CIVILIAN - v2 i1 - Issa Rae Cover

ISSA RAE CHRIS SULLIVAN KATHERINE MCNAMARA REMY HII AKON

Civilian Magazine stands against racism, sexism, misogyny, hatred and anti-Blackness.

The violence that claimed the lives of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and too many more Black people shows how far we have to go to achieve a safer, more conscious world. And it is clear that silence is not an option.

We pledge to prioritize justice and equality in our partnerships and in our editorial choices.

We promise to listen, learn, grieve, and act. We will seek out and amplify the voices of those who have been left behind for too long and far too often. #BlackLivesMatter

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Publisher

Vanessa Ferrelli

International and Public Affairs Tiffany Shorter

Chief Digital Officer

Director of Technology

Editor-in-Chief

Senior Web Developer

Editorial Assistant

VP, Brand Partnerships

Creative Director

Event Director

Kristina Villarini

Eiko Watanabe

Grace Callahan

Tim Morrison

Art Director Tyon Weekes

Fashion Editor Ty-Ron Mayes

Travel Editor

Thomas Wilmer

Politics Editor Matt Anthes

Photo Editor Ron Contarsy

JP Martinez

Rebecca Koniahgari

Makaila Kay Ho

Catherine Ho

Media Producer Van Harris

Publicist

Joan Joffa

Staff Writers

Alain Clerine, Kevin Chau, Samantha Orr, Leonye McCalla, Louis Jones, Tara McDonough, Gavy Contreras, Lydee Striplin, Ilma Seperovic, and Hazel Mekkattukulam

Legal Counsel

Jeff Ostrow 1 West Las Olas Blvd., Suite 500 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301, T. 954-525-4100

CIVILIAN is owned by myEPK Media, Inc.

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The entire contents of CIVILIAN are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. CIVILIAN accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs, and assume no liability for products or services advertised herein. CIVILIAN reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, and is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature same on CivilianMag.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EIKO WATANABE Hi, everyone! I hope you are safe and healthy.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, this year has been an interesting one for all of us. When the lockdown came into force in mid-March, I was one of those who had so many thoughts and questions about all of it, but I wanted to make sure that I’d make the best out of it by challenging myself in a way I had never done before. I am an ordinary person dealing with occasional little cracks of doubt and disbelief in myself, but I wanted to challenge myself, at this time, to always have the ability to encourage someone so I made quality calls to check in on my friends and family on a daily basis while self-quarantining – but I’d usually end up the one feeling encouraged.

Although this is a continuous challenge, in order to be able to truly care for others, I have learned the importance of appreciating my own life as a starting point from which to see a whole new set of values. Instead of considering how difficult this year has been, I’d like to make 2020 the strongest year ever so that in 5 or 10 years, I will be able to look back at this year and say, “Because of what I went through, I was able to see my real strength. Because of what we went through, we looked for the strengths in others – and the world changed for the better in that year.”

On behalf of CIVILIAN, I would like to thank healthcare professionals and first responders, as well as countless individuals contributing to the greater good of society. Additionally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to every single person who has supported this issue (and our past issues), whether seen or unseen, in addition to the EPK Media team, led by Vanessa Ferrelli and JP Martinez. Thank you so much for always letting CIVILIAN come from individuals for individuals and stay with individuals – through thick and thin.

Thank you, Eiko Watanabe, Editor-in-Chief

AKON

His Ow n

Akonik Alain Clerine

“I don’t care what it takes, I’m going to find a way to make it work,” says Akon of all facets of his life. Born Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, he is a singer, businessman, philanthropist, and one of the most influential men in the world. Like many immigrants before him, Thiam’s family moved to the United States from Senegal in search of the American dream. “He was a forward thinker,” he says of his father. “That’s probably where I got most of my thinking from.” The five-time Grammy-nominated artist spent his early childhood dividing his time between the United States and Senegal. “Coming [to the United States] was a complete culture shock,” he recalls. “We would get our water from the well, no electricity, everything was organic. So when I came here, it was like being in the future.”

After moving to Newark, New Jersey, on a permanent basis, Thiam struggled to make acquaintances in school because of the language barrier. He was fluent in French, Spanish, and his native language of Wolof, but English was still a challenge. “My mom and pop were doing well for themselves. I came from a good middle-class family,” he says. “But because it was the closest environment [to] where I came from, I ended up hanging out on the rough side of town – because those were the people I felt the most comfortable with.”

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Shirt, SINS OF WAR | JAKE PEAK AT NISM. Pants, MULCH CALIFORNIA. Socks, SOCK IT UP. Shoes,THE ROGUE COLLECTIVE. Silver rings, ROSES METAL WORKS. All other jewelry, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN.

T-shirt, A.TIZIANO. Jacket, BRAYDON ALEXANDER DC. Belt, HERMÈS (TALENT’S OWN). Pants, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN.

he 47-year-old star was musically inclined at an early age, as his father, Mor Thiam, was an instrumentalist in his own right. Although the music industry would later bear greater fruit, he prioritized other things in his younger years: He was the owner of a barbershop in his early twenties (during this time, he met Wyclef Jean, who at that time was one of the most popular rappers as one-third of the Fugees), and after moving to Atlanta, he would oversee an illegal car business that operated throughout the United States. He then began to dabble in the music industry as a way to turn the profits of his illegal enterprise into a profitable and legal business. Thiam eventually became the owner of a number of recording studios, which would mark the beginning of his career as Akon.

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hiam and Jean would make music, and even spent time together during the recording sessions for the Fugees’ Grammywinning album, The Score.

Just when he began to waver from his illegitimate activities, he was arrested. “I wrote ‘Locked Up’ in prison,” he says. “I would sing it every day, and the guards would even start singing it out loud, too.” It was there that took him away from the streets as he started focusing on making money legally – and the rest is history.

Now established as a mogul in the industry, Thiam has also helped orchestrate the success of the most recognizable artists, including Lady Gaga and T-Pain. “My natural ability of being a hustler kind of walked me into that arena,” he shares of his business mindset. “I realized the artist was the last to get paid so [I thought to myself,] ‘How do I get myself to be the first to get paid?’”

Moreover, he always works on bettering his beloved Senegal, as well as the rest of Africa; his latest avant-garde endeavors have cemented his legacy as a historical figure. With his Akon

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Lighting Africa project, he’s been on a mission to provide all of Africa with electricity through the use of solar power. (There’s also the Akon Lighting America project, building renewableenergy efforts in the U.S.) Originally an idea to help his home country escape from the poverty he had faced himself, it was dismissed by investors since they judged Thiam based on his show-biz career, questioning his ability to gather resources.

Through perseverance, however, he was able to receive a billion-dollar credit line and start the project. He is also in the process of creating his own 2,000-acre city in Senegal called Akon City powered by his own cryptocurrency, Akoin. “Just imagine – if we came together, what we could do. We could own our own energy companies,” says Thiam, whose current goal is to bring similar results to East Africa.

Photographer: KAT Photographer Assistant: Alexander Garrido Digital Technician: Mitchell Guerrero Stylist: Sybs Speck Men’s Grooming: Phoebe Dawson (using Hora Skin Care & Kiehl's Since 1851) Videographer: Brandon David Roth Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Benny’s Tacos & Chicken Rotisserie (@bennystacos - bennystacos.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Polo, A.TIZIANO. Pants, MULCH CALIFORNIA. Socks, SOCK IT UP. Shoes, CREATIVE RECREATION. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN.

ORIGINS OF RENEWAL

KRISTIN A KITCHE N (@KRIS TINA_KI TCHEN_ STYLIST - FOR OPTION 1 ARTISTS ) PHOTOGRAPHER: DEANNA CANDELAS

E L E V A T E

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FASHION

Exfoliating Detox Body Soap

Mills & Co. | Beard Oil - Jocott Brands

Mills & Co. nailed it with this pleasing scent, along with all the great-quality ingredients. The beard oil is specially formulated for your beard and the skin underneath. It softens facial hair, absorbs quickly, and is nongreasy: the best for rugged luxury.

- The Seaweed Bath Co.

The soap that promotes ocean wellness became a full-time passion. Organic, sustainably-harvested bladderwrack seaweed, with 65+ vitamins and minerals, naturally detoxifies and promotes skin elasticity. Antioxidantrich Arabica coffee gently exfoliates and improves skin’s texture; it deeply moisturizes and purifies for smoother, firmer-looking skin.

Purifying Face Scrub - Natio

This face scrub cleans pores to prepare skin for shaving and moisturizing. The fine exfoliating grains gently polish away dead skin. It is suitable for all skin types. Also, it’s Australian-made and not tested on animals.

Color Sensational Lipstick - Maybelline New York

Rich Kid | Coconut Oil Gel - IGK Hair

This coconut-oil-infused gel is the foundation in creating the hydrated, lived-in, undone hair, giving you the look you want for minimal effort. Also, it is vegan and cruelty-free.

Made for all by Maybelline New York, their satin and matte lipsticks are available in nude, pink, red, and plum, featuring universal shades that beautifully complement every skin tone.

Valjean Labs | Facial Serum - Sculpt - Jocott Brands This multitasking facial serum contains collagen and caffeine, offering specially formulated blends with superconcentrated ingredients that meet specific skin-care needs. Caffeine helps to tighten and depuff your skin.

FASHION

Amarelli Licorice Grey Vetiver & Patchouli Hex - Bloom & Prosper Candles

The candles are as aesthetically fashionable as any home-décor item. This scent combines warm leather and soft herbs – balanced with golden vetiver, earthy patchouli, weathered woods, cut tobacco leaf, and amber musk – to elevate your spirit.

- Marvis

Marvis is an iconic dental brand that has been loved in Italy for generations. This Italian licorice toothpaste – created in collaboration with Amarelli Fabbrica di Liquirizia and made in Florence, Italy – has a surprisingly refined, fresh aroma with bittersweet sensuality. It mixes the clean, seductive flavor of licorice with the freshness of mint.

Blackstone Men’s Grooming | Thickening Fiber Paste Sandalwood - Jocott Brands Blackstone is an exceptional line of professional products crafted by men – for men. It adds texture and definition.

It gives you “touchable” controlled hair when applied to towel-dried hair.

Tidal | Brightening Enzyme Water Cream - Sunday Riley

Hand Therapy - Hydrating Vitamin Rich Hand Cream - Kat Burki Skincare

With an emollient complex of active botanical oils and antioxidants, this product restores suppleness and youthful vitality to even the driest and most overworked of aging hands. Understanding the connection between skin care and healthcare, Kat Burki was inspired to create her eponymous beauty brand.

Want to get a baby-soft complexion?

This brightening cream contains two forms of advanced hyaluronic acid infusing water into the skin.

Papaya enzymes also help smooth the look of textured or dehydrated skin. Skin-lightening agent alpha arbutin brightens the appearance of discolorations for a radiance boost.

Moreover, this beauty company has donated $500 a day to support the wildfire and wildlife rescue efforts, respectively, in Australia.

O!Mega Gel Powder Eyeshadow - Marc Jacobs Beauty The shade range was curated by legendary makeup artist Diane Kendal to deliver the biggest, most-requested, mostflattering shades. The handpicked colors are perfect for creating a polished, everyday look to a sultry smoky eye – and are essential as a transition, highlight, or wear-alone shade, too.

Funnel-neck sweater, ZARA. Pleated chiffon pants, MAYORAL. Mini pom-pom earrings, CAT & JACK. Sterling silver “Love” bracelet, NORDSTROM. Vintage wingtip shoes, SQUARESVILLE.

FAITHE C. HERMAN

Age is Just a

Number Gavy Contreras

Being a child actor isn’t always easy, but for 12-year-old Faithe C. Herman, “it’s a lot of fun” as she has already made a name for herself, starring on NBC’s critically acclaimed drama This Is Us and in last year’s superhero spectacle Shazam!

Herman got her start by following in the footsteps of her siblings who were doing some background work at the time. Eventually, the youngest of the five ended up being the only one who continued to act and went on to nurture her dream, constantly “playing different characters, doing different things, and meeting and acting with different people.”

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Matte-metallic leather jacket with ruffles, MAYORAL. Pleated poplin blouse, MAYORAL. Sateen crop pants, MAYORAL. Suede booties, SAM

EDELMAN. Pom-pom ring, FOR KIDS ONLY. Earrings, TALENT’S OWN. Socks, STYLIST’S OWN.

