Filmmaker Amalie Gassmann on the Magic of Storytelling and Finding Her Personal Style

The Aje Insider talks life in front of and behind the lens.

To say Amalie Gassmann is a creative multi-hyphenate would be something of an understatement.

Entering the fashion and beauty worlds as a model in her teens, today the 27-year-old tastemaker is the ultimate renaissance woman, with careers spanning filmmaking, photography, writing, and creative direction—to name but a few—and collaborations alongside the likes of Vogue and Interview magazines under her belt.

Inspired by her own multicultural background—Japanese, German, French and American—to tell inclusive stories, the Paris-raised storyteller is only just beginning. To learn more about her life both in front of and behind the lens, The Aje Report caught up with Amalie in Los Angeles, where she styled and wore looks from Summer 23 ‘Lumen’.

Below, our conversation with the ever-inspiring, Amalie Gassmann.

Amalie Gassmann wears a sequin top and skirt from Aje on the street

Amalie Gassmann wears the Celeste Sequin Shell Top and Cherie Sequin Mini Skirt

The Aje Report: Your career is vast and varied as a model, filmmaker, creative director, photographer and writer. What drives you as a creator and storyteller, and when do you feel you are most ‘in your element’?

Amalie Gassmann: Collaboration is very important to me. Being able to have an ongoing conversation through the passion of creating and making a concept come to life collectively is so magical.

Seeing the result of all the hard work and having that shared experience with my peers makes me so happy. Being able to tell stories about my experiences as an Asian American and building a crew that is inclusive drives me. I feel most in my element when I am on set!

Walk us through a typical day in your life as a creator. What goes on behind the scenes?

It really depends on the project at hand, but if I am directing, it is usually filled with calls with the producer and crew [and] cleaning up the script and being as precise as possible with the character development, so the actors can find their footing.

There’s also location scouting and doing treatments on the look I want to achieve, plus putting together a shot list with the DP and a lot of research!

Amalie wears the Horizon Pintucked Midi Dress

"Collaboration is very important to me. Being able to have an ongoing conversation through the passion of creating and making a concept come to life collectively is so magical."

Amalie wears the Elena Belted Denim Midi Dress (coming in March)

With so many projects and passions, how do you refill your creative cup and stay inspired and energised?

In order to stay inspired and energised, I need to spend some time alone. I love going on a walk, going to the movies or a museum. Reading and watching films that inspire me helps a lot.

To feel grounded, I find myself in nature by a lake or river or doing road trips and discovering new cities and national parks. Spending time with friends and family as well!

How has growing up in Paris and living in both New York and Los Angeles influenced your creative pursuits and sense of style?

Growing up in Paris has informed my personal style and creative eye a lot! There’s a stillness and appreciation for simplicity that you don’t feel as much in faster cities like New York and Los Angeles, but both of these cities allowed me to experiment with my style, as they are more outgoing and encourage self-expression and originality.

On a creative level, I have met so many amazing and talented creatives and I really feel such love and openness for collaboration.

When designing Summer 23 collection ‘Lumen’, Aje Co-founders Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris were inspired by how the dawn’s light illuminates the earth after darkness, symbolising hope, new beginnings and renewal. Can you tell us about a time in your life when you experienced your own sense of ‘dawn’, inspiring you to begin something new?

For me, this sense of ‘dawn’ happens whenever I feel a new chapter is happening in my life, for example moving to a different country, graduating from college or pushing myself to learn a new skill.

This also happens anytime I feel that I am vulnerable in my creative work, like directing or writing—a great feeling to have as it will push me to learn, grow and bring unexpected opportunities and people into my life.

Which pieces from ‘Lumen’ do you feel drawn to you? Where do you see yourself wearing these looks?

I am drawn to the jean dress, I really love the structure and belt accent. I felt very comfortable yet sophisticated and would wear this piece to a lunch meeting or a day out exploring.

I also love the pleated long black dress and sequined two-piece. They are elegant with classic lines yet fun and interesting in their textures, and I would wear them to an event or dinner.

"... this sense of ‘dawn’ happens anytime I feel that I am vulnerable in my creative work, like directing or writing—a great feeling to have as it will push me to learn, grow and bring unexpected opportunities and people into my life."

Amalie wears the Eldora Mini Dress

How would you describe your personal style? What’s your approach to creating a look?

Classic with a modern twist! I try to experiment as much as possible and have fun with it. I am drawn to interesting textures and shapes, and a great fitted pant really makes an outfit for me.

I love mixing in vintage pieces, especially when it comes to accessories and jackets. Because I am always on the go coming from meetings and going straight to events, when creating a look I like to think about how I can dress up a casual outfit. So, if I’m able to switch out into some cool heeled boots, an oversized leather jacket or blazer, a good pair of earrings and a bag, that is the perfect look for me.

Who are your personal style icons?

I love Audrey Hepburn for her elegance and simplicity, Jane Birkin for her effortless French style and any ‘90s supermodel for their ‘model off-duty’ looks.