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ANNALISA COCHRANE NILE RODGERS ANGELA YEE JOE TASLIM MARY MOUSER

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JESSE METCALFE

THE NEW BLAZER

M E G D O N N E L LY

ANNALISA COCHRANE

NEW STROKES

M I C H A E L E VA N S B E H L I N G

J O E TA S L I M

EMERGENCE

CARMELLA ROSE

RONNY CHIENG

100

MARY MOUSER

110

ISAAC CALPITO

118

M O N TA N A T U C K E R

124

M A N I S H D AYA L

134

SUMMER RENDEZ-VOUS

154

NILE RODGERS

160

LAURA MARANO

168

ANGELA YEE

174

VIC MENSA

182

LISA A. ROMANO

188

FAC TO R _

190

MOSAIC FOODS

192

SPLENDID SPOON

194

F R E S H LY

198

PEYTON MEYER

204

T H R E E P E R F E C T D AY S I N F L O R E N C E

ANNALISA COCHRANE COVER SHOT BY HALDANE MORRIS NILE RODGERS COVER SHOT BY JENAÉ WEINBRENNER

Publisher

CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER

Editor-in-Chief

Editorial Assistant

Creative Director

Art Director

Vanessa Ferrelli

Kristina Villarini

Eiko Watanabe

Hannah Fitzpatrick

Tim Morrison

Tyon Weekes

Director of International and Public Affairs

Tiffany Shorter

Fashion Editor

Travel Editor

Politics Editor

PHOTO EDITOR

Ty-Ron Mayes

Thomas Wilmer

Matt Anthes

Ron Contarsy

Director of Technology

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SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

VP, Brand Partnerships

JP Martinez

Rebecca Koniahgari

Delaney Teehan

Makaila Kay Ho

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Catherine Ho

Van Harris

Staff Writers

Savannah Dial, Hannah Dolin, Summer Myatt, Jacqueline Kirk, Sam Edge, and Ashley House

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N O T E

F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F

Hello! I hope you are joyfully unpacking a lot of things that you didn’t even realize you had hidden with yourself, while we are continuously reimagining our spaces and ourselves. As we are dropping our newest issue, I would like to thank everyone who’s worked with us on this issue (we have done our first-ever shoots in cities like Jakarta, Accra, and Honolulu), and am happy to encourage you to stay tuned for more updates from us. I can’t spill the beans yet, but we will be working more strongly for the greater good of society and to become a force for change. We’ve always appreciated how each individual is different, and that’s why we’ve done a photo shoot with every single talent who has utilized his/her/their platform to engage in thoughtful dialogue and take tangible action to drive change. Given what we have witnessed since last March, it has also become clear to us that, regardless of the issue in the spotlight, each person has different situations and feelings on a matter, so as much as we harness the values and power of culture and the arts to uplift others, we also need to have thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and flexibility to do so. And that only comes from hard work that is constantly ongoing and never ends, because everything starts with each of us by having a “vast heart” and forging ourselves through our own efforts. Once again, we sincerely thank you for your continued support and for letting us do CIVILIAN. Talk soon,

Eiko Watanabe Editor-in-Chief

C I V I L I A N M A G A Z I N E |5

Jacket, ACNE STUDIOS (TALENT’S OWN). Sweater, COMME DES GARÇONS (TALENT’S OWN). Pants, DOUBLE RL (TALENT’S OWN). Boots, SAINT LAURENT (TALENT’S OWN).Watch, ROLEX (TALENT’S OWN). Belt, TALENT’S OWN.

Summer Myatt

Jesse Metcalfe has been a household name in television for just about as long as he’s been a working actor, but that should come as no surprise to anyone who’s seen his iconic work. When bursting onto the scene in 2004, playing the role of charming gardener John Rowland on Desperate Housewives, Metcalfe stole the hearts of millions. Just two years later, he starred as the titular character in the romantic-comedy film, John Tucker Must Die. His incredibly magnetic and charismatic talent is evident in everything he does on screen. Additionally, he has a huge passion for philanthropy, leveraging his creative prowess.

Growing up in the golden era of coming-of-age John Hughes films, Metcalfe found inspiration and purpose in trips to the movie theater with his father. “Those movies were really about the outsider making it into the in-crowd, or like the nerd being cool,” he recalls. “That really resonated with me as a child and an adolescent, and it helped me discover the transformative and transcendent power of film.”

hile studying film at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, the budding star was given the role of Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald on the NBC soap opera, Passions. “I really had no acting training, but I ended up booking that job, leaving New York after my junior year, and coming to Los Angeles,” Metcalfe says. “Pretty much the rest is history, I’ve never looked back.”

ypically, actors do not have much influence on behind-the-scenes decisions, but Metcalfe isn’t a typical actor. After working on several successful projects with the Hallmark Channel, he has had the unique, collaborative opportunity to play a pivotal role in the production of Chesapeake Shores (the show’s fifth season is set to premiere on August 15th). “They made me feel comfortable by having me as a part of the creative process early,” he shares. “I think through the course of that series, I proved myself to the network, not just as an actor, but maybe as a writer and a producer.” But Metcalfe ended up proving more than that, as we saw him take on an additional role last year as an executive producer for the Martha’s Vineyard Mystery series (based on the books by Philip R. Craig), in which he has also starred as the lead. “I can’t even express how grateful I am to the network for having the trust in me to be an executive producer and weigh in on every level creatively – the development of the stories, the rewrites, the casting,” he says. “Because of that, I have had such a vested interest in making sure that the quality of these movies is high.” As for his off-screen life, having worked closely with various non-profits like UNICEF, The Art of Elysium, and Animals Asia, the actor has been almost just

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as busy as he’s been in show business. “You have a unique opportunity as a celebrity, or someone with a public profile, to make a bigger impact,” Metcalfe says of his philanthropic efforts. “There are a lot of opportunities to be a part of some organizations that need the spotlight put on them. I try to lend a hand where and when I can.” Metcalfe will soon be seen in the new action trilogy, The Fortress, alongside Bruce Willis and Chad Michael Murray, and also notes that he is exactly where he wants to be. “My motto for 2021 is to trust myself totally and to go after the things that I want to achieve both personally and professionally,” he affirms. “I feel like I’ve really hit my stride, and there’s nothing that can stand in my way.” Moreover, reflecting on the division in the country, our history, and the hope for a brighter future, he adds, “I think a lot of our nation’s issues have been brought to the forefront this year, and we’ve had to get really honest about a lot of things. Hopefully, the healing can begin, and we can come together stronger for a better future for everyone.”

Photographer: Daniel Lennox Stylist: Kim Mesches Men’s Grooming: Paige Davenport (for Exclusive Artists Management - using TATCHA) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Glasses , PERSOL EYEWEAR (TALENT’S OWN).

Sweater, TOM FORD (TALENT’S OWN). Button-down shirt, DRIES VAN NOTEN (TALENT’S OWN). Tie, JOHN VARVATOS (TALENT’S OWN). Pants, DOUBLE RL (TALENT’S OWN). Boots, OFFICINE CREATIVE (TALENT’S OWN). Watch, ROLEX (TALENT’S OWN).

MY MOTTO FOR 2021 IS TO TRUST MYSELF TOTALLY AND TO GO AFTER THE THINGS THAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE.

Jacket, BLEU DE PANAME (TALENT’S OWN). Button-down shirt, FRANK LEDER (TALENT’S OWN). Hat, DOBBS (TALENT’S OWN). Pants, COMMAS (TALENT’S OWN). Boots, OFFICINE CREATIVE (TALENT’S OWN). Watch, ROLEX (TALENT’S OWN).

The New

blazer ROSA BOUZAS

PHOTOGRAPHER: SARA GUERRERO

STYLIST ASSISTANT: MAYA SALVATO

A FASHI O N

fundamental aspect of Japanese culture and design is the practice of folding and unfolding, as origami-like geometric design has profoundly influenced Japanese aesthetics. For instance, kimonos are made in two dimensions, but when worn, the fabric is draped around the body to create a sculptural form. When removed, the kimono can be folded neatly back into compact layers. With the fine fabrics, the beautiful designs, and the various ways in which they can be embellished, kimonos are universally regarded as artistic productions. Oftentimes, their flat form has been compared to the canvas of a painting. The haori is a traditional, lightweight jacket worn over a kimono by either sex. In fact, the haori was not worn by women until the Edo period in the early 1600s to mid-1800s, when geishas started to wear the garment in imitation of men’s kimono attire.

The traditional-kimono look never goes out of style, and Oriental elements suit everyone’s taste. It has become a seasonal trend on the catwalks of brands – such as SAINT LAURENT, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, KENZO, and Kansai Yamamoto – that have explored its influence in fashion. Further confirmed by Dior’s creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, with their Spring/Summer 2021 ready-to-wear collection, it’s trendy again this year. The French brand opted for pieces with the sleeve slightly above the wrist, both in the long version and in the shorter, more functional one, at hip height.

SILK HAORI L'Arca Barcelona Soft, gradient color from beige to light grey. Decorated with threads of the same color.

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SILK JACQUARD HAPPI L'Arca Barcelona Black in color. With a kamon, or a traditional Japanese family crest, on the back and sleeves.

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SILK HAORI L'Arca Barcelona Soft grey in color. Decorated with small silver threads.

Great for both day and night, all of them are comfortable and versatile, adding spontaneity and a dash of extravagance to street-style looks. But it’s the hip-length style that brings to mind the classic and timeless haori cut – smart and relevant, but not as strict as a blazer. This season, the kimono will be a staple in your wardrobe. As demand for comfy clothing has been soaring, this is also a good way to keep your closet sustainable and yourself in style.

Special thanks to L'Arca Barcelona (@larcabarcelona larcabarcelona.com) & Vista Alegre (@vistaalegreofficial & @vistaalegre_es - vistaalegre.com) & Your Living Space (@livingspacestore - livingspacestore.com) & La Botiga del Parquet (@labotigadelparquet www.labotigadelparquet.com) Silk vintage haoris by L'Arca Barcelona Design vases (Ridge vase, Anse Vase, Cyclades vase, Anse Pot & Still Carafe) by Your Living Space Design vases (Vortex Tall Vase, Shell White Vase, Shell White Bowl, Mirage Vase & Vesta Centrepiece) by Vista Alegre Floral props (Chaenomeles japonica & Eucalyptus populnea) by La Botiga del Parquet

Crystal ring, MELINDA MARIA JEWELRY (TALENT’S OWN). Wrap ring, ALEX AND ANI (TALENT’S OWN).

Sneakers, PUMA (TALENT’S OWN). Houndstooth long coat, JUSTFAB (TALENT’S OWN). Beige slip dress, ALLSAINTS (TALENT’S OWN). Necklace, JEWELILYTOKYO (TALENT’S OWN).