You are my heart pink dress, SPOILED ME. Metallic high-top sneakers, ZARA. Zebra stone earrings, STYLIST’S OWN. Socks, STYLIST’S OWN.

ince 2016, the tween has been on This Is Us as Annie Pearson, and since she is still relatively new to the acting scene, she always makes sure to be extra-prepared for her role by reading through the script and practicing with both of her parents “scene by scene.” She has already learned so much from her experiences on set and “learns a lot from the adults around me.”

Herman takes note of her co-stars and watches them perform their emotional scenes.

Her co-stars – including Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, and Sterling K. Brown – have got her back, too. “I asked Mr. Sterling one time for advice, and he said it’s okay to make mistakes while filming and to not be so hard on myself.

I was new to [acting], and it was my first-ever big project. I was so nervous,” shares Herman, who also has a strong support system from her family and teachers while still attending school (“‘How do I do this with so many classes and 7 different teachers?’ But everyone was very supportive, and I ended up getting a 4.0 GPA, which was really exciting”). In addition, she hopes to take after her role model: Yara Shahidi.

“Yara did school and acted at the same time.

She graduated and balanced it very well,” she explains. Although initially afraid of finding a balance between acting and school, she admits that her loved ones “make it so much easier for me.”

Photographer: KAT Stylist: Zoe Joeright Hair: Candice Hudson Makeup: Carlos Guillen Videographer: Rieko Takagi Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Asian Box (@asianbox www.asianbox.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Dress, INFANTIUM VICTORIA. High-tops, CONVERSE. Oversized rhinestone bow ring, FOR KIDS ONLY. Diamond stud earrings, STYLIST’S OWN. Socks, J.CREW (STYLIST’S OWN). Rosette headpiece, TSUYOSHI ICHIKAWA.

REMY HII

This is

Remy Hii Kevin Chau

“I was always just fascinated with stories growing up. For a long time, I wanted to be a writer. I was writing a lot in school through theatre and drama classes. We’d have to put on performances but I’d always find myself writing my own things because, at the time, all of the suggested plays and stuff didn’t really reflect my experiences and tell the stories I wanted to tell,” says Remy Hii. An actor, a chef, a gamer, a writer – Hii is all of those things, but at the same time, he isn’t. He is driven by the complicated landscape of the human psyche, the desire to experience and discover new things, and the aspiration to spur social change.

Hii was born in Malaysia, but he didn’t stay long. By the time he was seven or eight, Hii had already moved to Papua New Guinea and then Australia. It was during this time that he first experienced racism. “All of a sudden, I was the odd one out,” he recalls. “It’s impossible for an experience like that not to change you. It taught me a stronger sense of self than ever before. I knew at that age that there was nothing wrong with me and that I wouldn’t be broken, no matter what.”

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Leather jacket, JACK LONDON. Mesh top, MASSBRANDED. Leather pants, JACK LONDON.

With that experience, Hii started to pursue acting as a career. “It was such an incredibly validating experience, knowing that we can tell these stories to the rest of the world with such a diverse cast and battle the perception that you can’t really

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Blazer, JACK LONDON. Shirt, JACK LONDON. Pants, JACK LONDON.

Cufflinks, HARRY MESTRO.

Blazer, CALVIN KLEIN (STYLIST’S OWN). Necktie, JACK LONDON. Shirt, JACK LONDON. Pants, JACK LONDON.

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ii’s first taste of acting came when he got pulled into his high school play. “That period of time, you were not only treated as an equal but you were praised for your skills and talent,” he says. “I became sort of a rock star performing in front of sold-out audiences whereas, just a couple of weeks ago, I was dodging punches from kids and being told to go back to where I came from – it was amazing.”

sell a show about Asian people,” he describes, referring to one of his favorite roles as Prince Jingim in the Netflix original series Marco Polo.

Coincidentally, Hii’s next big role was part of the first film by a major Hollywood studio to feature a cast mainly of Asian descent in a modern setting: Crazy Rich Asians. “It was an experience that changed me and brought me a lot closer to the idea of what it means to be Asian and what we can achieve,” he says, adding that he went to visit the school where his uncle helps out and saw firsthand how much of an impact films like 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians have had on the kids there. “I’m just so honored and humbled to be in a position where I can be a part of a positive change. I don’t want any kid to feel different and feel like they don’t belong – and to be able to do that as an actor is incredible.”

Jumper, CALVIN KLEIN (STYLIST’S OWN). Pants, JACK LONDON. Watch, BREITLING.

Blazer, JACK LONDON. Shirt, JACK LONDON. Pants, JACK LONDON.

But Hii isn’t just an actor. If he hadn’t been an actor, he says, he probably would have gone to culinary school. He then shares his experience of making the Cuban roast-pork sandwich from the 2014 film Chef and meeting Jon Favreau and Roy Choi. “Oh, my God, the list of ingredients was longer than a page,” he says with so much excitement. “I was out shopping for an entire day, trying to source the obscure spices, the right kind of pork, the right kind of bread. It is not easy to find Cuban sandwich bread in Australia, I might add.” After a 36-hour process (marinating a six-pound hunk of pork shoulder in a blend of spices and citrus, too), the sandwich was finally complete. “It changed my life, I wanted to cry,” he says when asked how it tasted. At the premiere of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Hii approached Favreau and told him about his 36-hour journey.

Upon hearing his epic story, Favreau then introduced Hii to Choi, the creator of the famous

Mojo Pork Cubanos. “It was sort of my crowning achievement,” Hii says.

At the end of the day, Hii is many things: He loves to cook, enjoys playing video games, and is always eager to learn about different cultures and languages. Among all other things, though, it’s important for him to stay true to himself: “I want to be able to say that I have no regrets and that I never left any stone unturned,” he affirms.

Photographer: Ben Scott Stylist: Joshua Heath (@joshuaheathstylist www.joshuaheath.com.au) Hair: Paula Hibbard (using De Lorenzo Haircare) Makeup: Lisa Mangion Videographer: Daniel Sabouné Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Hungry Goat Cafe (@hungrygoatmarrickville - www.hungrygoatcafe.com.au) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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ISSA RAE

Pioneering the Groove Leonye McCalla

Issa Rae, 35, operates in a unique space. In a world where going viral on the Internet can launch someone’s career, fifteen minutes of fame feel like fifteen seconds. But that doesn’t faze everyone. Rae has been able to capture the minds and hearts of audiences with her thought-provoking work, proving that she has that je ne sais quoi.

Rae is a writer, actress, producer, and director who began her journey as a college student at Stanford University. While embracing African/African-American studies, she wanted to film her friends and capture the overall buzz of dorm life. Thus, Dorm Diaries was born, a YouTube series with a mockumentary vibe, which was her first real foray into online-content creation at a time when YouTube was in its infancy.

Next came The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl. As a college graduate with more life experience under her belt, Rae created this show to highlight the lives of young black professionals in a major city.

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hen asked if her multifaceted abilities have earned her more respect from execs, Rae responds, “It helps, I do get a lot of opportunities.” But she also believes that social media and the Internet, along with the ability to bring her work directly to the masses, made such a difference. “I definitely don’t think this was possible back in the day,” she adds, referring to the ’90s and 2000s when the Internet was still a new way of communicating.

For someone like Rae, creating back in those days and waiting on a big studio that’d greenlight you could have been the kiss of death; her ability to take initiative with not only creating characters but sharing content has put her in a class of her own.

Currently, Rae is working with her namesake production company on lots of new projects (“We’re writing a couple of shows, just creating”).

Additionally, she is expanding her acting career by starring in other films. She enjoys showcasing her acting chops, especially when it involves working with friends she respects and admires.

For instance, in The Photograph, she starred as a famous photographer’s daughter that gets swept into a romance with a journalist played by LaKeith Stanfield. “I learned a lot from him,” she says as both Rae and Stanfield have been bringing textured and raw performances – and content – to the new-age audience. They’re trying to change the lens through which people see actors.

When it comes to her hit TV show, Insecure, Rae made sure that her characters were layered.

“I like writing dimensional people, writing rich characters,” she says of her beloved characters like Lawrence Walker and Molly Carter. She draws lots of inspiration from her life, people that she knows, and their experiences, and this is probably the reason why viewers from many different backgrounds can relate to the characters. As a matter of fact, trying to “break through” the industry is what made Rae so intentional about creating her art.

Photographers & Videographers: Eleanor & Brian Love Stylist: Jason Rembert Stylist Assistant: Sakinah Séla Bashir Hair: Ashley Noel Makeup: Joanna Simkin Manicurist: Shauna Ursery Editor: Eiko Watanabe

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On the social side, Rae gives back to her community through her involvement with Destination Crenshaw that features artwork from local creatives on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles. “Destination Crenshaw understands that this is a black area with black history, and they respect that,” she shares.

Special thanks to Asian Box (@asianbox www.asianbox.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Dress, A.L.C. Heels, SAM EDELMAN. Ring, VINTAGE. Earrings, VINTAGE.

I like writing dimensional people, writing rich characters.

BRANDON LARRACUENTE

Reboot

Modern Tara McDonough

Long before stepping in front of the camera, Brandon Larracuente was just a kid singing in a church choir. It was then that he was approached for a role in a performance of the French opera Carmen. With no experience whatsoever, let alone an opera, he had to learn not only how to act and sing, but how to speak French, as well. Despite all of these tough tasks, he never saw it as a job and was simply having fun.

Larracuente, 25, best known as the star of Freeform’s reboot of Party of Five, has come a long way since then. “[Becoming] a part of something so special was a moment that I’ll never forget,” he says of the “surreal” phone call from the show’s creator, Amy Lippman.

“Honestly, it’s a moment that I’ll share with my kids forever.”

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Tie, STYLIST’S OWN. Tie pin, NORDSTROM. Shirt, HUGO BOSS. Jacket, PAISLEY & GRAY. Pants, DIESEL. Boots, ZARA.

Shirt, DOLCE & GABBANA. Jacket, JOHN VARVATOS. Bracelet, STYLIST’S OWN. Pants, PAISLEY & GRAY. Shoes, STYLIST’S OWN.

BRANDON LARRACUENTE

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rowing up, Larracuente was mainly familiar with theatre acting, but after auditioning for a role on Bloodline, he found his place on television and has been enjoying every minute of it. The jump was a learning process, of course, as he was used to projecting his voice and emotion on stage. Now, on camera, he has to trust that the camera will capture life as it’s happening. “I’m still learning,” he shares.

“No matter how great you are at your job, I think that you can learn something every day.”

While working on Party of Five, Larracuente learned how to play the guitar in order to portray his musician character, Emilio Acosta. Diving into the mind and psyche of his character, he says, the audience has witnessed the different layers of Emilio. What he is most excited for, as well as the rest of the cast and crew, has been the possibility of being able to produce a project that moves people and gives them the chance to relate to it (“If one person is affected by watching our show, then we’ve done our job”), bringing true authenticity to the story of five children dealing with the sudden deportation of their parents,

specifically for those watching who are in similar situations. As a matter of fact, while promoting the show, Larracuente was able to meet a young girl who was in the same position as his character Emilio. As the eldest of a group of children, she became the caretaker after the deportation of her parents. Being able to speak with her was something he still holds in high regard, since he, along with the rest of the cast, works on educating himself on the topic. “I try not to just show up to work and just say lines and leave,” he adds. “It’s an honor, but it’s a huge responsibility that we have – to tell an authentic, true raw story.”

As for his personal life, he does his best to balance his career and his home life, making time for himself, his family, and his fiancée. His current dream is buying a home where his family can gather for holidays and events. “I want to bring that tradition back,” says Larracuente.

Photographer & Videographer: Mason Kim Stylist: Loren Robles Men’s Grooming: Phoebe Dawson (using Kosas) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Asian Box (@asianbox www.asianbox.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

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On him: Suit, JET LAG. Shirt, JET LAG. Shoes, VINTAGE. On her: Dress, ROCKY STAR. Necklace, IRIS TRENDS. Boots, CHARLES DAVID.

Hat, FREE PEOPLE. Dress, CHARLES & RON. Necklaces, TIMELAPSE CO. & KNIGHT BEAUTIES & PYRRHA. Belt, KAREN MICHELLE. Heels, NOW PR.

