A Letter from THE FOUNDER OF SHOWSTOPPER Planning our style issue, Harry Styles was an easy choice for our cover star. Harry is constantly challenging the norms. He has created an iconic style of his own and showed the world what it means to be 100% authentic and more purposeful in our lives. Harry has taught us how to be, simply, more human. His style is his message: don’t take yourself too seriously and have fun. Through the years, Showstopper has evolved, creating its own style along the way, and watching dancers do the same. We, as creators, have always tried to stay true to ourselves and create with purpose. Though we provide a competitive outlet for young dancers, we are reminded every day that no matter the style of dance, costume, music, or learning, all dancers come to the same stage, as humans, to portray their most authentic, vulnerable selves. Harry’s new album, Harry's House is all about looking within and challenging who you are around yourself and others. It’s time to press that restart button and learn from Harry. Open your heart and mind to being creative, happy, and nonjudgmental. Be confident and true to your style as you move towards the great new things ahead.
SUMMER 2022 GOSHOWSTOPPER.COM/MAGAZINE
LIFESTYLE
12 18
Trend Report: In or Out?
52
A Dancer's Guide to New York Fashion Week
72
Iconic Styles Throughout History
74
Fashion: Perfect Comebacks
78
Inspired Spaces: Decor Inspired by Harry Styles Songs
Chelsea x Lacey
14 22 28 32 48 50 56
IN EVERY ISSUE Peach Martine Daniele Denise Lawson Morgan Landrigan Alysa Gutierrez-Sierra Celai West Isabella Barrett Adriana Camposano
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Editor's Letter Journey to Crystal Embarrassing Moments Crossword Horoscopes
DESIGNER FEATURES
62 64 66 68
House of Barretti Ashlyn So Scarlett Bella Song Tiger Friday
A few of my favorite Instas from this season! Tag us @goshowstopper for a chance to be featured. FOUNDERS
Debbie & Dave Roberts EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Holly Childs CREATIVE CONSULTANT: Debbie Roberts • FASHION DIRECTOR: Angel Roberts • ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLISTS: Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Brianna Haffey • LEAD DESIGNER: Holly Childs • GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Nikki Cole, Tyler Amaral • LEAD EDITORS: Nikki Cole, Veronica Good • DESIGN/COPY EDITORS: Debbie Roberts, Abbey Macho, Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Hazel VanNewkirk, Tyler Amaral, Earl Tyndall, James Williams • PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ana Ochoa, Holly Childs, Christy Lyn Huebner, Zenda Pham, Ryan Clemens, Susan Ford, Tanya Turner, Bennett Raglin, Vince Trupsin, Reem Abousaif, Moira Epel, Michael Scott, Chanae Goodman, Collette Mruk, Raymond Designz, Marie Lafranque, Brian Jones, Jennifer Lentini, Gerardo J. De Sousa • WRITERS: Holly Childs, Veronica Good • DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND LOCATIONS: Adam Roberts
Photography: (Left) Ana Ochoa, (Right) Instagram • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Holly Childs, Veronica Good
SHOWSTOPPER, INC. NATIONAL DIRECTOR: Debbie Roberts PRESIDENT: Dave Roberts CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AND LEGAL AFFAIRS: Abbey Macho • DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Richard Knox • DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND MEDIA RELATIONS: Nikki Cole • CONTROLLER: Kim Kouba • ASSISTANT CONTROLLER: Craig Goeppinger • SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER AND MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Earl Tyndall • GRAPHICS AND MEDIA PRODUCTION SPECIALIST: Tyler Amaral • MANAGING EDITOR OF SHOWSTOPPER MAGAZINE ONLINE: Veronica Good EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS: Eleanor Cooper, Christin Sandidge
EVENT PRODUCTION DIRECTOR OF EVENT OPERATIONS: Laura Button TRAVEL DIRECTOR AND EVENT COORDINATOR: Patience Wassell • SHOW DIRECTORS: Iliana Gravina, Bailey Rivara ASSOCIATE SHOW DIRECTOR: Heather Bills • TECHNICAL DIRECTORS: Jon Greene, Jeff Cole, Jamie Holliday, Brad Bowles PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR: Jess Cranney • DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS: James Williams • SPECIAL PROJECTS: Greg Kajcienski SPECIAL THANKS (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE): Peach Martine, Lacey Schwimmer, Ava Breeze, Daniele Lawson, The Ford Sisters, Morgan Landrigan, Alysa Gutierrez-Sierra, Sophie Fergi, Mychal-Bella Rayne, Santiago Carrera, Sabrina Lentini, Jordan Preston Carter, Cassie Marin, Kent Boyd, Jearnest Corchado, Christy Lyn Huebner, Celai West, Isabella Barrett, Adriana Camposano, Ashlyn So, Scarlett Bella Song, Bree Hafen, Georgia VanNewkirk, and Harry Styles.
