Fenton and Emilia Merkell are kickstarting their own American Dream from scratch.
Emilia wears all clothing TOPSHOP. Fenton wears all clothing TOPMAN.
You might have seen Fenton and Emilia Merkell on Instagram. If you’re British, you’ve probably not realised who their mum is. If you’re from anywhere else, you probably won’t be too fussed, but let us have our moment of national pride. EastEnders’ Bianca Jackson reigned as the kween of soap-land throughout the 90s and early noughts. A figurehead of UK television, the puffer-jacket connoisseur was a fan-fave until her departure back in 2014, adored for her persona as a homegrown British banshee, instantly recognised as that lass that screams “RICKAAAAAAY”.
Now, the actor Patsy Palmer’s own non-fiction children are all grown up, and that makes us feel a old as hell but also weirdly proud? If they touched down in London now, they could be famous overnight, but over in Los Angeles, thanks to being motivated, charming and drop dead gorge, Fenton and Emilia are putting in the graft to build their own legacies. Carving their own careers in fashion with modelling gigs coming thick and fast, it’s pretty obvious that whether they’re in Walford or West Hollywood, success runs in the family. See for yourself as we soak up the sun with the siblings in downtown LA…
Emilia wears all clothing TOPSHOP. Fenton wears all clothing TOPMAN.
Hello Merkells! You guys are both into fashion, where do you think that started?
Emilia: Since we were young we always had an interest in fashion and styling each other. We’re very creative and always have had fun in our outfits and how we want to present ourselves.
Your social media followings are both pretty hefty, how important is social media in your day-to-day lives?
E: I mean, social media has taken over the world, so it’s hard to have an opinion on it… It’s just normal life for most of the population to constantly be checking Instagram.
What sort of music are you both into?
E: Fen and me usually blast anything in the car that gets us in a good mood. A lot of new stuff, and many throwbacks.
Classic question: where do you see yourselves in 10 years time?
E: I have no idea! I see myself being 27… But other than that I don’t know!
Fenton: I’m meant to be where I’m meant to be…
Cryptic! You’re both still in your teens and teenagers are usually responsible for anything viral… Which do you think have been the best and worst trends recently?
E: I usually don’t pay attention to the trends, but Tide Pods were 100 per cent the worst. It still confuses me to this day.
F: The best trend of 2018 was the ‘shoot’, the dance.
Gotcha. In fact, since we’re older than you, can you just give us run down of what’s cool and what’s not?
E: Being cool is just being yourself. Love yourself — instantly fire!
Emilia wears all clothing TOPSHOP. Fenton wears all clothing TOPMAN.
Emilia wears all clothing TOPSHOP. Fenton wears all clothing TOPMAN.
Taken from the Summer 2018 Issue; out now and available to buy here.
Photography
Daria Kobayashi Ritch
Hair
Edward Lampley at Bryant Artists using Tigi Queen for a Day
Makeup
Jenna Kristina at The Wall Group using NARS
With thanks to
Paper Moon Vintage, LA