Photographer: KAT Photographer Assistants: David Ventura & Brandon David Roth Models: Lauren Hurlbut (for STATE Management) & Mazlow Petosa (for NTA Model Management) Stylist: Michelle Wu Hair, Makeup & Men’s Grooming: Yuna Min Special thanks to InUse Studios (@inusestudios - www.inusestudio.com) & Free Rein Foundation (@freereinfoundation - freereinfoundation.org)

On him: Blazer, MALAN BRETON. Pants, PAISLEY & GRAY. Glove, LOVE KHAOS. Longer necklace, PYRRHA. Shorter necklace, TIMELAPSE CO. On her: Top, RAGA. Pants, FOLIEÀDEUX. Gloves, LOVE KHAOS.

Top, A.TIZIANO. Pants, JET LAG.

On him: Top, A.TIZIANO. Jeans, A.TIZIANO. Shoes, VINTAGE. On her: Athena gown, RENÉ THE LABEL BY RENÉ ATELIER. Necklace, WASÉE. Boots, FREE LANCE.

Fringe Leather set, A LINE CALLED K. Boots, CHARLES DAVID. Necklace, JOEY GALON, ATELIER.

Dress, ROCKY STAR. Boots, CHARLES DAVID.

Top, A.TIZIANO. Jeans, A.TIZIANO. Shoes, VINTAGE.

Suit, OTT. Top, FEI FEI CICADA. Boots, FREE LANCE.

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Top, JET LAG. Pants, A.TIZIANO. Shoes, VINTAGE.

Dress, FARAH AL MESBAH. Boots, FREE LANCE.

Top, DULCE BESTIA.

Trinity gown, RENÉ THE LABEL BY RENÉ ATELIER.

Dress, CHARLES & RON. Shoes, FREE LANCE.

KATHERINE MCNAMARA

Rise

Heroes Fall, Legends

Lydee Striplin

At the tender age of 13, Katherine McNamara was already working. In 2010, she landed the role of Fredrika Armfeldt in the 2009 Broadway revival of A Little Night Music, starring opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury. “That job was really everything to me,” she recalls. “It was the job that I left home for, and it was my first time living in New York City, and my first time living away from home. Suddenly, I was thrust in the middle of working with legends of stage and screen and these powerhouse women I’d looked up to my whole life.” The now-24-year-old learned indispensable skills while working on the production and observed first-hand what it takes to be a woman in the industry. “They were such beautiful examples of how to lead a production and how to be kind and gracious and wonderful but also truly kickass on stage,” she adds.

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n 2015, McNamara went on to accept her most notable role of Brooklyn-teenager-turned-demonhunter Clary Fray on Shadowhunters, and has since played Mia Smoak on Arrow, Supergirl, Batwoman, and The Flash; she feels that each role has an element of “responsibility” and does whatever she can to breathe life into the characters. “I pour my heart and soul, and blood, sweat, and tears into each character. They’re kind of like my babies,” she says with a laugh. “As you play these characters, they become a part of you, and you leave a little part of your soul with them, and what I’ve come to realize is that I am so grateful for each and every one because they provide different challenges and different opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I’m definitely very aware of and very grateful for the journey that each one provides.”

Bodysuit, PAM HOGG. Sheer shirt, SERPENTI. Coat, FRANKIE. Shoes, MANHATTAN BEACH FOOTWEAR. Necklace, SENHOA. Choker worn as belt, ADA ZANDITON COUTURE.

KATHERINE MCNAMARA

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dditionally, the young actress has worked with Girl Up, a global movement of empowered young women who defend gender equality, initiated by the United Nations Foundation, as she values the work they do in “allowing girls the opportunity to make giving back a priority and to think about themselves as global citizens in a global community.” In fact, as a child, McNamara always knew she wanted to make major change in the world but wasn’t sure how to achieve it, or even where to start so this is a cause that is near and dear to her heart.

Moving forward, the self-described “perpetual student” hopes to expand her resume and continue to give her all in her career, no matter what the role may be. “I made a promise to myself in this industry that I would never get stuck for too long in one medium or in one genre,” McNamara says. “I would find opportunities to play every kind of character and be every kind of person, and I’ve really been able to do that – so now, with more time on my hands and a little more opportunity, I’m really looking for projects to take me out of my comfort zone and to provide that next challenge that I can rise to.”

Photographer: Catherine Asanov (@catherineasanov) Stylist: Andrew Philip Nguyen Hair: Carina Tafulu (using amika & Shu Uemura Art of Hair) Makeup: Simon Rihana (for Art Department - using Lancôme) Editor: Eiko Watanabe

Special thanks to Pizzanista! (@pizzanista www.pizzanista.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

PARKER BATES

New Kid On The

Block

Gavy Contreras

At just 13 years old, Parker Bates is already making a name for himself in the world of Hollywood. Best known for his role as the young Kevin Pearson on the NBC drama This Is Us, Bates originally began modeling at the age of 2, but it wasn’t until he was about 6 years old that he got the acting bug. Inspired by his older brother, Bates tagged along with him to one of his auditions and ended up snagging the role for himself instead. From then on, he continued to try his hand at acting, getting roles in commercials and short films.

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White tuxedo shirt, PAUL SMITH AT LADIDA. Bow tie, CAT & JACK. Black tuxedo pants, DSQUARED2. White vest, CALVIN KLEIN. White jacket, CALVIN KLEIN. Burgundy pocket square, THE TIE BAR. Watch, ASSOULINI. Black loafers, FLORSHEIM SHOES.

Black tuxedo jacket, DSQUARED2. White button-up shirt, HUGO BOSS AT LADIDA. Red plaid pants, JAYWALKER CLOTHING. Black dress shoes, FLORSHEIM SHOES. Watch, ASSOULINI.

"Whoa, I’m on TV!" It’s kind of cool.

Leather jacket, ZARA. Grey hoodie, AMERICAN APPAREL. Black T-shirt, H&M. Black denim, ZARA. Black Chelsea boots, FLORSHEIM SHOES.

It makes my heart pump, it’s like,

PARKER BATES

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he Dallas, Texas native and his family made the move to California soon after the young star became infatuated with the art, an area where he can regularly go on auditions.

Within his first 6 months of the move, he scored the role on This Is Us. Bates isn’t a big fan of watching himself act, but when he does, “it makes my heart pump, it’s like, ‘Whoa, I’m on TV!’ It’s kind of cool.” Bates plays one-third of the Big Three and has Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia as his parents. “Mandy is always fun to hang out with.

She’s always really encouraging and is so great,” he shares. “Milo is like everyone’s dad. He makes sure everyone is okay and has what they need.

He’s also fun to be around, and when we’re on set, he makes us feel really comfortable.”

However, at first, Bates didn’t have much experience and had difficulty getting in touch with his character’s emotions. “I was pretty new at [acting]. I didn’t really know how to let [my emotions] out,” he recalls. “Now that I’ve gotten to know everyone on set, it has become a lot more encouraging. It’s easier because they make it feel like a family.” Another thing Bates has learned in

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the acting industry is “to just go with it.” Even at a young age, he explores the power of optimism and wants aspiring actors to know that “you never really know what’s going to happen. If you get knocked down, you just have to pick yourself up and keep trying – even if you don’t get the role you want. There will still always be more roles that are awesome and great.”

Furthermore, in 2017 and 2018, the This Is Us cast won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. “I didn’t even know that I’d make it this far. This show has been doing so great. It was really awesome to get to go to the SAG Awards.

It’s a really big thing that you never really think you’d be able to do,” he adds. The actor doesn't plan on going anywhere but up. In fact, Bates will be seen in the upcoming film Magic Max, where he has his very first lead in a movie, and even does his own stunts.

Photographer & Videographer: Mason Kim Photographer Assistant: Joseph Chang Stylist: Lisa Marie Cameron Men’s Grooming: Emily Sims Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Asian Box (@asianbox www.asianbox.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Keepin’ It Bigger Gavy Contreras

TANISHA LONG

Funny girl Tanisha Long has been in the business for almost a decade: She’s starred on MTV’s Girl Code, and on the BET+ comedy series Bigger as the quirky Layne Roberts. “I actually got into comedy by mistake. I was going to school for fashion in Philly, and I was miserable,” she shares. After struggling to put herself through school due to high expenses, Long dropped out. The West Philadelphia native then made her next big move; she moved to New York City and started to do improv.

L

ong made a living by working as a hostess, but spent most of her time and money at The Peoples Improv Theater – and fell in love with comedy and making people laugh.

“It’s weird, I don’t really remember my life before acting because this is the happiest I’ve ever been. It feels like I was just born, moved to New York, and then became an actor,” she says, bursting into laughter.

The comedienne has been constantly hustling, and has definitely had her fair share of obstacles to overcome. The industry is no easy feat, and in 2018, it got so hard for Long that she almost quit acting. She was filled with doubt and anxious about her future. “I was like, ‘This is too crazy.

I’m too old to be doing this. This is for someone who just got out of college. How am I supposed to have an adult woman’s life if I’m worried about money and when I’m going to work again?’” describes Long, who had to really think about how much she loves this art and eventually came

to the conclusion that there is no other answer than that acting is what she is meant to be doing with her life. Soon after, she reached a breaking point, and booked the lead on Bigger.

Executive-produced by Will Packer, Bigger follows a group of 5 friends in their 30s trying to navigate their way through life in Atlanta (“I relate to Layne because I am also like, ‘What is going on with me?’”). The script spoke to her and came at the perfect time in her life, portraying everything she felt about herself. Much like her character, Long had difficulties finding herself and had “been out of money and been miserable. I did everything I was supposed to do. I worked so hard and wondered, ‘Where’s all the stuff I’m supposed to have?’” Long also feels that a lot of women in their 30s, especially black women, can find a piece of themselves within the show. “People expect so much from [women] and expect us to have kids, a house, a credit score of 800,” she says. “You see people around you with those things, and you start to wonder why you don’t have it – it’s a relatable feeling all around.”

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ith no plans of slowing down, she is prepared to overcome more bumps along the way because Long has finally found her footing, focusing on her dreams. She hopes to expand her range and comfort level, and become a stronger performer and actor, and, most importantly, a stronger person. While undoubtedly committed to honing her craft, she admits that self-care is imperative. “I have this unhealthy obsession with my work, and I’m trying to make more time for my friends and family,” she affirms. “I want to work on being Tanisha the human, instead of Tanisha the actor.”

Photographer & Videographer: Mason Kim Stylist: Lauren Taylor Hair: Amina Gueye Makeup: Phoebe Dawson (using M•A•C Cosmetics) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Asian Box (@asianbox - www.asianbox.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

Tank, STYLIST’S OWN. Skirt, CHARLES & RON. Earrings, DM JEWELRY DESIGNS. Shoes, FREE LANCE.

AJ MITCHELL

Top of Skyview

Tee, SUNSPEL. Jacket, THREE FORTY FIVE AM. Trousers, THREE FORTY FIVE AM. Shoes, STEPNEY WORKERS CLUB. Rings, LUVMYJEWELRY. Stud earring, TALENT’S OWN.

Stage Samantha Orr

“The first time performing, I was super-nervous,” singer-songwriter AJ Mitchell shares. “But once I started singing my songs and hearing my fans sing them back, I think performing is the best feeling in the world! And now, I am just so excited every single time I get to go out on stage!” Insanely charismatic yet down-to-earth, he has no plans to slow down. At just 19, the Illinois-born musician has had blockbuster hits like “Girls,” “All My Friends,” “Slow Dance,” "Spring Break," "Down In Flames," and "Unstoppable" while getting ready for his full-length debut, SKYVIEW (“I am excited about letting everyone know who I am and where I came from. I’m really excited for people to get to know me a little bit more”).

AJ MITCHELL

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usic has always been a part of Mitchell’s life as he started taking piano lessons at the age of 4. Little did he know that this would change his life. “I grew up in a musical household. I was always singing. When I was 6, I started writing my own songs. When I was 13, I started posting them online just to see what my friends and family thought,” he recalls. “Then about a year later, I got a shout-out and saw that I had over 15,000 followers in one day!” This social-media surge was more than just fifteen minutes of fame for him as Mitchell became the definition of an overnight sensation, skyrocketing him into an unknown stratosphere of stardom.

“When it all happened, I was out camping.

