Melissa Collazo
stars in
Amazon MGM series
Motorheads
Photography Alejandra Washington
Fashion Editor Deborah Ferguson
From diving headfirst into the world of car mechanics to crafting a deeply personal character, Melissa Collazo shares the behind-the-scenes process that shaped her portrayal of Caitlyn. She also reflects on how her Puerto Rican heritage and bilingual career inform her artistic choices, offering an intimate look into her inspirations, style, and self-care philosophy. Warm, candid, and thoughtful, Collazo invites readers into her world—both on and off the screen.
Necklace, Cardigan, Belt, Boots & Skirt: CHANEL
Necklace & Cardigan: Chanel
LG: Congratulations on Motorheads! How has the process been?
MC: Thank you! It’s been a two year process at this point. I booked the show right before the SAG-AFTRA strike happened which added almost a full year of time to this entire experience so i’m grateful people can finally watch the show. It feels long overdue.
Necklace & Cardigan: CHANEL
Cardigan, Belt & Skirt: CHANEL
LG: How did you approach developing your character, Caitlyn?
MC: My one big blindspot with Caitlyn was how knowledgeable she is about cars. I know less than zero—I don’t even have my license, so there was a lot of research and hands-on learning there. Luckily the producers of the show gave me a three week crash course with the show’s mechanics so I could really get my hands dirty.
Necklace, Cardigan, Belt & Skirt: CHANEL
MC: Besides that, I approached Caitlyn the same way I have all my other characters. I find that making playlists for a character and their multiple relationships helps. I keep a diary in character, I think it feeds their inner-life. I do some dream work, make mood boards and I find a signature scent for every character I play. Caitlyn’s ended up being Glossier You because it’s simple and reminds me of my teenage years. I tried Toskovat Age of Innocence originally because it has notes of bubblegum, rubber, cotton candy, and gasoline, but it was a little too intense of a scent and I didn’t want to upset my costars.
LG: What similarities do you see between you and Caitlyn? What differences do you see?
MC: I think that we’re both tremendously passionate about whatever we set our minds to, maybe to a fault. She marches at the beat of her own drum, as do I. We both have big hearts but in terms of differences—I think she’s way wiser than I was at her age. She’s good at protecting her feelings. She’s also way cooler and smoother than I was. She’s rougher around the edges than I am and has had a lot of trauma in her life that I haven’t experienced but I’ve learned a lot through her and I think some of her stronger qualities rubbed off on me.
Cardigan, Briefs, & Body Suit: VERONIQUE LEROY
Boots: CHANEL
Cardigan, Briefs & Body Suit: VERONIQUE LEROY
LG: Your career spans both Spanish and English. Has this global background influenced how you approach your work?
MC: For me it’s almost an unconscious thing when it comes to approaching my work. My background is my background so it’s naturally factored into any and every decision I’ve ever made. I couldn’t be prouder to be Puerto Rican. I always jump at the opportunity to do a Spanish speaking role or at least have a couple lines in Spanish thrown in.
Dress, Necklace & Cuffs: CHANEL
LG: How has this multiculturalism shaped your artistic approach?
MC: I choose roles based on how much the writing and characters resonate with me. I like being scared of whatever role I’m about to take on. My culture is something that’s just naturally factored into all my choices artistically.
Dress, Necklace, & Cuffs: CHANEL
LG: How do you reflect that in your own personal beauty and style?
MC: I was lucky to grow up in a family full of amazing hispanic women. My grandma, my aunts, my cousins older and younger, my mom, all have such incredible style. When I was little I wanted to be just like them so I would dress up like them and borrow their makeup, jewelry, and play pretend.
Dress & Necklace: CHANEL
MC: A lot of that style has stuck with me. Even now as an adult I constantly have my aunt shipping me boxes of clothes from when she was younger that she no longer wants. I have countless vintage pieces in my closet that way.
Dress: CHANEL
LG: What inspires you?
MC: Kirsten Dunst, people watching Ray of Light by Madonna, going on long walks without my phone, season two of The Rehearsal, instrumental music, watching a new movie a day, and working with people who are as driven as I am.
Sunglasses & Dress: PATOU
Heels: ANONYMOUS COPENHAGEN
LG: What fashion and beauty trends do you gravitate towards?
MC: Right now I’m really into 90’s silhouettes. Less of the typical 90’s grunge style and more so 90’s Miu Miu and Prada. The shapes of their clothes, the way they layer, the color palettes they stick to all really inspire me and I try to dress myself in the vein of that. I also love 90’s runway Chanel for a little more glitter and glamour. I also use Tumblr religiously so I usually find a lot of outfit inspo on there to emulate.
LG: Walk us through your skincare routine. What are your favorite products?
MC: I really do believe less is more. I have ultra-sensitive skin so I don’t experiment with crazy products. I have a facialist in NYC I swear by, Gill Mills, who I go to every two to three months for a refresher. She put me on my current routine which is simple: At night: hydrating toner, hydrating serum, and moisturizer right on top. In the mornings I wash my face with only water and put on spf, nothing else. Two to three times a week I use a gentle exfoliator just to keep my skin soft. I’m a firm believer in diet and other factors being more important than skincare.
MC: I try to mostly eat healthy foods and put electrolytes in my water which keep me hydrated longer and I think make a difference skin-wise! It doesn’t matter how expensive and elaborate your skincare routine is if you’re not taking care of yourself internally. Obviously I indulge and let myself have fun, but it’s about maintaining a balance. I still get breakouts and my skin gets mad at me but I have it under control 95% of the time.
Photographer, Director & Creative Director
Fashion Editor
Interview
Makeup
Hair
Prop Stylist
Web Layout
Thank You
Apex Public Relations & Amazon Studios/MGM
& Chanel RTW & Chanel Beauty
Video DP
Video 1st AC
Video Prop Stylist