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Cleveland-born and Miami-
trained at Miami Arts, she “first
Del Rey, and Lorde. Her latest
raised, this singer/songwriter
learned to sing by listening to
single, “Romeo and Juliet,” is a
is talented, unique, and rock
Axl Rose, Lady Gaga, Robert
great example of how Peach’s
& roll obsessed. We first
Plant, and Mick Jagger.” From
music works to encompass
interviewed Peach Martine for
a young age Peach has known
the high energy nature of
our online magazine (head to
that music is what she wants
rock & roll while still exploring
goshowstopper.com/magazine
to do, and says “entertaining
the themes of modern-day
to check it out), but we knew
people is [her] purpose.”
relationships.
to get insight on her inspo and
Music isn’t just Peach's passion,
So where did the inspo for
hear about her goals for the
though, it also brings her a
the song come from? Well, “it
future (spoiler alert: they’re
lot of comfort, and she hopes
spun out of that on-top-of-
Rolling Stones big).
her music does the same for
the-world feeling you have
others. “I love that with music
when you’re just getting into a
I’m able to be a friend to so
new relationship,” she shared
we had to do a deeper dive
Photography: Moira Epel • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
LOVE FOR MUSIC
many people,” she shared.
with us. “It captures that
Growing up in Cleveland, the
“Through the very vulnerable
freshness, excitement, and
home of the Rock & Roll Hall
and personal songs I write, I like
promising feeling of falling
of Fame, Peach was exposed
to think I keep my listeners from
in love.” And while she loves
to a wide variety of music
feeling lonely.”
classic rock, it isn't her only
when she was very young. “I’ve always loved [music,]”
rock-influence for her music, INSPO FROM THE GREATS
she revealed. “I remember
in fact, for this particular single she was inspired by
being a little kid and listening
While she got a lot of her early
a band that made its debut
to the radio and CDs and
inspiration from classic rock, the
in the 90s. “I was heavily
copying what my favorite
vulnerability you can hear in her
influenced by Green Day,” she
singers were doing until I
songs stems from her favorite
revealed. The music video for
learned all their tricks.” While
modern-day singers and
"Romeo and Juliet" is out now,
she eventually classically
songwriters, Taylor Swift, Lana
so be sure to check it out!
ICONIC STYLES
MAKIN' MOVES LIKE JAGGER
Her musical style isn’t the only thing inspired by her
Peach has rockstar goals and a rock solid
love of rock. Her fashion choices, too, are inspired
motivation to achieve them. “I like to aim really
by her fav style icon, Mick Jagger. Her fashion
high,” she shared. “I want to go down in history!”
embodies, as she describes, “loud, colorful, glam-
Making as big of an impact on the music industry
rock.” When she’s on the go, she says you can
as her idols is not her only reason behind chasing
usually find her in “high-heeled boots, or otherwise
her goals, though. She considers music her
very unique shoes, hoop earrings, a full face of
purpose, and describes being on stage as always
makeup, and whatever glittery or eye-catching
“[feeling] like home.” She also wants to be that
thing [she] can find.” And while rock & roll has
“home” for her listeners. “I’d just love to be a friend
been known for its bold and controversial choices,
and a role model to as many people as possible,”
Peach steers clear of that and says she “never
she shared. “I think the key to success is just
[wears] anything too revealing; I really aim for
spreading love in the world. If you’re doing a good
‘cool’ and ‘high fashion’ rather than ’sexy.’"
thing for good reasons, people will pay attention."
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"I’ve been dancing since I
DESIGNING HER DREAM LINE
was born, basically.” This is
was going to happen!”
not surprising to hear from
This dream line didn’t exist,
So You Think You Can Dance
so Lacey set out to create it
alum and Dancing with the
herself. Designing costumes for
Stars pro Lacey Schwimmer.
her everything from her own
The Chelsea X Lacey line
Lacey grew up in a dance
projects to Dancing with the
has a ballroom flare, of
family. They own studios,
Stars (where she worked with
course, but it’s also balanced.
dance professionally, and
award-winning design teams
Featuring neons and bright
tour the world performing
each week), Lacey knows how
colors as often as it does
and choreographing for the
to bring a danceable look to life.
neutral looks. It’s dancewear
stage, TV, and film.
