CIVILIAN - v1 i2 - Sam Page Cover

JANEL PARRISH SAM PAGE

LILY ALLEN

DEREK HOUGH WYCLEF JEAN

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INSIDE

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Taking the Leap

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Young & Ambitious

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Dream Deferred

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A Winter Shade of Spring

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Kindred Souls

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Liberated Woman

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Constructing Expectations:

La Politique des Auteur

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he Unsung Heroes of T the Fashion Industry – And of Our Outfits

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Never Want to be Defined

Toronto Native, Lamar Johnson Opens Up about His Life and Career

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HerThoughts Exactly

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Internal Rhythm and Beat in Him

Creating the newNormal

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Dream Curator

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A Star on Many Fronts

Kirstin Maldonado Redefined

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The Man with a Plan

Cover shot by Catherine Asanov (Sam Page) and Seung Lee (Janel Parrish)

M AG A Z I N E

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The Power: Absolutely Positively Beautiful Moroccan Dreams, American Reality

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When They Say Action, You Deliver

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CIVILIAN

Founder & Publisher Al David

Co-Founder & Chief Marketing Officer Vanessa Ferrelli

Editor-in-Chief Eiko Watanabe

Editorial Assistants

Mike Varius, Alain Clerine, and Leonye McCalla

Creative Director Tim Morrison

Art Director Tyon Weekes

Media Producer Wanhi Lee

Fashion Editor Lassalle

Contributing Fashion Editor Ty-Ron Mayes

Politics Editor Matt Anthes

Director of Technology JP Martinez

Senior Web Developer Rebecca Koniahgari

Director of Social Media Ana Callahan

VP, Brand Partnerships Martin Moor

Marketing Director, Brand Placement Makaila Kay Ho

Staff Writers

Monica Dias, Dylan Worcel, and Margaret Mallison

Legal Counsel

Chris Cardillo, P.C. 9728 3rd Avenue, Suite 308 Brooklyn, NY 11209, T. 646-398-5025

CIVILIAN is owned by myEPK Media, Inc. 257 W 38th St., PH - 17th Fl., New York, NY 10018 info@myepkmedia.com (424) 25-myEPK The entire contents of CIVILIAN are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. CIVILIAN accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs, and assume no liability for products or services advertised herein. CIVILIAN reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, and is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature same on CivilianMag.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EIKO WATANABE Hello again! I cannot believe that it’s already been a month since our launch – and we have received overwhelming responses. On behalf of the CIVILIAN/myEPK Media team, I wanted to express our utmost appreciation to those who came to our launch event in Los Angeles last month. And, I personally wanted to seriously thank all those who worked so hard behind the scenes to make sure that the event would be smooth and successful. It was a quite joyful, celebratory moment – to not only celebrate our launch but also celebrate everything we went through to get to that point. I, myself, had to juggle so much, and I think that was the case for everyone else, too. In the midst of going through personal/ professional challenges, everyone took time to support CIVILIAN in one way or another – the fact itself gives me so much courage and confidence, and I truly cannot thank everyone enough.

With this Spring II issue, we are now back in our home base – the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps (and that has enabled me to face my own weaknesses, challenge myself, and grow). As we keep featuring diverse talents and their own stories, I am sincerely hoping for CIVILIAN to be the driving force for spreading optimism, hope, creativity, joy and courage throughout our confused society.

Thank you,

Eiko Watanabe Editor-in-Chief

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Suit, ARMANI. Shirt, PARDA. Shoes, TOM FORD.Watch, HUBLOT.

WYCLEF JEAN

Taking Leap the

Leonye McCalla

“If you want to know the DNA of an artist, you’ve got to see how they started. I studied, I always used to watch Michael Jackson. One of my favorite musicians is Prince. All I try to do is bring a revival to the stage. When I perform, it’s like going to the carnival. I just bring that entire energy of where I come from. I just brought you the sound system,” shares Wyclef Jean sitting in a NYC hotel room in late December.

After having a rough 12 hours with sudden family matters, he is now buzzing with excitement – he FaceTimes with his wife Claudinette and calls her Janet Jackson (while he calls himself a ninja).

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illed with many talents and life experiences, Jean is acting as a bridge between the old school and the new school.

He’s taken some young artists under his wing and mentored them – which resulted in Wyclef Goes Back to School, inspired by his 2018 Carnival Tour. “You don’t get a chance to be on Eastern Parkway, to see that energy and how we drive. You don’t get a chance to be in Trinidad or Haiti when it goes down, or parts of Brazil. I’m part of these DNAs so for me, my shows are a celebration of life,” says Jean. He came to the United States in 1979 from Haiti. The move landed his family in the Marlboro projects in Brooklyn – a stark contrast from his rural Haitian upbringing. “If you’re an immigrant, or you come from the Caribbean, especially, it’s literally a culture shock. The village where I was from, I took a donkey to school. When you get to the States, the hardest thing is trying to adjust. It was tough, you can imagine – the 80s in Brooklyn, it was no joke,” he recalls. Ronald Reagan was trying to restructure the country, crack was taking over neighborhoods, and hip-hop was slowly starting to take form and develop its voice as a musical genre. Jean was also trying to find himself during this time as his friends disappeared, with some of them drawn to the fast life of the innercity streets.

For Jean, however, music was a way of expressing himself. “Before I could physically touch an instrument, I was already playing the orchestra in my brain. By the time I was 15 years old, I was already playing 10 instruments. A music teacher discovered me. I was in the auditorium and playing piano, and the music teacher was

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like, ‘What are you playing?’ I was like, ‘I don’t know, I can just hear it.’ She said, ‘That sounds like Thelonious Monk. Tomorrow, you’re starting jazz and classical music,’” Jean explains of the teacher who wanted him to learn how to read sheet music so that he could score his own movie one day and avoid paying someone else $50,000 to do it. During his adolescence, furthermore, Jean also loved classical literature – specifically, Shakespeare – which was all part of his plan to be a battle rapper as he wanted to take a character like “Malvolio and place him in an urban setting.”

This lent itself to the melodic, often poetic lyrical content that the Fugees created.

Jean has since impacted the modern generation of rappers. His song “Thug Angels,” from The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book, was one of the earliest forms of trap music with acoustic elements, whose sound is currently at the forefront of hip-hop. He’s had conversations with Drake about his 1997 solo debut The Carnival, and has also worked with younger artists like Young Thug and Kodak Black.

“I was always the weird kid. In an era where people were trying to define what hip-hop is, here comes a crew, and we’re gonna play instruments, we’re gonna sing these songs, and be poetic. I’ve always been light years ahead,” elaborates Jean who studies sound systems and understands the eclectic nature of hip-hop. “Everything you see the kids are doing today, it’s just normal. I’ve stayed relevant to the pulse.”

Photographer: Ron Contarsy (for Highmark Studios) Photographer Assistant: Sarkis Delimelkon Fashion Editor: Lassalle (@stylebylassalle & @stevenlassalle_ www.stevenlassalle.com) Fashion Editor Assistants: Star Campbell (@starcampbellstylist) & Elizabeth Seifert (@lizseifert) & Huberta Marie (@huberta.marie) Men’s Grooming: Marc Cornwall Videographer: Jon Prosper Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to The Roosevelt Hotel (@rooseveltnyc theroosevelthotel.com) & mad46 Rooftop Lounge (@mad46 www.mad46.com)

Pullover hoodie, VERSACE. Pants, BALMAIN. Boots, PRADA. Sunglasses, CAZAL EYEWEAR. Watch, HUBLOT.

Hat, TALENT’S OWN. T-shirt, ELEVENPARIS. Sweater, TOPSHOP. Boots, PRADA. Watch, HUBLOT.

“Before I could physically touch an instrument, I was already playing the orchestra in my brain.”

heroes THE UNSUNG

O F T H E FA S H I O N I N D U S T R Y – A N D O F O U R O U T F I T S Monica Dias

Photographer: Ron Contarsy (for Highmark Studios)

FASHION

ew York Fashion Week 2019 has come and gone. For one week, the world’s most famous, most talented and most in-demand fashion brands and designers, as well as the industry’s top models, hairdressers, makeup artists, journalists, retailers and fashionistas, all gathered together in the Big Apple for nine days of shows wherein new Fall/Winter collections were displayed and new fashion trends were set. Also, Lil’ Kim closed out THE BLONDS’ runway in a surprise performance which, quite frankly, was one of the best moments of the whole week.

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FASHION

The fashion-week cycle goes on, first off to London, then to Milan, and to Paris – until it is time for New York to host the events in September once again. But before we turn our attention to the Spring collections, let’s take a moment to appreciate some items that were featured in the runway shows, but don’t always get the attention that they deserve: I am talking, of course, about the bags. Oh, yes – the bags.

What a wonderful thing they are! We use them to carry our stuff (particularly if the fashion industry refuses to give some of us proper pockets), but they can also be a very important element of

an ensemble since it can offer some contrast or some cohesion, as well as be a statement piece.

But while one would be hard-pressed to find a designer or a fashionista that does not recognize the importance of using the right bag with the right outfit, relatively few articles were written about the bags showcased during the Fashion Week. That said, we are here to change that.

The following is a showcase of a handful of bags and bag-adjacent accessories – backpacks, clutches and wallets – that nonetheless are good representations of the styles of products created by some of the biggest luxury fashion brands.

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Nicola Twistlock Medium Shoulder Bag – kate spade new york

Known for their polished look and chic designs, kate spade’s bags have long been a favorite among young, professional women who value practicality and accessibility as much as they do style. Ever since the brand launched in 1993, it has maintained a consistent style based on sleek lines and modern colors which aim to evoke the feeling of feminine grace and sophistication. The 2019 collection honors the stylistic traditions of the brand while at the same time infusing into the bag’s designs a certain sense of flirty but polished sensuality, which is evident in the new adorable Nicola Medium Shoulder Bag. Made with Italian leather and lined with faux lambskin, this mediumsized shoulder bag comes with an adjustable strap as well as interior and exterior slip and zipper pockets, making it a practical choice for women on the go.