I woke up the next day and saw that I had all of these notifications going off,” he says. “When I saw this, I kept refreshing my phone, and I just saw that more and more people were following me. It was the best feeling in the world! And honestly, I had no idea that any of this was going to happen because I was just posting videos for my friends and family, so when I saw that, I just thought, ‘Oh, my God! People know who I am!’ I knew I always wanted to put my music out, but I didn’t know how to, so it’s really cool that I have social media to help me out!”

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Mitchell’s impressive covers and dynamic songwriting abilities caught the eye of Internet superstar Jake Paul. When he was around 14, the young artist eventually moved out to L.A. to join Paul’s group of influencers called Team 10. Although Mitchell ended up parting ways with them, his time with Team 10 allowed him to connect with his manager and help secure a record deal.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that his influence goes beyond social media. “I think it’s really important to give back. That’s what I am all about,” says Mitchell, who has worked with Walking With Anthony, a non-profit with the mission to change the recovery outcome of spinal-cord injury, currently perceived as unchangeable. “Any time a charity event comes up, I am always down to be a part of it! I love giving back as much as I can.”

Photographer: Reka Nyari Photographer Assistants: Jelena Ivovic & Diane Choi Stylist: Cristina Wasserman Stylist Assistant: Brian Robotham Men’s Grooming: Jenny Gonzalez Videographer: Bojan Ivovic Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to MarieBelle New York (@mariebelleofficial - mariebelle.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Blazer, ROWING BLAZERS. Shirt, ROWING BLAZERS. Trousers, UNTITLED COLLECTIVE. Ring, LUVMYJEWELRY. Stud earring, TALENT’S OWN.

EMMA KENNEY

Hoorah.

One. Last.

Samantha Orr

With an ever-evolving career, Emma Kenney has faced and overcome challenges while proving to be an inspirational figure at just the age of 20.

The starlet got her start when she was 5. Since her career took off, she has landed roles on hit shows like The Conners, Shameless, and Roseanne, and voiced the character of Marigold Girl in the 3D, CGI-animated film epic (2013). Just as notable, Kenney was the youngest finalist to compete in the New Jersey International Film Festival, directing The New Girl in Town at 9 years old.

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EMMA KENNEY

D Jumpsuit, THAI NGUYEN ATELIER. Shoes, MANHATTAN BEACH FOOTWEAR. Earrings, JOIA ACCESSORY.

espite her success, growing up in an industry like Hollywood hasn’t always been easy for Kenney. In 2018, she informed her fans that she would be taking some personal time to get healthy as she tweeted: “hello & goodbye (for a bit) ive decided to take a break from social media and LA for a minute. this sounds so cliche but this town/industry can really get to you. going to re-find my peace happiness.” Since her announcement, the actress has found that her honesty can help those going through a similar situation. “Whether it be an addiction, substance abuse, or eating disorders, there are so many different ways that people can struggle. I think that when I was younger, I just got kind of lost.

I guess you could call it my rebellious stage. I was running in a bad circle and doing things that I shouldn’t have been doing. I honestly think about it, and I am glad that I got those experiences out of the way at such a young age,” she reflects.

“I have no intention of doing that kind of stuff or abusing substances again. I had a really great support around me and went to a nice program to detox my system. I was really thankful that I had

this experience to grow. Now, I just want to be content with myself. It is something that I work on every day. I try to make the best of my situations and find the silver lining in everything.”

On another note, Kenney is very committed to animal rights as she has worked with non-profits like Mercy For Animals, PETA, and Best Friends Animal Society. “I have always been very passionate about animal rights, and adopting and not shopping when it comes to getting a pet. Once I have the time and resources, I would also love to start my own animal shelter where any animal on the street can come in and be safe,” affirms Kenney, who has adopted three furry friends so far.

Moreover, Kenney has big aspirations for the future. “I am very interested in directing, producing, and maybe even writing one day. I have always been a little bit intimidated by writing because you’re more vulnerable. But I would love to create a script at some point,” she says.

Photographer & Videographer: Catherine Asanov (@catherineasanov) Stylist: Andrew Philip Nguyen Hair: Carina Tafulu (using amika & Oribe) Makeup: Phoebe Dawson (using BECCA Cosmetics) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Asian Box (@asianbox www.asianbox.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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I have always been very passionate about animal rights, and adopting and not shopping when it comes to getting a pet. Once I have the time and resources, I would also love to start my own animal shelter where any animal on the street can come in and be safe.

Jumpsuit, THAI NGUYEN ATELIER. Shoes, FREE LANCE. Earrings, JOIA ACCESSORY.

CHRIS SULLIVAN

What Do You Have To Say? Gavy Contreras

Chris Sullivan has been winning the hearts of America by portraying the charismatic character Toby Damon on NBC’s hit show This Is Us. Born in Palm Springs and raised in Sacramento, the California-based actor (who is also a musician and plays under the pseudonym Joseph The Spouse) has come a long way from his Jesuit High School theatre start. Two years after starring as Taserface in the blockbuster film Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Sullivan earned his first Emmy nomination for his role on This Is Us. “[The nomination] was a great acknowledgment of all the people who took a chance on me or sacrificed their time, energy, and money to help promote this line of work that I don’t take for granted,” says Sullivan, mainly referring to his parents. Having found his footing in the industry, he encourages aspiring actors to “go out and experience the world and become a more well-rounded person” as he believes actors should just “go out and live,” in order to reflect emotions back to their audience.

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CHRIS SULLIVAN

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s someone who has gone out to experience as much as he can and takes great pleasure in his work, with his portrayal of Toby Damon, Sullivan has been able

to captivate audiences worldwide and has even been able to relate to his character on a deep and personal level: “I definitely share similar anxiety issues and will use comedy and my humor to put people at ease or build an armor around myself. He’s probably the closest character I’ve ever played to myself,” he says.

When I mention that the show is no stranger to dark and complex storylines, such as struggles with mental health and depression, moreover, he responds, “I was glad for the opportunity to flesh out my character and show that the version we often see of people is curated and one-sided. It’s important to remember that everybody is going through something. The best part of This Is Us is that the characters are all familiar, we know and have met people like them, and thanks to the creator and writing staff, we are given the opportunity to show these different sides that people wouldn’t normally see.”

In addition, with his wife Rachel, Sullivan strongly advocates for To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), a non-profit dedicated to

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supporting and helping people struggling with depression, addiction, self-harm, and suicide.

“Since I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression, it’s a cause very close to my heart, and I think it’s something we should all be talking about,” adds Sullivan. “We put people in this place of shame, and it makes them not want to talk to others and reach out and ask for help. I don’t think we have a mental-health problem in this country, I think we have a mental-health stigma problem.”

Being on one of the biggest TV shows in the nation, as well as in one of the biggest feature films, comes fame, something that Sullivan hopes to use to shed light on often-overlooked issues.

“My wife and I want all of our endeavors to speak on behalf of our values,” he affirms. “The most important benefit of being a public figure is that people are looking and people are listening. And so if they’re looking and listening, what do you have to say?”

Photographer: KAT Photographer Assistants: Rieko Takagi & Chanchala Singh Stylists: Lisa Cera & Tyler McDaniel (for Crosby Carter Management) Videographer: Luis Martinez Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Asian Box (@asianbox www.asianbox.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Blazer, TALLIA ORANGE. Shirt, ETON SHIRTS. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN. Ring, PHILLIP GAVRIEL. Pants, BONOBOS. Shoes, TAFT.

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White lace unitard, I LOVE FOUR SEASONS. Pink long shirt, ERGON MYKONOS. Headband, STYLIST’S OWN. Sunglasses, RAY-BAN. Earrings, PYRRHA.

Wicker cap with veil, MISA HARADA. Purple shirt, MALAN BRETON. Floral trousers, MALAN BRETON.

Purple eye jumper, MANIMEKALA. Orange velvet trousers, NO WALLFLOWER PROJECT. Green earrings, ACCESSORIZE. Photographer: Owen James Vincent Digital Technician: Jordan Hayes Model: Saskia Kwaaitaal (for First Model Management) Stylist: Megan Smales Hair & Makeup: Ruth Warrior

Floral dress, LIVIA TANG. Trainers, LACOSTE. Hat, KANGOL. Bracelets, LES GEORGETTES BY ALTESSE.

The Thing About Jake Borelli

JAKE BORELLI

Inspiration can be found in the most improbable places. For instance, Jake Borelli’s aspirations of being an actor started with the children’s television series Barney & Friends. A young Borelli would express his desire to “go there,” when he watched the show. While his mother assumed that he was referring to the location where the series was shot, the former Nickelodeon

Alain Clerine

star actually meant that he wanted to be a part of the production and to share the screen with the titular character Barney.

The Columbus, Ohio-born actor describes his childhood as “your average suburban life” with a nice little perk: getting a chance to see the world due to his father’s job at United. After broadening his horizons on expeditions, Borelli would audition for local productions when he was as young as 9 years old. “I did 3 to 4 plays a year up until high school,” he recalls. “That’s how I learned to act and learned that I could be good at this one day.”

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fter high school, he moved to Los Angeles in pursuit of a full-time acting career. Thanks to his youthful looks, he was able to get a manager relatively fast and book commercials and guest roles on a number of popular Nickelodeon series like iCarly and True Jackson, VP before securing a recurring role on The Thundermans.

“That was a dream job for me, and I loved it,” Borelli shares. “My dream is to be on a network sitcom, and Nickelodeon is like a training ground for that.”

Jacket, BORRIS POWELL. Top, H&M. Pants, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, VINCE.

JAKE BORELLI

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espite his budding success, though, Borelli felt he needed a change in his life.

With The Thundermans coming to an end, he decided that this was the perfect time, so he sold his car, got rid of his apartment, and moved to New York City with plans to study theatre. Therefore, it came as a surprise when he landed an audition for a role on Grey’s Anatomy – the longest-running medical drama on ABC – six weeks after his move. Although the audition “seemed so out of reach for me,” his initial disbelief turned to astonishment as he put together a reel and ended up scoring the role of surgical resident Dr. Levi Schmitt.

Despite his already-successful career, furthermore, Borelli regularly attends acting classes, continually improving himself as a professional. “I think it’s so important to always be honing your craft and learning. I’m learning every day. Grey’s itself is like a boot camp for television acting, my co-stars are my teachers,” asserts Borelli, also sharing with me his late-night tales of reading plays with friends. “Never stop learning, never stop reading.”

Photographer & Videographer: Baylee Thorburn Stylist: Lauren Ashley Men’s Grooming: Kayla Ramos Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Ambassador Chicago (@ambassadorchicago - ambassadorchicago.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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NAOMI (TRINITY FATU)

Believing In The

Glow Alain Clerine

In the world of professional wrestling, the character developed to be presented to the audience needs to be unique in some shape or form – in order to get over with the crowd. So it comes as no surprise that Trinity Fatu (who performs under the name Naomi) has been a mainstay in the WWE for nearly a decade since the former Orlando Magic dancer has parlayed her superb physical talents into an athletic career. “I always had a knack for performing,” she says. “I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be an entertainer.”

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Shoes, CREATIVE RECREATION (FROM ETCETERA LOS ANGELES).

NAOMI (TRINITY FATU)

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s a youth, Fatu ran track and field (competed in the long jump), was a part of a weightlifting team, and was trained in dance (tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and modern).

Although an already diverse and talented performer, she was still unsure of where her athletic exploits would take her, but she knew she wanted it to revolve around her dancing. She then joined the Orlando Magic dance team, which required a lot of travel. It was during this period that she first watched a professional wrestling show when WWE brought a live performance to Orlando’s Amway Center. “I was blown away,” she recalls of her first time seeing the women perform.

“I was like, ‘I know I can do that.’”

After witnessing the perfect mix of theatre and athleticism, Fatu soon opted to try out for the WWE’s developmental territory and told herself, “I like it, this is cool. It keeps me in shape, and it keeps me fit. So I’ll keep doing it until I figure out what’s next.”

She spent about two-and-a-half years in developmental, where she learned to wrestle, work on her gimmick, and cut promos (“When I realized how serious it was, it completely changed my life”), before her main-roster debut alongside Cameron, forming The Funkadactyls, in 2012.

