Photographer Ollie Radford – Fashion Editor Kendall Blair – Talent Sam Salter – Interview by Melania Musci
Shirt Stefan Cooke – Trousers Stylist’s Own – Leggings Costume Studio Vintage – Shoes Lanvin / Leather Jacket Guess USA – Shirt Homme Plisse Issey Miyake
Sam, you move effortlessly between dance, film, theatre and social media. How do so many passions and interests coexist in your life without ever feeling in conflict?
I always wanted a life filled with variety. It excites and keeps me on my toes. I love all the different hats I get to wear — every day feels different, and that’s thrilling to me.
Dance seems to have been the starting point. What do you remember about your very first approach to it?
I fell completely in love straight away. From that moment on, there was nothing else I wanted to do. It just felt inevitable. I remember working so hard on my technique and flexibility in my free time. My family would be watching TV on a Friday night, and I’d be on the floor working on my splits.
A dancer’s training is famously rigorous. On a personal level, what do you feel it gave you?
Freedom. It gave me a way to express myself when I struggle to find the right words. When I’m moving, I feel completely free, fully present, not thinking about anything else.
Both dance and the constant exposure that comes with social media inevitably shaped your relationship with your body. What has helped you maintain a healthy, grounded connection with it over time?
Honestly, just feeling grateful that I can still move the way I do because I think it won’t last forever. There’s so much body‑pressure out there for everyone, and I feel it too sometimes. I remind myself that I trained my body to be a professional dancer, and that’s a pretty cool thing. Staying thankful for the body I’m in helps a lot.
Tank Top Homme Plisse Issey Miyake – Shorts Stefan Cooke – Bracelets Talent’s Own / Over Jacket Emporio Armani – Under Jacket Stefan Cooke – Trousers Stylist’s Own – Leggings Costume Studio Vintage – Shoes Lanvin – Hat Costume Studio
Shirt Stefan Cooke – Ring Silva / Shirt Homme Plissey Issey Miyake – Tank Top Studio Nicholson Razim – Trousers Emporio Armani – Leather Jacket Guess USA
Your career has evolved quickly and across very different spaces. How do you navigate expectations while staying true to who you are?
By taking the pressure off and reminding myself that what is for me won’t pass me by. It’s important to stay prepared and keep a strong work ethic; the rest is out of my hands.
How did your journey on social media begin?
I downloaded Instagram in college and started shooting with photographers in London just for fun, posting dance clips and little projects. After Covid-19, I began working properly with fashion and beauty brands. It’s something I never imagined doing, but I absolutely love it. I enjoy social media because I have full control over what I put out there, and that creative freedom means a lot to me.
Your presence on Instagram and TikTok reveals a humorous side of you. Did you always know it was there, or did social media help you connect with it in a new way?
I went to a theatre school in London from age 11, and my friends were the funniest, goofiest people: they taught me not to take myself too seriously. I always knew that side was there, but only in the last few years have I felt really comfortable sharing more comedic content. I think people like to laugh and be entertained.
Jacket Emporio Armani – Hoddie and Trousers Kiko Kostadinov / Leather T-shirt Stylist’s Own – Shirt Homme Plisse Issey Miyake – Jeans Stefan Cooke – Ring Silva – Bracelets Talent’s Own
Is there a message or comment you’ve come across online that stayed with you because it resonated on a deeper level?
I honestly get the kindest comments every day. People are so sweet about my content, and it genuinely makes my day. What touches me the most is when someone says my content has helped them feel more confident in themselves. That’s really amazing to hear.
If you think about an artistic field you haven’t explored yet but would love to experiment with, which one would it be?
Acting! Watch this space.
Tank Top Homme Plisse Issey Miyake – Leggings and Shoes Diesel – Shorts Stefan Cooke – Bracelets Talent’s Own – Ring Silva