Moreover, the spade-heart twist lock will keep one’s possessions safe while adding a touch of extra to the overall design for maximum aesthetic pleasure.

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Miller Leather Clutch – Tory Burch

Tory Burch’s bag line always seems to have been designed with the needs and tastes of modern professional women and mind, and this Miller Clutch is no different.

Simple and elegant, with the iconic laser-cut Tory Burch logo gracing the front of its magnetic snap flap, this leather clutch has the look of a classic. Moreover, at 5.18-inch (13-centimeter) tall, 10.96-inch (27.5-centimeter) long, and 1.2-inch (3-centimeter) deep, it can hold smartphones of all sizes up to that of an iPhone XS Max and a Samsung Galaxy S9+.

It’s available in four colors: aged camello, black, birch, and ruby red. It is a very versatile accessory, perfect both for everyday life and for those fancy nights out.

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3 Limited Collaboration

Stark Crystal Backpack – MCM

There are only a few fashion brands which manage to maintain a consistent style that is outrageously ostentatious without having it come off as gaudy or fall out of fashion. Fortunately, MCM is one of those lucky brands who manage to do just that. The reputation for extravagantly eyecatching statement pieces has not diminished since the brand founded in 1976, and this new backpack – made from golden leather and decorated with golden studs and plates, as well as with rough multicolor crystal panels – fits right in with MCM’s traditional aesthetic. Cute, sturdy and delightfully extra, this backpack will be turning heads everywhere it goes.

5 Academy Backpack in

Signature Canvas With Whipstitch – Coach Everybody loves Coach. And what is there not to love? They are a high-end brand renowned for their high-quality, classically elegant and highly versatile accessories, which make themselves a favorite among fashionable individuals who like some practicality with their luxury – and that is exactly what this canvas and PVC backpack offers. Sporting a multitude of interior pockets and compartments, padded mesh pads at the back, two-way zipper closure and adjustable straps, this leather-accented backpack is perfect for fashionable and busy people who want to carry their items comfortably and with style.

6 Tevye Leather Wallet – Bally

4 Alpha Bravo, Aviano

Slim Brief Leather – TUMI

In today’s fast-paced world, it is as important for a bag to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye as it is for it to be practical and sturdy – enter TUMI, the New Jersey-based maker of highend suitcases and travel bags.

Their Alpha Bravo collection is specifically designed with the needs of the modern professional in mind, as evidenced by their new model, the Aviano Slim Brief. Elegant, slim, and endowed with numerous pockets and compartments, including one for an iPad and another for a 15-inch laptop, this leather briefcase has everything to keep a professional individual organized and ready to face the workday.

Sometimes, you don’t need a big, bulky bag; all you need in life is what you can fit in your pocket.

It is in those times when wallets come in handy, and the Swiss luxury fashion brand, Bally, has been in the business of making those for a long time. As far as wallets go, their Tevye model has all one can ask for. At 3.75-inch tall and 4.25-inch wide, this mediumsized leather wallet sports one compartment, six card slots and two receipt pockets, which are enough to fulfill the needs of the average person. Plus, with its palladium-toned hardware and a striking straight-lined vertical applique in the front, this wallet is as functional as it is elegantly dashing.

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Jacket, DEATH BY DOLLS. Dress, MICHAEL LEYVA. Shoes, SCHUTZ. Rings, ANNE SISTERON FINE JEWELRY. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN.

LILY ALLEN

Her Thoughts

Exactly Dylan Worcel

Lily Allen has graced us with her strong and bold presence in the music industry for over 12 years. Best known for her songs like “Smile” and “Fuck You,” the 33-year-old singer-songwriter has now penned a candid memoir My Thoughts Exactly. She says she’s too young to write a memoir, but believes whenever she is creating anything, the whole point is to scrape away bravado and bullsh*t. “When I released ‘Smile’ at the age of 21 and became a figure for consumption, I always felt like I was keeping secrets, and at any minute, somebody was going to tell my darkest thoughts. That is something that followed me around for the last 10 or 12 years, and I kind of had enough of that,” says Allen. She goes into great detail in her memoir about gut-wrenching moments in her life: a stalker entering her home, being sexually assaulted by a record industry executive, and losing her son George who passed away in the womb six months into her pregnancy.

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Bustier, HOUSE OF CB. Skirt, SILVANA TEDESCO. Ring, ANNE SISTERON FINE JEWELRY. Bracelets, ANNE SISTERON FINE JEWELRY. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN.

LILY ALLEN

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he has been processing a lot of grief and trauma, but feels that she is entering a different phase in her life. Allen is wanting to set a few things straight, not necessarily for other people, but for herself.

That is how she approached last year’s No Shame. “For the first time in a long time, I’ve been able to go up on stage and really connect with the songs that I’m singing,” she says. “It shouldn’t feel like I’m going through the motions. This is the first time I’ve done what I want.”

Allen has dedicated her song “Fuck You” to Donald Trump in recent performances. If you tell her our lives don’t depend on who’s in the White House, she doesn’t agree with you: “I think that’s bullsh*t. I think it’s really important to be interested and active. That is democracy. People have fought for that right for us, and we must partake in that. The bad guys are partaking in it, and they’re winning so we can’t disconnect, that would be a disaster. We can’t just look the other way,” she affirms. This is a time in our current political climate where people feel more divided than ever but Allen has openly discussed being

sexually assaulted by a record executive in the music industry. Yes, all these women have shared their stories, herself included, but she says no one really cares. “Everyone is sort of a bit like, ‘Yeah, yeah, that happened, but what do you expect?’

I think that’s the danger with the #MeToo movement,” she shares. “So many people are coming forward and sharing their experiences, and no one seems to be reacting. It’s news, and then people move on. It’s an interesting time.”

Allen wants us to remember, though, women in Hollywood and in music have been coming forward and sharing their stories, but there are women from all walks of life having experiences like this. “That’s the issue, people want to talk about these things as if they are sensational and exceptional. They’re not! They’re happening to everyone all the fu*king time,” she asserts. “Men especially just don’t want to believe it, you know, whether it has something to do with themselves or accountability, or I don’t know what it is – oh, to be a rich white man.”

Photographer: Elton Anderson Stylist: Apuje Kalu Stylist Assistant: Germanee Gerald Hair: Jake Gallagher Makeup: Lysette Castellanos Editor: Eiko Watanabe

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Bodysuit, SILVANA TEDESCO. Pants, HOUSE OF CB. Ring, ANNE SISTERON FINE JEWELRY. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN.

“That’s the issue, people want to talk about these things as if they are sensational and exceptional. They’re not! They’re happening to everyone all the fu*king time.”

JANEL PARRISH

Creating the new

Normal Eiko Watanabe

“Everyone is equal, no matter what,” says Janel Parrish – who was born to a father of European descent and a mother of Han Chinese origin – of her upbringing in Hawaii. “Our family is very close and so supportive. Hawaii definitely is the Aloha State, and you feel like you’re constantly accepted by everyone and surrounded by love. Growing up in a very diverse place, you see how wonderful it is when people are truly colorblind.”

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Black jeans, ELISABETTA FRANCHI. Circle-dot black top, VITOR ZERBINATO. Ring, SAFIA DAY JEWELRY. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

JANEL PARRISH

he 30-year-old actress is probably best known as Mona Vanderwaal from Freeform’s biggest series Pretty Little Liars and its spin-off The Perfectionists (“Mona is always the smartest person in the room. She’s cunning and snarky, but learning to be vulnerable. The only thing, I think, we have in common is our fierce love for the people we care about. Mona would do anything for her true friends, and so would I”) but her career started when being cast in the Broadway production of Les Misérables as young Cosette after winning a state-wide singing contest at age 6 (“I would love to go back to Broadway as an adult. It’s a dream I’ll never stop pursuing”). Since then, she’s worked in music, acting and theater. “The busier I am, the happier I am. I love what I do. Every outlet whether it’s music, acting, theater, or dancing, if I’m working hard, I feel creatively fulfilled, and that makes me so happy,” Parrish shares. (On a side note, while her career continues to evolve, she would like to “get into producing or directing” in the future.)

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hile juggling various projects, however, Parrish has always been staying true to her

roots and fighting the good fight: human rights. For instance, last summer, she starred in the Netflix film To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (based on a 2014 YA novel by Jenny Han, which became a New York Times best-selling series) where AsianAmerican actors would take lead roles in film for the first time in 25 years. “First of all, the fact that this was the first time a film had Asian-American leads in 25 years is sad. We are so proud of it and happy to be a part of the change but this should have happened a long time ago,” elaborates Parrish.

“When Hollywood and the world are truly colorblind to the point where seeing an Asian-American lead, or any ethnicity, is normal, that’s when I feel we’ve made progress. We all have a voice and a right to tell our stories – it’s time that diversity became the new normal.”

Additionally, she was recently seen in Tiger based on the true story of Canadian Sikh boxer Pardeep Singh Nagra, who was barred from competing in the 1999 Canadian boxing championships because he refused to shave off his beard and fight cleanshaven (Nagra eventually had to go to the Canadian courts to overturn the ban in 2000 on religious discrimination grounds). “You should always fight

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for your rights, no matter what they may be. They are yours, and never give up on that. Just because you don’t understand something, that doesn’t mean it’s scary or a threat,” Parrish explains of the movie focusing on religious/cultural bias and discrimination. “The world has been a scary place lately, and we can be stronger by standing together and spreading positivity and love. Tell people you love them. Reach out and spread kindness. You never know what someone is going through, and it costs you nothing to be kind.”