She teamed up with California-
for the studio as much as it
based dancewear brand
is for the performing dancer
Chelsea B Dancewear. “I knew
or the convention celebrity—
BALLROOM QUEEN
BALLROOM... BUT BALANCE
about Chelsea B Dancewear
or, you know, icon dancer
Whether you’ve danced
from living in California and
Lacey Schwimmer. There
with Lacey yourself at a
loved that Chelsea made
are samba tops and shorts
convention or obsessed over
everything herself and started
and lots of fringe (Lacey’s
her moves on TV, you know
her company herself,” Lacey
personal favorite). “Of course,
she’s all-dance all the time,
shared about finding her perfect
my fringe pants are my fave.
and she loves to teach. In
home for her dancewear line. “I
I literally wear them every
fact, Lacey started her own
had so much respect for her.”
weekend [to] convention. The
ballroom-focused convention. “[It’s] one hundred percent ballroom dancing from real ballroom professionals.” She Photography: Collette Mruk • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
meeting her. I just knew this
calls it The Ballroom Project. As we all know, dance isn’t just what you do. It’s who you are, who you’re with.
cut, the feel, everything is just
"When I started The Ballroom Project, I had a vision of having a ballroom dancewear line available [...] one I'd actually wear."
It’s your schedule. It’s what
perfect thanks to Chelsea.” Chelsea X Lacey launched at the end of 2021 with the simple stuff, “strong items in different colors.” Lacey shared that they are getting ready for a restock of items that sold out and are also planning to
you wear. That led Lacey
From there it only took one
add new colors and designs
to one of her most recent
Instagram DM to get things
very soon. She also teased
projects. “When I started
going. “Next thing Chelsea
some “really cool cross-over
The Ballroom Project, I had a
was in my house and we
pieces you can wear in ballet
vision of having a ballroom
were developing our first
or ballroom, hip hop or jazz,
dancewear line available,”
designs!” Even before that first
from studio to a fun night out
Lacey told us. She didn’t want
collaboration, though, Lacey
with friends.” You know, fringe
just any dancewear line. She
shared that she knew from their
all day every day!
wanted one like nothing she’d
first phone call about the project
seen before. “One I’d actually
that they were a good match.
Be sure to check out the
wear,” she said, and one that
“She and I clicked on many
Chelsea X Lacey Collection on
was cost-efficient.
levels, and I was so excited after
ChelseaBDance.com.
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Ava Breeze has been an artist
and Billie Eilish, to Nirvana,
all her life. At 3 years old she
Enya, and our cover star, Harry
was dancing, at 5 she was doing
Styles. “I have an appreciation
competitive cheerleading and
for sound bending, storytelling,
tumbling, and now, she sings
and just incredible vocals,” she
and writes her own music.
told us. “There is something
We got to meet her this past
so unique about every one of
February at NYFW, and even
these artists and their music has
saw her film her recent music
inspired me in so many ways.”
video for “Young Love” (check out the sidebar for deets!).
CHALLENGES
TURNING POINT
The music industry doesn't come without its challenges,
While Ava has always had a
though. Ava says her biggest
passion for music, it was the
struggle, like for most singers,
pandemic that really brought
is getting heard. “As an
about a transitional period for
unknown artist it’s hard to push
her. “This was a turning point
music out to a big audience
for me,” she shared. “I started
and I’m imagining it will take
a journey learning about self
lots of time,” she shared. But
production and songwriting.
Ava uses these struggles to
I’m still testing the waters,
motivate her, and does the
trying things, and learning!
same in her personal life.
And I am also finding myself along the way.”
Ava’s sister, Lyra, has a rare
Photography: Ryan Clemens • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
disease called DHX30 which She’s loving the process
causes her to not have the
of creating music, but her
ability to walk, talk, or easily
favorite part is when she gets
use her hands. It’s something
to share it with an audience.
that’s taught Ava to appreciate
“Seeing my visions come to
even the seemingly simple
life, starting from just an idea,
things in life. “She is my best
all the way to a finished song
friend and she reminds me
just blows my mind every time
everyday that the things most
and makes me really proud,"
people take for granted are
she revealed. “I love creating
gifts!” she shared with us.
something I can be proud of that resonates with others.”
THE FUTURE
INSPIRATION
Ava hopes to use her natural gifts to build a consistent
Ava gets a lot of her inspiration
music career that allows her
from her own life experiences,
to inspire her listeners. “I want
but she also has a diverse taste
my music to be an experience
in music that she is influenced
for the listener and for people
by. She listens to everything
to really connect with my
from Eminem, Dave Matthews,
songs,” she revealed.
While we were in NYC, we got to see Ava film a scene from her “Young Love” music video (on top of Rockefeller Center!). Here’s what she had to say about the song and video: "Writing is a new journey, and through it I am learning. This is the first song that, when it was released, was exactly what I imagined in my mind. I really like how it turned out. The music video is centered around a teen relationship (portrayed by my friend Ryker and I). It was honestly such a fun video to film since it was 10-minute clips of everywhere we went throughout New York Fashion Week. It is a forever memory of an amazing week and showed Ryker and I actually having fun. I feel like many of my friends get serious in their relationships so fast and so young. I know the relationships I have had, and some I will have, aren’t meant to last. The memories are what are meant to last. AJ Silva with Redd Legend Media is a cinematic storyteller. He also shot and edited the video for my other song 'Girls of Summer.' He just gets me and my vibe. He has known me for many years from other projects and I hope to work with him for a long time."
