UNDER HIS OWN SPOTLIGHT. While fully embracing his famous heritage, Brandon Lee carves his own path in fashion while blazing another trail into acting
Shirt by Obey, pants by Chapter
After spending quite a long time hidden from the public eye, Brandon Lee, son of legendary “Baywatch” star Pamela Anderson and Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, is stepping into the limelight. And, of course, he’s doing it in style.
For one, Lee is one of the faces of Dolce & Gabbana’s spring/summer 2017 campaign, and also appeared on the brand’s runway show during the Milan Fashion Week event earlier this year. It would certainly seem that the modeling gene runs in the family: His brother, Dylan Jagger Lee, modeled for Saint Laurent. Naturally, film is a not-so-distant goal for the elder Lee brother, who described himself on numerous occasions as a consummate “cinephile.” Rumors abound about at least one cameo in a film project that’s probably quite familiar to him.
Still, what’s most intriguing about Lee’s story is the way he handles fame. On the one hand, he doesn’t seem to shy away from joining his famous parents in public appearances. On the other hand, he has successfully carved his own path, doing his own thing—and doing it well. We can only guess whether his passions will develop more toward fashion or film, but for now, he’s made quite a name for himself in the business, and will probably become a familiar sight among the campaigns of the coming seasons.
DA MAN: Hi, Brandon; awesome to have you with us. So, what are you busy with these days?
Brandon Lee: I’m mostly busy with just trying to stay healthy in Hollywood actually.
DA MAN: Earlier this year you walked on Dolce & Gabbana’s fall/winter runway show in Milan. How exciting was that?
Brandon Lee: Walking for Dolce & Gabbana was one of the most spectacular experiences! Stefano and Domenico are icons, and it was such an honor to be involved with showcasing that collection.
Outfit by 3.1 Phillip Lim
DA MAN: And, of course, you’re also on the brand’s latest ad campaign. How did you end up working with this Dolce & Gabbana project?
Brandon Lee: Yes, I am. It really all started when I came to Milan for the first time a couple seasons ago and sat at the show. That’s when I met Stefano and Domenico for the first time. We instantly became friends. One of the highlights of working with them was getting on stage at the after party and singing like crazy with those guys. I feel like that’s where the connection really started. And, of course, soon after that, the campaign in Capri was shot. It really feels like I am part of the family when I see those guys, and I couldn’t tell you what an honor it is to work with them.
DA MAN: You were joined on set by Presley Gerber, Rafferty Law and Gabriel Kane. What was it like working with these guys?
Brandon Lee: Yeah! I mean, what can I say? I’ve been friends with those guys ever since. Truly a group of stand up guys. I knew Presley prior from growing up in Malibu.
DA MAN: From the runway in Milan to the photo shoot in Capri, are there any particular pieces that you’d want to add to your personal wardrobe?
Brandon Lee: The suit and the tux. Dolce & Gabbana have such a classic fit. I’ve collected a few over my time working with them.
DA MAN: You’ve described yourself as a “cinephile” before. Can you elaborate on that?
Brandon Lee: I love film. It’s a cure-all. It inspires emotion and gives birth to so much motivation. It’s my dream.
Outfit by Vivienne Westwood
Outfit by Vivienne Westwood
DA MAN: Speaking of going into showbiz, have you ever struggled with the stereotypical “wanting to step out of your parents’ shadow” problem?
Brandon Lee: I don’t think so at all. I’m a completely different person with a completely different mindset and a completely different set of skills.
DA MAN: On the flip side, some projects—like the Dolce & Gabbana spring/summer campaign we touched on earlier—fully embrace the “sons of famous people” angle. What do you think about this phenomenon?
Brandon Lee: I think just because your parents are “famous” or “celebrities,” it doesn’t make you cool or interesting. All of the people I’ve met on these jobs are interesting because they are who they are … not because of their parents.
DA MAN: All that being said, are there any important lessons about the entertainment business that you’ve gleaned from your parents’ careers? Or perhaps in fashion?
Brandon Lee: Honestly, the only one is just to be myself.
DA MAN: By the way, what was it that first made you look into modeling?
Brandon Lee: I love fashion. It’s a great outlet to express yourself. Modeling is just another form of acting …
DA MAN: Models often have to do crazy things in front of the camera—sometimes risky, sometimes risqué. How far do you think are you prepared to go for a photo shoot?
Brandon Lee: It really depends. I’ll do anything if it feels right. I’ll never do anything if I feel like I’m faking it.
DA MAN: What are your current long term plans? Career-wise, that is…
Brandon Lee: I’ve been studying to become an actor for years, and I’m working now on making that a reality.
Outfit by Vivienne Westwood
DA MAN: On to more personal stuff, what makes you the most happy?
Brandon Lee: Pyper America Smith!
DA MAN: What, would you say, is the most boring part of your life and/or career?
Brandon Lee: The most boring time is the flights. I can’t really sleep on long flights, so I end up just walking around. People hate it. [Laughs]
DA MAN: And what would be your go to remedy for boredom?
Brandon Lee: Film. When I’m bored I just try to re-watch a film and try to pick things out I haven’t seen before.
DA MAN: What or who is your number one source of inspiration?
Brandon Lee: My friends. I love seeing my friends succeed. All it does is make me want to get off my ass and work harder.
DA MAN: Have you ever wanted to change something about yourself? If so, what would it be, and if not, why?
Brandon Lee: No way, man. I was born Brandon Thomas Lee. If I changed anything, I wouldn’t be me anymore, and that would suck because I really do like me a lot.
DA MAN: What do you think is your number one distinguishing characteristic?
Brandon Lee: Probably my facial expressions. They’re always so dramatic.
DA MAN: On a related not, what would be your greatest and most distinguishing achievement so far?
Brandon Lee: The first musical I ever did. It changed my life. I fell in love with preforming. And it’s just been amazing from there.
DA MAN: Are there any current trends that are immensely popular that you simply don’t see what all the fuss is about?
Brandon Lee: Long T-shirts.
DA MAN: What can somebody do to gain your respect?
Brandon Lee: Be yourself, don’t lie to me and be loyal.
DA MAN: If you could sum up your life in a single phrase, motto or popular quote, what would it be?
Brandon Lee: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and unconventional.
Jacket by Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Man
Jacket and pants by 3.1 Phillip Lim, shirt by Vivienne Westwood,
shoes by Comme des Garçons Play x Converse
Photography Mitchell Nguyen McCormack
Styling Lauren LaRocca
Grooming Grace Phillips at State Artists Management using GOA Skincare
Model Brandon Lee
Fashion Assistant Paul Coggiola
Videographer Sean Kennedy