HUMA ONLY HUMAN HUMAN

AN N N

M E G D O N N E L LY

Besides looking forward to “touring, traveling everywhere and anywhere, and hugging everyone” in a post-COVID world, Meg Donnelly has been very, very busy: filming, table reads, choreography lessons, and auditions. (The Z-O-M-B-I-E-S franchise is returning to

Jacqueline Kirk

Disney Channel for the threequel.) “I wouldn’t trade this for anything,” she says. “It’s just a matter of trying to make everything work. I always pack my schedule because I like being busy. I like working.” When asked how the pandemic has affected her, she says she has gone from being in control of everything to not knowing what would happen. She credits music as the source of her wellness in these challenging times. “Finding, listening to, and making music, even with friends on Zoom, have been the most therapeutic thing,” says Donnelly, who released her debut album, Trust, in 2019.

ike all of us, she’s taken the time to focus on herself on a journey to understanding self-love and finding her purpose. “I’ve been trying to see the positive in all of it and feel like I’ve changed so much as a person. I have really had time to sit with myself and figure out what I want to do. Before, I would just hang out with anyone, and I would distract myself from myself,” Donnelly describes. “The pandemic has forced me to be alone, and it has made me realize, ‘Woah, I’m actually an acquaintance with myself.’ I have taken time to work through issues and anything I was battling with. I feel like I’m in a better place than I was before.”

Beige slip dress, ALLSAINTS (TALENT’S OWN). Necklace, EWELILYTOKYO (TALENT’S OWN). Crystal ring, MELINDA MARIA JEWELRY (TALENT’S OWN). Wrap ring, ALEX AND ANI (TALENT’S OWN).

Houndstooth blazer, JCPENNEY (TALENT’S OWN). Necklace, JEWELILYTOKYO (TALENT’S OWN). Crystal ring, MELINDA MARIA JEWELRY (TALENT’S OWN). Wrap ring, ALEX AND ANI (TALENT’S OWN).

It’s also important for her to build relationships and form partnerships with non-profits, such as To The Moon And Back and Children’s Health Fund, to help children in need feel less alone. Most of her philanthropic activities have shifted to Zoom, but she’s also expanded her efforts to connect with those who need support. “I’m trying to do stuff with mental health, as well, especially with kids. Being a teenager is the most confusing part of your life. So having to deal with mental health on top of that is just a lot. Feeling like you’re alone and no one else has the same brain as you is hard. It’s something I went through, so I want to make sure people don’t feel alone,” she affirms. “It’s definitely scary, because it’s something that not a lot of people know about me, but I realized that maybe if I start speaking about it and start partnering with people who are doing things for mental health, then maybe one person would feel understood. That would make my day, because when I was younger, that’s all I wanted.”

Photographer & Videographer: Blake Eiermann Photographer Assistant: Sebastian La’ Bianca Stylist: Kim Mesches Editor: Eiko Watanabe

Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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Striped dress, LUSH CLOTHING (TALENT’S OWN). Necklace, JEWELILYTOKYO (TALENT’S OWN). Crystal ring, MELINDA MARIA JEWELRY (TALENT’S OWN). Wrap ring, ALEX AND ANI (TALENT’S OWN).

hile bringing these thoughts to the surface, Donnelly writes them down and talks to herself. “I know it sounds crazy, but talking to myself helps me so much. I’m an only child, so I feel like that’s part of it,” she says. “I’ve been doing it since I was younger. You know, in your head, everything seems like such a bigger problem, even if it’s a simple thought. But when you write it down and look at it on paper, you’re like, ‘Oh, I can work through this.’ You look back on it months later, and you’re like, ‘Wow, look how much progress I’ve made.’”

Shirt, JONATHAN SIMKHAI. Pants, NIKITA KARIZMA. Shoes, STUART WEITZMAN. Earrings, AARYAH). Ear cuffs, CELESTE STARRE. Rings, WASHED ASHORE & AARYAH & MISHO. Chain bracelets, NICKHO REY & NANA FINK. Solid cuff, WASHED ASHORE. Cuff bracelet, STERLING KING.. All other jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

A N N A L I SA C O C HR A N E

PARABLE FOR TODAY Savannah Dial

Netflix released Season 3 of Cobra Kai in January, and it took over everyone’s screens once again. In the latest season, Annalisa Cochrane returned as Yasmine. No longer the top dog at West Valley High School, Yasmine has fallen to the bottom of the social ladder – but this, Cochrane says, might be exactly what she needed. “As an audience, I know she fits into a small piece of it, I know she’s the mean girl. But who knows what she’s been dealing with? Now that she is finally on the other side of being bullied, she is really starting to see and have empathy for what it’s like,” she notes of her character’s arc. “We are in a world where we are so quick to cancel or judge [someone] based on surface-level facts, and we never know the full story.”

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Rings, GERMAN KABIRSKI JEWELRY & WASHED ASHORE. All other jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

Dress, HONAYDA. Necklace, IRIS TRENDS. Shoes, ALEVÌ MILANO. Earrings, NANCY NEWBERG JEWELRY & GERMAN KABIRSKI JEWELRY. Ear cuffs, CELESTE STARRE. Bracelets, GERMAN KABIRSKI JEWELRY.

A N N A L I SA C O C HR A N E

hile Cochrane delves deeper into her acting career, she has found herself in another role similar to Yasmine: Addy in the new Peacock show, One of Us Is Lying, based on the best-selling youngadult novel of the same name by Karen M. McManus. “I think there’s immense pressure, because it is such a well-written character that speaks to so many people,” she says of the challenge of bringing Addy to life. “I feel the weight and the burden of wanting to do her story justice. I’m so grateful that I have an opportunity to try.” As someone who “grew up in India for over ten years,” Cochrane had a unique experience as a child. Her parents’ community focus was social work in west-central India and Nepal, helping to start schools, clinics, and various community-driven businesses, and her mother eventually started ACE Development Fund, which provides loans and training to entrepreneurs mostly in Asia and Africa. One of those businesses she was involved in was Village Artisan, which has driven change and transformation by connecting rural artisans with urban consumers and global retailers. “My mom helped to launch the team that started Village Artisan, as well as various other businesses, many of which give

tools to specifically women in impoverished communities, so they can ultimately be selfsustaining,” says Cochrane. “For example, Village Artisan sells beautiful handcrafted items, made by women who have stories to tell.” Furthermore, Cochrane has actively supported The Dream Center, an L.A.-based non-profit that helps those affected by homelessness, hunger, and the lack of education. “Their whole idea is to help those who can’t help themselves. It’s so sad, in our world, the income and wage gaps are only widening. We should be moving into a more justice-filled world. It doesn’t necessarily feel that way when you’re driving through Los Angeles,” she shares. “It’s all of our mission and all our duty to go into these communities and try to help. When you feel so isolated and alone, the fact of going out and helping others – and not making it about yourself for once – is so empowering. Everyone needs a helping hand, and the benefits in your own life can be massive. It’s all about departure from ourselves as we embrace kindness and love, empathy, and justice.”

Photographer & Videographer: Haldane Morris Stylist: Christina Pacelli (for TheOnly.Agency) Stylist Assistant: Marissa Perez Hair & Makeup: Diane Dusting Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

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Top, RIGASH. Pants, RIGASH. Pumps, STUART WEITZMAN. Belt, B-LOW THE BELT. Earrings, MISHO. Ear cuffs, CELESTE STARRE. Necklace, JENNIFER ZEUNER JEWELRY. Solid cuff, STERLING KING. Chain bracelet, CELESTE STARRE. Rings, LILOU. All other jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

Top, HAKAN AKKAYA. Leather pants, THEORY. Boots, LORIBLU. Choker, GERMAN KABIRSKI JEWELRY. Gloves, MARTA MILJANIC. Earrings, NANCY NEWBERG JEWELRY. Ear cuffs, CELESTE STARRE. All other jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

Dress, HONAYDA. Necklace, IRIS TRENDS. Earrings, NANCY NEWBERG JEWELRY & GERMAN KABIRSKI JEWELRY. Ear cuffs, CELESTE STARRE. Bracelets, GERMAN KABIRSKI JEWELRY. Rings, GERMAN KABIRSKI JEWELRY & WASHED ASHORE. All other jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

IT’S ALL ABOUT DEPARTURE FROM OURSELVES AS WE EMBRACE KINDNESS AND LOVE, EMPATHY, AND JUSTICE.

li vi ng sp acestore.com

It is imagination, ingenuity, concept: it is art.

www.labotigadelparquet.com

P H OT O GR A P H E R : T AJ I A LU N D ( P H OT AJ I A P H E R .C O M )

Models: Alicia Myers (for Wilhelmina Denver), Eilene Heo (for Wilhelmina Denver) & Madison Spialek (for Goldie Mae Productions) Hair: Taylor Houser Makeup: Jordan Brittany

M I C HAE L E V A N S B E HL I N G

ONLY

GOOD THINGS Savannah Dial

You may not have seen Michael Evans Behling on multiple screens just yet, but he makes up for that with his phenomenal performance as Jordan Baker in The CW’s All American, inspired by the life of former NFL player Spencer Paysinger, an individual Behling spends time with on set. “He’s a great inspiration, motivation, and he’s got so many stories,” he says of Paysinger. “It’s pretty neat, and it almost makes you feel like you’re aiding in the telling of his story.” In addition, Behling says his favorite part of working on the show is “the ability to get out there and put the football pads on, to talk and walk around with these ex-professional, ex-collegiate, and ex-high-school athletes.”

hile All American has become one of the most popular and talked-about shows, Behling and his co-stars have bonded through the sport, as well (due to compliance with COVID-19 restrictions, they have not been able to interact as much as they used to). “It’s been a blast between takes throwing the ball around and playing mini 7-on-7,” he adds.

M I C HAE L E V A N S B E HL I N G

very time All American gets renewed for another season and airs, he feels a new appreciation for having had the opportunity to star in it, alongside those who he admires. “I’m a fan of the show. I read the scripts, but I don’t get to see everyone’s performance, I’m not in every scene. It’s exciting to watch my best friends and my co-stars work,” shares Behling, who has also starred in A Cinderella Story: Starstruck – the sixth in the iconic franchise – as a heartthrob named Jackson Stone (“It is a light film, and it should be able to bring joy and spread happiness. It’s nothing too dramatic or heavy – I don’t think America needs that right now, or the world. I was excited to be a part of it, and very fortunate to knock out my first filming experience”). Moreover, together with three of his best friends, Behling runs a clothing line, 5AM. “The whole general meaning of 5AM is, only good things happen at 5 a.m.,” he describes, also referring to his relentless work ethic and his journey to become an actor. “After I left college in December 2016, I was working six jobs, and my motto at the time was, ‘Business never sleeps,’” he recalls. “I wanted to break into this industry as quickly as possible, and that was my motto. It didn’t matter if I got less than three hours of sleep, or ten hours, it didn’t really matter. What would matter to me was getting out there and shaping everything I could to get to this point.” It’s obvious that Behling has no plans to slow down anytime soon. “I want to be able to, at some point, share my story, and just make other people happy, and in turn, make myself happy,” he affirms.

