July 20, 2025

Cellotape Presents: A Close-Up with Aggy K Adams

From her early roots in Poland through her upbringing in the UK and with her ongoing creative ventures in France, Aggy K. Adams is very much a definition of the expression “citizen of the world”. Aggy is known for the ability to morph seamlessly between a range of roles on screen as well as her thoughtful, character-driven approach to fashion, clearly showing how she brings depth and curiosity to every project she is engaged in. Whether stepping into the complex persona of Mia in series The Couple Next Door or carefully curating looks for a red carpet appearance, there is always a clear and considered intention behind the image presented.

In this conversation with Cellotape, Adams opens up about the power of costume in storytelling, her childhood love of dressing up, and the increasingly fluid line between acting and fashion. She shares how clothes can reflect character psychology, and communicate with the observer, and how international experience has shaped her perspectives. Added to this is how she is navigating the ever evolving role of social media in a contemporary actor’s life. Unfiltered, warm and yet quietly radical, she also reminds us that fashion and performance can be as much about empathy as they are about aesthetics.

Words & Interview by Tony Glenville

Above; Denim Dress: Marques Almeida

Cellotape: You’re Polish born and British, but have worked in France, so I assume you also speak French? How important do you think being “international” is today in terms of acting and life, and obviously fashion?

Aggy: I am lucky to have both cultures in me – British and Polish. They are completely different. France is more like my dreamland – years ago I would go there to escape the London’s rat race and read in cafes. I loved art, cinema and architecture there. I learnt a bit of French, ended up working there and living on and off. I think for acting, life and fashion it’s important not as much to be “international” but be curious and have interest in cultures other than your own. To keep widening your horizons and staying empathetic.

Cellotape: When it comes to what you wear as an actor versus in your private life, how important is it that your costumes support the character you’re playing?

Aggy: It is one of the most important aspects when building the character. Where there’s a disconnect the audience will feel it. It is crucial that styling and hair and make-up work for the character. We are all working for the story, not ourselves. That’s still a novelty on some sets.

Left; Top: Adam Jones, Skirt: Akris, Shoes: Florrie London Right; Denim Dress: Marques Almeida, Socks: Falke, Leather Sandals: Manolo Blahnik

Cellotape: In images you look remarkably different with your hair long and soft, tied back or with a big fringe. So, in fashion terms, do you enjoy changing your looks top to toe from hair to shoes?

Aggy: Absolutely! I love playing different characters and I see fashion the same way. I get to wear pieces that someone put a lot of hard work into – it’s an honour. I love creating different hair styles and make up to go with the story of the outfit.

Cellotape: In the new series of The Couple Next Door your character is clearly shifting things in the plot in a major way. How much is your look changing?

Aggy: Mia is a scrub nurse with ‘perfect’ old school hair locks and a lot of make-up. I was very aware of that and understanding that creative choice was a challenge for me and took a lot of adjusting to understand how to play this person with such complicated story, who is a nurse and with this big, beautiful hair! The look hasn’t changed throughout the show, only in flashbacks. I got to be blonde there, I loved it!

Cellotape: Do you think the psychology of a character such as Mia can be shown and supported through clothes?

Aggy: Absolutely! Mia is such a complex role, I think the clothes could’ve reflected that for sure. It’s amazing how much of my performance is dependent on costume whether I want it or not. Depending on what I’m wearing, I will move differently. It’s hard to go against that. That’s why putting a lot of thought into what my character wears is very important.

Above; Silk Blouse: Rochas, Trench Coat: Rochas, Satin Hot Pants: ID Sarrieri, Lace Tights: Falke, Suede Shoes: Florrie London

Cellotape: As a child, did clothes play a big part in dressing up and exploring different versions of yourself?

Aggy: Definitely! It was my favourite thing to do and still is.

Cellotape: When dressing for interviews and professional appearances, do you see it as stepping into another role, or as being yourself?

Aggy: It depends! I’d say most of the time it is like stepping into a role, but I always try to keep an element of myself in everything I do.

Cellotape: Do you have a go to designer or designers you go to for say casual wear, smart or evening wear?

Aggy: I am working hard on building those relationships now, but I love Chanel, Miu Miu and Yves Saint Laurent.

Above; Leather Jacket: Rokit Vintage London, Satin Slip Dress: Simone Rocha, Lace Tights: Falke, Satin Mules: Izie, Sunglasses: Jimmy Fairly

Cellotape: Of course, as an actor clothes matter, but did you get any help or advice early on?

Aggy: Not really! I am working with some great stylists now and they advise me!

Cellotape: Anything about clothes, fashion, social media and being an actor in 2025 that you’d like to add?

Aggy: I am not a social media person naturally, but I understand it’s important and is a great platform to showcase your artistic creations, whether it’s fashion, art or film. I have a friend in Paris, Gila, who is going to help me with that, I hope!