Talking To Tolula

We caught up with Tolula, the gorgeous artist who is a muse of Vivienne Westwood, has been snapped by Rankin and has acted in a film with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson to discuss some of her amazing experiences.

So Tolula you are a model, DJ and actress, when are you happiest?
So actually I am a Model and Actress, who enjoys music and DJs now and then. There's a difference, because Fat Boy Slim is a DJ, I am a music enthusiast to be precise. I am a different kind of artist - I have had a performance background in dance and drama from a young age, I studied Ballet, Tap and Contemporary dance and performed Shakespeare. My Dad had an amazing record collection that we used to listen to on an old record player, so I have a broad taste in music and I love discovering new songs and love to dance, which is why I enjoy DJing. But performance is my first love, which encompasses many different things.

What was it like working with Vivienne Westwood?
Vivienne Westwood is another different sort of artist. She's such a prolific, unique, visionary. Who's not afraid to say what others are afraid to do and say. She's more than just a fashion designer. Working with her is an immensely inspiring experience. When I recently walked in her show in November 2009 for Selfridges - she had Dionne Bromfield performing before we came out. I had a little paper princess tiara and a sign round my neck warning us humans of Global Warming. Another model's sign had exerts from her political manifesto.... she is the only designer who dares to make such political, environmental and humanitarian comments. I only think of John Galliano and the late and great McQueen who can match up to her maverick originality.

What was it like working with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson in the film Last Chance Harvey?
Working with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, was an incredible introduction to the world of film for me as a young actress. Last Chance Harvey, is my first feature film role and during the production every morning I'd wake up and just think WOW. They were both so encouraging, funny, professional, sweet, amazingly talented...It was truly fabulous to be able to watch them perform every day, Dustin with his humour and practical jokes and Emma's encouraging, intelligent, generous spirit.

What are your favourite tunes to be spinning on the decks?
I tend to listen to a broad range of genres of music. I think people are surprised by what they think they'll like and what they didn't think they'd actually dance to. I play a lot of Prince and Bowie. But I could throw on some Little Richard, Patti Smith, Northern Soul, Nina Simone, thrown in between Rhianna and vintage Madonna. I also love film soundtracks, from films such as Mulholland Drive or LA confidential - Kay Starr. I always play a song from a film.

Where do you hang out in London?
I don't usually go to bars or clubs, but if I want to dance I go to Bungalow 8, they have some of the best DJs play there. But you can also chill and have a conversation upstairs. I love the chilled and friendly atmosphere of the Ivy Club, also the cocktails and food. Since spending some time in LA, I fell in Love with the 24 hour Dinner culture. I love the decadent feeling of sitting round a table with friends, good people, good conversation and good food at 3am, anything could happen and you meet interesting people. Especially if you've been filming or working late. I love late night restaurants in Chinatown and Soho. I love parks, I used to rehearse my theatre company plays in Hyde park, when it didn't rain. I love old theatres and churches, my dream is to perform a play in a church, but it's costly and acoustics aren't great.

Why do you love your Idol eye-let biker jacket....So much?
I love the IDOL eye-let biker jacket because it's a great fit and looks like vintage leather. Like James Dean wore it in Rebel Without A Cause.

Best career moment so far?
Best career moment(s) so far would be filming Last Chance Harvey with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. And shooting the campaign with Vivienne Westwood and walking in all her shows.

What's to come.....?
I am working on a short film about the internet, working on a feature film set in the fashion industry and a play! Also working on a personal project - design collaboration.