Daniele Denise Lawson’s most
within “a family that was followed
recent acting role was in Oscar-
with a microscope growing up,”
nominated King Richard, a
and said it made her “appreciate
biographical drama depicting
their family’s sacrifice and
the lives of young Venus and
determination to be great.”
Serena Williams. Daniele also got to work with While Daniele originally
some incredibly talented actors,
auditioned for Venus, she was
including Will Smith, who played
later called back to read for
her father and produced the
the parts of Lyndrea and Isha,
film. Between the cast, and the
Venus and Serena’s half-sisters.
“fantastic crew,” Daniele said it
“[The audition] was such a
was “one of the best experiences
fun time,” Daniele told us, “we
of [her] life.”
played around with the script and even sang ‘The Greatest
SILVER LININGS
Love of All.’” This Whitney Houston song is one of many
Life in the entertainment
iconic songs in the soundtrack.
industry doesn’t come without its challenges. For Daniele, her
Photography: Vince Trupsin • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
ISHA PRICE
biggest challenge has been to
This is our "iconic styles" issue so when we saw Daniele in a ball gown and an Ikea bucket hat, we knew we couldn’t miss out on asking her about her style! How she’d describe her personal style: "Casual chic! I love fashion, but also comfortability. You could see me on red carpets with a gown and sneakers sometimes. No joke!"
stay encouraged in the face
Go-to 'fit
After a fun audition process,
of rejection. “It’s hard to hear
Daniele ended up getting the
so many nos,” she shared with
role of “Isha,” and actually got
us, “but you have to constantly
"I love a good crop top with ripped jeans and a cute sneaker."
to work with the real-life Isha
remember that what is meant for
throughout the filming process,
you is only for you.” We couldn’t
an opportunity that Daniele
agree more! Throughout the
doesn’t take for granted. “She
auditioning process, Daniele is
has so much personality,” she
staying focused and looking at
revealed, “[and] could redirect
each audition not as a win or lose
me and give me advice.”
situation, but “as an opportunity
Daniele was honored to play
to have fun and put [her] best
Isha and called it her “favorite
foot forward.”
role so far.” She also has big dreams behind the While working together, Daniele
camera! “I see myself creating my
and Isha bonded over their love
own story ideas [as a] producer,
of cooking, but it was Isha’s
writer, and maybe director of my
history and loyalty that Daniele
own projects.” While she’s aiming
was truly enamored with. “I love
high, she’s in no rush to get there.
how Miss Isha was so supportive
She wants to start and graduate
of her sisters,” she shared. “She
from college and keep working
was at every meet and played
hard on any script that she gets.
a vital role in the household.”
“I’ve learned to be patient with
Daniele also loved playing a role
myself,” she told us.
Celeb style icon: "I love Rihanna’s style. She always wears what she wants and can pull off anything. She reminds me of how fun fashion can be. Even now throughout her pregnancy, she is killing her maternity looks! “ Fun style fact: "I am a big sneakerhead and I collect them!" Fav accessories: "I love my rings, my cursive name necklace, and the beaded bracelets I have."
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they moved the entire family to
and even Victoria Secret (VS Pink),
Los Angeles in order to pursue
which was actually their first time
their dreams.
choreographing for a commercial.
QUEENS OF COLLAB
GETTING INSPIRED
Malia Ford, otherwise known
The Ford Sisters' involvement
With all of the content they create
as The Ford Sisters. A sister-trio
in dance throughout childhood
for their social platforms, on
of professional dancers and
definitely paid off, as the girls
top of all these collaborations,
up-and-coming musical artists,
have danced across dozens of big
we wondered how they found
they have talent in their blood
stages with some pretty iconic
a seemingly endless supply of
(literally–both their parents
artists, including PRETTYMUCH,
inspiration. Their answer? Each
grew up as dancers!). We got
Jason Derulo, and Leon Bridges.
other. "We are all in agreement that
Meet Brii, Kay K and Christa
an inside look at their dynamic
our biggest inspiration comes from
performances for famous
The opportunity to dance for
each other. We do get inspiration
artists, the many brands they’ve
Derulo came as a shock during
from other dancers, artists,
worked with, and what words
their first year living in Los
fashionistas, our parents, or just the
of wisdom they could give other
Angeles. “It was for a surprise
music itself. However, as sisters, we
aspiring entertainers.
performance at Choreographers’
do our best when we put our minds
Carnival,” they shared. “At
together and create. We know how
first, we thought we were just
to get each other out of creative
BORN INTO IT
rehearsing with Matt Steffanina
blocks and we know each other’s
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri,
to a Jason Derulo song. It was
strengths and weaknesses."
the Ford Sisters attended a
such an exciting surprise when
performing arts school and
Jason himself showed up and
The sisters don’t just work together
trained in all forms of dance.
performed with us!”
in dance, though, they’re also
Photography: Susan Ford • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
They spent the majority of their
pursuing other avenues in the
time in the dance studio, which
As for who they’d love to collab
entertainment industry, including
their family actually owned. But
with next… “We are greatly
"pursuing the ultimate dream of
the studio wasn’t the only way
inspired by many artists, however
becoming [their] own music artists"
they were exposed to dance,
it would be a dream to dance
by creating their own dance music!
both of their parents had
alongside P!nk, Taylor Swift or The
diverse dance backgrounds.