Photographer & Videographer: Haldane Morris Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

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I WANT TO BE ABLE TO, AT SOME POINT, SHARE MY STORY, AND JUST MAKE OTHER PEOPLE HAPPY, AND IN TURN, MAKE MYSELF HAPPY.

J O E T ASL I M

ONE MOVE AT A

TIME Hannah Fitzpatrick

Mortal Kombat star Joe Taslim says his connection to the popular video game series goes beyond the game itself. A lifelong Mortal Kombat fan, he was ecstatic when he was first offered the role of Sub-Zero: a martial-arts warrior, who also possesses the innate ability to control ice in many different ways. However, it was the story behind this character that inspired him to take on the role. “As a character, he’s not just a badass – he has such a dramatic and interesting story,” he says. “When I researched the history of Sub-Zero, I found that his father was an outcast, and then when he was a kid, he and his brother were kidnapped and then trained to be assassins. It’s a whole universe by itself, and deep in terms of dramatic performance, so I’m really excited that we could continue the story and the journey.”

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Beige long jacket, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). White T-shirt, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). Denim, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). White sneakers, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). Earring, TALENT’S OWN.

J O E TA S LI M

On another note, his home country of Indonesia has been a big part of his identity. Last year, Taslim helped raise over Rp 203.193.321 (over $14,000 in U.S. currency) through the fundraising platform, Kitabisa, to support essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. His primary focus, however, has been advocating for the Indonesian film industry during the crisis. On March 5th of this year, he shared an Instagram post of a letter to President Joko Widodo of Indonesia to ask for his support. But even with the president’s help, it’s no surprise to see that the entertainment industry has been suffering. “I believe that without movie theaters, there would be a domino effect that hurts actors, as well,” he adds. “This pandemic has affected all forms of art on a deeper level, and in my opinion, entertainers are the most needed. When the world is fine, of course, we entertain people, but when the world is weeping, we have a responsibility to entertain people and get them through the hardships.”

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Leather jacket, COACH. White T-shirt, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). Denim, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). White sneakers, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). Earring, TALENT’S OWN. ’S OWN.

imilarly, his attitude towards training as Sub-Zero took on a different perspective. Make no mistake, this was not his first venture into intensive training; not only is Taslim known for his involvement in action-packed movies like 2016’s Star Trek Beyond and the 2020 Korean-language film The Swordsman, but he has also competed and won several medals for Indonesia’s national judo team. Even with a background in martial arts, his skills as a musician, he notes, is what supports his approach to different martial-arts styles. “If somebody is good at one instrument, it’s not really hard to jump to another instrument, because the core is the same,” he explains. “In martial arts, it’s the same. When I jump to another martial art for a movie, I learn it pretty fast, because the way I think, to keep it simple, it’s like learning to play a new instrument.”

Embroidered jumper, COACH. White T-shirt, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). Denim, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). White sneakers, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). Earring, TALENT’S OWN.

s a person of color in a predominantly white industry, he recognizes that he is fortunate to have come as far as he has to cement his career. According to the annual UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, only 4.8% of all acting roles in films went to people of Asian descent in 2018, and 5% in 2019. Taslim tells me that one of his goals is to open an acting school in Indonesia and share his knowledge and experiences with future generations of actors. “I’m lucky enough to be able to have a career in Hollywood, so I have a lot of experience I want to share,” he says. “My dreams came true, and I just want to pay it forward with what I do best and make their dreams come true.”

Photographer & Videographer: Niki Yusuf Saputra (@niki.maski – for Swell Up) Photographer Manager: Iman Soesanto Photographer Assistants: Aries Pujiharsono & Mandra Ngadiman & Kodim Wahid

Stylist: Imelda Untoro Stylist Assistant: Aji Suropati Men’s Grooming: Pingky Olvies Men’s Grooming Assistant: Imam Anantu Editor: Eiko Watanabe

Special thanks to Coach (@coach - www.coach.com) & Wong Hang Distinguished Tailor (@wonghangtailor - wonghang.com) & J a n | S o b er (@jansober - www.jansober.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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MY DREAMS CAME TRUE, AND I JUST WANT TO PAY IT FORWARD WITH WHAT I DO BEST AND MAKE THEIR DREAMS COME TRUE.

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P H O T O G R A P H E R : D I N A KO N O V A L O V ( F O R D I N A K P H OT O GR A P H Y )

On Tairyn: Jacket, MASSIMO DUTTI. Pants, ZARA. Belt, MICHAEL HAYES NEWPORT. Bracelet, MICHAEL HAYES NEWPORT. Necklaces, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. Earrings, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. Shoes, CHRIS DONOVAN FOOTWEAR. On Silvian: Leather tunic, UNIF. Shoes, STYLISTS’ OWN. Pants, K.PATRICIA DESIGNS. Chains, STYLISTS’ OWN. Bracelet, TRACY BELBEN.

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Models: Tairyn Venable (for Maggie Inc) & Silvian Popusoi (for Maggie Inc) Stylists: Kathy Benharris & Grace Goodearl (for KB Fashion Productions) Stylists Assistant: Alyssa Corrente Hair & Makeup: Rachael Berkowitz (for Anchor Artists)

Top, MICHAEL HAYES NEWPORT. Skirt, MICHAEL HAYES NEWPORT. Headdress, TRACY BELBEN. Bracelet, TRACY BELBEN. Necklace, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET.

Leather tunic, UNIF. Shoes, STYLISTS’ OWN. Pants, K.PATRICIA DESIGNS. Chains, STYLISTS’ OWN. Bracelet, TRACY BELBEN.

Jacket, ALLSAINTS. Shoes, STYLISTS’ OWN. Pants, K.PATRICIA DESIGNS. Chain collar, TRACY BELBEN.

Top, ASH & ROSE. Pants, K.PATRICIA DESIGNS.

Top, BCBGMAXAZRIA. Belt, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. Shoes, STYLISTS’ OWN. Headpiece, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET.

Dress, ANGELICA TIMAS. Shoes, CHRIS DONOVAN FOOTWEAR. Bracelet, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. Necklace, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. Earrings, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET.

Top, ANGELICA TIMAS. Pants, RALPH LAUREN.

On Tairyn: Top, ZARA. Skirt, ANGELICA TIMAS. Headpiece, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. On Silvian: Top, ANGELICA TIMAS. Pants, RALPH LAUREN.

On Tairyn: Top, MICHAEL HAYES NEWPORT. Skirt, MICHAEL HAYES NEWPORT. Headpiece, TRACY BELBEN. Bracelet, TRACY BELBEN. Necklace, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. On Silvian: Jacket, ALLSAINTS. Shoes, STYLISTS’ OWN. Pants, K.PATRICIA DESIGNS. Chain collar, TRACY BELBEN.

On Tairyn: Top, BCBGMAXAZRIA. Belt, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. Shoes, STYLISTS’ OWN. Headpiece, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. On Silvian: Top, ANGELICA TIMAS. Pants, RALPH LAUREN.

On Tairyn: Dress, ANGELICA TIMAS. Shoes, CHRIS DONOVAN FOOTWEAR. Bracelet, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. Necklace, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. Earrings, SOWA VINTAGE MARKET. On Silvian: Top, ASH & ROSE. Pants, K.PATRICIA DESIGNS.

Gown, GALIA LAHAV.

YOU’RE DIFFERENT. Hannah Fitzpatrick

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C A R M E L L A R O SE

To some, it’s been a welcome change. Others have had more difficulty. One thing, though, seems clear: For L.A.based model Carmella Rose, it’s been quite an adjustment. Although she has a rabid social-media following, the COVID-19 pandemic brought many of her modeling gigs to a halt. Undeterred by these setbacks, however, she has continued doing what she loves: giving back to her community and being a beacon of hope for those in need. “I feel like there is so much hurt in the world. If I could just be a little piece of light that makes the world a little brighter, it’s so worth it for me. And I hope that by doing so, more people will be inspired to do the same, as well,” she proclaims, triumphant and hopeful.

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Tank, WOLFORD. Earrings, WASHED ASHORE. Ring, WASHED ASHORE.

C A R M E L L A R O SE

hroughout her career, Rose has done a lot to try to make the world a better place. For instance, as part of her work with UNICEF, she traveled to the Dominican Republic in 2019 to address the high maternal and neonatal mortality rates and helped raise funds for their Mothers and Babies in Good Care Initiative, which has encouraged exclusive breastfeeding to prevent neonatal and infant mortality and facilitate growth and healthy brain development. Additionally, she has worked with Oxygen Seven Reforestation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and restoring forests worldwide through community programs and global expeditions. Some of their programs are as simple as coming together and planting trees – which is exactly what Rose did when she participated in their program last November in Malibu, California. “This was my third time volunteering for them, and planting native trees and plants in that area,” she says. “We chose Malibu because, as many people know, the area has been struggling with wildfires over the past few years due to climate change, but by planting trees and restoring the lands, we believe it’s pumping oxygen into the air, which saves lives. Plus, it’s nice to come together with like-minded people and do something good.”

On another note, Rose is a longtime animal lover: Growing up, she was fascinated by wild animals and spent a lot of time learning about them and their homes by watching Animal Planet on television. So when she was approached with the opportunity to visit the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa this past April, she knew she couldn’t refuse. “One of my friends who is a photographer actually invited me,” she shares. “I had already been to certain parts of Africa three times, including the Serengeti, and each time I’ve gone, I’ve really fallen in love with the experience. This time, it was kind of like a random trip, but it’s something that I’m really grateful that I got to experience.” During her trip to the Kruger National Park, she went to an elephant sanctuary and met Jabulani, an elephant that was rescued by the people of the park as a baby after his parents were killed by poachers. Despite being up close and personal with Jabulani, she was amazed by the vast amount of land where Jabulani and other animals could roam free. “I was inside there and looking for fences, and I really couldn’t even see them,” she recalls. “It felt so surreal being in the home of these wild animals and observing how they live and how they are in their real habitat. It was just a really great experience to sit back and appreciate what Mother Nature created, and it weirdly felt like home.”

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Blouse, JIRI KALFAR. Earrings, MAISON MIRU. Rings, MAISON MIRU.

Complete look except for jewelry, MANDKHAI. Earrings, WASHED ASHORE. Rings, WASHED ASHORE.

s for her future plans, the possibilities are endless. In addition to a new digital campaign with PETA to promote the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Rose created a YouTube channel during the peak of the pandemic last year and plans to film more content for it and also for her TikTok page, as we strive to reach the light at the end of the COVID tunnel and travel restrictions are lifted. “I think sometimes we can be carried away with our busy lives and keeping track of other people’s lives on social media. Taking a step back and appreciating what you have, where you are, and what’s around you make you feel really grounded and grateful, so I think it’s really important to constantly be reminded of that,” she says, adding that she looks forward to each new day and takes one day at a time.