Since Parrish has supported March On, a nonprofit organization that grew out of the Women’s Marches of January 21, 2017, I mention that some young people think they wouldn’t make any change or difference in the realm of politics (and in society at large) for a myriad of reasons. “Now, more than ever, it’s so important to use your voice for your beliefs,” she says, in hopes of empowering the sleepy portion of the youth of America. “Even if you aren’t always vocal about your political beliefs on social media, voting is our rights as an American.

Use your voice!”

It’s maybe worth mentioning, moreover, that Parrish has a comrade, Chris Long, who she married in September. “It just makes me so happy knowing that we found each other in this crazy world and that, no matter what, I have a partner to walk this life with me. I couldn’t feel luckier,” she says.

Photographer: Seung Lee (www.kokumastudio.com) Photographer Assistant: Andy Kim Stylist: Linda Medvene Stylist Assistant: Camry Passey Hair & Makeup: Glenn Nutley Videographer: Wanhi Lee

Black big-sleeve shirt,VITOR ZERBINATO. Earrings, SAFIA DAY JEWELRY. Black heels, JIMMY CHOO. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

ZHAVI

Young &

Ambitious Margaret Mallison

As a 18-year-old living in California, the biggest challenge that Zhavia (she goes by Zhavia Ward, by the way, contrary to what Google may tell you) should have faced is whether or not her calculus test was going to include rotating 3D objects around an axis. Instead, she’s focused on her first album; she finished high school online at age 16 before pursuing her musical career full-time. After appearing on The Four: Battle for Stardom in early 2018, Zhavia’s career accelerated as millions of fans demanded new music from her (in addition to “Welcome to the Party” alongside Diplo, French Montana and Lil Pump). She incorporates a variety of different musical genres: pop, R&B, reggae, and hip-hop. “A lot of people say that they don’t know what they would call it, but it’s just kind of like my thing,” shares Zhavia, whose musical icons include Jessie J, Post Malone, and Pat Benatar. Her own lyrics in the tunes like “Candlelight,” “Deep Down,” and “100 Ways” reflect her intention to be her most authentic self: a huge part of the reason her fans follow her so avidly. “Nowadays, online, and social media, everyone writes what they feel. For me, it’s always been something that I’ve felt was important to me as a person, and who I am, to share with people what I’ve learned through my hard times in my life, and how I’ve overcome them,” she candidly says.

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he songs she performed on The Four stayed well within her wheelhouse with artists like Drake, Rihanna, and French Montana. However, her recent songs reflect influences from older artists, as heard in the hook of “Deep Down.” In collaboration with her producer, she resurrected Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind.” From the instant that he showed it to her, Zhavia was captivated.

“I loved how it had that old soul element to it, and I wanted to bring a more urban, hip-hop vibe to it,” Zhavia explains of the song. “Even though my voice is very soulful R&B, I still kept it really rhythmic to kind of balance each other.”

Moreover, just like most Generation Zers (millennials’ younger brothers and sisters), Zhavia’s creative interests go well beyond her production of music. She experiments with art – traditional forms of painting and music, and her passion for makeup. As a part of her identity and style, Zhavia frequently tries on different makeup looks. “I like to match my makeup to my outfit as it really completes the look. I love making my eyes the centerpiece of my face so eyeshadow is something that I focus on a lot,” says Zhavia,

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adding that makeup is an extension of herself, just as music and art are extensions of emotions.

She also expresses herself through her stylistic choices, embracing a street style paired with dreadlocks. Despite her skyrocketed position to fame, she maintains a youthful sense of self that has the potential to capture millions of more fans.

It’s worth mentioning that due to her age, Zhavia was unable to vote in the most recent midterm elections but her efforts behind the camera have already affected millions of people in a comparable way – and will continue to do so.

“There’s a lot of things that I want to do. The one thing I know I can do for sure is to put out great music that has important messages and important things that I want to share with the world. I can only hope it’ll help people and help them realize things that help them get to where they want to be,” she confidently shares.

Photographer: Seung Lee (www.kokumastudio.com) Photographer Assistants: Mason Kim & Hyejin Pak & Mark Tecson Stylist: Jennifer Austin Hair: Randy Stodghill Makeup: Dillon Peña (for TheOnly.Agency) Videographer: Wanhi Lee Videographer Assistant: Sandra Selva Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Will Gibbs, M.D. (@wgibbsmd www.willgibbsmd.com)

Shirt, TOPMAN. Pants, TOPMAN. Shoes, AGENT 33 C/O (TALENT’S OWN). Stud earrings, TALENT’S OWN. Rings, TALENT’S OWN.

On him: Shirt, PERRY ELLIS. On her: Shirt, KENNETH COLE.

Kindred

Souls

Photographed by

Tony Duran

On him: Shirt, PERRY ELLIS. On her: Shirt, MAISON MARGIELA. Pants, ARMANI.

On her: Oversized sweater, ANTHROPOLOGIE.

On him: Sweater, ZARA. On her: Oversized sweater, ANTHROPOLOGIE.

On him: Pants, LEVI'S. Shirt, PERRY ELLIS. On her: Coat, H&M. Shirt, KENNETH COLE.

On him: Suit, ZARA. Shirt, PERRY ELLIS. Shoes, PAUL SMITH. On her: Suit, NICK GRAHAM. Turtleneck sweater, HUGO BOSS. Overcoat, ZARA. Shoes, GUESS.

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On her: Coat, RALPH LAUREN. On him: Coat, MICHAEL KORS.

Overcoat, ZARA.

“The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone.”

– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Our doubts are traitors of the soul that instill fear within which prevents us from becoming more than we are.”

– Al David

Fur overcoat, TOPMAN.

On her: Overcoat, RALPH LAUREN. Suit, VALENTINO FERREL. On him: Suit, MICHAEL KORS.

On him: Suit, MICHAEL KORS. Fur overcoat, TOPMAN. Shirt, PERRY ELLIS. On her: Overcoat, KENNETH COLE. Suit, ENGLISH LAUNDRY. Shirt, KENNETH COLE. Shoes, GUCCI.

On him: Pants, LEVI'S. Shirt, PERRY ELLIS. On her: Coat, H&M. Shirt, KENNETH COLE.

On her: Leather jacket, ARMANI EXCHANGE. Suit, FUTURO. On him: Suit, ZARA.

Jacket, KENNETH COLE. Pants, GOODFELLOW & CO™. Shoes, DR. MARTENS.

Shirt, MAISON MARGIELA. Pants, ARMANI.

– Mark Twain

Models JOSH YARR & ARTA

“Be careless in your dress if you must, but keep a tidy soul.”

DEREK HOUGH

Internal Rhythm and Beat in Him Dylan Worcel

“I was tied around my ankles and hung up in a tree, and went to six different schools in a short amount of time. I know what it feels like to be isolated, singled out, or attacked. I can empathize with that,” shares Derek Hough, 33, who has supported The Trevor Project and GLSEN. “It really should be simple of just being human and having compassion and being understanding. We can destroy ourselves, just by questioning our identities not just in an LGBTQ-community way, but just like, ‘Who am I? Who do I want to be?’ It’s not about what you get in this life, it’s about who you become.”

Dress shirt, TOM FORD. Jeans, HUDSON JEANS. Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Ring, TALENT’S OWN.

Jean jacket, FRAME. T-shirt, OFF-WHITE™. Jeans, PRPS. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

DEREK HOUGH

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hat said, the World of Dance judge has worked with the Dizzy Feet Foundation to make dance education accessible in all communities. “Well, dancing for me, it saved me, really. I went to schools and never felt like I fit in. I was trying to do the sports and play football and try to make friends. When I went to dance, it was like, it’s this instant sort of connection of like, ‘Oh, wait.

This is amazing.’ There’s so much encouragement here, and there’s so much joy and hard work,” says Hough. “I feel like we unlearn dance a lot of the times, as we get older, but we want to move!

We want to dance.” Hough believes dancing is primal to who we truly are, and is in our human DNA: When one looks at a baby or toddler before they can walk, they bob their heads and try to sway back and forth to music. “Dance is learning about yourself and giving you this confidence and this weirdness. It’s just unparalleled. It’s such a beautiful thing,” the two-time Emmy winner further elaborates, adding that when he was teaching on Dancing with the Stars, Amy Purdy looked at him with tears in her eyes and said, “This is the first time I felt connected to the woman in me since I lost my legs.”

Hough was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and made the big move to London – a microcosm of the world filled with a rich variety of nationalities and cultures – at age 11 to perfect his skills as a ballroom and Latin dancer. His trek to school was an hour’s train ride every day. He would stare out the window, put his headphones on, and dream about his future. “I realize now how important

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that ritual was of being on a train and being around people and the energy. I’m looking out the window and thinking, ‘Wow, I’m this kid from Utah, and here I am in one of the greatest cities in the world.’ I felt so fortunate and grateful,” he recalls. Additionally, and maybe surprisingly, he was also a drummer in a punk rock band. “I had long hair, painted my nails, wore guyliner, and would afterwards change into a sparkly Latin outfit for dance competitions,” he describes.

Eventually, Hough landed the lead role in the musical adaptation of Footloose while in England.

He was traveling all around the country and had to pay for his own expenses. He was doing eight shows a week and at one point stayed with an older lady with twelve cats. “It was so fascinating and an interesting experience because I had no money. I had nothing to show for it. I was working so unbelievably hard. I literally was at a deficit, but it was a passion thing,” he says. He then came back to the States because he needed a break.

Dancing with the Stars was on tour at the time, and he was asked to be part of it. He garnered attention while performing on tour and was asked to be on the television show. Hough initially declined but was asked again a few months later – he was ready to commit and would later become the only six-time champion in franchise history of Dancing with the Stars.