Black Eyed Peas,” they shared.
We can't wait to see where this
“We also love KPOP artists such
trio goes next! We're including
Their mom danced in all
MAMAMOO, BTS and BLACKPINK.
more of their insight on the next
styles but was focused on
Artists who typically have lots of
page. Be sure to check out their
ballet, while their dad was
dance performance in their shows
words of wisdom and read about
a Bboy (aka breakdancer) in
and who have great reputations
what they think is necessary
Honolulu, Hawaii. The sisters
for treating their dancers well
to achieve success.
grew up surrounded by a love
always grab our attention.”
of performance. “We were fortunate enough to be able
On top of working
to dance, sing, and act every
with musical artists,
day,” they told us. Once Kay K
the sisters have also been
and Brii graduated early from
"honored and thrilled"
high school, the family decided
to work with brands
to close their dance studio and
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We’ve known Morgan for years
and started auditioning for dance-
because at a young age, she
related TV jobs. Within two weeks,
leaped onto the Showstopper
Morgan had booked a job!
stage at our dance competitions. We got to know her even better
Now, at 15 years old, Morgan
a few months ago when she
says “[her] passion for dance
came to our magazine photo
has evolved into so much more.”
shoot in Los Angeles. She gave
While booking roles is still on her
us an inside look at how she
radar, dance has become an
transitioned from gymnastics
outlet for much bigger things.
to dance, how deeply affected
“It’s my way of coping with
she was by the pandemic, her
stress,” she revealed, “[and]
favorite dance memories, and
dealing with the daily pressures
what success looks like to her.
of being a teen.” It also helps her to “express [herself] through
FROM GYMNAST TO DANCER
movement and be around like-
Photography: Ana Ochoa • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Styling: Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Brianna Haffey
minded friends.” Morgan has been dancing since she was just 3 years old, but
PANDEMIC
it wasn’t until a couple years later that it took over as her
With dance playing such an
main passion. Until then, she
important role in so many facets
was also a gymnast. However,
of Morgan’s life, the pandemic,
when Morgan was 5 years
and the lack of dance that came
old, her local gymnastics
with it, hit her hard. “I didn’t cope,”
teacher told her mom that they
she shared. “I was miserable and
wanted Morgan to lose weight.
became depressed, which is not
Her mom’s response? “No.”
my personality.”
Morgan’s mom advocated for her, and felt the dance world
Normally quite a social
was “far more accepting of all
butterfly, Morgan struggled
body shapes and abilities,” even
with the isolation. And, her
though the dance world, too,
now-established identity as a
can be quite strict with body
“dancer” was stripped away
types. So Morgan was taken
from her when she couldn’t
out of gymnastics to focus her
perform on stage or audition for
talents on dance.
roles. Like many dancers, she wasn’t sure quite what to do. So,
Morgan’s love for dance grew
when quarantine and mandates
immediately. “I developed a joy
were lifted, Morgan found it a
for performing, being on stage,
“huge emotional relief.” When
and making people smile,” she
she finally got to go back to
shared. By the time she was
training at her dance studio,
8, people were telling her she
she said it was “even sweeter
should sign up for a dance
because [she] appreciated
agency to get bookings. She did
dance even more!”
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DANCE MEMORIES
I CONIC STYLES
Throughout her dance career,
Since this is our "Iconic Styles"
Morgan has had the opportunity
issue, we asked Morgan to
to dance with so many incredible
describe her personal style.
artists. She’s actually performed
“Fun, casual, and hipster,” she
for Mariah Carey… twice! “The first
shared. “My mom helps me a
time I was 10 years old and danced
lot, too. It really depends on
for her Christmas movie Keys of
how I feel that day.” Her go-
Christmas,” Morgan shared. “The
to ‘fit is usually “jean shorts
second job was working with
and a fun crop top” that she
Mariah during her performance
usually gets from her two
on James Corden’s Late Late Show
favorite brands: Brandy
during Christmas 2019."