Photographer & Videographer: Nuttia Sunittramat Stylist: Melissa Lynn Stylist Assistant: Ana Nazarian Hair: Mashal Afzalzada (using Oribe)

Makeup: Edward Cruz Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

w w w. p r i m a r k . c o m

Savannah Dial

Ronny Chieng does it all. The Malaysia-born, Singapore-raised law student-turned-actor-comedian has also been a senior correspondent for Trevor Noah’s Daily Show, to which he brings a strong mix of comedy and politics. “I think it’s challenging, definitely a skill set, to be able to tell jokes and have meaning behind the jokes, because I think you are trying to make people laugh, but also say something important. Trying to do any of those individually is pretty hard – but especially trying to do both at the same time,” he shares. “We are a comedy show first, so that’s our first allegiance.”

Top, TOPSHOP (AVAILABLE AT NORDSTROM). Jeans, LEVI'S (AVAILABLE AT NORDSTROM). Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN.

Shirt, ALLSAINTS (AVAILABLE AT NORDSTROM). Jeans, LEVI'S (AVAILABLE AT NORDSTROM). Bracelet, NORDSTROM. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN.

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Jacket, ALLSAINTS (AVAILABLE AT NORDSTROM). Top, TOPSHOP (AVAILABLE AT NORDSTROM). Jeans, LEVI'S (AVAILABLE AT NORDSTROM). Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN.

R O N N Y C HI E N G

he Daily Show is not the only place where Chieng showcases his comedy chops. In 2019, he released a Netflix stand-up comedy special Asian Comedian Destroys America! – a satirical title he chose to demonstrate that he made audiences laugh. As for his latest projects, in addition to two more specials and a travel special featuring the nation’s Chinatowns (all on Netflix), he discusses his longpostponed Hope You Get Rich tour. “Performing live stand-up is my primary job, my primary passion. I love doing it. I missed it over the last year,” he says. Additionally, his acting has given him the opportunity to bring to life different characters. For instance, Chieng has been cast as a doctor in Doogie Kameāloha, M.D., a female-led remake of the popular ABC series Doogie Howser, M.D., which he watched as a kid. “I’ve seen a lot of doctors on TV, so it’s fun to try my hand at it,” he notes. Furthermore, here is another exciting milestone: Chieng has been part of the Marvel Universe, as he’s played Jon Jon in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. “It was a super-fun movie to work on. It’s an important movie right now,” he adds. “It’s fun to see, for me, personally, an Asian-guy superhero in that world. It will show Asian people in a way, which I don’t think has been shown enough in the world.”

When asked about the importance of the Marvel movie, he mentions the recent rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and violence against the Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, which has urged us that it’s time to take action against the hateful rhetoric and injustices brought upon the community – Chieng encourages us to “support organizations that are helping people directly. As an example, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) provides legal service to underprivileged people who don’t have the resources necessary to fight legal battles.” As he continues to list more outlets available, he points out the big role we can play in the community. “I think the way to help is to get involved in your local community. There are a lot of people that want to help, as well, so you’re not alone. Whether it’s donating time, money, helping out digitally, helping the operations, or even telling other people about them, it’s the small ways we can all help, and also just calling it out when you see it,” he affirms.

Photographer: Tracy Wright Corvo Stylist: Taylor Kondo Men’s Grooming: Mahealani Diego Videographer: Dorys Foltin Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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Floral dress, DOKOTOO (TALENT’S OWN).

MA RY MO U S ER

Since its 2018 debut, Cobra Kai has garnered a tremendous amount of critical acclaim. Set 34 years after the events of the 1984 classic, The

Karate Kid, the blockbuster show has served as a follow-up to the original Karate Kid movies. But it is worth noting that Mary Mouser, who has played Samantha LaRusso, says when she first auditioned for the role, she had no idea what, or who, she was getting into. “I actually had never seen the Karate Kid films before, which I know is a little crazy,” she explains. “But my friend, who is a huge Karate Kid fan, was immediately like, ‘Oh, my God, you’re auditioning to be the daughter of the Karate Kid, this is so exciting.’ I tried not to think about how big of a deal it was, and luckily, I guess it worked because I ended up booking the role, and at that point, I was like, ‘Alright, now we can freak out.’”

Hannah Fitzpatrick

Pearl top, SWEATYROCKS (TALENT’S OWN). Faux-leather skirt, URBAN OUTFITTERS (TALENT’S OWN). Sheer tights, TALENT’S OWN.

majority of 2020. “My sister and I initially thought that it was short-term and that we could watch movies all the time and eat whatever we wanted,” she recalls. “But once I realized that this was a long-term scenario, I had to be like, ‘Okay, let’s figure out how to actually handle this.’ Luckily, I have a great team with me in terms of my doctors, and it was kind of like a fun challenge because it really made me look at what had a direct correlation to my blood sugar.”

It’s no wonder that health and wellness activities have been such a vital part of her everyday life. As a Type 1 diabetic, Mouser monitors her diet and exercise, as well as the temperature of a room, since they can significantly affect her blood-sugar levels. Her condition also puts her at greater risk for COVID-19, and as a result, required her to quarantine for the

In addition, Mouser has worked with JDRF, a nonprofit that funds research on Type 1 diabetes: publicly sharing her personal experiences with the condition, taking part in the annual JDRF One Walk to help raise funds for the organization, and even attending a congressional conference to talk to government officials about the research funding. While the pandemic has limited her philanthropic efforts, she hopes to keep raising awareness about the condition through digital events and platforms. “This is kind of something we need to figure out a solution to – to have a community event safely while everybody is at home,” she says. “It’s definitely something that makes things feel better, you know, feeling like I’m still a part of that community and getting to be an active part.”

ith her role as the daughter of the Karate Kid himself, Daniel LaRusso, intense martial-arts training has been a crucial part of preparation for filming. A typical two-hour session includes stretching, boxing, and rehearsing choreography for fight scenes, like roundhouse kicks, with their characters’ stunt doubles. Even when not filming the show, Mouser and her castmates are expected to keep up with their fitness regimens – an activity that she says has grown on her in recent years. “I literally got a note to get out of P.E. class [throughout my school career],” she shares. “But now, it’s like my sport. I get all my energy out, and I get pumped up to go and train, and it makes me feel in tune with my body.”

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Mesh top, SWEATYROCKS (TALENT’S OWN). Jeans, AMERICAN EAGLE (TALENT’S OWN).

ouser adds that she has connected with the portrayal of her Cobra Kai character, Samantha, who stays true to herself in the face of adversity. “To her, karate is the good and the bad – it causes a lot of real problems, but it also solves them,” she tells me. “I have that same attitude [toward] my life. I like getting to crush people’s doubts about my life with diabetes, like, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you could be an actor and have diabetes,’ or ‘I didn’t know you could do stunts and have diabetes’ – and to be able to say that it doesn’t have to stop you from anything is really cool and important to me.”

Highmark Studios Presents: A Social-Distancing Collaboration with Ron Contarsy and Mary Mouser Stylist: Hannah Johnson Editor: Eiko Watanabe

Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Santina Floral Maxi Dress www.ashandrose.com

Style with impact.

MAINTAIN THE HAIR'S NATURAL MOISTURE AND SAY NO TO FRIZZ

HAPPINESS IS A GOOD HAIR DAY! Say no to heat damage and yes to restoration and protection!

I S A AC CA L PI T O

PICKING UP THE TORCH Summer Myatt

a return to some kind of normality is on the horizon. There is a palpable feeling of urgency in the air – a yearning to move past rocky moments – and people are hungry for a deeper sense of connection. Isaac Calpito, a celebrity trainer and choreographer, identified many others suffering from extreme isolation and quite literally picked up the torch. When quarantine measures went into effect in mid-March last year, he started teaching Torch’d, a workout he created, on Instagram Live. With participants like Vanessa Hudgens, Lisa Rinna, and Kelly Ripa, his daily workout class quickly generated worldwide attention.

Cardigan, GUCCI. Plaid pants, GUCCI. Loafers, GUCCI. Bracelets, SHAWN WARREN JEWELRY. Necklaces, SHAWN WARREN JEWELRY. Rings, GUCCI & SHAWN WARREN JEWELRY.

After seemingly endless months of social isolation,

I SAAC C A L PI T O

lso known as Isaac Boots, it’s not hard to see why Calpito has become somewhat of an international superstar. With his infectious smile, charismatic resilience, affectionate disposition, and sparkly leggings, it’s impossible not to feel joy while watching him lead a butt-kicking workout. He possesses an innate, dazzling ready-for-the-stage presence, evident even through an iPhone screen. “Since I was a little kid, I have had a zest for life – a passion for theater and music and art and Madonna,” he says, beaming. “I grew up with no money, really. I couldn’t afford dance class. I always say that Madonna was my first dance teacher, because I would just obsessively watch her videos over and over on MTV and emulate her.” Born and raised in Hawaii, Calpito’s dreams were much bigger than doing hitch kicks in his living room. The day after his high school graduation, the star bought a one-way ticket – and flew to New York City with $40 in his pocket. He has since never looked back. With a stalwart work ethic and incredible determination, he launched into an impressive 10-year stint on Broadway, dancing in shows like MAMMA MIA! and West Side Story. Searching for a way to keep his body in peak-performance shape during a rigorous show schedule, he began designing his own workout plan. “I created Torch’d, actually, when I was a dancer on Broadway in West Side Story,” he recalls. “I created it for myself, I didn’t create it as

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an agenda to become this worldwide thing.” Soon, though, as his castmates caught onto the highpowered fitness routines, he realized the potential for Torch’d to become something much larger. Now, each of those classes has attracted thousands of viewers, and Torch’d is a global phenomenon. “It just feels really cool to be able to do what I do, and hopefully inspire people to move,” Calpito says. “But also, there’s a community aspect of just showing up, having a laugh, and making friends with people that you would’ve never come into contact with. They inspire me as much as I hopefully inspire them.” But Torch’d isn’t just about burning fat and sculpting muscles, it’s about changing lives. Partnering with the charity, No Kid Hungry, the wellness influencer has already raised over $1.1 million to help feed kids in need. Calpito adds, “I think there’s nothing more innocent than a child, and there’s nothing more basic than food. I don’t think what I’m doing is deserving of sainthood, it should be a natural passion for everyone.” Photographer & Videographer: Boris Brenman Stylist: Bianca Jebbia Hair: Tomo Nakajima Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to One Manhattan Square (@onemanhattansquare - onemanhattansquare.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Jacket, SUPREME. Hoodie, SUPREME. Beige corduroy pants, GUCCI. Sneakers, GUCCI. Rings, GUCCI & SHAWN WARREN JEWELRY.

Sweater, GUCCI. Plaid pants, GUCCI. Loafers, GUCCI. Bracelets, SHAWN WARREN JEWELRY. Necklace, SHAWN WARREN JEWELRY. Rings, GUCCI & SHAWN WARREN JEWELRY.