Photographer: Seung Lee (www.kokumastudio.com) Photographer Assistants: Mason Kim & Hyejin Pak Fashion Editor: Lassalle (@stylebylassalle & @stevenlassalle_ www.stevenlassalle.com) Fashion Editor Assistants: Star Campbell (@starcampbellstylist) & Marcus Butler (@marcusbstyle) Men’s Grooming: Sara Tintari (using Baxter of California & skyn ICELAND) Videographer: Wanhi Lee Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to The Henry (@thehenryrestaurant www.thehenryrestaurant.com)

T-shirt, OFF-WHITE™. Jeans, PRPS. Boots, TALENT’S OWN. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

Suit jacket, THEORY. Sweater, ARMANI EXCHANGE. Jeans, PAPER DENIM & CLOTH. Sneakers, CONVERSE. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

Bodysuit, VEX CLOTHING. Gloves, VEX CLOTHING. Pants, HOUSE OF CB. Shoes, JUSTFAB. Earrings, IRIS TRENDS.

KRISTINA BAZAN

Dream C U R A T O R Monica Dias

KRISTINA BAZAN

“I love a challenge! Every dream, every goal has a challenge that comes along with it,” says Kristina Bazan, 25, who grew up watching American movies and wishing she could, one day, become a glamorous celebrity like the ones she saw on screen. For almost a decade now, the Minsk-born blogger, author and musician has collaborated with the world’s most famous fashion brands, such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton that one can hardly browse Instagram or dabble in the fashion scene without coming across her name.

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t all began in 2011, when Bazan, living in a small village in Switzerland at age 17, created Kayture with photographer and her then-boyfriend James Chardon. Indeed, in its earlier days, Kayture was not a business at all, but an outlet for Bazan to express her passion for fashion and showcase photos that her boyfriend had taken of her – in other words, it was a place where, according to one of her posts, “a nerdy shy introvert” teenager could “nerd out.” That said, it came as quite a surprise when her fashion blog started garnering a large following and catching the attention of the biggest players in the fashion industry. “All teenagers at a certain age, when they’re 15 or 16, they start their myspace or vlogs. I never, for a second, thought that it would turn into something serious. I opened my blog just for fun so when I started getting all these inquiries from France, I was so shocked, I had no idea,” Bazan says, adding that much of her success was the result of luck, of her being at the right place at the right time, at the vanguard of the blogging craze that took the Internet by storm in the late aughts and early 2010s. “At the time, that (blogging) didn’t really exist, it wasn’t a job,” she recalls. “I really experienced the beginning of it.”

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While Bazan is mostly known for her work as a fashion blogger and digital influencer, music is where her heart has always lied. Although she thought the “idea of making music my career was just so unrealistic, it really seemed like a fantasy.

I never thought that it could actually become my job,” as her blogging career progressed, she began to realize that creating music was what actually made her happy. “I wanted to really create something that has a message and depth, and at the end of the day, I always came back to music. It just felt so natural to switch to that.” She officially launched her musical career in 2016 with the single “Out,” where she collaborated with Grammy-winning producer Brian Kennedy. Since then, she has released a number of singles, such as “Clockwork,” “Old Soul,” and “VR,” as well as her first EP EPHV1. “First of all, you have the pressure of already having so many people looking at what you’re doing, and second of all, people are not following you for that reason, they’re following you for something else.” she shares. “Some grew up with you, knowing you for something, and now you’re changing. People don’t really like change.

People were just really skeptical and being like, ‘Oh, you just want to be more famous, you’re just taking advantage of your following to branch out to something else.’ It really affected my credibility as an artist, and that’s where the main challenge comes from.”

Dress, B A O T R A N C H I. Boots, JUSTFAB. Band ring, TALENT’S OWN. Stone ring, ROZALIYA JEWELRY. Tooth ring, IRIS TRENDS. Hat, ADORNA BY MILANO.

Blazer, B A O T R A N C H I. Pants, VEX CLOTHING. Shoes, JF LONDON. Earrings, LEHWIY JEWELLERY. Rings, SILVANA K DESIGNS.

KRISTINA BAZAN

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ven though she is constantly in the public eye, Bazan claims to be a private person. “Fame is actually so poisonous,” she opens up. “To have that much attention on you all the time is actually quite unhealthy.

When I was doing my job, I was just constantly giving people what they’d want to see from me, and there’s kind of a perversion behind this.”

It is that desire to maintain her privacy and a sense of mystery that has led her to curate a very specific image on social media: one that is almost exclusively professional, with very few references to personal aspects of her life. “We’re consuming so much content that we’re losing all

the quality of it. I’m really saturated by all of that.

That’s why I adopt the opposite approach – I’m very mysterious on my Instagram. I just want to use the platform for work, to create and to share creativity,” she elaborates. “I’d like to create something meaningful. I’d like to create something that lasts, and that’s not just a pretty picture of myself online.”

Photographer: Seung Lee (www.kokumastudio.com) Photographer Assistants: Mason Kim & Hyejin Pak Stylist: Katelynn Tilley Hair: Caitlin Krenz (for Opus Beauty - using Leonor Greyl) Makeup: Joanna Faivre Videographer: Sandra Selva Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Will Gibbs, M.D. (@wgibbsmd www.willgibbsmd.com)

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JAY WILLIAMS

Dream Deferred Alain Clerine

“I made a very poor business decision. I made a very poor life decision, but it’s also been the best thing to ever happen to me,” says Jay Williams who effectively lost his chance to live out his dream as a professional basketball player, and was fighting for his life after dislocating several ligaments in his knee, shattering his pelvis, and severing a main nerve in his leg. This is not how things were supposed to go for the former number two pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. However, for him, a dream deferred means new opportunities, and new dreams to be manifested.

Suit, KENNETH COLE. Shirt, PERRY ELLIS. Shoes, TO BOOT NEW YORK. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

JAY WILLIAMS

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ith his basketball abilities as well as his intellect and high character, Williams was poised for NBA stardom: a McDonald’s All-American in high school, two-time college basketball Player of the Year, National Champion, and three-year graduate from Duke University something Williams feels he owes to his parents and collegiate coach Mike Krzyzewski. “If I don’t have a guy like him (Krzyzewski) to serve as that extra sounding board to give me that advice that I learned throughout my collegiate years and have parents the way I did, there’s no way I’d bounce back from my accident or anything I’ve gone through in life,” he says.

The young man from Plainfield, New Jersey had the world in the palms of his hands – up until 2003’s fateful June night. He was in the midst of a rookie contract worth north of 8 million dollars when the world came crashing down on him the moment he drove into that utility pole at full speed. The aftermath resulted in more than fifteen surgeries, two failed suicide attempts, and addictions to oxycodone and OxyContin. The next three years were mired in failed comeback attempts and depression. “Three and a half to four years after my accident, I was trying to come back and play with the Austin Toros, and my head coach, a guy named Dennis Johnson, I found out that he passed away from a heart attack, and he was still very young in his early fifties, and from that moment on, I started to think, ‘Why am I chasing who Jay Williams was? Why don’t I spend more time focusing on who

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Jay Williams is? Maybe, who I am is without what I do,’” he recalls as Williams now focuses on what he’s blessed with, including his daughter Amelia Brooklyn-Rose – who was born in October and is his “everything” as he describes while showing us a video of her on his phone – and wife Nikki Bonacorsi (they resides in Brooklyn).

Williams is currently a basketball host/analyst on ESPN covering NBA, college, and high school hoops. He also stars on a separate ESPN program The Boardroom with NBA player Kevin Durant and agent Rich Kleiman where they take fans behind the scenes and show them a side of the sports world that they are not otherwise privy to. Moreover, Williams is a managing partner at Leverage Agency, ensuring to enhance the agency’s sports and entertainment properties as well as to open up new strategic channels of business.

Additionally, and most importantly, Williams takes time out to mentor young men. He had a starring role on the web series Best Shot featuring the Newark Central High School basketball team. The series followed the lives of the players and the progression of the team, and the lessons Williams imparted upon them. “Basketball is just the sport that helps you, it’s the sport to get the attention of the kid, and then you can teach life lessons,” he affirms.

Photographer: Joshua Cutillo Photographer Assistant: Gavin Spicer Stylist: Raven Roberts Men’s Grooming: Sang Le Videographer: Ray Antonison Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Comprehensive Hospitality Solutions

Suit, PERRY ELLIS. Shirt, PERRY ELLIS. Shoes, TO BOOT NEW YORK. Pocket square, H&M. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

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MJ RODRIGUEZ

Liberated

Woman Mike Varius

For any aspiring singer, actor, or performer, New York City is arguably the ultimate entertainment Mecca, which makes it no surprise that an ambitious entertainer who started her career performing in the illustrious city now has the entire world watching her every move and decision. Currently playing the role of Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista, the zealous housemother on the Golden Globe-nominated show Pose, actress Mj Rodriguez breaks barriers. In the midst of her rise to stardom, however, she has never forgotten her roots. As she walks into our photo shoot, she looks at the wardrobe rack, and then bursts into tears, uttering, “Oh, my God. Is this for me?” “Yes, please come on in. This is your shoot,” we respond but once she takes a bottle of water to calm herself down a bit, she rushes outside to call her mother who later thanks us via FaceTime for supporting Rodriguez, so we thank her back for introducing her daughter to the world.

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MJ RODRIGUEZ

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orn and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Rodriguez credits much of her success to not just her hard work and talent, but the legacy and foundation laid by her parents and family during her upbringing. “The energy [in Newark] is very family-oriented,” says Rodriguez, who still currently resides in Newark. “It’s rooted in a lot of history that people don’t know about, and that a lot of people do know about – like Whitney Houston and Tisha Campbell-Martin, and that’s what keeps me grounded. It’s something that I just can’t get out of.” (While only a few minutes apart, Rodriguez describes her commute between Newark and the Big Apple as “teleportation into a world that I’ve always wanted and now is a reality.”)

Rodriguez, who began her entertainment career on stage starring in off-Broadway productions like Rent, actually considered pursuing a different path prior to the acclaim. “I went to school at Berklee College of Music and tried to major in songwriting,” she passionately shares. “But then, musical theater came knocking on my door, and I just looked at it as an opportunity for me to expand in entertainment. Musical theater is everything! You can be the person you really are on stage.”