Melville and Urban Outfitters, but she also loves “little
While performing with Mariah
independent pop-up shops
was her favorite dance memory,
to find unique pieces too.” To
her favorite place to perform was
top off the look, she usually
actually at the Disney Ranch for
adds a few accessories,
a Ruby Rose Turner music video.
including “fun gold necklaces
“We performed on set where the
and earrings [and] a stack of
original Back to the Future movie
Pura Vida bracelets.”
was filmed,” she shared. SUCCESS AND THE FUTURE One performance that Morgan will never forget is performing
Morgan has already
with JoJo Siwa on Lip Sync Battle
accomplished a lot in
Shorties for six episodes! “JoJo
just 15 years, but she has
is AMAZING,” Morgan told us.
big goals for the future,
“She’s completely approachable,
including hoping to collab
kind, and super sweet. She’s
with “the one and only Charli
totally iconic and such a
D’Amelio” and dance on
positive influence on young girls
tour with BTS. While Morgan
everywhere.” We love to hear that
plans to keep dancing and
about our first ever cover star for
training, she has another
Showstopper Magazine. We had a
passion: acting. She’s
similar experience with her!
already had roles on some iconic TV shows (see the
30
Speaking of Showstopper, some of
sidebar for more deets!). In
Morgan’s favorite dance memories
a few years, Morgan also
also took place on the Showstopper
plans to attend nursing
stage. Check out the side bar on
school and hopes to get a
the last page to read about her fav
nursing degree and travel,
Showstopper memories and the
either as a Registered Nurse
sweet note she wrote us.
or booking a tour as a dancer.
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Dancing since she was just 2 years old, Alysa Gutierrez-Sierra is no stranger to the stage. In fact, this talented 13-year-old has already danced with some incredible artists, including Meghan Trainor, Justin Bieber, Pharrell, and Gwen Stefani! We met up with her at our magazine photo shoot in Los Angeles to talk about her experiences dancing on awards shows, her roles on Mani and Charmers, and her passion for creating jewelry. GETTING STARTED Alysa, or as she’s known on Instagram, @alysathestar, always knew she wanted to be in the spotlight. "When I was little I told my mom, 'I want to be a star when I grow up,'" she explained, "so that’s how I got the nickname [Star]." She used to dance around the Photography: Ana Ochoa • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Styling: Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Brianna Haffey
house all the time, so when her sister was born, her mom put Alysa into dance class so she could dance more and make friends. CHOREOGRAPHY AND CONTENT CREATION Now, Alysa often enlists her sister's help to create content for her social media channels. "I think the videos I have done with my sister are probably my favorite," Alysa shared. But all of her videos don’t feature her sister. Some are solo, and some are with friends (many of whom you might recognize as other great dancers in the industry!). Most of the videos feature the songs that are trending on TikTok and Instagram reels at the moment, but Alysa doesn’t do the normal trends. She usually choreographs her own dance to the trending songs, something that has earned her over 120k followers on Instagram alone! While the exposure comes with many pros, it definitely can pose a challenge at times. "Social media has taught me to not let the negative comments upset me," Alysa shared. "I have to remember that those people don’t know the real me. They are judging me behind their screens so their opinion of me shouldn’t matter to me." It can be easy to get caught up in the negativity that comes with social media, but Alysa doesn’t let it bring her down too much. She’s focused on the positives and always reminds herself that "you have to love what you do and enjoy each moment."
GWEN STEFANI:
PERFORMING
"This performance was one of the most Choreographing and performing for the digital world
memorable for me because it was my
isn’t the only way Alysa demonstrates her dance skills
first huge job in LA when I first moved
to the world. She still competes at dance competitions
here. It was for her Christmas special (and
and has performed on quite a few award show
Christmas is my fav holiday!)."
stages, including the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and the Radio Disney Music Awards! We had to get the inside scoop from this seasoned dancer on some of our favorite artists and what it was like working with them. So, without further ado, here is what it was like working with…
PHARRELL:
"The Pharrell performance was one of my favorites because I got to dance on a table! I will never forget that experience. I loved working with everyone on set, including
JUSTIN BIEBER:
the choreographers. I got to work with DJ Khaled, too. They are both so talented and
"I was 7 years old when I auditioned for it
nice! It was at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice
and got to dance for Justin. It was the best
Awards, which is probably one of the most
experience ever! I’m a huge fan of his, so it
fun awards to perform for. I haven’t gotten
was a dream come true. He even gave us
slimed yet, though, so I hope one day I do!"
a high-five backstage! He was so nice."
MEGHAN TRAINOR:
"I remember dancing in my room to Meghan Trainor songs when they first came out, so when I got to dance for the Radio Disney Music Awards (and her!), it was amazing. I love all of her songs because they’re sassy and fun!"