Nylon shorts, PRADA. Jacket, GUCCI. Sneakers, PRADA. Basketball, SUPREME. Necklace, SHAWN WARREN JEWELRY. Rings, GUCCI & SHAWN WARREN JEWELRY.

ull of vigor and joy, Calpito continues to be a ray of sunshine for everyone he meets. “I remain committed to showing up every day – for myself and for this amazing Torch’d community around the world,” he tells me. “If I can do what I do and inspire people to do so much good for kids who need it, there’s no reason we all can’t do what we love and make a difference that’s outside of us.”

MONTA NA T U C K ER

LESS

MORE IS

Hannah Fitzpatrick

If we need a new buzzword for being fresh, exciting, and multi-talented, it’s Montana Tucker. Since the beginning of her career as a model at eight years old, she has accomplished so much in such a short time: She has been a back-up dancer for artists like Ashanti and Remy Ma, released multiple hits like “Doo Wop,” “Hola,” “Sunday Funday,” and “I’m Not Alone,” and amassed millions of followers on social media. In addition, she has found her path by doing what she loves: helping provide relief to those in need. “I’ve always loved volunteering since I was little with my mom, and it’s a main reason why I create a lot of content that I make,” she says. “I love giving everybody and anybody a chance and helping them whenever I can. Whether it’s helping one person or millions of people, knowing that my actions can make a difference motivates me to keep doing what I’m doing to make the world a better place.”

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Black blazer, STYLISTS’ OWN. Black corset, DULCE BESTIA. Black bottom, HONEY BIRDETTE. Black boots, PUBLIC DESIRE. Earrings, MAHRUKH AKULY & TALENT’S OWN. Rings, TALENT’S OWN. Bracelets, TALENT’S OWN.

White suit, RITA VINIERIS. Gold necklaces, STERLING FOREVER. Heels, JIMMY CHOO. Rings, TALENT’S OWN. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN. Bracelets, TALENT’S OWN.

M O N T A N A T U C KE R

or instance, she has supported Red Eye, a non-profit that provides a connection between celebrity influencers and underprivileged youth, allowing the younger generation to empower their lives and dreams, and develop their talents. They also have a central hub in Los Angeles known as the Watts Empowerment Center, a youth center that not only offers after-school tutoring, as well as sports and arts programs for children and families in the area, but also hosts a farmers’ market to distribute healthy food boxes to people in need. “I think what I love most about it is that everyone there is so happy,” Tucker adds. “They have a DJ that plays music there, and the last time I went, there were these young girls that were trying to teach me new dances. The energy at the center is contagious, because you can tell that even the volunteers are so grateful to be there.” In January, Tucker, who is also a longtime ally of the Alzheimer’s Association, announced her plans to partner with the MIND Institute at Miami Jewish Health to begin developing a new program that would bring an innovative combination of music and movement into the daily routines of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive impairment, and other related conditions. The program, she says, is similar to the popular dance-fitness program Zumba, but set in a way that would be easy and adaptable for people with Alzheimer’s disease and/or limited mobility to stimulate parts of the brain and keep them active. “My grandma is one of my favorite people in the world,” she says of her grandmother, who has been living with Alzheimer’s for more than 12 years and was the inspiration behind this program. “It’s very rare to have Alzheimer’s for over 12 years and live the life that she has lived, and to be as happy as she is, so when I found out about the MIND Institute and what they were doing, I knew that I wanted to be involved and that I had to be involved.”

Tucker takes pride in her family’s Jewish heritage, which is a big part of the message she wants to deliver to the world – to be proud of who you are. “My grandparents came from Hungary and Romania to the U.S. with absolutely nothing and created this whole incredible life for themselves, so I’m really grateful for that,” she shares. “There’s so much negativity in the world, even with all the advances we’ve made towards equality. Everyone needs to stop separating and segregating and needs to be more accepting of everyone else, no matter who you are, where you came from, what your skin color is, or what religion you practice.” In addition to creating more content for her growing TikTok page, she hopes that her music, including the new single “Be Myself,” can serve as words of encouragement for others to express themselves authentically, without fear and judgement. “We live in a society nowadays, especially with social media, where you’re always comparing yourself to others,” Tucker affirms. “You’ve got to just love and be proud of who you are, no matter where you came from, what you look like, or how much money you have. I know it sounds cliché, but I think that in a world where everything seems so negative, it’s a positive, uplifting message that everyone needs to hear.” Photographer: Haldane Morris Stylists: Kat & Cara Hair: Matilde Campos (using Hidden Crown, Oribe, Bumble and bumble., Surface Hair, RUSK & CHI) Makeup: Phoebe Dawson (using Kiehl's Since 1851 & M·A·C Cosmetics) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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YAL MANISH DA

M I A L REC THE ICAN R E M A

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ooking back, he admits, “Last year was particularly brutal, a year we won’t ever forget. Even before the pandemic, we faced injustices beyond anything we’d ever seen. We’re living in very divisive times, but I’m also seeing us become hugely united, as well. We are all healing at the same time and making sense of our new reality.” Additionally, Dayal says that things will get bright again with a new administration and that instead of playing defense, we can focus on “finding your purpose. How will it shape our future? How will the events of 2020 push us to new heights? How do we grow and evolve from it? 2020 revealed a lot about our communities, our country, our leadership, and even the way our stories are told.”

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Coat, BILLY REID (TALENT’S OWN). Tee, TOPMAN (TALENT’S OWN). Jeans, ALLSAINTS (TALENT’S OWN). Boots, THE FRYE COMPANY (TALENT’S OWN). Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

MA NI S H D AY A L

orn in a Gujarati family in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Dayal is a first-generation immigrant in the United States (just like his character Dr. Pravesh). He notes that now is the time for us to come together as a nation and protect the future of American democracy, while “keeping the promises we are making to our future generations. After all, these dark times are necessary for us to appreciate the bright ones.” When it comes to nurturing the next generation of leaders, he is a longtime advocate for quality education for every student, representing the Nanubhai Education Foundation as their avid supporter. The non-profit is committed to providing higher-education access to financially vulnerable students in rural India. “I think there’s power and opportunity in it. Access to education is a basic right, and there are communities in India that suffer from inequalities in education – sometimes based on caste and ethnicity,” says Dayal, whose mother was an educator. “I support the program as it works to raise funding in rural communities.” In addition to his upcoming Disney project, as 2021 progresses and we heed the lessons from 2020, Dayal mentions the continual reinvention and rediscovery of the self. “I always want to learn and be better than I am now. And I still have a long way to go. 2020 showed me a kind of balance I’d never seen before – it sort of strips [away] the ego. We really are recognizing our basic human need to connect with each other, to be attentive, mindful, and focused on all the good we already have in our life,” he shares. “By doing that, we hold on to our purpose. To me, 2020 was all about that. I think I’ve learned that the moments in time when we have no freaking clue what’s about to happen, or what’s around the corner, are the exact moments we have to be our most determined selves – to keep on going. Because I think when we do, we often find exactly what we’re looking for.” Photographer & Videographer: Zach Wolfe Stylist: Hannah Johnson Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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WE ARE ALL HEALING AT THE SAME TIME AND MAKING SENSE OF OUR NEW REALITY.

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P H OT O GR A P H E R : S A R A H L E N O I R

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NI LE R O DG E R S

THE NEW MEANING OF FAMILY Summer Myatt

42 years ago, music legend and cultural icon Nile Rodgers made a monumental contribution to history (just one of many times), when Rodgers and his CHIC partner, the late Bernard Edwards, wrote and produced Sister Sledge’s 1979 classic “We Are Family.” When the song was released, Rodgers and Edwards could’ve never predicted the success and impacts it would have out the gate. Over time, the groovy chart-topping song has served as a mission statement and a universal rallying cry for unity and solidarity. To this day, Rodgers’ non-profit – the We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) – has kept it alive and vibrant, as the artist works to make the world a better, more knowledgeable, more loving place for everyone.

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N I L E R O DG E R S

he Grammy-winning musical mastermind boasts a lengthy list of accomplishments. He co-founded the iconic disco group, CHIC, he wrote, performed, and produced genre-defining smashes, such as “I Want Your Love,” “Le Freak,” and “Everybody Dance,” and he produced hits for the likes of David Bowie, Madonna, Duran Duran, and Diana Ross. To say that he has had a hand in some of the most innovative and influential hits for the past five decades would be an understatement. In 1985, Billboard proclaimed Rodgers to be the world’s number-one producer. Furthermore, Abbey Road Studios, the most famous recording facility in music history, appointed him to the newly-created position of chief creative advisor in 2018. While his musical contributions have changed the art form forever, it’s Rodgers’ fierce commitment to philanthropy and activism that would continue changing lives worldwide for many years to come. Back in 2001 – in the devastating wake of the September 11th attacks – Rodgers saw an opportunity to heal, inspire, and comfort a nation in mourning. Together with over 200 artists, actors, and community members, he re-recorded “We Are Family,” this time with a message more resonant than ever. While fostering a greater sense of community spirit, Rodgers and his partner, Nancy Hunt, created the We Are Family Foundation to empower “youth around the world who are changing the game with their ideas, innovation, and socialgood solutions.”

work to giving a real platform to kids with big dreams. “Many years ago, we decided that there were teenagers around the world who were doing great things, and we wanted to find those extraordinary teens and help them continue their work,” shares Hunt. “When we bring them together as a group, it’s amazing because their stories are different, but the feelings are the same.” Rodgers understands the importance of getting the youth involved in social and political activism. At just 16 years old, he became a subsection leader of New York’s Black Panther Party. “Young people are still searching, they’re looking. Those are the people that we find are the most passionate,” he says. “As we get older, we get sort of set in our ways, and somehow we get a little bit removed from that youthful zeal that we once had, because we don’t want to make mistakes. There’s something really brilliant about making mistakes. Almost everyone I know who’s super-successful made a great deal of mistakes when they were younger – because their minds were open.” Last year, in response to the murder of George Floyd, the WAFF launched the Youth To The Front Fund to help young people of color forge an easier path in business, doing their part to eradicate systemic racism and enhance diversity. “The idea is, this is not a one-off, this is going to continue,” Hunt elaborates. “We have great support from corporations, great support within our board of directors, and we’re just going to keep this moving and start to tell these stories.”

Rodgers and Hunt believe that young people truly are the future, and they’ve dedicated their

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s we deal with ever-changing issues in an ever-changing world, emotions can oftentimes be difficult to parse. “You feel really hopeful, then all of a sudden, you’re depressed, then you feel really hopeful, then you’re depressed,” says Rodgers. “It’s cyclical, and it just doesn’t stop.” Like many people, though, he is already looking ahead at what the future may hold in 2021 – with a newfound sense of enthusiasm. “I hope that this is the positive upswing that we have all experienced throughout our lives, and I just hope it lasts longer,” he adds.