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Though Rodriguez notes it was an easy transition from stage to screen, getting into character for the role of Blanca wasn’t as simple.

Despite the differences in qualities between the two, Rodriguez describes her and Blanca’s personalities as “literally a 50/50.” She goes on and credits the motherly and nurturing side of Blanca to her mother’s early influences: “My mother was the person that instilled all the love I needed in me so when I see that in Blanca, I relate to it so easily.”

While Rodriguez can be seen portraying the deeply-emotional and loving attributes that make for good television, her performance as Blanca also addresses the uncomfortable truth regarding the safety and mistreatment of trans lives. This previously unforeseen showcase, as seen on Pose, is much more than a mere act for Rodriguez who found herself competing with overwhelming traumas while shooting. “There was so much I had to suppress,” she elaborates. “There are many aspects of our lives that are portrayed through these characters, and there are some moments that are so real and hard to bear because you know that it’s also a reality. It’s always a constant traumatic reality that we’re never really safe out here. We’re trying to make strides but we’re never really safe.”

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Cocktail dress, CARMEN MARC VALVO. Neckpiece, LAUREL DEWITT. Rings, LARUICCI. Suede boots, CHASE & CHLOE SHOES.

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ighting for diversity and equality both on and off the screen, she makes it her own mission to continue opening the doors for trans entertainers.

“I think it’s important as actors and actresses that we take notice of realistic stories and the research that has to go behind these stories and also the differences in someone who has lived and understood the role,” describes Rodriguez.

When she isn’t collecting trophies as Blanca, she’s collecting them in real life. Most notably, Rodriguez was honored by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation with the Trailblazer Hispanic Heritage Award to much surprise. “I never thought in a million years that I would achieve something like that,” explains Rodriguez who initially thought she was merely presenting an award and had to Google-search to confirm the news. Rodriguez notes the award as one of her biggest accomplishments and goes on to voice her appreciation for the support she receives

from the Hispanic community. “I never thought that I would ever receive something like that from so many people on all aspects of my culture,” she humbly expresses.

While she is remarkably thankful for all the acclaim, she remains grounded in Newark where fans who recognize her casually yell out, “Blanca!” “We need to be protected and we need to be cared for as human beings,” the actress fiercely commands as Rodriguez continues the fight for trans-equality and representation.

Photographer: Ron Contarsy (for Highmark Studios) Contributing Fashion Editor: Ty-Ron Mayes Hair: Bennett Grey Makeup: Marc Cornwall (using Dior) Makeup Assistant: Nina Bellord Videographer: Jon Prosper Editor: Eiko Watanabe Editorial Assistants: Corey Tam & Takashi Kameyama Special thanks to Comprehensive Hospitality Solutions

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Suit, STRONG SUIT. Shirt, STRONG SUIT. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN. Nose ring, TALENT’S OWN.

JORDAN FISHER

A Star on Many

Fronts Alain Clerine

“I got bit by the bug, it was pretty immediate,” recalls Jordan Fisher on his love for art and storytelling. Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Fisher took heed of his talent from an early age (“I’ve kind of always romanticized the idea of being in film and television even before I started”) as that can be traced back to the 5th grade when he joined his school’s drama club to impress a crush. His first school play was in January of his 5th-grade year, and by December, he was working at a professional theater conservatory. Despite a promising start to his career, however, Fisher had not thought about fully pursuing the entertainment business – until the woman who would eventually become his theatrical manager took notice of his talents and convinced him and his family that a move to Los Angeles would be the ideal next step. “There was something that felt like home the moment I got there,” describes Fisher. “The moment I landed, [it felt like] this is where I’m supposed to be.” At age 13, Fisher made his first trip to Los Angeles where he began to audition for roles. Hailing from Alabama’s most populous city and a theater community that exposed him to different types of people, ethnicities, and sexual orientations, Fisher was culturally immune to L.A.’s candor. He was confident that this was his preferred career path, and it motivated him to work even harder on honing his craft.

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Jacket, KENNETH COLE. Shirt, KENNETH COLE. Shoes, KENNETH COLE. Pants, JET LAG. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN. Nose ring, TALENT’S OWN.

JORDAN FISHER

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fter several small guest spots on television and various commercials, Fisher moved to Los Angeles permanently after landing a recurring role on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. He then signed a contract with Disney and earned a starring role in the Disney Channel Original Movie Teen Beach Movie and its sequel Teen Beach 2. In addition, he released his selftitled EP in 2016 on Disney Music Group’s Hollywood Records.

“My personal goal is to be as multidimensional as possible. I’ve always had the mindset of being able to wake up and go do what I love whatever that thing is every day, and as I’ve aged and been doing this for some time, I’ve found a handful of hats that I enjoy wearing,” elaborates Fisher, who earned a prominent role on Grease LIVE!, was the winner of the 25th season of Dancing With the Stars, portrayed two characters in Tony-winning

Broadway musical Hamilton, has nailed his role on Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and was the star of Rent: Live. As one of the busiest young entertainers in Hollywood, he is constantly working on a myriad of projects. “I’ve gotten really good at making sure that I dictate my time, and making sure I have enough time to rest and be a human,” he adds.

Furthermore, Fisher has partnered with the non-profit organization United Friends of the Children to help empower current and former foster youth on their journey to self-sufficiency: a cause that is very dear to him who was raised by his grandparents due to his mother’s inability to provide stability in his life. He openly acknowledges their role in saving him, and works to ensure that other endangered youth receive the same opportunities he was afforded.

Photographer & Videographer: Sandra Selva Stylist: Jennifer Austin Men’s Grooming: Michelle Harvey (for Opus Beauty using Oribe & Baxter of California) Editors: Mike Varius & Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to The Upper West (@theupperwest www.theupperwest.com)

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Jacket, JET LAG. Sweater, MICHAEL STARS. Pants, JET LAG. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN. Nose ring, TALENT’S OWN.

“My personal goal is to be as multidimensional as possible.”

Black ruffled shoulder bodysuit, MONSOORI. Shoes, STUART WEITZMAN.

ISKRA LAWRENCE

The

Power:

Absolutely Positively Beautiful Margaret Mallison

Iskra Lawrence is so much more than a pretty face: a body-positive influencer, an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association, and a full-time model (she has modeled for Aerie and has also developed her own perfume line). With her efforts, the world is becoming more authentic, a change that she credits to the rise in social media. “People are more aware of the individual power they have in trying to implement more diversity. Social media has been the best platform because it’s enabled us to democratize our own media empires,” she says of an opportunity to encourage diversity.

“It’s up to us to go out and seek new information. The world’s very diverse and that’s what makes it so beautiful.” In addition to the already growing list of accomplishments, as a part of her dedication to body positivity, she’s given a TEDx talk and guest-authored a number of articles across publications on the importance of selflove and diversity. Last year, moreover, she was named as an ambassador of The Prince’s Trust & L’Oréal Paris.

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Green dress, HOUSE OF CB. Shoes, STUART WEITZMAN.

ISKRA LAWRENCE

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think the modeling and beauty industry fed into female insecurity in the hopes that it would encourage them to buy things, but there’s been such a great shift. Now, it’s actually about someone’s confidence or creativity – whatever makes them an awesome person, instead of the way that they look,” describes Lawrence who has taken the catwalk to celebrate diversity at the Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris during Paris Fashion Week. Lawrence’s advocacy for body positivity doesn’t stop there: She works with the NEDA as a brand ambassador working to acknowledge the issues and promote the resources offered. “For a long time, issues like mental health and eating disorders weren’t talked about and still have a stigma around them. It’s important to normalize them, and it’s okay to seek help,” she affirms as the organization is geared towards raising awareness of the disorders, creating communities for support and recovery, funding research, and giving life-saving resources into the effort.

Her confidence in herself, her ambitions, causes, and dreams ignite similar aspirations. “It’s vitally important to get the representation that can inspire us to do whatever we want in life. Young people need to see that there are multiple and multifaceted ways to be people. There are amazing things you can do just being yourself,” shares Lawrence, who is also trying to get a solid eight hours of sleep every night – a feat few have accomplished – while continuously working on several projects like her new perfume and her own show The Mirror Challenge.

Photographer: Seung Lee (www.kokumastudio.com) Photographer Manager: Phil Kim Stylist: Jennifer Austin Hair: Justine Marjan Hair Assistant: Samantha Annatone Makeup: Caitlin Krenz (for Opus Beauty - using tarte cosmetics) Videographer: Mason Kim Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Will Gibbs, M.D. (@wgibbsmd www.willgibbsmd.com)

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A Winter Shade of

Spring Photographed by Al David

Vintage Jacket, DIESEL. Turtleneck, ZARA. Pants, PAISLEY & GRAY. Shoes, COACH.

Coat, JOHN VARVATOS. Sweater, HUGO BOSS.

Turtleneck, ZARA. Pants, ZARA. Shoes, G-STAR RAW.

Vintage leather jacket, LEVI'S. Turtleneck, ZARA. Pants, ZARA. Shoes, G-STAR RAW.

Shirt, CALVIN KLEIN. Pants, ZARA. Shoes, G-STAR RAW.

Model DOUGLAS GILES – FORD Models / Stylist DAVID K.

DAVID COOK

Never Want to be Defined Alain Clerine

It’s a rainy morning in mid-November, and a day off for David Cook on his acoustic tour where he performed at NYC’s Sony Hall the night before. He’s a bit under the weather, and his left hand/wrist is still injured. 2 weeks before the tour, he says, he had a few drinks back home in Nashville, and let his dogs out and fell – after he rocked six-inch heel boots 6 days a week for 12 weeks in NYC. Regardless, he has diversified his portfolio as a performer, including his Broadway debut on the Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots, playing the lead role of Charlie Price. “I was excited to take on that challenge but I was scared out of my mind,” says Cook, who practiced 3 weeks before starting the actual show and studied how to speak with that East Midlands accent for over 6 weeks with a dialect coach. At the end of his debut show, he was met with a standing ovation and a huge bouquet of flowers.