Alysa has performed more than most dancers
Her typical
her age, but she still got nervous for those big
week consists of
performances. It’s something she wishes she could
school work, dance class,
go back and change because sometimes nerves
self-tapes, content creation,
overshadow those incredible moments. "I want to go
PR packages, acting class,
back and tell myself to not be nervous and enjoy the
and even events! Phew. And
moment," she shared, "because those special days,
yet she still finds time for hobbies on
where I get to perform with big artists, are once in a
top of it all. Her favorites being “making jewelry,
lifetime opportunities."
shopping, riding [her] bike, and archery.” You can even see some of the jewelry Alysa makes right
While she’s already performed for some amazing
here in this article!
artists, she hasn’t had the chance to work with her idol yet… Jennifer Lopez. "I hope to be like her when I grow up," she told us. "I also love reggaeton so I would
ICONIC STYLES
love to dance for Bad Bunny, JBALVIN, or Daddy Yankee." Musical artists aren’t her only dream collab,
Unlike her established style of handmade beaded
though, Alysa has recently found a love for acting,
jewelry, her wardrobe choices change day to day.
and one day she’d love to work with The Rock. "He’s
"Everyday I have a different style or aesthetic," she
my favorite actor!" she shared.
shared. "Sometimes I’m girly with a skirt or a dress. Other times I am in streetwear or hip hop gear,
OTHER PASSIONS
which is a big shirt and sweatpants." It makes sense that an actor would also be versatile in her style,
"I didn’t think I would love anything as much as I love
though, right?
dance," she shared. But now, she’s discovered she’s also passionate about acting (which was no surprise
FUTURE
to us once we got to know her bubbly personality at our photo shoot). "I realized I loved acting when I was
Alysa just got done wrapping season 2 of Charmers
on set for Mani," she explained. On Mani, Alysa played
(which will be released soon!) and hopes to be in a
a character fittingly named "Star" who dances and
movie soon (maybe with The Rock!). But her biggest
acts. So getting to combine dance and acting was the
goal? "I would love to inspire other Latina little girls to
perfect way to break into the industry.
not give up on their dreams and continue to work hard for [their] dreams because dreams do come true."
While her sole focus used to be on dance–"competing and taking every class possible"–she now splits her time between dance and acting. It’s a balancing act.
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While we got to officially meet
EXTRA, EXTRA
Sophie a few months ago at
Photography: Ana Ochoa • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Styling: Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Brianna Haffey
our magazine photo shoot in
character "Zaria" on Brat TV’s Charmers. "[Zaria] is definitely
Sophie describes her family
one of my favorite characters,"
Los Angeles, it actually wasn’t
as "supporting everything
she shared. "The reason I love
the first time we saw her (and
[she does]," so it’s no surprise
her so much is because I feel
no, we’re not talking about all
that her mom didn’t need
like I really brought her to life.
of the content she creates for
much convincing when Sophie
I was really involved with the
social media). We actually got
expressed her desire to act. "She
making of the character so
to see her walk the stage for
100% supported it," she shared.
[she’s] almost like my child if
New York Fashion Week just a
"She took me to this place to sign
that makes sense."
few weeks before our shoot!
up to be an extra on set. That’s actually how I got one of my very
Despite having a hand in the
It was our first glimpse at her
first parts!" While Sophie was an
creation of the character,
kind, artsy, and grounded
extra, one of the actors couldn’t
though, Zaria is incredibly
personality, but luckily not our
make it to set that day because
different from Sophie. "[Zaria]
last. We caught up with her at
she was feeling under the
is very gothic and also mean,"
our photo shoot and discussed
weather, but they needed a "goth
she told us. "In real life, I’m
everything from how she got
girl" for the scene. She happened
very nice and outgoing. She’s
her start in the entertainment
to be on set early that day so they
the complete opposite of me
industry, what it's like to be a
asked her. "I was very nervous but
but that’s why I love playing
popular social media influencer,
I did it and they really liked me,"
her so much, because we
where she gets her inspiration
she shared. "That’s how all of this
are so different. It gives me a
from, and how she handles
came about."
sense of fun!"
having anxiety while being in the digital spotlight. LA AND BACK Like many other successful actors, Sophie was born in Los Angeles. But, unlike other actors, Sophie and her mom moved away from the city of endless opportunity to North Carolina when Sophie was just 2 years old. Luckily for this aspiring star her mom decided to move them back to LA a few years later. It was just in time for young Sophie to
tofhrit.ill
"
I love the
"
QUITE THE CHARMER
It’s not Sophie’s first time working with Brat TV, who also produces hit shows like Chicken Girls, Crown Lake, and Mani (which Sophie was also on). "Brat TV, in general, is really just an awesome set to be on," she shared. "Everyone is so friendly and it’s definitely a very safe-feeling set. Everyone is just so friendly!" While she loves the friendly cast and crew as well as making friends on-set, Sophie’s favorite part of filming is how
realize her passion for acting.
While Sophie isn’t a "goth girl"
realistic they can make things
"I would always watch TV and
in real life (she describes her
look in post-production. "It’s so
want to know what acting was
style as more "grunge"), she sure
magical when you go on set
like," she shared with us. "I
plays the role believably, as she
and you see how it looks in real
wanted to know what it took
was recently cast in her second
life compared to how it looks
to be an actor."
