Sasha Lane on Virtual Premieres, Miu Miu gowns, and Utopia’s Surreal Worldview

Sasha Lane is one of a kind, and so is her career. Since making her debut in American Honey back in 2016, the actress has focused on projects that defy norms, and her latest, Utopia, is no exception. A surrealist take on conspiracy theorist thrillers, the Amazon series is an ideal bingse-watch. The show, which focuses on a graphic novel that foretells a global pandemic and the gang of misfits who have to unravel the mysteries connected to the book, oscillates between black comedy and unnerving commentary. For Lane, the best part of bringing the concept to life was collaborating with the ensemble cast, which includes John Cusack, Camryn Manheim, and Rainn Wilson. The multiple storylines and interwoven plot devised by creator and Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn meant that even the performers had to guess what would happen next. “All the different worlds involved somehow all connected in this world and mission,” she shared with Vogue via email. “So it was fun to kinda all chat about what was happening on each side and not knowing because each cast had their group that they spent most of the season filming with, until the very end where we all found ourselves in one room.” 

After months of hard work, Lane was excited to share the project with the world. The coronavirus crisis made a regular premiere impossible, but she and her co-stars enjoyed a special virtual screening this weekend. Naturally, the event called for an out-of-the-box outfit, and Lane met her match in an emerald Miu Miu gown detailed with crystals and pearls. “[Sasha] has the magic touch when it comes to fashion; she wears everything like it’s been in her closet forever!” says stylist Jason Bolden, who worked with Lane on the evening’s look. “I’ve always admired Sasha’s style; it’s truly effortless and hers!”

By choosing pearl-detailed sneakers instead of heels, and with her beautiful waist-length dreadlocks worn loose, Lane embodied laid-back the vibe that Bolden describes. Though she looked calm, Lane admits to feeling slightly anxious moments before the series hit the web. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was nervous,” she explained. “This was a year in the making, so definitely a few butterflies kicking around! But mostly, I am excited. Jessica Hyde is a badass!” 

With films like Contagion and Outbreak trending on VOD, pandemic-centric media has been omnipresent during 2020. Still, Lane hopes that viewers tune into Utopia for its complex plot and dark humor. When the British series Utopia is based on premiered in 2013, it caused a sensation, but its American counterpart has its own merits. “It’s interesting to read what people think of the series and how it differs from the UK version,” says Lane. “Sometimes, it’s annoying to hear the comparisons. But It also makes me acknowledge myself and my career even more. You eventually realize that everyone will always have something to say, and as long as I’m happy with my work and or its purpose, then I’m good.” 

Below, the star takes Vogue through her virtual premiere getting ready from meditation to backyard red carpets.