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Black tuxedo jacket, TOM FORD. Black tee, RAG & BONE. Pants, PAIGE. Shoes, TO BOOT NEW YORK. Wedding band worn as necklace, TALENT’S OWN.

Sweater, THE KOOPLES. Tee, RAG & BONE. Jeans, AG JEANS. Shoes, TO BOOT NEW YORK.

DAVID COOK

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rowing up watching his father play the guitar Cook picked up instrumentation in the 5th grade. He started a band with his childhood friends in high school and would perform at local gigs. “My music career is littered with pieces of circumstance, and meeting people at the right time,” says the 36-year-old singer-songwriter.

That good luck was matched with even more drive.

While attending college in Missouri, he joined a band in Tulsa, Oklahoma – and would make the four-hour drive after class so he could play a gig, then drive back to school overnight.

After graduating from the University of Central Missouri, he had the opportunity to get a graphicdesign job in his hometown of Kansas City, or make the permanent move to Tulsa to get his music career off the ground - he chose the latter. “I just felt like I had my whole life to make money,” Cook says, adding that the decision was not without resistance from his family. “I think they were concerned but they were supportive. They were adamant about putting a time frame on it, you don’t want to spend the next 30 years trying to make this work.” It was during this time that he made his first breakthrough as a recording artist.

His music gained him recognition within the city as Cook self-released his debut album Analog Heart in 2006, and was the winner on the seventh season of American Idol, only six months before the end of his self-imposed deadline. “Man, I fell a**backwards into Idol. My little brother [Andrew] wanted to audition for a long time, auditions

popped up in Omaha, Nebraska, and he asked me if I would come with him for moral support,” Cook recalls. “I said, ‘Sure’ – because for me, it was a vacation – and I got talked into auditioning while standing on line.”

With last year’s Chromance and “Death of Me,” moreover, the self-described “rock guy” took a stylistic turn, focusing more on melodic love songs with his desire to “put a fresh coat of paint on things” and trying to “actively expand the definition” of rock & roll.

Apart from music, Cook spends a lot of his time organizing charity events and raising money for brain cancer research. He’s partnered with a nonprofit ABC2 (Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure) that works to bring a venture approach to brain cancer research and treatment. The cause holds a special place in Cook’s heart as he lost his older brother Adam to brain cancer in 2009. “It (the partnership) started under the worst of circumstances. My first event with them was the morning after my brother died,” Cook opens up. “It selfishly became a cathartic thing for me and my family every year to attend the event. There’s still millions of families fighting it, and if I can use this platform that’s been afforded to me to raise money and awareness, then I’ll gladly wear that.”

Photographer: Joshua Cutillo Photographer Assistant: Ashley Spicer Fashion Editor: Lassalle (@stylebylassalle & @stevenlassalle_ www.stevenlassalle.com) Fashion Editor Assistants: Huberta Marie (@huberta.marie) & Star Campbell (@starcampbellstylist) Men’s Grooming: Anthony Isambert Videographer: Ray Antonison Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Comprehensive Hospitality Solutions

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Jacket, TED BAKER. Sweater, HUGO BOSS. Shirt, MICHAEL KORS. Pants, J BRAND. Shoes, TO BOOT NEW YORK.

“My music career is littered with pieces of circumstance, and meeting people at the right time.”

KIRSTIN™

Kirstin Maldonado Redefined Mike Varius

Pursuing a career in the music industry is the modern-day equivalent to an Olympic sport. In essence, it’s not as simple as it seems and requires immense dedication and patience. Luckily, for Kirstin Taylor Maldonado, when you’re accompanied on your journey by close friends, there’s a bit more room for fun. Maldonado is a member of three-time Grammy-winning Pentatonix, who has taken the world over by storm since their big win on NBC’s The Sing-Off. The multi-platinum-selling group has sold nearly 10 million albums worldwide and performed for hundreds of thousands of fans at their sold-out shows across the globe.

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Shirt, GUCCI. Skirt, GIVENCHY. Harness, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD. Boots, SAINT LAURENT. Rings, TALENT’S OWN. Eyebrow rings, TALENT’S OWN.

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lthough born in Fort Worth, Texas, Maldonado was raised in Arlington by her tremendously supportive mother, who she credits as her “biggest mode of success.” Adds Maldonado, “I had a really amazing mother who gave me so much support and such a great foundation of believing in me and grounding me in so much love. She was so selfless and did everything to make sure that I was taken care of and could go to music lessons and achieve my best.”

“The high school and local theaters around [Arlington] had so many gifted people so I was always surrounded by talented and great individuals, including Scott and Mitch who are in Pentatonix with me,” she explains, referring to Scott Hoying and Mitch Grassi, who she sang with all the time when they were in high school together and further fostered her artistic growth.

While studying musical theater at the University of Oklahoma, Maldonado decided to drop out and pursue a music career, thus birthing Pentatonix with Hoying and Grassi (the trio discovered Kevin Olusola and Avi Kaplan on YouTube to complete the group). Shortly after, the group made the move to L.A. – which she describes as “the worst.”

“It was so hard, and I wasn’t at all ready,” she recalls. “All of a sudden, it was like, a whirlwind of things were happening.” Fortunately, though, she had the support of her group which really helped her with the transition: “There are so many things that are going to come into your path so staying resilient and grounded is essential; that’s why it was great to have 4 other people with me – I couldn’t imagine doing that alone.”

2017 was also a year of challenge and dramatic change. On May 12, 2017, Kaplan announced his

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departure from the group, discussing how much he loved Pentatonix but how difficult it was to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the group.

A week later, Maldonado faced her fear of “doing things alone,” releasing her first solo single “Break A Little,” and then the EP called L O V E – EP followed in July. To the surprise of many, she had dropped her last name and rebranded herself as kirstin™, with the trademark symbol instead representing Taylor Maldonado (“It’s authentically me”). She had considered her options with a solo career in the past, especially since her other group members had already released their own solo work, but was adamant on waiting for the right time. “I think the reason it took me so long is because I finally had something to say,” she clarifies. “I learned so much about myself, and it was really cool to find myself and learn how I best operate. It’s so refreshing that we can go out and pursue individual projects and sounds, but still come together and flow and make music.”

In early 2018, moreover, she realized one of her childhood goals and made her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed Kinky Boots as Lauren.

“To start off the year of 2018 with Broadway by myself and feeling like a success was such a return for me,” she shares.

Maldonado has undoubtedly achieved loads and has checked many entries off her bucket list – all at 26 years old. However, she still has more planned. “My next solo single will be coming out in 2019 which is really exciting,” she reveals. “I feel like I’ve grown so much as an artist especially with what I want to say and communicate so that’s another exciting chapter that I’m excited to return to.”

Photographer: Catherine Asanov (@catherineasanov) Stylist: Candice Lambert Stylist Assistant: Birta Epstein Hair: Sara Tintari (using SEVEN haircare & Enzo Milano) Makeup: Dillon Peña (for TheOnly.Agency - using M•A•C Cosmetics) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to B Twenty Four (@btwentyfourla www.btwentyfourcafe.com)

Jacket, WE ARE LEONE. Bodysuit, BOOHOO.COM. Belt, ASOS. Boots, DOLCE & GABBANA. Rings, TALENT’S OWN. Eyebrow rings, TALENT’S OWN.

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ABLA SOFY

Moroccan Dreams, American Reality Margaret Mallison

American fashion’s “it” girl Abla Sofy is making waves as the first Arab model to represent GUESS in their campaign (and to have a billboard on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood), a step towards a more authentic representation of customers worldwide. She’s earned two degrees – one in business and one in fashion – and starred in a French Montana music video. After moving to America from Morocco at age 21, she began as a stylist before modeling (“People want to recognize themselves in what they see and what they can buy. Brands are trying to become as authentic as they can”).

Along the way, she’s learned to merge her cultural values with her work as a part of her self-image. “I know my limits and my goals, given that I’m in America. I know what I should allow myself to do, and it’s all about keeping the respect and pride of my country. As an Arab woman, I want to always be the best image of it,” she explains.

For many, Morocco is perceived as a country stuck in the past, resigned to the use of camels as transportation: a fact that drives her to create a positive image of herself and her country. “It’s very important for me to change this negative image of Arabs always being a source of something bad,” she adds.

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Jacket, MASAKÏ MATSUKA. Lace top jumper, CHELSEA28. Shoes, MIU MIU. Gold ear cuff with gold and silver foil, IRIS TRENDS. Earring, MICHAEL KORS.

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hat said, her work in the industry is proof of her goal as she strives to capture its reality. “I always try to give justice to

the reality of Morocco. It’s a beautiful, free country,” says Sofy. “There are some limits because we are an Arabic country, but out of all of them, we are the most open-minded.” She’s already seen support pouring in from girls around the globe – most especially in Morocco since her work inspires them. “I get emails and DMs from girls asking me how to make it happen for them. I would love to use my voice and what I do here to get credibility and develop fashion back home,” she asserts.

Sofy’s life has already proven that she’s more than a pretty face, a series of degrees, or her country.

In Morocco, she’s a fierce advocate for children and orphans. Although not currently involved in similar organizations in America, she plans on dedicating her time and efforts to helping children

around the world in the future. “It’s always been something important to me. I would love to keep helping and use my voice to help them,” she says.

A firm believer in the benefits of education, Sofy believes that the combination of education and good examples will help children succeed. “We have to give them this hope, and show them that hard work makes something. It’s America. People came from nothing and made their dreams come true,” elaborates Sofy whose hard work and determination helped her achieve her own goals, with more to come in the future; she joins the ranks of others in today’s world. She, like many others, embodies the American dream in a captivating way, inspiring many worldwide.

