Talent: Lyra Barillas. Photographer: Reinhardt Kenneth.
“I’m interested in everything, as long as no one gets hurt,” Lyra Barillas says with a bright smile, taking a sip of her juice. Her face glows under the shimmering light reflected by her metallic dress. Starting the year of 2025 by working together on a project like this cover story feels like an exciting beginning—almost as intriguing as this young woman herself. In the expansive grounds of Studio 383 in New York, our conversation unfolds effortlessly, filled with laughter and energy amidst the flashes of cameras, stunning gowns, and lively photo shoots.
Dress, Yiyi Wang. Breastplate:, Orsoya Darchi. Earrings, Haleia.
Lyra is a young American actress who started her career in independent films. In a crowd, she stands out with her unique fashion sense and bold personality. She effortlessly transforms from a cheeky tomboy in streetwear to a graceful, elegant princess—much like an adorable little chameleon adapting to its surroundings.
Dress and jacket, Joya Ma. Eyewear, Sha’duction Eyewear. Rings and Bracelets, byeCarol. Necklace and ring, Alexis Bittar.
Of course, this beautiful little chameleon is always on the lookout for new ideas. Her photoshoot for Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam is yet another exciting experiment. Her fashion portraits were “spiced up” by photographer Reinhardt Kenneth, who blended real-life shots with abstract, AI-generated backgrounds. The result is a series of ethereal and surreal images, making Lyra look like a fairy descended from another world.
Dress and jacket, Joya Ma. Eyewear, Sha’duction Eyewear. Rings and Bracelets, byeCarol. Necklace and ring, Alexis Bittar.
Our conversation flows effortlessly, wandering from her passion for acting to her personal taste in fashion.
Dress, bra, gloves and necklace, byeCarol. Earrings, APOA. Bracelet, Classicharms.
Harper’s Bazaar (HBZVN): Lyra, how did your passion for film first ignite? Was there a specific movie, moment, or experience that inspired you to pursue acting?
LYRA BARILLAS: I’m a total movie nerd and I’ve just always been obsessed with films – I guess you could say my imagination is like a runaway train, and acting is the perfect way for me to derail it!
Dress, bra, gloves and necklace, byeCarol. Earrings, APOA. Bracelet, Classicharms.
HBZVN: How would you describe your personal style, and what influences your fashion choices?
LYRA BARILLAS: I can be a rebel when it comes to personal style, which is code for I wear whatever I want to wear, and my style icons range from Gia Carangi and 90s to early 2000’s Gwen Stefani style to Zendaya, Bella Hadid, Rihanna, Emma Chamberlain and a pitch of clean girl aesthetic here and there.
Dress, Reem Acra. Earrings, Haleia. Millinery, Kat and Clarese.
HBZVN: Your ability to balance edgy tomboy looks with soft femininity is fascinating. Do you have a personal philosophy about how style reflects identity?
LYRA BARILLAS: For me, blending tomboy and feminine styles is second nature because it’s an authentic reflection of who I am. My philosophy is that when you unapologetically be yourself, without letting others’ opinions influence your self-expression, you’ll attract like-minded individuals and maybe even inspire those with different perspectives to break out of their shells.
Dress, Reem Acra. Earrings, Haleia. Millinery, Kat and Clarese.
HBZVN: Is there a particular color that you’re drawn to, either in your wardrobe or as a source of inspiration in your life and art?
LYRA BARILLAS: I don’t have a particular color that I’m drawn to. I love all colors. It all depends what vibe I’m feeling in that moment. But I do mostly wear neutrals, except for yellow; yellow is not my friend. (smiling).
Dress, Jasmine Jiang. Millinery, Binata Millinery. Necklace, APOA. Ring, State Property. Ring, Type Jewelry. Shoes, Lhambi.
HBZVN: Outside of film and fashion, what are some of your favorite ways to spend your time? How do you unwind and recharge?
LYRA BARILLAS: When I’m not working on a project, I enjoy spending quality time with my cat watching movies on quiet nights in, and I also love going on spontaneous adventures when I’m out and about so anything could happen.
Dress, Jasmine Jiang. Millinery, Binata Millinery. Necklace, APOA. Ring, State Property. Ring, Type Jewelry. Shoes, Lhambi.
HBZVN: We know that while you’re currently focused on independent films, you’re aiming to transition into mainstream cinema?
LYRA BARILLAS: That’s right. That’s my goal. I dream of working with directors like Sofia Coppola and Quentin Tarantino.
Dress, Leo Qian. Bracelet, Alexis Bittar. Shoes, JW Pei.
HBZVN: What draws you to their storytelling, and what kind of role would you hope to play in their films?
LYRA BARILLAS: Yes, it would be my dream to work with them even though they’re both very different filmmakers. I admire how they both bring unique perspectives to their work.
Dress, Leo Qian. Bracelet, Alexis Bittar. Shoes, JW Pei.
When I think of Sophia Coppola, I think of dreamy, beautiful, soft yet strong feminine storytelling.
Dress, shoes, necklace and ring, Christian Dior. Earrings, Dopl World.
When I think of Quentin Tarantino, I think of intelligent, action-packed, and well-crafted filming. If ever given the opportunity to collaborate with either of them I would explore whatever characters they would envision for me. Manifesting this opportunity to reality!
Dress, Melitta Baumeister. Eyewear, Chimi. Bracelet, Classicharms. Bag, JW Pei. Shoes, Vagabond.
For more information on Lyra’s upcoming projects or to follow her latest fashion-forward moments, follow her on social media @lyra_barillas.
Dress, Kuai Li. Earrings, Marie Mas. Eyewear, Mugler x Gentle Monster. Shoes, JW Pei.
Dress, Kuai Li. Earrings, Marie Mas. Eyewear, Mugler x Gentle Monster. Shoes, JW Pei.
An ARTCODED Production @art.coded.
Photography: Reinhardt Kenneth @reinhardtkenneth.
Muse: Lyra Barillas @lyra_barillas.
Fashion Stylist: Anica Buckson @xx_anaka_xx.
Makeup Artist: El Debratto @el__debratto.
Hair Stylist: Miss K Patron @misskpatron.
AI Designer: Lars Weber @thelarsweber.
Lighting Director: Fabian Ospina @allegedly.
Retouch: Valeria Strygina @lerika_retouch.
Digitech: Jenn Xu @jennxuxu.
Photographer’s Assistant: Kabir Animashaun @kabiruloya.
Wardrobe Assistants: Luis David llomuri @Luisdavidllomuri; Gabby Weis @gabbyweis.
Location: Studio 383 @383nyc.
Studio Manager: Elea Tsentzelis @guywiththehair_.
Harper’s Bazaar Việt Nam
