Halcyon Promise
Essential Homme|August/September 2016

Of a new generation, Hollywood son Hopper Penn slips into the spotlight.

Jennifer Piejko
Halcyon Promise

PEAK SUNSHINE HOURS in Santa Monica, California, have a way of adorning just about anyone with a superstar sparkle; if it were a filter, it might be called radiant promise, or halcyon slant, with a light shower of citron stars and a delicate halo effect. Still, celebrities—the very embodiment of these sunny stars—invariably seem to have one subtle layer of filter lifted from over them: undraped and crystal clear.

It’s not clear what exactly would cause such an effect; perhaps it’s the constant harsh exposure from paparazzi flashes or stage lights that causes such cracks in the varnish. Or it may be simply the naked vulnerability that choosing to become a performer requires of someone. The process is gradual but noticeable; a veil of mystery and guardedness eventually replacing it. But, for right now, there is only sunny anticipation for Hopper Penn, a young actor, who, despite icily flaxen, champagne-tinted hair peaking out from underneath a worn-in baseball cap and skate-park–ready T-shirt, has something—a distinct yet unplaceable nose and crystalline arctic gaze—that lends him an opaquely familiar air. There’s an uncanny quality to his presence, at once recognizable and brand new. Though on-camera and red-carpet appearances are just beginning for the actor, it’s not until he’s placed within a Hollywood and familial context that suddenly—of course!—we know that face: His parents are actors Sean Penn and Robin Wright.

This story is from the August/September 2016 edition of Essential Homme.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August/September 2016 edition of Essential Homme.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ESSENTIAL HOMMEView All
SCENT SELECTION
Essential Homme

SCENT SELECTION

Since its first fragrance launched in 1981, Versace has released an extensive catalog of tantalizing scents that provide a vibrant sensory component to the designer’s extravagant clothing.

time-read
1 min  |
Spring 2020
SOLE PATROL
Essential Homme

SOLE PATROL

Proenza Schouler designer duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez returned to New York for Spring/Summer 2020 after a brief stint in Paris with a fresh collaboration.

time-read
1 min  |
Spring 2020
THE ART OF SEXY
Essential Homme

THE ART OF SEXY

Fernando Garcia, co-creative director at both Monse and Oscar de la Renta, designs for two industry opposites.

time-read
3 mins  |
Spring 2020
DELUXE EDITION
Essential Homme

DELUXE EDITION

The first release of the Prada for Adidas Limited Edition partnership is emblematic of the connection between the two ubiquitous brands.

time-read
1 min  |
Spring 2020
AMERICAN POP STORY
Essential Homme

AMERICAN POP STORY

It’s no secret that Coach’s creative director Stuart Vevers is obsessed with America.

time-read
1 min  |
Spring 2020
A CHANGE OF PACE
Essential Homme

A CHANGE OF PACE

With the release of The Slow Rush, Kevin Parker continues his meteoric rise.

time-read
5 mins  |
Spring 2020
PACK YOUR BAGS
Essential Homme

PACK YOUR BAGS

A number of Louis Vuitton classics, including the Keepall bag and Horizon luggage, have been updated in the latest Taigarama collection.

time-read
1 min  |
Spring 2020
Shots Of Versace
Essential Homme

Shots Of Versace

How photographer Doug Ordway became instrumental in developing Versace’s opulent image.

time-read
4 mins  |
Spring 2020
LE RÉEL MERVEILLEUX
Essential Homme

LE RÉEL MERVEILLEUX

Jean-Michel Othoniel instills his work with sensory revelations plucked from the real world.

time-read
4 mins  |
Spring 2020
The King Of Knitwear
Essential Homme

The King Of Knitwear

John Targon is doing it all again.

time-read
3 mins  |
Winter 2019