The duo riled up the crowd with their catchy theme song and snazzy dance moves. Professional

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wrestling, after all, is nothing if not cyclical; wrestlers are often looking to reinvent themselves and remain relevant to the audience – and Fatu was no different. After years of performing as a tag team, it was time for her to focus on a singles career. She took this opportunity and let her creativity shine. Her kaleidoscopic “Feel the Glow” entrance – where her in-ring costume glows in the dark – has been a highlight of WWE programming. “It took me two years to get that on TV. I had been pitching it literally for two years,” she shares. “I just knew that was me, and that was what kind of set me apart.”

Last year, moreover, Fatu was inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Alumni Hall of Fame, and is appreciative of and cherishes the opportunity to have an impact on young kids. “I grew up in a Boys & Girls Club. Seeing all these little kids who look like me, grew up like me, growing through the same stuff I’ve been through, it’s giving me purpose,” she says of her new outlook on life.

Photographer: KAT Digital Technician: Brandon David Roth Stylist: Sybs Speck Hair: Tiffany Daugherty Makeup: Hendra Nasril Videographer: Nick Horne Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Asian Box (@asianbox www.asianbox.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Dress, MAISON LETHICIA BRONSTEIN (FROM ETCETERA LOS ANGELES). Bra, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, PSKAUFMAN (FROM ETCETERA LOS ANGELES).

I grew up in a Boys & Girls Club. Seeing all these little kids who look like me, grew up like me, growing through the same stuff I’ve been through, it’s giving Hat, MILLIONAIRE (FROM MEDIA PLAYGROUND PR).

me purpose.

Because peace of mind is freedom.

K E E P Y O U R F A M I LY , F R I E N D S , A N D Y O U R L I B E R T Y S A F E F R O M C O V I D - 1 9 F R E E D O M T E S T K I T. C O M

Vegan ostrich feather white top, ATELIER PATTY ANG. Pearl earrings, GIVENCHY. Ring, MAYA BRENNER.

MADISON ISEMAN

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Headline Tara McDonough

Before starring in blockbuster films like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Annabelle Comes Home, Madison Iseman got her big break at age 19, playing the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus’ character in Still the King. “I didn’t really know how to be on set,” she recalls. “That taught me all the fundamentals of being an actor and how to develop a character.” Since then, Iseman has been in a variety of films, including the post-apocalyptic Riot Girls, the holiday comedy Feast of the Seven Fishes, and, of course, Jumanji: The Next Level.

From a very young age, Isemen knew she wanted to work in film, whether that be in front of the camera or behind it. At 16, she moved to California; through some luck and a lot of hard work, she became involved with great projects and people that helped jump-start her career. Before she knew it, the script for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle came across her desk. “I don’t even know if I was necessarily ready for it, or even knew the full potential of what Jumanji was going to be,” she says. “It was a very big, eye-opening experience.”

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Finale dress, FAITH CONNEXION (FROM PURPLE). Shoes, JIMMY CHOO. Earrings, GIVENCHY. Ring, MAYA BRENNER.

MADISON ISEMAN

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hen it came time to work on the sequel, Iseman felt that she had very big shoes to fill. Luckily, she had new and exciting material and co-stars to work with. “They took the core of what we had in the first one and made it bigger and better.

They expanded the world of Jumanji and did something totally different,” she explains.

As her 2019 was jam-packed with project after project, Iseman will be seen in the upcoming Blumhouse Television/Amazon Studios movie Nocturne, alongside Sydney Sweeney. The supernatural thriller follows the story of two sisters at a prestigious music school. “I’ve always wanted to work with Blumhouse, and Amazon, as well,” she says. “It was one of those scripts that you don’t really see often – it’s very original and dark.”

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Although she is constantly working, it’s a dream come true for her: “The relationships I’ve made at work are some of the greatest relationships I have in my life. It’s really special,” affirms Iseman, who looks forward to getting more involved in the filmmaking process. As an avid reader, her lifelong dream is to adapt one of her favorite novels to the screen. She’s still waiting on the perfect book, but when she does find it, she’s determined to bring it to life. “Even if I’m not even in it, I’ve just always wanted to be a part of [a project like] that – that’s always been a really special thing to me,” she shares.

Photographer: Nuttia Sunittramat Stylist: Neal St Onge Stylist Assistant: Destiny Ly Hair: Ryan Richman Makeup: Molly Greenwald Videographer: Mason Kim Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Mondrian Los Angeles (@mondrianlosangeles - www.morganshotelgroup.com/mondrian/ mondrian-los-angeles) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

Sheer sequin set, FAITH CONNEXION (FROM PURPLE). Earrings, KENDRA SCOTT (FROM HL GROUP). Ring, MAYA BRENNER. Shoes, JEWEL - BADGLEY MISCHKA.

ELIZABETH FAITH LUDLOW

Freedom of

Expression Lydee Striplin

“It was definitely something that was always inside of me,” Elizabeth Faith Ludlow says of acting. “A part of me, a desire to express myself creatively and emotionally through performing.” Growing up in Savannah, Georgia, she was constantly singing, dancing, and acting around the house with her friends, and pursued that path throughout middle school and high school, eventually earning a minor in theatre and booking her first network television role on The Vampire Diaries in 2013. From there, she went on to appear in The Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

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Dress, NADYA DZYAK. Shoes, CASADEI. Socks, TALENT’S OWN. Earring, TALENT’S OWN.

On left: Complete look, CHIARA BONI - LA PETITE ROBE. On right: Suit, FAITH CONNEXION. Necklace, DAVID YURMAN. Shoes, ALEVÌ MILANO. Earring, TALENT’S OWN.

ince 2019, Ludlow has starred on Netflix’s Another Life as Cas Isakovic, a fierce second-in-command filled with courage and moral conviction. Ludlow says she was attracted to the strength of the character and her ability to take control of a situation as she understands the power of representation and strives to take roles that show women in power for the sake of “future generations of females.”

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uccess didn’t always come easy for Ludlow, though. “I grew up in the Deep South, and there were no outlets for this line of work for me.

It was unheard-of to do something like this, and I didn’t know how I was going to go about doing it.

Growing up in the South and being a female, and being a woman of color, there’s a lot that you have to deal with,” she shares. “It’s an ongoing struggle, and it will continue to be. Hollywood and the world in general aren’t really made for women or people of color. I have made so much progress, and I want women and people in my position to see that – this is possible, you can do it.”

Moreover, Ludlow actively supports A Sense of Home, a non-profit that creates homes for foster youth aging out of the foster-care system. “I was in foster care briefly, but I have been so blessed by the family that chose me. I want to work with foster kids and bring them hope, and let them know it doesn’t matter where you came from – your dreams are possible to reach if you just put in the work and continue to better yourself and educate yourself,” she affirms.

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Eventually, Ludlow is hoping to get behind the camera and start directing – and to create more roles for women of color and “open people’s minds and keep educating people.” Additionally, she has been heavily inspired by her adoptive mother and wants to direct a feature about her journey as a South African immigrant. “Her experiences are, on one hand, horrific, but on the other hand, they’re very necessary for people to understand what it takes and what it’s taken for women of color to make it anywhere,” she adds.

“I just want to find as many ways as I can to bring hope for people and women and children. The world we live in can be disheartening at times, and I think people need hope, things to look up to, and things to look forward to, so whatever way I can do that is what I’m trying to do. I just want to find a way to bring hope to people.”

Photographer: KAT Digital Technician: Brandon David Roth Stylist: Jennifer Austin Hair: Carina Tafulu (using amika) Makeup: Dillon Peña (for TheOnly.Agency using Lancôme) Videographer: Nick Horne Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Sanook Soi 38 (@sanook_soi38 www.sanooksoi38.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Suit, ETRO. Hat, THE MILLINERY GUILD. Rings, DAVID YURMAN. Cuff, DAVID YURMAN. Shoes, RUTHIE DAVIS. Earring, TALENT’S OWN.

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ISLAND Thomas Wilmer

Imagine a private tropical isle with your very own palatial waterfront villa. Following a seductive soak in your beachside plunge pool, your two housemen arrive with an icy libation and a snack of fresh-caught lobster. Imagine: a private isle situated in the midst of one of the planet’s largest and most beautiful barrier reefs with gin-clear water, where snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing are the stuff of legend.

Welcome to “your private island” – Cayo Espanto nestled off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea is a place where dreams become reality.

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ayo Espanto was envisioned

by Jeff Gram, who turned a personal dream of creating an ultra-luxe destination into reality. A place imbued with stellar service, melded with the world’s finest cuisine sourced locally from fishermen and farmers – a place where your wish is a command, exemplified by the old adage – there’s only one class, and that’s first class. That said, Cayo Espanto has been humming along since 1999, discretely attracting honeymooners and celebrities, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Gates, Tiger Woods, and Jennifer Lawrence. “I created Cayo as an oasis for lovers, but equally alluring for the solo traveler seeking blissful peace, and family getaways, [including] some who take over the entire seven-villa island for a lifetime of memories,” Gram says.

Even the process of getting there is part of the magic. We flew United from Houston to Belize City, where a Cayo representative was waiting to seamlessly whisk us through customs and expedite boarding the Tropic Air hopper flight to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. From there, another Cayo rep drove us to nearby docks to meet the shuttle boat that zipped us across the bay to our private island.

The entire staff – including cooks, housemen, housekeepers, and masseuse – formed a receiving line and awaited our arrival on the dock. The finetuned, nuanced training of staff members is so peerless that they could serve as tutors for staff at premier five-star resorts around the world. Their delivery, style, grace, and authentic friendliness have tempted more than one multi-millionaire guest to offer a king’s ransom and spirit away staff members to their own mansions in the Hamptons. Oh, and that leads to another nuance of perfection: My partner and I agreed that our massages on this isolated islet were among the best treatments we’d ever had anywhere in the world.

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dditionally, Gram totally values his workers, and treats them with the respect of treasured friends, providing an incredibly handsome compensation package. He proudly notes that one of his employees has parlayed his pay into ownership of six homes in his nearby hometown.

There’s a little more on service: When our two housemen delivered a meal or drink, it was done with a graceful precision, reminiscent of two syncopated ballerinas. They deftly slid in a plate or flatware from our left, with right arms artfully resting behind their backs.

“I didn’t realize how much I needed a chill-out trip until I settled in at my waterfront villa,” Johanna Read from Vancouver, British Columbia, says. “I unpacked, changed into my breezy island-wear, ate a delicious seafood lunch on my private deck next to my plunge pool, took some photos of the cerulean sea, and felt my blood pressure drop. This was my first trip in, I don’t know how long, where I could just relax, enjoy the vistas, swim whenever I wanted, read a book, or just gaze at the stars.”

Courtney Cacatian from Charlottesville, Virginia, adds, “Each meal served in our cabana was more impressive than the last, and when we left the island, our first thought was to form a plan to save enough money to return for another dose of pure indulgence.”

For more details, visit: @aprivateisland – aprivateisland.com

White shirt with writing, ASSEM ISSINGARINA. Leather trousers, MAYYA AGAYEVA. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN. Glasses, TALENT’S OWN.

DAVIDO

Time A Great

Alain Clerine

How is success measured in the entertainment industry? Whether it is by garnering award nominations, hitting a billion streams, selling out arenas, or having platinum-selling albums, singer-songwriter and producer David Adedeji Adeleke, known by his stage name Davido, has cemented his status as an international star: a sold-out gig at the 20,000-capacity O2 in London, chart-topping songs like “If” and “Fall,” and various awards and nominations. Who could have seen this coming? Certainly not Adeleke, whose career in music started out of sheer curiosity. “I used to have a cousin that would take me to the studio when I was younger,” he recalls. “One day, I just tried to work my way around with the equipment, and I fell in love with recording.”

Eventually drawn into the world of music production, Adeleke began creating his own music. “Honestly, I didn’t really start off as a serious musician, I just fell into it,” the 27-year-old Nigerian artist says. “I was recording music, and it just started getting bigger and bigger.” Taking Afrobeats to another level to be appreciated globally, while it didn’t come as a shock, the success of his 2011 hit “Back When” was certainly not planned.

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Black suit jacket, MALAN BRETON. Black suit trousers, MALAN BRETON. White shirt, T.M.LEWIN. Black boots, UNDERGROUND. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN. Glasses, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN.

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egardless, the time has come for him to lead the way and break through the U.S. music industry. With his easy-going attitude and furious work ethic (he’s currently based in Atlanta, Lagos, and London),

Jacket, RAF STESMANS. Pants, RAF STESMANS. White shirt, T.M.LEWIN. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN. Glasses, TALENT’S OWN. Hat, REISS.

