Bombshell by Bleu Issue 3 by Bombshell Magazine

CONTENTS

starring

LeToya Luckett

EDITORS

Editor Summer Alexander Editorial Consultant Reginald Larkin Creative Director Regi Booker Lifestyle Editor Larryse Brown Copy Editor Kiara Gillette Graphic Design Nia Blackmon Social Media Amber Kennedy Contributors Chloe Chadá Aimee Simeon

“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.” -Gianna Versace There are so many things I love about this issue; it's hard to focus on just one. However I have learned the importance of individuality and not feeling pressure to follow the crowd. This book is a huge reflection of that. The thing that excited me most was everyone we worked with, from the lovely LeToya Luckett, our contributors and our On the Rise actress Grace Gibson, trusted our creative direction and helped bombshell create another timeless issue that we believe our readers will enjoy continually. Every other month we release a book that sparks excitement, people are enthusiastic to read it and to me, there is no better feeling. Instead of trying to create a trend, focusing on being fashionable or wanting to make something happen, put all of that to the side and just do it. Be you, and your life and the things you produce will reflect your passion. xoxo Love, Summer

CONTRIBUTORS

bombshell is a Bleu Life Media & Entertainment publication

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Chloe Chadá is a stylist and costume designer from the Nation's capitol. The Washington DC native has worked on everything from BET’s 106 and Park to the off Opera omnia presentation The Return of Ulysses. She lends her fashion expertise to bombshell as a guest fashion editor.

Aimee Simeon is a young, passionate, goal oriented, beauty enthusiast from NYC. The young marketing major has found her love in the world of beauty and blogging. Despite her love for timeless glamour, she believes that beauty begins with self-love! Constantly seeking new ways to learn and grow, Aimee cannot wait to share her love of beauty with bombshells everywhere!

CONTENTS

Featuring... 4 Bomb Buys: Celebrity Perfumes 5 Health: Skin Care 6 Bleu Boutique 8 Trending Topic 10 Bombshell: LeToya Luckett 14 Tribute: Triple Threats 15 On the Rise: Grace Gibson

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shoes l to r: Saint Laurent; Guci; Rag&Bone; Alexander McQueen; Phillip Lim

BOMB BUYS

CELEBRITY PERFUMES

latest & greatest

The perfect fragrance should encompass all that can turn a wallflower into a certified bombshell. It is more than just a killer perfume, but serves as a potion to unleash the lover, boss, and siren in every woman! These celebrities have taken on the fragrance world, creating unique scents essential to every beauty collection!

Words by Aimee Simeon

Beyoncé

Katy Perry

Taylor Swift

Greatest: Heat

Greatest: Purr

Greatest: Wonderstruck

Beyoncé conquered the music and acting worlds, and has earned her top spot in the fragrance world with her Heat line of perfumes. Becoming the best-selling celebrity fragrance line of all time. Heat’s unique floral and warm combination is sure to be the perfect sexy finish for any bombshell in the fall and winter!

A certified bombshell, Katy is successful, confident, and sexy. The singer took on the world of fragrances in 2010 with the launch of her first fragrance Purr. Purr is both frisky and feminine with an opening of peach nectar, forbidden apple, and green bamboo. The botanic blend is a summer must-have.

Wonderstruck is the first fragrance from Taylor Swift, launched in 2012. The country singer wanted to embody the perfect fairytale. The enchanted scent opens with sweet raspberries, green tea, and apple blossom. Bombshells that enjoy delicious sweetened fragrances will love Wonderstruck year round!

$33.49 for 1 fl. oz.; target.com

$36.00 for 1.0 fl. oz.; kohls.com

$49.50 for 1.7 fl. oz.; sephora.com

Latest: The Mrs. Carter World Tour Heat (limited edition)

Latest: Killer Queen

Latest: Taylor

Katy Perry is coming for the throne with her latest intoxicating scent, Killer Queen. While Killer Queen maintains a playful charm like Katy’s other fragrance, this one was created to capture the edgy and rebellious side of the pop star. The scent is ideal for fall and can be used for both day and night.