Photographer & Videographer: Sandra Selva Fashion Editor: Lassalle (@stylebylassalle & @stevenlassalle_ www.stevenlassalle.com) Fashion Editor Assistants: Gala Lee (@galaleestyle) & Gabriella Lovazzano (@gabriellajlovazzano) Hair: DaRico Jackson Makeup: Melissa Eastwick Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Smashbox Venice (@smashboxvenice www.smashbox.com/book-appointment) & Shakey’s Pizza Parlor (@shakeysusa - www.shakeys.com)

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“We have to give them this hope, and show them that hard work makes something. It’s America.

People came from nothing and made their dreams come true.”

NASRI

Constructing Expectations: La Politique des Auteur Monica Dias

Every work of art speaks to some part of its creator. Sometimes, that is intentional – the artist intends to say something and send a message out into the world through their work; other times, that message is almost accidental, the product of subconscious drives that the artist may not be totally aware of. It’s clear that Nasri – talented producer, prolific lyricist, passionate musician and self-entitled “fire starter” in the recording studio – thoroughly considers what he wants to say with his music and how best to say it.

When Nasri Tony Atweh was one year old, he had a habit of dancing around and singing whenever he heard the sound of music. It may not be remarkable or noteworthy that a young child enjoys music. However, there was something about the way in which baby Nasri engaged with music that gave his parents pause. The baby’s enthusiasm was not like that of other children. There was something different about it – an intensity, a zeal that one rarely finds in one-year-olds.

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Suit, ISSEY MIYAKE. Shirt, STEFAN GRANT. Shoes, FILLING PIECES. Earring, COLLECTION SEVEN TWO EIGHT. Ring, COLLECTION SEVEN TWO EIGHT. Necklace, TALENT’S OWN.

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ow, as a Grammy-winning songwriter/ producer and onehalf of the writing/ production duo, The Messengers, Nasri has written songs for the likes of Justin Bieber, Pitbull, Christina Aguilera, Iggy Azalea, David Guetta and Shakira. However, he is best known as the lead singer of MAGIC!, the reggae-fusion band that burst into the music scene in 2013 with their chart-topping smash “Rude.”

Nasri gives off an air of effortless chill. Talkative, easy-going, vegan, sporting a five o’clock shadow, he doesn’t appear to be all different from what one would normally expect the L.A.-based “No Way No” artist to look and act like (except that he doesn’t often wear a suit – contrary to what you may expect). However, beneath the cool and laid-back surface, there lies an idiosyncratic mind in tandem with an energetic, introspective soul as music is his ideal creative medium to explore his deepest feelings and to communicate his inner truth to the outside world. Nowhere is this dynamic more evident than in MAGIC!’s latest album, Expectations, released this past September. He admits that the album is “definitely leaning more towards me emotionally than the other albums where we’d all kind of sit together and make records,” and that he wrote most of the lyrics for the album on his own because he felt so protective of his idea.

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Unlike MAGIC!’s previous albums (Don’t Kill the Magic and Primary Colours), Expectations is firmly and unabashedly Nasri’s brainchild, the artistic representation of the 38-year-old singer’s own musings and anxieties. “Compared with the other albums, [Expectations] is the most lyrically interconnected and personal. The lyrics, it’s about me at a certain time when I was contemplating what was important in life and realizing that love is most important and that all of the stuff that I’m doing doesn’t come with me when I die,” he opens up, adding that making the album was “almost like making a solo album in a band, being totally expressive from one person’s standpoint and everyone supporting that expression.” In addition, Nasri brought his vision to life as a director and filmmaker for music videos for the album, such as “Kiss Me” and “Expectations,” despite not having any previous experience as a filmmaker.

As a matter of fact, he taught himself how to edit film during a weekend by watching online tutorials while alone in his room to make sure that the final product was faithful to his vision and artistic expression.

It’s easy but totally unfair to see him as a selfimportant, self-absorbed pretentious artist who micromanages his band’s creative process because he takes himself way too seriously, and, by his own account, his authority over the development of his creative vision was sanctioned by his bandmates – guitarist Mark Pelli, drummer Alex Tanas and bassist Ben Spivak – who went along with Nasri as he grabbed the creative reins of the project (“They were really patient with my vision”).

Shirt, HEATHEN CLOTHING. Pants, HEATHEN CLOTHING. Shoes, SAINT LAURENT. Earring, COLLECTION SEVEN TWO EIGHT. Necklaces, TALENT’S OWN & STYLIST’S OWN.

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hat said, though, Nasri (who recently worked with Cash Cash on “Call You”) is still aware that music is a communal effort, and despite his creative control over the album’s theme, tone and vibe, he was careful not to shut himself off from his bandmates during the process of creating Expectations, and made an effort to draw them into his vision and make them understand his intentions and see what he was seeing. “We were able to find ways to kind of put the band in there,” he elaborates. “A lot of times, with this album, I was making a bunch of it on my own, and calling them and saying, ‘Hey, I have another idea,’ and then, when we collaborated, everyone put the parts that they wanted to put in.”

With the pleasant, casual relationship that MAGIC! has established with their sizable fan base, Nasri genuinely wants to release music that they enjoy and are able to relate to. But, more than fame, which he claims not to chase, he wants recognition, not only on a professional level but also on an artistic and personal one – he wants to have his true inner self be known to others and understood.

“This album wasn’t really written like a band – it was written like an emotion,” he shares, making sure to offer everyone a clear window into his mind and emotional state.

Photographer & Videographer: Brandon Andre Photographer Assistant: Preet Christian Stylist: Roman Sipe Men’s Grooming: Benjamin Terry Editor: Eiko Watanabe

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LAMAR JOHNSON

Toronto Native, Lamar Johnson Opens Up about His Life and Career Dylan Worcel

“The work is your truth, and everything will go the right way. Always be willing to learn and always remain a student. There is always room for improvement,” says Lamar Johnson. Named one of Toronto International Film Festival’s Rising Stars of 2018, he has been showcasing his talents since the tender age of nine. Johnson attended the film festival for his role in The Hate U Give. The teen film is based on Angie Thomas’ 2017 novel, and it takes on themes of Black Lives Matter and police brutality. Johnson was honored to be recognized for all of his hard work. “I’d say it’s a massive deal for me, especially being from Toronto. It’s just so great to be recognized for my talent and the work that I put into the craft. I got to connect with some amazing people and filmmakers and artists, you know, it was just such a great time,” shares Johnson, who also starred in 2017’s TIFF film Kings alongside Halle Berry and Daniel Craig.

Born in Toronto, Canada, Johnson attended Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts starting in the tenth grade. Taking classes there helped him craft and cement the visual artist he is today; he joined a variety of dance groups, which enabled him to land his first on-screen role in the Jessica Alba film Honey in 2003.

Suit, “RICHFRESH.”. Hoodie, ELLY PISTOL. Boots, CARRUCCI SHOES. Ring, STYLIST’S OWN.

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ohnson’s mother raised him and his two sisters on her own, and she always nurtured Johnson’s talents and encouraged him to pursue his passions in entertainment. “I don't think there's really anyone else that has supported me more than her. Obviously, I have great supporters and I have people in my corner that you know but she just brings that spark out within me,” he says of his mother who often took time off work to drive him to different stage performances, rehearsals and talent shows.

“I think she really aided me in becoming the person and the artist that I am today.” Although Johnson had a fairly normal childhood and had plenty of friends, there were some things that were not very normal in his life. He would sometimes miss school and have to hop on a plane for different projects he was involved in. He filmed a television show (Pop It!) at age 13, which only fueled his passion.

(He had the opportunity to work with Chris Brown at one point, as well.) “It was kind of just a part of my life and also something I loved to do, too,” the 24-year-old artist recalls. “It never felt like I was being forced to do anything because I made the decision to do it, and my mom allowed me to make my own choices.”

Moreover, Johnson trained classically in dance for about a year. He did ballet, jazz, and contemporary dancing. He eventually came to realize that hip-hop (both its style and genre) was part of his identity, and it gave him that push to enter the hip-hop dance world. A film that inspired him to take his dancing to the next level was You Got Served with Omarion where the dancers in the film incorporated flips and tricks that he would try and imitate. “I was also inspired by my peers and who I was dancing with. Sometimes, we would be in basements and

just like play music and freestyle. That is kind of how I started dancing, and eventually, I transitioned into doing my own choreography,” he elaborates.

Along the way, though, Johnson actually stopped dancing and started participating in sports. As a matter of fact, he became quite the athlete and developed this newfound love for basketball. He made many friends on the court and had a strong bond and brotherhood with his teammates. And then, a huge influence in his life came around: Michael Jackson. Johnson was inspired by Jackson’s artistry, technique, and choreography in his music videos. “I'm a very visual learner. I was always watching his music videos, and to see the way that he moved, I was like, ‘Wow, this is so cool.’

I really wanted to do this,” he describes. “At first, it was about me trying to imitate Michael Jackson and trying to do his moves. The slides and the way he moved his shoulders were very inspiring to me.”

At the moment, his primary focus is acting as well as filmmaking: X-Men movie Dark Phoenix, Native Son (he plays a character named Gus), and All the Bright Places starring Elle Fanning. He hopes to, one day, direct his own films and write screenplays so that he can tell his own stories while Johnson has other creative aspirations that he would love to explore, too. “I want to put on live stage performances so I can still have dance as part of my world. I want to start a clothing line, as well, and design furniture,” he says. “I think, at different stages in my life, there will be different things that I will want to explore.”

Photographer & Videographer: Nelson Blanton (nelsonblanton.com) Stylist: Marc Littlejohn (@marcalittlejohn - for Ken Barboza Associates Inc.) Men’s Grooming: Phoebe Dawson Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Amber Thayer (@amberthayer www.amberthayer.com) & The Henry (@thehenryrestaurant www.thehenryrestaurant.com)

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Blazer, RON TOMSON. Shorts, RON TOMSON. Vintage tie shirt, SLATE DENIM. Socks, YELETE. Shoes, MICHAEL HOCKEY DESIGN. Ring, STYLIST’S OWN.