Adeleke’s latest album A Good Time, incorporating his charisma and uplifting instrumentation, has already (and undeniably) generated major buzz from critics.

Here comes the question: How does the awardwinning superstar know when he’s had a hit on his hands? In fact, he doesn’t. “I just live my life, honestly. I don’t plan anything. I record and just hope for the best. God has always been there for me, giving me the best,” Adeleke says. “Anything you do in life, you should love your occupation. I love my job. Whether I’m making money or not, I would still do music. My goal is to keep making beautiful music, and whatever comes out of that, I will accept it.”

Photographer: Owen James Vincent Stylist: Megan Smales Men’s Grooming: Neusa Neves (using NARS Cosmetics) Videographer: Olivia Hoole Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Sony Music UK (@sonymusicuk www.sonymusic.co.uk) & MEATliquor (@meatgram - meatliquor.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Suit, KALISSI. Necklace, KLOTO. Ring, KLOTO. Shoes, RUPERT SANDERSON LONDON.

CLAUDIA JESSIE

Happines

World in This

Samantha Orr

As an accomplished actress, Claudia Jessie has starred on ITV’s Vanity Fair, BBC One’s WPC 56, and the medical comedy Porters on Dave. Furthermore, she will be seen on Bridgerton, based on the same-name familial series from Julia Quinn and executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes, as the show is hitting Netflix this year. “I can’t believe I get paid for what I do. Something of this scale is unreal,” she says. “I auditioned for the role of Penelope, a different character, and was offered the role of Eloise, which makes so much sense to me! The show is so beautifully cast. I felt really honored when I got the news. It has been the greatest job I have ever had – it is so exciting. I am still coming to terms with it!”

She has always had an actual knack for acting, but since making a name for herself in the industry, the British actress has faced some challenges. “For me, acting is joyful, natural, and organic, but the most challenging part is this inner monologue I have with myself. I think we all have it as human beings. I don’t think it is necessarily just assigned to this industry,” she shares. “But I’ve had feelings of self-doubt or that I don’t belong here. I didn’t have a classic trajectory into this industry, but I’ve learned to tell myself, ‘I do belong here. It’s okay.’ The way I have been able to get through these challenges is, I have strongly practiced Buddhism for the last 13 years. Buddhism has been the backbone and strength of my life that have kept me steady.”

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essie then discusses the importance of self-care and extending that compassion to others. In fact, she utilizes her own social media to advocate for mental-health awareness. Although you won’t see her walking around with a selfie stick anytime

soon, she wants to encourage others whenever possible. “There’s nothing harder than to be a human being with the capacity we have to feel, communicate, react, and respond. Also, we haven’t evolved as quickly as our environment, so we are bound to suffer the human condition, such as anxiety, sadness, depression, and even immense fear,” she says, before adding a quick joke: “Essentially, we are all just little idiots running around, trying not to ruin our lives.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, moreover, due to limited access to resources, cost, and the stigma attached to mental-health problems, there are often long delays between the first appearance of symptoms and when people get help. “We create an environment that welcomes everyone as they are.

I just think talking and reaching out are pure.

However, not everyone may have the capacity to do that,” Jessie adds. “That’s why it is so important not to leave anyone behind. Sometimes, it’s that extra text to a mate that can make a difference. Though we live in our own bodies and we have our own experience, we are not alone.”

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Although she is proud of her successful career, Claudia Jessie never forgets where it all began.

“My mom has done everything to make sure I had a life that she didn’t. She would clean houses and take me with her whilst home-schooling me.

She did everything to make sure that we had food. She did things like cleaning the house of a violin teacher or the house of a ballet instructor in exchange for my lessons. She was creative and thoughtful so that we could really do what we wanted. Personally, I am so proud that maybe I’ve been able to release some pressure for my family. I get emotional just talking about it,” Jessie says, her voice choking up. “I didn’t come from a financially stable place, so seeing the payoff for them is unbelievable. That means everything to me. It is my proudest achievement.”

Photographer & Videographer: Owen James Vincent Stylist: Joanna Valmai Wills Hair & Makeup: Desmond Grundy (for Terri Manduca using Bumble and bumble. & bareMinerals UK) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Andaz London Liverpool Street (@andazlondon - www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/englandunited-kingdom/andaz-london-liverpool-street/longe) & Rake’s Café Bar (@rakescafebar www.rakescafebar.co.uk) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

HILTON ANATOLE

A Couple Nights in the

Hilton Anatole

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he Hilton Anatole in Dallas is an enjoyable experience. Their 45-acre campus houses an expansive art collection, the largest in the nation. I loved the resort and was surprised by the interesting artifacts of historical significance throughout the entire property. Their accommodations include 1,606 luxuriously appointed guest rooms with first-class inroom amenities.

One of many highlights was the resort-style waterpark, JadeWaters, featuring a lazy river, luxury cabanas, two 30-foot slides, a leisure pool and more. For the less comfortable swimmers or younger crowd, there are plenty of lifeguards on duty. I personally felt comfortable and safe while my son enjoyed JadeWaters. The amenities were perfect and family-friendly, and we were grateful for the accommodations.

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Vanessa Ferrelli & Kristina Villarini

There are many convenient elements that you don’t even notice (but come to appreciate), like the separate elevator banks that take you directly to the indoor pool from the Atrium guest rooms.

The hotel offers guests 600,000 square feet of event space as well as a variety of recreational activities. When you need a great place to get an early-morning workout, they have the 80,000-square-foot Verandah Fitness Club & Spa, tennis courts, indoor jogging track and more.

If you’re hungry, be sure to dine at one or all of the nine unique restaurants and bars, including the critically-acclaimed SER Steak + Spirits, which was named one of Dallas’ 10 Best Steakhouses by D Magazine in 2018.

Moreover, the staff was friendly and helpful for the duration of our stay. They reached out to make sure everything was comfortable – which was considerate and much appreciated.

For more details, visit: @hiltonanatole – www.hiltonanatolehotel.com

CREATE THE PERFECT ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE FOR YOU Those who live to travel and visit different countries begin to build a collection of memories from one location to the next.

Some destinations will have them seeing the vast mountain ranges and fields of green, while others will take them across the seven seas. However, many who travel don’t always explore their surroundings; they only go sightseeing. Henry Cookson and his team are here to truly show people what it means to travel.

ounded in 2009, Cookson Adventures aims to be different when it comes to providing clients with unique and irreplaceable memories. Henry Cookson and his team of travel and exploration specialists are leading the way by bringing luxury and the thrill of adventuring to clients in search of new travel plans. Whether it’s plowing through the Arctic tundra on the SuRi expedition yacht, discovering the depths of the seas in U-Boat Worx’s Cruise Sub 7 submersible, or taking to the skies in a Eurocopter AS350 helicopter, Cookson Adventures will be your guide to creating ever-lasting memories.

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rmed with the many years of collective experience and experts coming from a wide range of backgrounds (such as former army and military personnel, luxury travel specialists, and even former documentary film crew), Cookson Adventures tailors every adventure to the clients’ requirements – you can be sure that your top-of-the-line adventure will be designed specifically to your desires.

By utilizing some of the most advanced technical equipment and technology, Cookson Adventures will make sure clients will have everything they need in order to fully immerse themselves in the journey. Bringing luxury along for the adventure, the SuRi exploration yacht is the perfect companion for sailing the seas or reaching the snowy tundra.

Able to hold a guest capacity of twelve people, SuRi contains a collection of various suites and cabins to provide them comfort and relaxation while out on a journey. Aside from living large, SuRi is also large enough to house a landing pad, a SeaRey seaplane, a Munson Packman landing craft, and a number of other vehicles to offer clients various means of exploration.

For the current 2020 and 2021 lineup of adventure destinations, clients will be exploring parts of the Pacific Ocean, including Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga, French Polynesia, and the Galápagos and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

For more details, visit: @cooksonadventures – cooksonadventures.com

Sweater dress, ZARA. Shoes, JESSICA RICH COLLECTION (TALENT’S OWN). Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

K. MICHELLE

All Rebellious Monsters are

Human Alain Clerine

“I would just like to sing. I just like to do the music. I don’t like all the other stuff that comes with it,” says K. Michelle, who sometimes hits the headlines for things other than her music. According to the R&B songstress, though, she would rather focus all of her attention on her singing, an ability which has defined her as an artist. Her voice that could light up an entire stadium cannot be denied even when the spotlight is sometimes on other areas of her life.

Born Kimberly Michelle Pate, the Memphis native idolized the likes of Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige, and would go to vocal lessons instead of gymnastics classes. After graduating from Florida A&M University, she decided to pursue a career in music. But getting into the music industry is not all roses, and she would like aspiring artists to understand the realities.

“You have to make sure you have the right team. You have to make sure that your manager is good,” she says. “There are tons of obstacles. And sometimes, people aren’t who they say they are.”

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Glitter dress, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

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s her popularity grew, Michelle was cast to be a part of the popular reality series Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.

While her musical talent was not always showcased, the show did give her a certain amount of exposure she wasn’t receiving at the time. She is a real artist with something to say, but there are also admitted drawbacks to starring in a reality series. “Having to deal with the stereotypes of it is a headache,” she shares. “It’s a headache that I don’t think people understand when they are trying to get into the business.”

With a string of successful albums under her belt, Michelle has cemented herself as a mainstay of soul and R&B. As her latest album – ALL MONSTERS ARE HUMAN – reveals a more honest and vulnerable side of her, she is not afraid to talk about her struggles, including the raw truth about plastic surgery and body enhancements.

Young women often feel pressured to alter their bodies in hopes of being more successful, which Michelle fell victim to, eventually getting hip and butt injections. Everything felt fine for about five years until she started to experience fatigue, migraines, and back and leg pain. The silicone had spread down her legs, damaging the tissue, and Michelle had to undergo multiple surgeries and blood transfusions in order to regain her health. When asked for the biggest thing she has learned about herself, she affirms: “I just want to be centered. I want to be in a good place mentally year-round. When everything is mentally right, everything else starts to fall in place.”

Photographer: Tolga Kavut Photographer Assistant: Emel Erdemanar Kavut Stylist: Juelle Alexandra Hair: Daniella Emilien Makeup: Pebbles Cruzado Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Bolay (@bolay - bolay.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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I just want to be centered. I want to be in a good place mentally year-round. When everything is mentally right, everything else starts to fall in place.

Suit, TALENT’S OWN. Shoes, STEVE MADDEN. Jewelry, TALENT’S OWN.

TREVOR STINES

His Very Own Collection of Poems

Gavy Contreras

Trevor Stines has been keeping busy. This young artist has been expanding his acting career, published his own book of poetry in 2018, and recently signed a modeling deal with DT Model Management. “My focus is always going to be on acting, it’s what I love. But I think when you work in entertainment, some of the aspects weave in and out of each other. I’m hoping [the aspects] support and supplement one another,” he says.

The Washington native got his acting start during a 6th grade rendition of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. From there, the young Stines found his calling and continued to act throughout middle school and high school. After a string of roles in some short films, his life in the acting industry changed abruptly when the highly-anticipated gritty teen drama Riverdale (based on the 1940s-era comic, Archie) aired in 2017 and his role as Jason Blossom turned him into a familiar face to teens around the world. “[Riverdale] has afforded me so many new opportunities. I’ve been able to travel to different continents and countries all over the world to meet fans and talk about the show. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my life, and I’m very grateful for it,” he adds.

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Photographer & Videographer: Nuttia Sunittramat Stylist: iCON Billingsley Stylist Assistant: Aceani Michelle Men’s Grooming: Emily Sims Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to LA Daylight Studio (@ladaylightstudio www.ladaylightstudio.com) & The Black Fig (@theblackfigla www.blkfig.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia epkmedia.com)

he 25-year-old creative has found his niche not only in the realm of acting – but also in the realm of poetry.

Coincidentally, Stines was introduced to poetry in the same 6th grade class where he discovered his passion for acting. Thanks to a Robert Frost poem at the classroom entrance posted up by his teacher, his interest in poetry sparked. He studied and read the art form for years, and when he was 24 years old, he successfully published his own literary work, Leather & Glass: Poetry & Prose, which is “an exploration of different aspects of the human experience. It’s what it’s like to get older and see how your views change, to fall in love and feel heartbroken, to fall apart and piece yourself back together. It was a reflection of different experiences I’d had in my life and am still having.” The cover features a cracked, porcelain version of Stines’ face and delves deeper into the meaning of this book.