Taylor Swift released her third fragrance, Taylor, in June. With two previous fairytale inspired fragrances, the singer wanted to create a potion that reflects her personal style. The alluring woody base is combined with a hint of peach nectar leaving your skin flirty for the perfect tease.

$49.00 for 1.7 fl. oz.; sephora.com

$49.50 for 1.7 fl.oz; sephora.com

Beyoncé’s most recent fragrance is named in honor of her recent world tour. The limited edition fragrance was designed with the power and passion of her performances in mind! The Mrs. Carter fragrance opens with tropical mangosteen and a touch of spice with pink pepper. The soft blend is both warm and unforgettable. $60.00 for 3.4 fl. oz.; beyonce.com

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HEALTH

Fresh Facials and Winter Maintenance For Your Face With Diane Seo

Bombshell sits down for a one-on-one visit with biophysicist and owner of B Spa Bar, Diana Seo. At 32, Seo works closely with companies that promote innovative skin care techniques. In May, Diana developed a new facial treatment called the Stem Cell Organic Collagen (retails for $450). It is a new, noninvasive facial treatment with instant and long-lasting effects only to be found at B Spa Bar. The facial is ideal for mature skin, but effective on all skin types. We got a chance to sit down with the skin care expert. B Spa Bar

What got you started as a scientist in skin care? I got my start in Medical school to make my mother and father happy. I got trained in biophysics. Then I realized that in the profession I was in, I wasn’t really talking to anyone. I’m a people person, I like to communicate with people. Then my friend recommended that I try working at a plastic surgery company that was hiring from my field...Then I started this business which is like my practice. What does the “B” in B Spa Bar stand for? It stands for Beauty and Balance. Before I opened this business and began my practice I was so unbalanced in my life. I realized that me stressing about the everyday realities of life, really weighed me down and took a toll on my body. What [makes] B Spa Bar NYC unique from other high end spas? One thing that makes B Spa unique is the Stem Cell Organic Collagen routine. What it is, is a facial... that opens up and allows collagen to enter the pores. It relaxes fine lines and wrinkles and balances out the skin. Also, the fact that I use eastern foundations and philosophy with western medicine in all of my procedures is what makes B Spa Bar unique. During the winter months, what is the most commonly asked for routine? Every year around this time my clients are asking for facials and treatments that add hydration to and stimulate the skin. The skin care routine should be more focused on hydration during the winter. It starts from the inside out so drink lots of water! Use serums instead of moisturizers because they have more nutrients and vitamins that the skin will more readily absorb. For women who are constantly on the go, what are some things they can do at home to get the spa experience? Taking 10 to 15 minutes to yourself is paramount... Doing an at home mask is a great way to get that spa experience at home. I would recommend a hydration mask and try to fit in a salt bath. 5

BLEU BOUTIQUE

WINTER STYLE: Pick Your Palette Words by Chloe Chadรก

Androgynous styles that are heavily inspired by eastern cultural are essential for your wardrobe this season, fused with asymmetry and enhanced by lace intarsia, the styles are fashion are sophisticated twist. Bombshells can work a new angle; Garments with bold screen prints, savile row patterns, prep school prints and eclectic patchwork are mixed with textures creating clear contrast with delicately distinguished details. Although we are bringing more femininity into the season with A Line dresses, statement medi skirt sets and statement jewelry, winter continues to bring us effortless cuts and menswear indicative styles with a "Borrowed from the Boys" look.

Topshop Unique

Rachel Zoe

Christian Dior

The Row

Tom Ford

Zac Posen

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Louis Vuitton

BLEU BOUTIQUE

ICE COLD

Metallics

Words by Chloe Chadรก

Vibrantly colored, quirky furs, quilted materials and fringe details are all blended for a high definition, statement-making, urban edge in outerwear and accessories. However make way for a new navy! More muted palettes and pastels are showing up in Fall Knits and leather separates, lightening the mood up for every bombshell who's ready to be functional, yet fun and flirty this season.

1. Bottega Veneta necklace 2. Eddie Borgo bracelet 3. Ana Khouri earrings 4. Lizzie Fortunato necklace 5. Mawi bracelet 6. Gemma Redux bracelet 7. Eddie Borgo earrings 8. Mawi earrings 9. Lele Sadoughi earrings 10. Reed Krakoff bracelet 11. Dannijo earrings

9. 10. 11.