Photographer & Videographer: Jenaé Weinbrenner Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

L AURA MA RA N O

Savannah Dial

The pandemic has put a pause on many things and left many people with no option but to stay home. However, this was not the case for musician and former Disney star Laura Marano. “I was about to announce a tour in March 2020,” she recalls. The tour, of course, did not happen, and is now on her to-do list, and she is keeping herself busy by amassing songs. “What I found for myself in 2020 was that I got to concentrate on creating and putting all of my energy into my music. And ironically, the most live performances I’ve ever done, besides in 2016,” she laughs. “I’m constantly performing at my house and on social media.” As artists started to perform virtually on social-media platforms in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak last year, Marano mentions the importance of these performances. “People are yearning for music and yearning for any other sort of outlet to escape in, or just really feel more connected to people,” she says, adding that live venues will probably be packed with enthusiastic fans once artists are back on the road in a post-COVID world.

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ARANO L AU R A M

on of another passi is h ic h w k, gs ving bac e good feelin mine with gi me with all th usic s m ll d fi l.” te ly fu ea al se cr re o purp mine. It just arano has also g feels really in er o h d f o I’m rt at fo h com and energy. W videos in the sic video, u m e d almost n o id d her motivate home. “I s ep , ke ix at m h re w ’ to sses ith You always want She then discu the ‘Honest W st reer. “What I ju ca It er de e. h u in to it m at in f o of gr two decades with a friend mense bucket ing im o , d ge u as h w o a I n is at th ould t be put out there so happened ys. “Truly, I w sa o e an H l. ar el M ” w s, n py and h, as for all of my fa ake me so hap partner alextb m et u ey d th y ed d m d an h , en it . There d we them the video w s into my life Malaysia, an here without es in in t p ar p ap e, h is n h d Ju lm c and Last ght an was able to fi ,” she shares. ially for musi ng so much li ec eo ri p d b vi es l – o r d co fo ar ly h eo real s that are superce music vid up making a are some day You don’t feel me performan y. o er tl -h is en at ra d d an n en fu ed ep a d you have in ed as she releas ount of work doing things am r,” which serv e ve n th re o h o n F it a w n ), O es ts, and etim (ACLU “Can’t Hold their commen erties Union inspired som s, b n Li o il ti l iv al ac C f re o r an es ei ic ti eing th ich makes it for the Amer the civil liber to do. And se it worth it, wh to protecting es d te ak it m m ty m vi co ti thank you profit all their posi States. t to tell them ed an it w n I U e. e m th to y hug them people in mean so much and hopefull , ve lo ch u st m la f so uxe version o and give them fe.” c (and the del e si D u t m ay when it’s sa er d b to e o n n R o io te n si so o p er p p o In addit d in arre with U), Marano st ovie, The War m year’s EP, YO y ed m co yar’s famil ldane Morris Netflix movie, ographer: Ha Niro in last ye e seen in the b rapher & Vide n og o ot nly.Agency) st so Ph eO l o il Th m r w (fo ud. But so as ristina Pacelli M Ch : Grandpa, and a ist yl en St M z re nt: Marissa Pe atment, with ve back to Stylist Assista dden Crown, The Royal Tre the time to gi pos (using Hi s m d n Ca fi e s ild at ay M w ke ir: li al ) s Ha e SK n sh RU io & y, at ir tl iz rgan rface Ha importan ncy Virtue Labs, Su orked with o w g r TheOnly.Age in (fo as h ña av e Pe H . n sh d , llo p ee Di n el p: h eu in d ak il se M h o C th ct, and ad Beauty) , Thirst Proje using Jones Ro for years. “It s ve anabe ti at Equality Now W ia it ko Ei in r: Edito thropic it an k il h in p th I ed d n io an champ ia happiness, ks to EPK Med m) s me so much Special than ter human et b epkmedia.co a ia e ed m km just truly give es ep truly mak (@myepk & @ it k in ve lo th I y e. ad grounds m e says. “I alre e human,” sh ar aw assion of re p o at m th a g and mbinin co d an ch u m performing so

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A N G E L A YE E

NOT MERELY LIP SERVICE Ashley House

The Breakfast Club co-host Angela Yee (who also has her own podcast, Lip Service) is sort of the beating heart of New York City. In 2018, Mayor Bill de Blasio declared August 28th Angela Yee Day. The New York Public Library also named her its ambassador to encourage New York residents to get their library card and explore what their local branch has to offer. Along with her willingness to continue to do and be more for her community, her influence extends beyond the radio show that helps many New Yorkers start their mornings right.

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A N G E L A YE E

n 2016, Yee opened a juice bar called Juices For Life in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. After facing health scares that encouraged her to focus on diet and exercise and eventually led her to the world of juicing, she couldn’t easily find what she wanted in her neighborhood. “Then I saw that Styles P and Jadakiss had opened these juice bars in Yonkers and the Bronx,” she recalls. “I wanted to do something like that, because it was hard for me to find juice bars in Brooklyn that had what I wanted with whole, fresh fruits and vegetables.” Over the past five years, her Bed-Stuy location of Juices For Life has become a cherished staple for the Brooklynites and beyond, while she has used the space to host a book club and other community-based initiatives, including free HIV testing. Her juicing journey did not stop there. Following the success of Juices For Life, Yee launched Drink Fresh Juice, a line of organic, cold-pressed, on-the-go juices. With their shipping operation, she has assisted people outside New York in finding the healthy alternatives they need. Still, she aims to take her juices and conversations about health literacy even further, as she would love to bring them to schools with the hope of increasing nutritional literacy among students, which can play a key role in their long-term health as they grow older. “So many things are tied back to our diets, and if we can start having healthier habits at younger ages, I think it can make a huge difference when it comes to education and it comes to kids in our neighborhoods,” she says of this program done through her non-profit, Well Read, that promotes wellness and literacy. Her businesses and philanthropic endeavors are a way to give back to her community. For instance, one of her newest ventures is Coffee Uplifts People (CUP), a sustainable coffee line that promotes equity, inclusion, and diversity. She would like to use its proceeds to donate to other entities

and charitable causes. Last year, it started out with a soft-launch in order to help educate their community on voter awareness and suppression through outreach activities. “We are setting it up so that people can franchise cafes, and then what we want to do is educate people on franchising and the coffee business, and that way they can set up their own,” Yee elaborates. “That is part of our give-back, entrepreneurship, and also work with various charities and organizations.” Despite her long-simmering tenure in the spotlight, Yee remains an outspoken figure on the many issues facing her community and America, where we have seen the wave of hate and intolerance. According to her Twitter profile, she would “rather be hated than a hater.” She explains, “I don’t even have time to be thinking about what anybody else is doing, and I think that anybody who is successful would have people that don’t like them, so I would rather be the person that people are like, ‘I can’t stand her,’ than the person that is sitting around mad.” Juggling her many duties in an authentic and inclusive way, Yee bets on herself and lifts everyone else up. “I want people to be able to take more risks. I think a lot of times, we talk ourselves out of things, and fear holds us back,” she shares, adding that she has “laid down the seeds,” and now she can see “the little plants growing, but can’t wait until they are fullgrown.”

Photographer: Boris Brenman Stylist: Kim Mesches Hair: Corey Tuttle (for Exclusive Artists Management - using Oribe) Makeup: Marc Cornwall Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Juices For Life BK (@juicesforlifebk) & Coffee Uplifts People (CUP) (@coffeeupliftspeople coffeeupliftspeople.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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V I C M E N SA

LETTHIS SONGBE YOUR SHELTER Hannah Fitzpatrick

V I C ME N S A

In addition to last August’s V TAPE, a lot has happened in the past year for Chicago-based rapper Vic Mensa. Not only did he host a drivein concert in September in support of the EP’s release, but he had also played a part in multiple successful initiatives through his non-profit, the SaveMoneySaveLife Foundation, including the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and groceries throughout the city, as well as collaborating with a local distillery to make hand sanitizer to give to those in need. However, the most refreshing experience was his trip to Ghana. “Honestly, you know, being able to be surrounded by people with the same bloodline as me is a blessing I appreciate, and having a direct connection to where I’m from is another blessing that I just deeply appreciate,” says Mensa, born Victor Kwesi Mensah to a Ghanaian father and a white mother. “As Black Americans, we’ve often been robbed of our ancestry, our culture, and our heritage, and I have the privilege to have such a direct link to those powerful entities.” Additionally, he has been cast to star in the upcoming hip-hop drama, African/American, based on the true story of Howard University alumni Syd Money (also known as Sydney Hall) and his collaboration with South African hip-hop pioneer ProKid (real name Linda Mkhize). Legendary costume designer Ruth E. Carter will make her production debut with the project.

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OF VIEW. T N I O P Y ESSING M ATE IN L R E P R X E N T A S C I’M JU , P EO P L E O S G GH AND N I U O O R D H N I T , E AND IF I’ V E G O N T A H W O THEY ARE T T Y A A H W W Y H N T A I E. ] HELP W E S S TO M N C A C C U T S A A H ’S [T , THEN IT H G U O R GOING TH C I V I L I A N M A G A Z I N E | 177

he tough realities that come with being Black in America play a key role in Mensa’s creative process. For instance, “SHELTER” – featuring Chance The Rapper and Wyclef Jean – from his recent project, I TAPE, was influenced by his journey to help bring a friend home from an Illinois prison 12 years early on a 25-year sentence implemented when he was 14 years old. Shortly after, he discovered the case of Julius Jones, a Black deathrow inmate in Oklahoma, who was sentenced to death for the 1999 murder of a white businessman during a carjacking. His case has faced increased scrutiny, with a growing movement claiming his innocence and calling for his release. “I realized that things that, [based] on my review, had been impossible were truly possible and that we must have the courage to believe what we can’t see if we want to change the world,” he says. “In the spirit of that energy, I learned about a man named Julius Jones on death row and that he was signing letters he was sending with ‘Theme Music We Could Be Free by Vic Mensa.’ It was cataclysmic for me, and it was then that I was inspired to write the lyrics for ‘SHELTER.’” (I TAPE also includes “FR33DOM” and the Just Blaze-produced “VICTORY.”)

