January 21, 2026

Cellotape Presents: India Shaw-Smith

Fashion is such a wonderful mix of components, and acting also has many facets, so that when you mix an actress with fashion you discover both the overlapping elements and the differences. In this story shot for Cellotape with India Shaw Smith we learn two things; firstly, how wonderful clearly the relationship was between the team and their leading lady and secondly her totally brilliant and revealing answers to my questions. The mix of fashion and role, the balance between the costume and fashion are all part of the multifaceted requirements of being an actor. Especially in today’s world the demands of chat show, awards ceremonies, events, and red carpet mean that dressing up is not just for a role, it’s for real life. India clearly relishes so many of the skills required in the two worlds and she balances a skilled evaluation of their effect on her private and professional lives. Just as in the business of fashion acting requires stamina, commitment, grit, humour, and adaptability. Switching between roles, as in switching fashion seasons and trends, is all about appreciating the moment, whilst looking ahead yet also being aware of and respecting the past. In every image we see India poised and posed, her focus on the moment, yet style from the past is imbued within her. It is the heritage of every actor from Sarah Siddons painted as the tragic muse by Sir Joshua Reynolds in the 1780’s through postcard beauties like Gladys Cooper in the 1900’s and onto the glamour of Vivien Leigh, Dior clad in Duel of Angels in 1958. India and the team beautifully extend the line of actors and fashion in these images, seemingly effortlessly, into 2026.

Words by Tony Glenville

Above; Denim Two-Piece: Victoria Young, Heels: Aquazzura, Earrings: Maria Black

Cellotape: Modern costume or period costume – which is a bigger help in getting a character?

India: I’d say period. Both are informative, but period costume often tells you very quickly who you are in the world and where you sit socially. On Spartacus: House of Ashur it was so transformative. My character Viridia begins the series in deep mourning for her late husband and is being pushed back into society before she’s ready. The restriction of the corsets, the weight of the dresses, really helped me feel that sense of constraint, while the layers of silk and beauty were all the outside world could see. That contrast gave me so much to play with.

Cellotape: How much does fashion help you relax away from acting?

India: I have always been a big people-watcher, and I love observing how people put themselves together and express themselves. I find it endlessly fascinating what clothes can reveal about someone, and I often tuck those details away for future characters (or in the hopes I can find certain pieces for myself). I’m especially nosey on the tube – I’ve definitely been known to secretly photograph a great pair of shoes. Subtly, I hope… Never been caught yet!

Cellotape: With photoshoots for fashion, are you playing another role?

India: No, I wouldn’t say so. I always try to be myself, as I think that’s when you get the best results. I’m much more comfortable when I take the work seriously without taking myself too seriously. A good giggle with the team at the start of the day and I’m set.

Above; Coat: Chanel available at Designer Exchange, Bodysuit: Raine & Bea, Hosiery: Calzedonia, Heels: Daniel, Earrings: Dinny Hall, Ring: Celeste Starre

Cellotape: Do you think the emphasis on red carpets for actors is part of the job or over-emphasised?

India: I love it. It’s another form of creative collaboration. Actors are in the privileged position of being able to showcase the work of incredible designers, artists and stylists. It’s expressive, celebratory and fun, and I think that’s key to keep in mind at these events.

Cellotape: Do you have a favourite designer?

India: Schiaparelli, without question. There’s something bold, sculptural and unapologetically theatrical about the house that I just love. I’m also a big supporter of emerging British designers, such as bespoke tailor Abbie Leach Atelier, and brands that repurpose vintage into something new – I wore Carterier to the Spartacus: House of Ashur London premiere and it felt very unique which was really special.

Cellotape: Accessories – jewellery, bags or shoes?

India: Jewellery. I’m a total magpie, especially for gold. I love pieces that feel like they’ve lived a little and have a story behind them.

Above; Jacket: Selenee, Belt: Chanel available at Designer Exchange, Earrings: Maria Tash

Cellotape: Away from a role, is makeup important or minimal?

India: Minimal day to day. I enjoy experimenting occasionally, but mostly I leave that to the professionals. Working with a great makeup artist for a shoot or event always feels like a real treat.

Cellotape: City or country?

India: A mix, but country girl at heart. I grew up in Oxfordshire, so that will always feel like home. Cities are exciting and I love that my work takes me all over, but long-term I’d happily disappear somewhere green with lots of goats.

Cellotape: You’ve done Chekhov, Sondheim and Austen. What’s next in theatre?

India: Shakespeare. I did a lot while training at LAMDA and having grown up not far from the RSC it’s always been a big dream. After months filming Spartacus which had such gorgeous, heightened language, to then jumping into Jane Austen’s Emma at Theatre Royal Bath, I feel like I’ve got the classical bug and would love to tackle some Shakespeare next.

Above; Jacket: Selenee, Belt: Chanel available at Designer Exchange, Earrings: Maria Tash, Rings: Soru Jewellery

Cellotape: Role models or Inspirations?

India: Cate Blanchett, without a doubt. She’s been my biggest inspiration for as long as I can remember. I first saw her in Elizabeth when I was little, and it completely floored me. She’s endlessly transformative and pulls you into every performance.

Elizabeth Taylor and Jessica Lange are also huge role models, as well as Fiona Shaw. I saw her perform T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land in London at Wilton’s Music Hall in 2010. It was so raw and intimate, it felt like the entire audience was holding their breath, you could hear a pin drop. And more recently, Kelly Reilly in Yellowstone. Her performance as Beth Dutton is astonishing.

Cellotape: What was it like working with costume designer Barbara Darragh on Spartacus: House of Ashur?

India: An absolute joy. I honestly could write an entire essay on what a genius Barbara is regarding her artistry, and a whole other on how much fun we had together. She makes me laugh so much. Her skill to tell a story through the details is really special. For my character Viridia, she designed the colour evolution of her wardrobe to reflect her evolving emotional state episode by episode, scene by scene. From the fabrics to the structure of the dresses, Barbara’s genius helped me tell Viridia’s story. Every costume fitting with Barbara felt like Christmas morning. I’d skip into the costume warehouse saying, “Right Barb, what have you got for me today?” and inevitably my jaw would hit the floor in awe when she’d reveal my gowns for that week’s episode. I felt unbelievably lucky.