TRENDING TOPIC

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3. Black jumpsuit - Missguided Patent leather motorcycle gloves - La Crasia Silver arm bands - Metal Pointus Silver chain link bracelets Metal Pointus 4. Overall dress- Emerson Black mesh and leather bra- Maison Close Leather finger gloves - La Crasia Silver chained necklaces Metal Pointus Gun metal cuff - Lomo Silver bead bracelet - Metal Pointus Black stud earrings - Metal Pointus 5. Leather moto bustier - The Blonds Leather lace up short - The Blonds Over the knee boot - Sergio Rossi

BOMBSHELL

Commander IN

chic

Brave, bold world beware, LeToya Luckett takes her fearless attitude to the pages of bombshell as she dons a new do.

Words by Reginald Larkin · Photography by Elton Anderson · Styled by Apuje Kalu Makeup by AJ Crimson · Hair by Nikki Wright

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BOMBSHELL

“I didn’t want to be a solo artist, I was just mad. I was afraid of doing anything alone,” Such carefree utterances are a reminder of LeToya Luckett’s public past with RnB super group Destiny’s Child. Luckett is miles of away from the situation, when one considers the current state of her career. The once child of destiny has flourished with a string of televisions roles including Vh1’s Single Ladies, Hosting Centric’s the Culture List, and working on her anticipated album this lady has left thriving and entered busy. “Within one week I got the call for Culture List and Single Ladies.” Exclaims the Housten-bred beauty. After the excitement Luckett admits that her reaction was a little like this, “Bwaaaa! How am I gonna get through this?” After sometime she responds “Relying on faith and trying something new is something that you have to do as an entertainer.” It is these types of responses to her milestones that LeToya attributes to her longevity. She speaks more about her leap in to the unknown when mentions her first role in Preacher’s Kid. “I was asked to play the lead in Preacher’s Kid, four days before shooting.” Luckett’s ability to propel forward is an attitude that permeates her style of dress. She fondly recalls her yellow Christian Siriano gown that made many a best-dressed list at the 2012 BET Awards. “I felt like sunshine that day. I felt like me and in my skin.”

“Relying on Faith and trying something New is something that you have to do as an Entertainer.” Previous Page Dress: Golden Hanger Bracelet Ring: Switch Boutique Bracelets: Effy Jewelers This Page Jacket: Silvian Heach Shirt: Vanguard Necklace: Effy Jewelers Shorts: Ramy Brooke Shoes: Tom Ford

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Although she recalls this look fondly many don’t know that before the red carpet the show her thoughts were more anxious. “I was terrified. I wore this yellow dress and they pulled my hair off my face. I almost had a panic attack in the car. Thinking they will say my fore looks big and there are going to call me a big banana.” Despite this initial arrversion Luckett enjoyed one her most celebrated looks that day.

Left Blazer: Walish Gooshe Top: Switch Boutique Necklace: Haati Chai Rings: Delphine-Charlotte Parmentier Watch: Rolex Pants: Claes Iversen Bottom Jacket: Claes Iversen High Wasted Shorts: American Apparel Earrings & Rings: Haati Chai Watch: Gaga Milano

After a few chuckles LeToya walked me through an example where risk-taking was stunning in the wrong way. “There was a picture,” she says in a faint voice as if pondering her follow up. After a few moments she returns, “It was a Belvedere event and my face was super chubby. I was super washed out. It was just wrong. I thought I was cute, it wasn’t until I saw the picture that I thought you should duck and hide behind something.” The past aside LeToya has a lot to look forward to with Single Ladies premiering in January on VH1, wrapping up her season of Culture List, and preparing a third LP. No matter what comes her way LeToya is poised to grab her future by the reigns.

TRIBUTE

bombshell's

Triple Threats Words by Summer Alexander

Oprah Winfrey It’s not easy honing your craft, running a business and taking time to give back but countless bombshells have done so without breaking a sweat. We created a list of the brightest and best, past and present who managed to master three talents all while looking flawless. To our triple threats, we salute you!

This queen of media needs no explanation. Whether it’s an exclusive celebrity interview, starring in an academy award winning movie or opening a school in Africa, Ms. Winfrey can do no wrong in our book.