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V IC M E N S A

s far as his phila nthropic efforts go, Mensa has be en working on numerous initiat ives to look forw ard to in the future, despite the trag ed y: On New Year’s Ev e, over $40,000 worth of donate d items, includin PPE, new shoes, g and medical supp lies, were stolen his SaveMoneySa fr om veLife organizatio n’s storage facilit He created the no y. n-profit in 2018 as a way to give ba his hometown of ck to Chicago. “One of the things that w working on righ e’re t now is called ‘S he Got Beats,’ w a music produc hich is tion program fo r young girls,” he “I’ve also been w shares. rapping my min d around a conc do an exchange ep t to program where we can bring yo from the South un g kids Side of Chicago to Africa, specifi Ghana, and vice cally versa. So we defin itely have a lot of things on the ho rizon.” The activist and philanthropist has influenced through his mus millions ic and will cont inue to share hi to shine a long-o s story verdue light on important mom in history. “I’m ents definitely not lo oking at myself answer to someo as the ne else’s proble ms or the world problems,” Men ’s sa tells me. “I’m just expressing of view. And if, in my point doing so, people can relate in an to what I’ve gone y way through and [tha t can] help with they are going th what rough, then it’s a success to me. ” Photographer & Videographer: Ko fi Duah Videographer As sistant: Chris Fig er Stylist: Kevin Af riyie Stylist Assistan t: Papa Harriso n-Indome Men’s Grooming : Nathaniel Dogb ey (@the_hairm Editor: Eiko Wa asterz) tanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @ep kmedia - epkm edia.com)

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calm

a voice of

Sam Edge

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L I SA A. R O M A N O

s a victim of childhood trauma and narcissistic abuse herself, certified life coach and bestselling author Lisa A. Romano understands their long-lasting effects on the developing brain very well. She draws on her own experiences to best aid her clients by offering a lot of knowledge and emotional understanding. “My role is to be a voice of calm for them,” she says. She asserts that “stepping outside of the tornado and learning how to observe the way you think” are integral parts of the healing process. “A big part of my recovery, a big turning point for me, was when I realized that I could think about the way that I think,” she adds. “The problem with narcissistic abuse is that, over time, you start to doubt your reality,” says Romano, who has focused on healing victims of narcissistic abuse, a form of domestic abuse that is similar to wider emotional abuse and coercive control. She likes to use metaphors to describe narcissists: silverback gorillas (“You probably wouldn’t want to irritate one”), emotional or energy vampires, or starving lions. Narcissists often act covertly, making it difficult for their victims to realize that their mental health is suffering. “It’s so hard to catch the covert narcissist, because their sob stories are very good. You’re being exploited, and you don’t even realize it,” she laments. When in doubt, Romano urges her clients to listen to their bodies. “‘How do I feel around this person, energized or drained? Do I feel equal to this person, or like a stool to this person? Do I feel afraid of this person? Do I shut down and walk on eggshells?’ Your body tells the story,” she says. Your brain might trick you into thinking that everything happening around you is because of you, or about you – but your body never lies; it knows the truth. The past year was tough for millions of Americans in lockdown, especially for those who were forced to spend prolonged amounts of time with narcissistic abusers in the same residence. “The reality is that COVID was a pressure cooker for all of us. A narcissist wants control and dominance – they’re even more

irritated now; you’ve just caged them,” Romano explains, adding that all narcissists want leverage, but they go about getting that leverage in countless unpredictable ways. It depends on the conditions and on the abuser to decide the safest way to react to a narcissist, and this requires a lot of careful research and strategy. “There are so many shades to this, and I think that knowledge is the first step,” she shares. However, Romano also cautions that resisting something that cannot be changed is like “starting a fire inside,” and emphasizes that the first step in dealing with an abuser or with arduous circumstances, such as the pandemic, is always to accept reality. “When I resist what I can’t control, I suffer,” she elaborates. “That’s suffering. Suffering ends when there’s acceptance. That doesn’t mean I like it, but I accept it. Now, sadness can happen for me, grieving can happen for me. But when I get stuck in resistance, when I say, ‘This should have never happened to me,’ I suffer more than I need to.” When she was away from much of her family due to the pandemic, Romano focused on what she could control, rather than what she could not. In January, she made a list of goals for 2021 – and she has already checked off all the boxes on it. In addition to reorganizing her closet and working on her garden, she became very active on Instagram Live and began offering several new programs and classes for her clients. She advises people to always focus on what they can do, rather than what they cannot, and to always think of the people they can reach and the love sent their way. “We have to focus on the change we make in the world,” she affirms. “We can all make good ripples.”

Photographer, Stylist & Videographer: Luciana Pampalone Hair & Makeup: Denise Pereau Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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A BIG PART OF MY RECOVERY, A BIG TURNING POINT FOR ME, WAS WHEN I REALIZED THAT I COULD THINK ABOUT THE WAY THAT I THINK.

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Moreover, Factor_ understands that everyone has different dietary needs and lifestyles, so they provide complimentary consultations with dietitians to craft individualized dietary plans. Those seeking to gain some extra muscle mass have just as many options as those looking to reduce their carb intake. With a rotating weekly menu of nutritious, high-quality ingredients, there’s always something new to try. Each item on their menu includes a full list of ingredients and detailed nutritional information. If you are looking for a way to save time on cooking and improve your health, Factor_’s delicious meals and dedication to personalized eating just make life more convenient. For more details, visit: @factormeals – www.factor75.com/r/home

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Plant-powered food to fuel your life.

Serving Food, Serving the Planet Before Mosaic Foods’ founders Matthew Davis and Sam McIntire started shipping healthy, no-prep meals to thousands of Americans, they were wandering through a local grocery store, disillusioned by shelves of artificially-flavored and chemically-preserved frozen foods. For those dealing with 40-plus-hour work weeks under tight budgets, these quick, easy, and cheap frozen foods are their only option. In most cases, wholesome and nutritious meals cost precious time and money to make. Davis and McIntire created Mosaic Foods to solve this dilemma, delivering convenient, plant-based frozen dishes to people for half the price of takeout meals.

of food in the United States is wasted and trucked to landfills, where they release methane, a greenhouse gas 40 times more potent than carbon dioxide. With Mosaic Foods, Davis and McIntire set the example; all their meals last up to 12 months in the freezer to make sure that their customers have time to experience the entirety of their order. They are dedicated to ensuring that all their ingredients find their way into natural, vegetarian or vegan, and long-lasting meals – like their Yellow Dal Curry – so that their consumers can join them in their efforts to reduce food waste, while enjoying convenient and satisfying food.

With every satisfied customer, Davis and McIntire challenge the stigma that frozen food is inherently unhealthy. It is not the fact that a food is frozen that makes it unhealthy, as freezing food allows us to have the nutritional benefits of preserving food at peak freshness; it is the artificial preservatives and additives in it. All of Mosaic Foods’ meals are handcrafted by expert chefs with fresh, naturally-preserved ingredients from New York farms – and they’re just as fresh when they come out of the microwave.

As a company, moreover, they are committed to sustainability, having all of their packaging to be 100 percent recyclable or made from recycled materials. As much as Mosaic Foods serves their customers, they serve the planet. People tend to misunderstand that frozen food is unnatural or unhealthy, and it often is. However, when employed correctly, it can be natural, nutritive, and delicious, as well as protective of our rapidly worsening environment, and Davis and McIntire have proven just that.

In addition to being delicious and nutritious, frozen foods are essential to combating America’s food-waste epidemic and addressing climate change. Up to 40 percent

For more details, visit: @mosaic.foods – www.mosaicfoods.com

They are on a mission to make plant-centric, wholesome food accessible to everyone. Their meals are handmade with care, packed with natural, mindfully-sourced ingredients, and delivered sustainably.

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O N LY C L E A N , D E L I C I O U S M E A L S M A K E I T T O Y O U R T A B L E .

A Spoonful of Wellness A nutritionally complete diet is a vital and effective medicine. People who eat well and stay away from high-sodium, high-fat diets tend to lead longer and healthier lives. But eating healthy tends to cost the money, effort, and time that busy people just do not have, making cheap, fast food the only option. Splendid Spoon provides you with health and convenience, delivering nutrient-dense, plant-based, ready-toeat meals to residences and businesses all over the country. They take their commitment to community wellness seriously, offering over fifty vegan, gluten-free, low-sodium meals to choose from every week. Their easily navigable interface encourages experimentation and exploration of their various smoothies, soups, wellness shots, grain bowls, and noodle bowls. Every meal contains a valuable list of featured ingredients and health benefits, along with a nutritional guide and enticing photographs. (Our favorite is the antioxidant-packed Kale Pesto Noodles.)

has significantly reduced its transit carbon emissions, and rolled out entirely recyclable packaging, complemented by an online recycling guide for the customers. Food waste accelerates climate change at a worrisome rate; given that Splendid Spoon’s meals are freezable, their consumers can enjoy them at their own pace without the risk of them spoiling. Moreover, plant-based diets themselves are environmentally friendly, and eating a plant-powered meal once a week can notably help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. Not only can healthy eating prevent disease and promote longevity, but it can also slow the destruction of the planet. Splendid Spoon’s meal options embody that, making the road to bodily wellness and environmental sustainability a fruitful one for all their customers. For more details, visit: @splendid.spoon – splendidspoon.com

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Sneaky Veggies For those who work long hours or otherwise find themselves beset with seemingly endless responsibilities, it is nearly impossible to find the time to cook healthy meals. However, Freshly – a food-delivery service that ships all over the country – combines convenience with dietary excellence. Their constantly changing menu of over thirty ready-to-eat meals (including an entirely gluten-free menu and several low-calorie and low-carb options) saves you time and improves your diet. Also, their flexible subscription model offers multiple meal plans varying from four to twelve meals per week to accommodate everyone’s different schedules and budgets. Freshly’s menu is ideal for sticking to your dietary preferences and health goals, as they put a lot of thought into the ingredients they use. Instead of using artificial flavors, chemical preservatives, and excess sugar, they rely on high-quality proteins, veggies, and healthy fats. All of their meals average around thirty grams of protein and five hundred calories. This, however, does not impact the portion sizes – they weigh around thirteen ounces, much larger than those of most competing food-delivery services.

Part of Freshly’s success in crafting such consistently healthy dishes comes from the ingenuity of their expert chefs. Their clever substitutions enhance flavor without sacrificing nutrition. For example, in their Cauliflower Shell Beef Bolognese, Freshly uses their signature marinara sauce with veggies, as well as a touch of honey – instead of the corn syrup or glucose that most branded ones contain – to cut way down on sugar. In the Homestyle Chicken dish, Freshly coats their macaroni and cheese with a delicious sauce thickened by butternut squash, not the typical heavy cream, to add some veggie power into the mix. Freshly’s dedicated team of chefs, culinary scientists, and nutritionists ensures that their meals are packed with vegetables and other important nutrients. When the microwavable, tasty, healthy meals, which only take three minutes to prepare, are waiting for you in the fridge at home, you can appreciate having both convenience and healthy eating in one package. For more details, visit: @freshly – www.freshly.com

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L’Arca Barcelona vintage shop & brides

combining the tradition of vintage and antique lace with current fashion trends.

l a r c a b a r c e l o n a . c o m

Suit, ZEGNA. Tank, CALVIN KLEIN. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, KURT GEIGER.

he’s and all that more PE YT O N M E YE R

Hannah Dolin

Peyton Meyer, who has played Jordan Van Draanen in Netflix’s He’s All

That (a gender-swapped reboot of the 1999 teen comedy She’s All That), first got his start as an actor on popular Disney Channel shows like Dog with a Blog and Girl Meets World. Although he has since moved on from his Disney days, his career is just getting started. With new roles and opportunities on the horizon, the 22-year-old actor has been navigating the responsibilities that come with an ever-growing fan base, all while keeping in mind the importance of staying grounded and true to who he is.