“I had this idea for the cover being of my face having qualities of shattered porcelain. I kind of think that’s how a lot of people are. We are just holding it together, but throughout our lives, there are these cracks that start to form, and maybe we can fill those cracks with art and poetry,” he describes, adding that he is “anxious” to release a follow-up soon and has so many more creative parts taking shape that he wants to express. “Letting people see these vulnerable parts of yourself – it’s a big part of the journey of being an artist,” affirms Stines. While he continues his journey through the entertainment industry, he hopes to keep his head on his shoulders, learning the different lessons through his artistry.

Black suit, FENDI. Shirt, PAISLEY & GRAY. Black studded boots, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN.

Printed blue suit, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. Boots, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. Shirt, ZEGNA.

Tan turtleneck, PAISLEY & GRAY. Tan pants, MAISON MARGIELA. Loafers, GUCCI.

CUSTOM-DETAIL YOUR LOOK KRISTIN A KITCHE N (@KRIS TINA_KI TCHEN_ STYLIST - FOR OPTION 1 ARTISTS ) PHOTOGRAPHER: DEANNA CANDELAS

FASHION

Established in 2009, HÜES is a unisex jewelry brand comprised of bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. Kelly Hughes, the owner and designer, wanted the brand to be for everyone where you can have a bracelet in the option you choose that you can identify with. HÜES is available in high-end boutiques across the U.S. and on their website.

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ID CUFF BLACK

MINI BRASS - MINI GUNMETAL

Founded at the Pennsylvania State University in 2013, Vortic Watch Company preserves American history, one watch at a time. Most antique American pocket watches today are scrapped for precious metal value of their gold or silver cases. Vortic instead salvages, restores, and transforms those pieces of American history into unique wristwatches. Each and every one-ofa-kind timepiece is built by hand in the Fort Collins, Colorado workshop. The engineering system Vortic has created is the only one in the world designed specifically to convert American pocket watches into wristwatches. Skilled craftsmen restore and rebuild the original antique pocket watches, and the Vortic team creates a custom casing system for each piece. Vortic takes pride in converting family-heirloom pocket watches into wristwatches that can be cherished and actually worn for generations. The Springfield 212 features a pocket watch dial (face), movement (mechanism), and hands, originally manufactured by the Illinois Watch Company in Springfield, Illinois, in 1926. Featuring Vortic’s 3D-printed titanium case, copper crown, and naturally-distressed leather strap, this watch is a beautiful clash of old and new.

THE SPRINGFIELD 212 (46MM)

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FASHION

OCEAN GODDESS BRACELET (SAND DOLLAR)

OCEAN GODDESS BRACELET (SEA GLASS)

LEATHER WRAP (GOLD)

Floridian Ocean Jewelry creates hand-made pieces from local seashells, sea glass, pearls, and stones that reflect the sea, such as turquoise and larimar. Each of their designs echoes the ineffable allure of the ocean in its own unique way. As one-of-a-kind beauties to “keep the ocean close,” they donate five cents of each dollar earned to non-profit organizations to protect our oceans. Those bracelets – with a 14-karat-gold finish on a 14-karat-gold-filled chain – are adjustable in size.

REVERSIBLE OCEAN TREASURE RING

This reversible .925-sterling-silver ring has one side of larimar and the other side of pink conch seashell.

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TURQUOISE OCEAN STONE RING

RAW TURQUOISE TREASURE NECKLACE 14K

Natural turquoise is set in this .925-sterling-sil- Raw turquoise is finished with a 14-karat-goldver ring, which is adjustable in size. filled tip with a 16-inch chain.

FA S H I O N F O R WA R D

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WYATT OLEFF

Samantha Orr

He is Not OKAYwith This

Hailing from the Windy City, Wyatt Oleff moved to Los Angeles and has since made a solid name for himself on big and small screens alike.

You may know Oleff as Peter Quill from Guardians of the Galaxy, or as Stanley Uris from It. More recently, he has starred as Stanley Barber on Netflix’s I Am Not Okay with This, alongside his It co-star, Sophia Lillis; receiving positive reviews from critics, the show’s compelling coming-of-age narrative has shone through as their characters have navigated the clumsiness of adolescence with supernatural twists. “In every character I’ve played, I can always see a bit of myself in them, but I really relate to Stanley Barber! Stanley Barber has a lot of energy, and he makes stupid little comments. He doesn’t care what people think of him. That’s more along the lines of how I am,” he says.

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Pearl jewelry, STYLIST’S OWN. Suit, RAG & BONE. Shoes, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO. Shirt, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN.

Spoon ring, LOREN ROBLES. Shirt, BOSS. Jacket, ACNE STUDIOS. Pants, ZARA. Neck scarf, ZARA. Shoes, JIMMY CHOO. Sunglasses, DIOR.

WYATT OLEFF

G

rowing up in the world of Hollywood, Oleff considers the challenges of relating to other teenagers: “A lot of the earlier work I did got me used to talking with adults versus talking to people my own age.

Sometimes, I will say dumb stuff, or I feel that I am not able to connect with other teenagers. I don’t want to say that I am more mature than other people because I am not! I just have trouble relating to people my age even though I am only 16. I sometimes act older than I look, and I look young for my age,” he candidly shares.

Acknowledging this, however, Oleff is determined to make a difference in the lives of other teens as the young actor has enthusiastically worked with Teen Cancer America where, as their ambassador, he advocates for a comfortable environment for teens undergoing cancer treatment. “Originally, I got involved with Teen Cancer America because my uncle works with them in Chicago. I always felt that I should be using this huge social-media platform for good. I can’t always be posting stupid

stuff,” he says. “Teenagers who are going through cancer treatment don’t often get put in a place where they feel comfortable. Usually, they’re in hospitals with super-young kids or with much older people. They may feel that they don’t fit anywhere at all – and being a teenager is hard enough! Focusing on my age demographic and supporting their cause make me very happy. I am thankful to help out.”

When asked about the future of his career, moreover, Oleff affirms: “I want to become a good storyteller, whether that be for acting, writing, or directing. One of the films that really inspire me is Parasite. I could not stop thinking about how well-crafted it was. I want to be able to make a story like that – something that people can really grab onto.”

Photographer & Videographer: Mason Kim Stylist: Loren Robles Men’s Grooming: Nicole Sanchez Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Pizzanista! (@pizzanista www.pizzanista.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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Silver shirt, MARC JACOBS. Striped blazer, KENZO. Shorts, STAPLE & HUE. Shoes, CONVERSE. Socks, UNIQLO. Necklace, BRANDY MELVILLE.

"

In every character I’ve played, I can always see a bit of myself in them, but I really relate to Stanley Barber!

Stanley Barber has a lot of energy, and he makes stupid little comments. He doesn’t care what people think of him. That’s more along the lines of how I am.

PHELIAN

Beside Soul-Stirring

Sound

Lydee Striplin

If you look up New Orleans-based music producer, Phelian, in an effort to find out what his music is like, you’ll find words like, “ecstasy,” “ethereal,” “haunting,” and “evocative” being used. His unique sound is sometimes ambient, and sometimes energetic. Regardless of the mood, each inspiring tune is bound to pull you in. Phelian is quickly rising to the top of the future-garage scene, a type of music characterized by deep bass paired with driving melodies and soulful vocals, creating a type of techno that rivals any electronic music’s experimental minds thus far. Phelian is one of the fresh, new artists determining the future of this young, fairly unknown genre.

Since the tender age of 11, Phelian has always felt “a lingering desire to translate” his thoughts and emotions. After being introduced to computer-based recording, music was the perfect outlet, and he dove right in. “Back then, I had absolutely no knowledge of anything related to electronic music. All I knew was that I played guitar and wanted to record it. I purchased a cheap guitar interface, which I still have to this day, and slowly started learning the basics,” he says. This kind of do-it-yourself attitude is one of the hallmarks of music production today as long as you have what it takes to succeed on your own art: a passion for the work and a willingness to learn.

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Complete look, BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN. Bracelet, TALENT’S OWN. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

Complete look, BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY. Shoes, TALENT’S OWN. Bracelet, TALENT’S OWN. Wedding band, TALENT’S OWN.

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t wasn’t until 2011 that Phelian started venturing down the rabbit hole of the future-garage genre. “I was instantly transfixed to what I was hearing. Before then, I had never known electronic music to carry that kind of emotional weight,” he recalls. His 2019 album Beside You

was surely a great testament to his ability to convey emotions through sound. However, Phelian says that his proudest moments have not been those album releases – but the messages he receives from fans expressing that his music has helped them get through dark times. “It reaffirms why I decided to embark on this endeavor, connecting with people on that baseline level of sound,” he shares. This connection to his fans is glaringly apparent in the comments section of YouTube, a place usually known for hate and criticism. For instance, when you go listen to Phelian’s song called “Aerias” on YouTube, you will also find fans commenting things like, “Pure bliss,” “This makes me feel very good,” and “This music cleans and helps my mind, thanks so much for letting me hear these sounds.”

Despite the emotional intimacy of his music – or perhaps because of it – Phelian chooses to anonymously connect with people, and

his choice of moniker reflects exactly that.

“Phelian is a name I conjured out of thin air,” he explains. “I thought it would work out well since at the time I thought of it, there were almost no Google search results for the word.”

He adds that this decision has been beneficial to not only himself, but everyone involved in his music and life. His plans for the future include continuing to evolve his sound and to “reach people organically” through composing music. “I want to explore some other genres, try, and show my versatility. There’s a genre I’ve been trying to master for many years now, and I am still not quite ready to release anything yet,” he says.

When asked for advice to those looking to follow in his footsteps, Phelian affirms: “Just be yourself. Be yourself, and be open to learning – and do not give up. Persistence is the key to success in anything. It’s something I still practice to this day.”

Photographer & Videographer: Alexis Interiano Stylist: Jessica Lauren Men’s Grooming: Chasity Stevenson Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Terrell House Bed and Breakfast (@theterrellhouse - www.terrellhouse.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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THOMAS DOHERTY

Backpack Perfectly

Timed

Hazel Mekkattukulam

Hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, Thomas Doherty used to carefully place his tap and ballet shoes at the bottom of his backpack, hiding them under his schoolbooks, lunch, and gym clothes. His mother “would pick me up in the car, and I would get changed from leotards and tights into a football kit,” later blaming traffic as a way to dodge questions when his teammates asked Doherty why he was late all the time. As a kid who kept his acting, musical, and dancing talents “hush-hush,” they’d soon become his passion. He later went to The MGA Academy of Performing Arts and studied musical theatre. The rest is history: What started out as an extracurricular activity has now become a thriving acting career.

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Jacket, 3.1 PHILLIP LIM. Shirt, SANDRO PARIS. Pants, STYLIST’S OWN. Shoes, KURT GEIGER. Belt, STYLIST’S OWN. Rings, TALENT’S OWN.

No matter how amazing things look objectively, I am still a human, and we all share a commonality of struggles presented by the human condition.

I think people can forget that sometimes. It was Jim Carrey who said, "I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of, so they can see that it’s not the answer."

Suit, MONSE. Shoes, KURT GEIGER. Rings, TALENT’S OWN.

THOMAS DOHERTY

A

s an actor who believes in doing justice to the character written in the script and giving the audience an honest and profound depiction of the character, Doherty has starred in Catherine the

Great, alongside Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren, and played the complex anti-hero on Legacies. More recently, you may have seen him as charming young musician Liam Shawcross on Hulu’s High Fidelity; this character gave him the opportunity to really dive into his musical strengths. When Doherty went in for the audition, he was asked if he could play the guitar (“Obviously, being an actor, you just say yes all the time”). This resulted in him spending a lot of time in the studio and recording four songs for the soundtrack. For him, channeling his inner 19-year-old wasn’t a challenging task since he pulled from his own experiences, “being a younger artist coming up, and the whole excitement and naïveté of it all.” While living in Brooklyn where the show was filmed, because of the local atmosphere and the creative aura (that are only unique to Brooklyn), it wasn’t hard for him to get into character, leaving his mark on the series and creating a persona that the audience won’t forget.

