who have taken over and made it their mission to make sure nightlife is a safe and comfortable environment for all. I can only hope that continues to happen. One thing I will say though, I do believe that it has become saturated with people who still have yet to catch up to that thought process. The thought process that includes letting trans women take over, like duh why wouldn’t you want us running your clubs? We literally bring the crowd.
What about the city and your community, specifically, makes it a safe space for exploration and experimentation?
The difference between New York City and where I grew up is that there is a lot of diversity. Simply put, I could experiment and find people who are experimenting in the exact same way, so why not experiment together?
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself over the course of filming The Come Up?
I’ve learned that I’m just as dramatic as everyone tells me — I am such a diva.
What’s the tea?
The tea is that you can catch the show two weeks before my birthday, let’s celebrate by crying and SCREAMING together, because girl I need a vacation.
Ben Hard, 22, the new kid
Who is Ben?
He’s The New Kid! Ben is a dynamic, enthusiastic force with a very loving and passionate nature.
What do you love most about being on stage?
I love that on stage you are able to connect with dozens if not hundreds and hopefully one day, thousands of people at once.
I cultivate my own energy before I go on stage by allowing myself to do all the things that come to my body naturally. Which mostly consists of dancing. I dance away my nerves.
What about the city and your community, specifically, makes it a safe space for exploration and experimentation?
Having a safe and responsible community to talk to that understands where you are coming from is massive. I also like the anonymity that comes with being new to New York. I was able to get lost and experience the freedom of being unknown, which allowed me to open up to myself more. In my hometown, anonymity is harder to come by. But I’m very excited for San Antonio to see who I’m growing up to be.
What advice do you have for folks who want to move to New York City?
Acknowledge to yourself that you are taking a big risk! And know that while risks are challenging, you also learn so much from them. Which grows you! Taking risks can come easier to some people than it does for others, and if it doesn’t come naturally to you, then NY is a great place to practice and the rewards will be worth it.
Also, work in the service industry! It’s a great way to get yourself settled and meet a lot of the unique people NYC has to offer.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself over the course of filming The Come Up?
That I still have so much to learn and try.
What’s the tea?
Omg, well how much time do you have?
Claude Shwartz, 24, The Starlet
Who is Claude?
I’m a born and raised New Yorker. I’m 24 years old. I’m an actress, or at least I’m trying to be.
What do you love most about being on stage?
I love performing. I’ve always been a performer. The idea of getting to become a character is so exciting and interesting to me. It’s also very thought-provoking — thinking about character, behavior and perception.
What advice would you give to folks who aren’t feeling confident in their own skin?
I mean, I’ve always struggled with this, but I think just looking at the things that you’re doing well, your assets, and what you have to offer, and truly just believing that you’re… not great, but the shit, to some degrees. No one else is going to believe that you’re anything, or anyone, if you don’t believe in yourself.
What about the city and your community, specifically, makes it a safe space for exploration and experimentation?
I think first and foremost it’s the only place I’ve ever really lived. It’s the only city in the country, I’ve found, that is so easy to access and there are so many young, creative, like-minded people that are also here to meet you and do cool things. New York has a history of that that extends beyond the time that I’ve been here. It’s just what it is.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself over the course of filming The Come Up?
I’ve had a million different jobs throughout my life, especially since graduating college, and this was the first job where I felt so comfortable being myself and not really worrying about the reactions and opinions of the other people around me. I think that bred a certain confidence that allowed me to thrive. I learned that you just have to be yourself no matter what you’re doing. That’s corny to say, but it’s true.
You have to be comfortable with everything that you’re doing. You don’t want to be anxious. Establishing your comfort and making sure everyone gets to know you for who you are, is something I’ve learned.
What’s the tea?
Chamomile, I don’t know.
Sophia Wilson, 22, The Prodigy
Who is Sophia?
A native New Yorker, an artist, a 22-year-old.
Why is it so important for you to shoot film as an artist, and what effect do you hope your photography has on folks?
There are so many reasons that shooting film is important to me. I prefer a more manual, hand-held process where I can control everything which is why I love the darkroom. I also prefer to be more intentional with my photographs, so with film you’re forced to because you only have a certain number of shots on a roll. I hope my photography makes people feel seen and heard, and provides representation for kids that look like me.
What advice do you have for those just getting started in your field?
Sit down and mass email your work to hundreds of publications and editors you want to shoot for. One of them will respond and all you need is one yes to get your foot in the door.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself over the course of filming The Come Up?
I’ve learned that I’m a very open person, as it takes a certain level of vulnerability and fearlessness to open up your unfiltered world to everyone who watches TV.
What’s the tea?
There’s a ton of tea at the end of the season.
Taofeek Abijako, 23, Fashion’s Future
Who is Taofeek?
A storyteller. I don’t consider myself a fashion designer. I have a story to tell, and fashion just happens to be another medium to express that.
What did it feel like presenting your first collection as Head of State at New York Fashion Week last year, and what does it mean to you?
A dream come true. No better place to showcase not just my craft, but to celebrate and represent my community.
What advice do you have for those just getting started in your field?
Tell your own story and set no expectation.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself over the course of filming The Come Up?
Learned to be more vulnerable. So much growth happens during that experience, and you get to understand who you are as a person.
What’s the tea?
You’ll have to wait to find out.
The Come Up is now streaming on Freeform and Hulu.
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Credits
Photography Sophia Wilson.