Janet Jackson This bombshell didn’t rely on her famous last name to get through life. This ultimate child star turned mega famous pop star got her start acting on the television show good times but little Penny has come a long way. She’s a critically acclaim actress, multi-platinum artist and her dance moves are better than most 20’s something’s.

Selena Gomez We were first introduced to Selena on the Disney channel when she stared on Wizards of Waverly Place. At 21 this triple threat is a pop sensation with a double-platinum album, has a clothing line and she also makes time to give back, she was named ambassador to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.

Aaliyah Queen Latifah Female hip-hop pioneer, television sitcom actress, producer and cover girl, ok were sold! In addition to all the things we listed, Queen Latifah just landed her talk show. She’s beyond a triple threat she is a modern day renaissance women.

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This R&B sensation was definitely taken away from us too soon but her career left a last impression. The late singer known for her soothing voice over hip hop beats made timeless music, had several major acting roles and modeled for famous American brand Tommy Hilfiger. We still she 90’s tomboy fashion sense being recreated today.

ON THE RISE

Grace Gibson

The daughter of Lynn Whitfield steps out of her mother’s shadow and shines as she stars in the highly anticipated film Black Nativity with Jennifer Hudson and Nas.

Words By: Kiara Gillette

“It’s questionable,” Grace Gibson jokes as we begin the interview, I remark about her possessing the triple threat of beauty, brains, and talent. However, as the interview progresses that remark becomes undeniable as I learn more and more about the talented daughter of actress Lynn Whitfield (The Josephine Baker Story) and director Brian Gibson, who is set to make her debut on the silver screen this Thanksgiving in Black Nativity. Black Nativity, directed by Kasi Lemmons, is the modern day re-telling of the play by Langston Hughes. A staple for the holiday season, Black Nativity depicts the classic, Christmas Nativity story with an all-black cast. Playing The Virgin Mary/Maria, Grace was hand-picked by director Kasi Lemmons to be the leading lady: “It’s funny. I’ve known Kasi Lemmons since I was a kid. She did Eve’s Bayou with my mom, which was her first movie. Throughout the years we would just bump into each other… And I used to sing for her all the time...But she remembered it… And she said that I have this role for you and I can’t see anybody else in it.” Her characters alongside Joseph’s represent undying faith. However, in Grace’s case it would seem to represent tenacity. At twenty-one years old, Grace possesses a dedication to her craft that is astonishing. Studying Ethno-musicology, with a minor in Philosophy at Berkley, she balanced filming Black Nativity with a full-time school schedule. She jokes, “Well first off, I asked for my prosthetic belly right from day one… So I went to Lamaze classes, I was walking around with the prosthetic belly on for about a month before we started shooting… I hope it prepared me… Lord knows that Lamaze class freaked the hell out of me.” While Grace is light-hearted and refreshing in nature, she is also very down to earth, a quality that doesn’t come in spite of her parentage, but because of it. Her parents, actress Lynn Whitfield and director Brian Gibson, met on the set of The Josephine Baker Story. Because of that, Grace credits Ms. Baker with being the reason why she’s here, calling her “my godmother that I never met.” While she admits that her parents set the bar high, she doesn’t draw comparisons between their legacy and the one she sets out to create. She continues, “I’m not watching their work and comparing myself all the time, but rather learning from their process… They always influence me truth, truth, truth always stay close to your truth.” Grace chooses to focus on completing her degree and acting. She cites her mother as the inspiration for that decision saying, “That’s why I continue to learn… She always challenged me to continue my education of entertainment.” With her career in entertainment gearing up, Grace doesn’t let it get to her, preferring to keep her life very low key, especially in terms of beauty. “I can’t be fussy with my [beauty regimen] because there’s so much I want to do that doesn’t incorporate looking good sometimes... But really, I’m really simple.” And in terms of style, she jokingly admits, “I am not hip.” From classic silhouettes to 80’s rocker fringe, Grace plays around with her look, but it is solely hers. She continues, “I’m kind of lax when it comes to my own style because I just like experimenting with what works for me… So somewhere between Audrey Hepburn and Prince, there’s Grace.”

EDITORS

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