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In addition to his career achievements, Doherty is also vocal about mental-health awareness. “It’s so important to constantly keep the conversation alive that we need to share and express – not just thoughts, but more importantly, our emotions,” he affirms. “I think we should start to teach children from a young age to express how they feel, to communicate from a place of genuine, authentic emotion, rather than from a suppressed state of learned response – social domestication about how you should be, or what’s appropriate to say or not say, do or not do.”

Now that he has unpacked the backpack he always carried as a young boy, Doherty also wants to acknowledge that “no matter how amazing things look objectively, I am still a human, and we all share a commonality of struggles presented by the human condition. I think people can forget that sometimes. It was Jim Carrey who said, ‘I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of, so they can see that it’s not the answer.’”

Photographer & Videographer: KAT Photographer Assistant: Jeff Bynum Stylist: Dolly Pratt (for The Wall Group) Men’s Grooming: Rachel Burney Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Asian Box (@asianbox www.asianbox.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Shirt, STYLIST’S OWN. Pants, STYLIST’S OWN. Belt, STYLIST’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Rings, TALENT’S OWN.

JACK FALAHEE

Caught in the Undertow, Off to the Weekend Show Hazel Mekkattukulam

A versatile artist knows that various mediums have different things to offer. Jack Falahee, who played the role of Connor Walsh on How to Get Away with Murder, has partnered with his longtime friend Tim Wu (also known as Elephante) to form Diplomacy and dive headfirst into a music scene.

Transitioning from acting on the hit series that has been running for six years, it was important for Falahee not to “come across as an actor that puts out music. I wanted people to know that this is something that we really are passionate about, and it’s not just an attempt to stay relevant.” Their EP is a combination of songs that are taken from Falahee’s diary, presenting a deeply personal, evocative look at the “narrative of me dating a particular person in my twenties with themes of selfworth and maturity” that he felt that people could relate to. According to him, the EP is “more about my inner dialogue with my inner demons.” As he also directed their music videos for “Silver Lake Queen” and “Undertow,” Diplomacy has become another outlet for Falahee, blending his creativity with the musical ability of Wu and making “engaging art that resonates with people and is truthful for the audience.”

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Chambray, NUDIE JEANS CO. Jeans, LEVI STRAUSS & CO. Belt, NUDIE JEANS CO. Boots, RALPH LAUREN.

It’s really about surrounding yourself with people that are as motivated as or more motivated than you are to make the world a better place.

Blazer, HARDY MINNIS. Tee, COMME DES GARÇONS. Jeans, NUDIE JEANS CO. Boots, PAUL SMITH.

Photographer & Videographer: KAT Photographer Assistant: Brandon David Roth Stylist: Jessica Armstrong Men’s Grooming: Kim Verbeck Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Plan Check Kitchen + Bar (@plancheck - plancheck.com) & Asian Box (@asianbox - www.asianbox.com) & Shakey’s Pizza Parlor (@shakeysusa www.shakeys.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

urthermore, as a straight man who has played a gay character on How to Get Away with Murder, Falahee feels very humbled and fortunate to be an ally of the LGBTQ community. “I go back and forth on it every day,” the 31-year-old star says. “I try to put my best foot forward to support a lot of organizations that are near and dear to me, like The Trevor Project.” He also praises the show for its female representation and felt “really lucky that I was on this show led by women” – it was inspiring for him to be surrounded by “the incredible women on the show” and to learn from the conversations on the issues plaguing our society while working there. “It’s really about surrounding yourself with people that are as motivated as or more motivated than you are to make the world a better place,” he affirms. “And I think I was lucky to be cast on a show with all of these incredible actors but also incredible humans who strive to make Hollywood and our planet a safer and more inclusive space.”

JURNEE SMOLLETT

Her Sonic

Scream Ilma Seperovic

“Children at a very young age, most children play pretend, they make up stories, and they use their imagination to act. For children, it’s some of the earliest behaviors that they do – the art of storytelling. It was just, for me, an extension of that, it was fun to do, and I wasn’t aware that it was on a bigger platform,” says Jurnee Smollett, 33, who began her career at an early age as she was featured on shows like Full House, Cosby, and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper; however, to Smollett, it was her just “having fun and playing.” Eventually, as she worked with other influential actors and directors, including Kasi Lemmons, Samuel L. Jackson, Angela Bassett, and Denzel Washington, this has become a huge part of her life. “Once I understood the craft more, it became something I couldn’t live without,” she adds.

Also, due to her upbringing in the Smollett family, it wasn’t a surprise that Smollett continued to work in acting. “My mother was very artistic, she loved the arts,” she recalls. “I just grew up in a very artistic family – whether or not we were going to be in the industry. Everyone was going to be artistic, that’s just who we are.”

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Shirt, J.ING (FROM L.E.R. PUBLIC RELATIONS). Shorts, EQUIPMENT (FROM PURPLE). Jewelry, KASSANDRA NICHOLSON JEWELRY (FROM YAYA PUBLICITY).

with a superpower called Canary Cry, a powerful scream which could break objects and disorientate her opponents. “To me, it’s so fascinating to play a woman who is so powerful, and yet she is in her own way,” she says. “It’s a powerful story to tell everyone. It’s a relatable story because I feel like we all, at some point, struggle with that in our lives, the question of why we are not achieving our true potential, and oftentimes, the answer is us – we’re the ones in our own way.”

Since Smollett started her career at such a young age, she has seen the industry change, such as the #MeToo movement, an increase in representation in lead, major, and speaking roles, and substantial progress on salary equity. “I’m very excited for where the industry is headed – the shift of the balance of power,” she shares. “I’ve definitely seen more women of all kinds behind the camera

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that are telling our stories, which is very exciting to me.”

Gearing up for HBO’s highly-anticipated new drama Lovecraft Country, based on Matt Ruff's novel of the same name, Smollett is a very busy actress but she has also worked with many non-profits, including the Children’s Defense Fund, Artists for a New South Africa, and TIME’S UP. “It’s the responsibility of those of us who have a platform to speak for those who don’t,” she affirms. “You have plenty of powerful women in the industry. But really, one of the missions is to make sure we are using our voice for women in other industries who don’t have the sort of platform or voice that we have. It’s an obligation for us to speak for women of all kinds, women across all industries.”

Photographer: Boris Brenman Stylist: Cristina Wasserman Hair: Nikki Nelms Makeup: Vincent Oquendo Makeup Assistant: Jackie Piccola Videographer: Diane Choi Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown (@fsnydowntown www.fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown/) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

Top-right: Dress, RICHARDS RADCLIFFE (FROM SHOWROOM SEVEN). Earrings, LAURA CASPI JEWELRY (FROM YAYA PUBLICITY). Ring, ERICKSON BEAMON (FROM SHOWROOM SEVEN). Bottom-right: Shirt, EQUIPMENT (FROM PURPLE). Shorts, EQUIPMENT (FROM

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n the recently-released Suicide Squad spin-off, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), Smollett acted as Dinah Lance – better known as Black Canary – a world-class martial artist

PURPLE). Jewelry, LUVMYJEWELRY & JENNIFER ZEUNER JEWELRY (FROM YAYA PUBLICITY).

JURNEE SMOLLETT

Dress, RYAN ROCHE (FROM 180 THE STORE). Feather piece, BÜBISH (FROM YAYA PUBLICITY). Earrings, ETTIKA (FROM YAYA PUBLICITY). Rings, LUVMYJEWELRY & JENNIFER ZEUNER JEWELRY (FROM YAYA PUBLICITY). Shoes, MAVETTE (FROM SHOWROOM SEVEN).

Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Rings, TALENT’S OWN.

Sunglasses, BALENCIAGA (TALENT’S OWN). T-shirt, GIORGIO ARMANI (TALENT’S OWN). Blazer, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). Socks, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). Pants, THEORY (TALENT’S OWN). Shoes, NIKE (TALENT’S OWN). Necklace, TALENT’S OWN.

Ilma Seperovic

ROYCE 5'9"

His Allegory Alain Clerine

In the world of hip-hop, it’s still a constant struggle with a great deal of uncertainty to stay relevant, but for Royce 5'9", his battle to stay relevant made him who he is. Born Ryan Daniel Montgomery, the veteran MC has seen his fair share of turmoil in his quarter-century career.

In Detroit, Michigan, he was first introduced to music through his parents: his father’s instrumentation and the music his mother would play when his parents argued. “My earliest memories of music were always to feel something. That was my connection to music,” the 42-year-old rapper recalls. “It was almost like I felt that was its purpose – just because of the way it got introduced to me.”

Montgomery eventually displayed a certain affinity for hip-hop as his older brother would share the latest music with him; the two would rehearse their favorite records and perform them in front of their parents and family friends.

Soon after, he began writing his own rhymes in his notebook, never to be seen or heard by anyone. “Maybe I was self-conscious, you never know at the very beginning,” he shares with a laugh.

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Sunglasses, KAHOY KOLLECTION. T-shirt, WNDRR (FROM MEDIA PLAYGROUND PR). Blazer, PAISLEY & GRAY (FROM REGARD STYLE HOUSE). Pants, PAISLEY & GRAY (FROM REGARD STYLE HOUSE).

Belt, ATOMIC MISSION GEAR (FROM MEDIA PLAYGROUND PR). Socks, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN). Shoes, CREATIVE RECREATION (FROM ETCETERA LOS ANGELES). Necklace, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Rings, TALENT’S OWN.

ROYCE 5'9"

A

fter high school, he tried his hand at Detroit’s legendary Hip Hop Shop, the clothing store and rap battleground famously highlighted in 8 Mile. During the ordeal, however, Montgomery felt

inferior to other rappers he was surrounded by while future Detroit icons – such as Eminem, Elzhi, Slum Village, Obie Trice, and Proof – were present to witness him getting the mic but not getting a reaction from the crowd. “I took that leap of faith, and I was almost done with rapping,” he acknowledges. Montgomery then honed his skills at an open-mic event at the Ebony Showcase Lounge, citing it as a pivotal moment in his career (“I started getting a little bit of a reaction, I started building my confidence up, I started feeling accepted, and I fell in love with it”).

The reinvigorated rapper went around, took meetings with labels, and recorded songs in New York City. After working on Dr. Dre’s 1999 album, 2001 – one of his notable writing credits to this day – his career started to take shape: a $1 million deal with Tommy Boy Records. “I had met them already, they had passed on me. I played them the same demo that they had passed on. When I played it this time, they loved it,” Montgomery

adds. “At the very beginning, I wanted it all. I was shooting for it all – whatever that took, I was going to do. What I learned through that process was that anything that had me reaching wasn’t natural for me.”

Upon learning that it wasn’t his notoriety that would help him make his mark, he began carving out his own niche in hip-hop as his Tommy Boy deal dissolved. Montgomery’s latest project showcases his own self-improvement and artistic growth as a lyricist extraordinaire: The Allegory.

On the album, he discusses the music industry and black history – warning young entertainers about the pitfalls of not producing quality music and teaching listeners about Sarah Baartman. “I just feel like it’s an obligation we have as OGs,” he says proudly. “It’s like a brotherhood, I want them to be of that thinking.”

Photographer & Videographer: Catherine Asanov (@catherineasanov) Stylist: Sybs Speck Stylist Assistant: Justin Hauffen Men’s Grooming: Phoebe Dawson (using MAKE UP FOR EVER) Editor: Eiko Watanabe Special thanks to Madre! (@madre_losangeles madrerestaurants.com) & EPK Media (@myepk & @epkmedia - epkmedia.com)

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My earliest memories of music were always to feel something.

Sunglasses, KAHOY KOLLECTION. T-shirt, WNDRR (FROM MEDIA PLAYGROUND PR). Blazer, PAISLEY & GRAY (FROM REGARD STYLE HOUSE). Pocket square, PAISLEY & GRAY (FROM REGARD STYLE HOUSE).

Pants, PAISLEY & GRAY (FROM REGARD STYLE HOUSE). Belt, ATOMIC MISSION GEAR (FROM MEDIA PLAYGROUND PR). Socks, BOSS (TALENT’S OWN).

Shoes, CREATIVE RECREATION (FROM ETCETERA LOS ANGELES). Necklace, TALENT’S OWN. Watch, TALENT’S OWN. Rings, TALENT’S OWN.

C O N S C I O U S

FA S H I O N

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2020

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