Black jacket, ELLY PISTOL. Top, MARC LITTLEJOHN. Pants, RON TOMSON. Boots, CARRUCCI SHOES. Bracelet, AMBER THAYER.

ANDREW HAWKINS

The Man with a Plan Alain Clerine

“Anything you do, work hard is the first pillar,” says Andrew Hawkins, who came into the NFL in 2011 with the goal of playing just one professional game, thinking they would “pull the rug” right from under him.

Born and raised in the small town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Hawkins grew up seeing a future for himself in football. While his father Artrell Hawkins Sr. played running back at the University of Pittsburgh and older brother Artrell Hawkins Jr. enjoyed a nine-year NFL career, he felt in his mind that football was his best chance of making something bigger of himself. Hawkins had been attending NFL training camps since he was a small child and picked up the sport at seven years old. Although athletically inclined, he stood at only five feet seven inches and perpetually lacked the stature to match his athletic abilities. It started to feel as though football was less of a realistic option. “Having to kind of push through that at a time when nobody thought I would be able to do it, let alone my brother had done it, they were like, ‘What are the chances that lightning strikes twice?’”

Hawkins opens up. “It took a supreme belief in myself and faith in God that if I just kept at it, I would figure it out.”

His faith in himself was put to the test as he received no NCAA Division I scholarship offers after high school. Still determined to play Division I football, however, he bypassed a chance at a free education at smaller Division II universities and decided to pay his way through his first semester of college, and then earned a scholarship at the University of Toledo. “I wanted to prove myself at the highest level,” says Hawkins.

After four successful years at the University of Toledo, Hawkins neither got drafted nor was

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signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008, and once again, his dreams of playing professional football hung by a thread. He spent the rest of the year away from football and worked at a factory while interning for the NFL’s Detroit Lions. He was also a contestant on 4th and Long, a reality show where the winner would receive an NFL tryout. Hawkins placed second and jockeyed that into a contract with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Sweater, MITCHELL EVAN. Denim, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Necklaces, TALENT’S OWN. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

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wo seasons later, he earned a spot on the St. Louis Rams pre-season roster, which led to being signed by the Cincinnati Bengals and spending three years of his career there, and another three with the Cleveland Browns. In total, Hawkins ended up playing six seasons in the NFL (twice the average length). “I was just happy to be getting paid to play a game that I love,” shares Hawkins, who also speaks of football with gratitude and indebtedness as he refuses to cheat the sport that afforded him so many opportunities. He retired in 2017 on the heels of signing a contract with the New England Patriots, deciding to pursue other ventures since he did not want to hold a roster spot hostage when there were other young players vying for the same position. “The game has been very good to me.

It’s set me up in ways I could never imagine. It’s helped my family. It’s changed our entire economic structure and provided us with education. I’ve been able to help nieces, nephews, my kids, family members and even people who aren’t a part of my family,” he recalls.

By the time retirement came, Hawkins was prepared to tackle his newest challenges as he spent his NFL offseasons earning a master’s degree in sports administration from Columbia University. He then hounded mutual acquaintances into getting himself in contact with Maverick Carter, the business manager of LeBron James.

Looking to further prove himself outside the football field, he interned for an entire offseason at UNINTERRUPTED, a multimedia platform for

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athletes created by Carter and James. “Before I decided to retire, that was one of the first conversations I had. I had opportunities to go to other places but the way he (Maverick Carter) and his team and LeBron run their business, it was just like, there couldn’t be a better place in the world to work,” says Hawkins, who currently holds the title of director of business development at UNINTERRUPTED, as well as the Robot Company (another media/marketing company founded by Carter and James). He also hosts SportsCenter on Snapchat for ESPN as well as being an NFL analyst on their various programs.

Moreover, here is another important part of Andrew Hawkins: helping others and being a voice for the voiceless. He hosts an annual Christmas Takeover in Cleveland, a tradition that gives back to those in need during the holiday season.

Hawkins has also been outspoken on social issues, having donned a “Justice for Tamir Rice and John Crawford” shirt before game days in response to the death of two young black men killed at the hands of the police.

He has had many major decisions to make to get to this point, but he has not been doing this all alone – his wife Markisha is a collaborating partner in any major upheaval that affects them and their three children. “I don’t want to say it (football) is who I am because it’s not, but at the same time, it was the catalyst for everything I’m doing. Football, to me, is like a relationship, it’s like family,” asserts Hawkins, whose self-titled biopic is currently in the works.

Photographer: Seung Lee (www.kokumastudio.com) Photographer Manager: Phil Kim Stylist: Katelynn Tilley Men’s Grooming: Phoebe Dawson (using Murad Skincare) Videographer: Wanhi Lee Editor: Eiko Watanabe

Coat, MITCHELL EVAN. Shirt, GEOFF DURAN. Denim, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

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SAM PAGE

When They Say Action, You Deliver Dylan Worcel

“I want to always be learning something from somebody, whether it's the other actors, the directors, the stagehands, whatever, like on any day, any level, there's always a lesson to be learned. There's always something to take away from a job,” says Sam Page who earned his bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology. He had an inkling with the natural world around him, and explaining it through formulation and math drew him to the major. Princeton University gave him the foundation to apply learning strategies and knowledge he gained into a new field he was about to dive into.

In fact, Page gained an early appetite for quality television and film. “If my parents ever kicked back about me wanting to be an actor, I would say, ‘Well, it's your fault because you exposed me to all this great media,” Page says of Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere.

“When they say, ‘Action,’ you deliver because in sports, when they blow the whistle, you perform,” describes Page whose acquirement in athletics helped him prepare for his acting career, adding that when he was playing sports, he could not show emotion because it was a sign of weakness so he had to counter that mindset and convey vulnerability and emotion on screen.

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Suit, STRONG SUIT. Shirt, COS. Tie, HUGO BOSS. Shoes, COS.

Jacket, COS. Turtleneck, COS. Pants, MISSONI. Hat, PHOTOGRAPHER’S OWN. Shoes, KENNETH COLE.

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is big break was on the daytime soap opera, All My Children. He has had roles on Mad Men, Desperate Housewives, House of Cards, Switched at Birth, Scandal, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Gossip Girl – and has a recurring role as Richard Hunter on Freeform’s The Bold Type. As the show follows the lives of three women flourishing and supporting one another while maneuvering through the media industry, in order for this show to be successful, Page thought the studio needed to get three amazing actresses to play the leads. (Lo and behold, they did.) “I think what absolutely cemented it for me and had me really wanting to do this is the way the pilot ended. I think we shot a couple of different versions, and we did some reshoots once we got picked up to series. We were in production, and there was this idea to at least tease the audience,” he recalls. Sarah Watson, the show’s creator, is telling important and of-themoment stories. For instance, she has stayed in front of issues in our current political climate. The Season One finale aired in the summer of 2017 right before the #MeToo movement (“It was about finding the courage to talk about that and look out into the world that is so much different now because of things like that hitting the media. But

you know, our show is and was doing episodes about that already so it's not a fluff-piece show”).

On another note, Page met his wife Cassidy Boesch at a cocktail party that neither of them was planning to attend. (Boesch was taken to the party by her best friend under false circumstances.) The couple conversed the entire evening, and Page offered to give her a ride home. They happened to reside in the same neighborhood. The rest is history. They got married and have a two-yearold son and seven-month-old twin girls. Being a father has given Page a newfound perspective in all aspects of his life. He would love to see his children grow up in a society where helping people is made a priority. “American politics is in a pretty ugly place right now. I think the idea of a twoparty democracy is starting to show its cracks. I think that the concept of caring about others and helping others is not lost in people that care about those kinds of things,” shares Page, who grew up in a northern suburb of Milwaukee, right on Lake Michigan, and spent a lot of time running around the bluffs looking over the lake while experiencing extreme seasons – from harsh cold winters permeated with snow to incredibly humid summers.

Photographer: Catherine Asanov (@catherineasanov) Stylist: Jennifer Austin Men’s Grooming: Sara Tintari (using Baxter of California & skyn ICELAND) Videographer: Trip Digital Radio (@tripdigitalradio) Editor: Eiko Watanabe

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Jacket, KENNETH COLE. Pants, STRONG SUIT. Shoes, KENNETH COLE.

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Our home designs blend traditional and modern accents in our transitional farmhouse designs: The Pinnacle, The Summit, and The Contemporary Courtyard – a fusion of sharp lines and modern transitions. At Foothills South, we offer limited-edition luxury homes with boundless outdoor space. Our community invites you to bypass the “ordinary” and capture your dream. Choose the model that is ideal for your family preferences and lifestyle.

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Ron Contarsy (for Highmark Studios)

Top, CUKOVY. Dress, HEERA WON. Earrings, ANNDRA NEEN. Eyeball ring, HYPNOVAMP. Paint ring, JILL.HERLANDS.

Cape, KEPAZA. Dress, HEERA WON. Top, HEERA WON. Tights, BEDROOM BEHAVIOR LINGERIE. Boots, CHINESE LAUNDRY.

Dress, SALAKAIA. Dress underneath, HEERA WON. Collar, JOANNA LAURA CONSTANTINE. Photographer: Ron Contarsy (for Highmark Studios) Model: Grace Dwyer (for Marilyn Agency NY) Stylist: Jonzu Jones Hair: Naomi Porto Makeup: Gabriel Cruz Manicurist: Erika Lopez

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We provide funds for basic living needs, insurance premiums, medical bills, and more.

Addiction Recovery Services

We provide financial resources so no one in the music industry will go through this process alone.

Preventative Care

Our free screenings, clinics, and workshops help ensure the music community stays healthy and well.

MusiCares.org

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