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t was early on in his career that an executive producer gave him the valuable advice, which helps when he finds himself portraying a character that doesn’t paint him in the best light, to keep his work life and personal life as separate as possible. “As an actor or an artist, it’s really easy to combine the two. Separating myself from my work has really been able to keep me level-headed [when] I don’t really have the choice of showing the best side of myself,” Meyer adds.

Jacket, ZEGNA. Shirt, DKNY. Pants, REISS. Socks, UNIQLO. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN. Boots, KURT GEIGER.

PE YT O N M E YE R

n the off-screen side, Meyer tries “to just be unapologetically myself,” and he hopes to inspire others to do the same. Having amassed a large following on social media, he knows he has the ability to reach many people, as well as a responsibility to be a positive role model. “I definitely try to spread love and positivity any time I get the chance to,” he shares. “It’s kind of a responsibility now because it’s so widely viewed, and it’s very important to keep on track and be able to share with the people that might not ever get to know you in person.” As an example, he mentions the 2019 trip to Belize that he shared with his followers at the time. “I traveled with this company called Wanderlist, and we went to go visit some orphanages and go help them out and send some school supplies to some kids that really needed them,” he recalls. “I like to go do things with other countries that can alter my perspective, as well.”

With so much uncertainty and division, many have taken to social media to advocate for the causes that are dear to their hearts. However, with access to so many opinions at all times, it can be easy to lose sight of your own beliefs and be swept up in a wave of divisive rhetoric. From the perspective of someone with such an influential online presence, Meyer says it’s crucial to maintain your individuality. “I want people to realize how important it is to hear your own voice,” he says. “It’s so important to question everything and think for yourself and find your own ideas.” As we return to more face-to-face interactions after the pandemic, it’s offline where he often feels that he can really make an impact. “I love connecting with people in person, because it’s just not the same as social media, like you can try to spread your message on social media, and sometimes it works, but it’s misconstrued in so many ways, so personal contact is just so much more important to me,” he contends.

As the world is more than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been living with lockdown restrictions, quarantine periods, and physical distancing, while spending much more time online, and social-media platforms have been an especially popular and powerful tool for sharing information.

Photographer & Videographer: Daniel Lennox Stylist: Warren Alfie Baker Men’s Grooming: Simone (for Exclusive Artists Management using CHANEL & KEVIN.MURPHY) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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T R A V E L

Billy Reid

Fashion legends Natalie "Alabama" Chanin and Billy Reid both claim familial roots in Alabama; it was a convergence of time and place that lured them back home.

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In June 2001, Reid won the CFDA’s Best New Menswear Designer award, followed by his breakout New York Fashion Week show on September 10th. Twenty-four hours later, he would be heading into a world forever changed in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Hitting the reset button, he made the contrarian decision to move back to his wife’s hometown of Florence, Alabama, and set himself apart from the herd by crafting a distinctive marketing plan – creating “a unique sense of place” for his fashion endeavors – centered in the heart of downtown Florence.

Natalie "Alabama" Chanin

For Chanin, it was a fruitless hunt for a NYC embroidery company willing to work on her designer T-shirt projects. Frustrated with an endless thanks-but-no-thanks litany, it suddenly dawned on her that her network of crafter/quilter friends in Alabama would be ideally suited to work on the projects. And this is what spurred her to move back to her hometown of Florence, Alabama, in 2000.

T R A V E L

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T R A V E L

Natalie "Alabama" Chanin & Billy Reid’s Itinerary: Must-See-And-Do Stops in Florence, Alabama The Shoals (a.k.a. the birthplace of America’s soundtrack): FAME Recording Studios is hunkered in the rural community of Muscle Shoals on the outskirts of Florence. World-renowned musicians like Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks), Wilson Pickett and many more have made pilgrimages to Muscle Shoals since the early 1960s to record their hits. In nearby Sheffield, the equally legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio opened in 1969 and was quickly dominating the charts with Number One hits by the likes of The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Sir Rod Stewart, and Paul Simon. To understand the profound impact that Alabama’s seminal music town has had on the American music scene, Chanin and Reid highly recommend watching the award-winning documentary Muscle Shoals. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House showcases Wright’s relatively modest and affordable residential designs in a single-story layout with minimal interior walls. Located in the heart of Florence, the W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library serves as a repository of the brilliant composer’s memorabilia, sheet music, instruments, and much more. Handy, revered as the Father of the Blues, crafted the genre’s definitive statements in the early 1900s. Ivy Green, Helen Keller’s birthplace and childhood home, is on 640 acres in Tuscumbia, Alabama. A walk through the circa-1820 house is like stepping back in time to the 1880s where docents share fascinating tales of Keller’s life.

Dining: Both Chanin and Reid say that Odette is their alltime favorite for its superb Southern cuisine in an unpretentious environment where you can relax.

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Reid notes that “whether it’s for breakfast or lunch,” Rivertown Coffee Co. has “probably some of the best food in town.” Long known for their pulled pork, slaw dogs, and rib sandwiches, Bunyan’s Bar-B-Q is also a must-try. Trowbridge’s is an ice-cream bar (and sandwich shop) that remains virtually unchanged since it opened in 1918. Reid shares, “You have to get the chicken sandwich off the butter wheel,” while Chanin says, “The décor at Trowbridge’s is a classic ice-cream parlor with well-kept vintage mint-green booths, chairs, and stools – and it has looked this way for as long as anyone can remember.” Big Bad Breakfast is another Reid favorite, famous for their fried eggs, crispy Southern-fried chicken, steelcut oatmeal, and Grit Girl grits.

Out and about: Chanin’s to-do list includes a mandatory task: a visit to the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall, known as Tom’s Wall. Located in the countryside, Tom Hendrix’s hand-built wall is a memorial for his great-greatgrandmother, Te-lah-nay, a Yuchi Indian who was displaced during the infamous Trail of Tears. Hendrix spent a quarter-century stacking eight million pounds of sandstone and limestone to honor her. As it is the largest unmortared rock wall in the United States and the largest memorial to a Native-American woman, there are stones from more than 120 countries in the wall, and each one represents a step of Te-lah-nay’s journey, and the shape, height, and width of the wall represent the different obstacles she encountered. The TVA trails are ideal for biking and hiking along the shores of Wilson Dam, as well as the Tennessee River. Reid recommends kayaking on Cypress Creek at Wildwood Park. Located just minutes from downtown Florence, the park has five miles of mountain-bike trails.

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Places to stay: Chanin loves the historic Vrbo homes in town, and the riverfront Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. “Even though it’s in Florence, it’s really a resort, and it’s definitely our very favorite mother-daughter getaway spot,” she says. Reid highly recommends The Stricklin Hotel, whose ground floor houses Big Bad Breakfast. They have a vintage bowling alley in the basement, as well. Reid also mentions the equally alluring GunRunner Hotel & Spa just down the street, where you can enjoy their bar and spa facilities.

Fun fact: At press time, you could make up to $10,000 to move to the Shoals, including the cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. To apply, you need to be 18 or older, make more than $52,000 a year, be self-employed or able to work remotely, and be able to relocate within six months. For more details, visit: @visittheshoalsal – www.visitflorenceal.com You can listen to the rest of the interviews with Natalie "Alabama" Chanin and Billy Reid on Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer: www.npr.org/ podcasts/487364788/journeys-of-discovery-withtom-wilmer

Photographers: Moore & Giles, Billy Reid, Rinne Allen, Robert Rausch, Rachel Brockett & Florence-Lauderdale Tourism

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G E T T H E L A T E S T C I V I L I A N A P P A R E L O N LY A T C I V I L I A N M A G . C O M / C O L L E C T I O N S / M E R C H

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Socially Transformative With the global poverty rate that had been in steady

Like Caperna, Cochrane understands how much those

decline this century before the COVID-19 pandemic hit

in less fortunate parts of the world could benefit from

the world, there are still hundreds of millions of people

strong business training and ample opportunity to utilize

trapped in an inescapable cycle of poverty. For these im-

it. ACE Development Fund holds numerous training

poverished communities, essential commodities, such as

sessions to give their social entrepreneurs the knowledge

food, water, electricity, and basic education, often remain

they need to make their business plans feasible. They also

tragically elusive, leaving them vulnerable to famine,

encourage business professionals to involve themselves

disease, and a threat of economic disaster. ACE Develop-

in the process as mentors and impact investors – rather

ment Fund, a U.S.-based non-profit, aids the ambitious

than simply as donors – to ensure that the people of the

and hopeful entrepreneurs, who are left financially desti-

communities they support can build as many business

tute, in the African and Asian regions, and improves their

relationships as possible. With their business-strategy

communities by giving them the mentorship, connec-

curriculum and vast network of experienced and inter-

tions, and opportunities they need to turn their business

ested business leaders, the organization gives those in

dreams into reality.

need the knowledge and connections they need to gather support for their businesses and lift their communities

After founding the organization in 2008, Al Caperna

out of poverty.

entrusted leadership and expansion of the foundation to Elisabeth Cochrane, who spent decades in Nepal and

Though ACE Development Fund creates these oppor-

India establishing schools, community-development

tunities, none of the businesses they helped fund and

programs, and other socially transformative platforms.

launch could exist without the commitment and drive of

Caperna started ACE Development Fund to strengthen

the entrepreneurs, like Joy and Rose – founders of the

community-based businesses and help disadvantaged

locally-funded Rose Streeshakti Snacks Centre in Lona-

communities support themselves, and since accepting

vala, India – who ultimately succeeded in creating their

the leadership role in 2009, Cochrane has done exact-

business. It is these pioneers who deserve the utmost

ly what Caperna envisioned. By 2014, ACE had given

praise for their vision and passion that best serve their

business training to hundreds of driven entrepreneurs

own communities.

from low-income African and Asian communities, worked in over one hundred locations, and launched over two hundred businesses.

For more details, visit: www.acedevelopmentfund.org

ACE Development Fund exists to plant businesses in the developing world as a sustainable solution to alleviating poverty, while bringing social, economic, and spiritual transformation. We train entrepreneurs with a core curriculum, and connect them with investors, mentors, and opportunities. ACE is positioned to serve these new businesses in Asia and Africa by working with professionals who want to be involved in “giving back” using their gifts and talents to help bring impact to disadvantaged communities through business. We encourage business professionals to involve themselves in the process as mentors and impact investors, rather than simply as donors, to ensure that the people of the communities they support can build as many business relationships as possible and turn their business dreams into reality.

www.acedevelopmentfund.org

ACE Development Fund

YOUTH TO THE FRONT

FRONTLINERS

WE ARE FAMILY FOUNDATION CREATED THE YOUTH TO THE FRONT FUND TO SUPPORT AND FUND UNDER 30-YEAR-OLD YOUTH ACTIVISTS, YOUTH-LED ORGANIZATIONS, PROJECTS, INNOVATIONS, AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT ARE AT THE FOREFRONT OF FIGHTING SYSTEMIC RACISM, INEQUALITY, AND INJUSTICE IN THE UNITED STATES AND AROUND THE WORLD. WE CALL THEM FRONTLINERS.

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