"goth girl" role. This time, as the
on TV," she told us.
INFLUENTIAL When Sophie isn’t filming,
would definitely be Kevin Hart,
space, which, for anyone, would
Adam Sandler, Joseph Morgan,
be difficult, but for Sophie,
and so many more!"
who suffers from anxiety,
she’s usually creating content as a social media influencer.
are even more of a struggle. ICONIC STYLES
She’s been creating YouTube
"I tend to get anxiety over a lot of things and I overthink
videos since 2017, and more
This is our iconic styles issue, so
a lot," she revealed. "Anxiety
recently, has built up quite
we asked Sophie to describe her
has definitely been my biggest
the TikTok following (5M fans
style: "I like to change up my style
struggle." Whenever Sophie
to be exact). While she loves
a lot but if I had to describe the
is feeling extra anxious, she
both platforms, there are huge
style I like most on myself, I would
usually paints or listens to music
differences when it comes to
say 'grunge.'" Her fav style icons?
(sometimes both!). "[Painting] is
creating content for long-form
Emma Chamberlain, of course,
just so therapeutic," she shared.
YouTube videos versus quick
and the ultimate alternative-
"It’s my main stress reliever,
and trendy TikToks. "With
queen, Billie Eilish, both of whom
especially if I listen to music
YouTube you have to edit an
rock Sophie’s favorite accessory:
while I paint!"
entire video and it usually
ear piercings. "I think piercings
takes days," she explained.
look so elegant [...] they’re very
Like her style, her music taste
"Whereas with TikTok, you can
unique." Sophie actually has six
is diverse as well, some of her
edit within the app and it can
piercings, three on each ear!
faves being The Beatles, Arctic
take, like, 10 minutes." As for
Monkeys, Mac DeMarco, Billie
which she prefers? "TikTok,
Grunge might be her go-to, but
Eilish, Beach House, and Tyler
just because it’s much easier."
Sophie isn’t afraid of switching
the Creator.
up her style. In fact, it’s one of her INSPIRATION
favorite parts about modeling. "It’s
When she can’t paint or listen
very fun to dress up in different
to music, and the critics roll in,
While she prefers TikTok
designers' outfits," she told us." And
she channels her biggest role
for the ease of editing, she
she got to do a lot of that when
model, her grandma. "She is the
still loves YouTube. In fact,
she walked at NYFW.
sweetest person and my best
some of her idols got their
friend," Sophie told us. "She’s
start on YouTube, including
The week isn’t all designers and
always taught me to treat
Danny Gonzalez and Emma
dress-up, though, it’s actually a
people with respect and treat
Chamberlain. "[Emma] is one
ton of work for everyone involved.
others how you would want to be treated. I love her."
of my idols," Sophie revealed.
"I don’t think people realize how
"I’ve always wanted to
much preparation there is and
collaborate with [her]."
how many days you need to
FUTURE
practice," she revealed. "If they But YouTube creators aren’t
don’t like your walk, it’s something
Sophie just recently wrapped
the only people who inspire
you need to fix. There’s definitely
up filming on Season 2 of
Sophie. "I get my inspiration
a lot to prepare for. But I love that
Charmers, which will be
from a lot of different
and I love the thrill of it."
released on Brat TV soon, and she’s “really excited for you guys
actresses and actors," she shared. "Some of my favorites
MENTAL HEALTH
to see.” But in the meantime, you can keep up to date with
are Natalie Portman and Nina Dobrev. I also really love
As an influencer, Sophie faces her
Sophie’s latest projects on her
Kylie Jenner. Actors that I love
fair share of critics in the online
social platforms (@sophiefergi).
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We had the pleasure of meeting
and her true identity is revealed.
the talented Mychal-Bella Rayne
The character we’ve come
at our magazine photo shoot this
to know as Grace, is actually
past February. We caught up with
Fanny Briggs, a character from
her on what it was like playing
the same Pulitzer Prize-winning
Grace on the Emmy-winning
series of novels that the show is
series, Underground Railroad, her
based on, known for teaching
passion for philanthropy, and her
herself to read. It’s a twist the
dreams for the future.
audience doesn’t see coming
Photography: Ana Ochoa • Design/Writing: Holly Childs • Styling: Angel Roberts, Georgia VanNewkirk, Brianna Haffey • Hair: Ereka Scales • Dress: BESTONU
and a testament to Grace/ WHEN THE MAGIC STARTED
Fanny’s strength and dedication.
Mychal-Bella knew she wanted
This strength and dedication to
to be in the entertainment world
education in art is what Mychal-
from a young age, inspired by
Bella related to most when
the times when she and her mom
playing her character. “[Grace]
would watch Disney Channel. “As
taught herself to read and write,
a tot, I would dance, sing, and say
she taught herself so much,”
I wanted to be on TV,” she told
she explained, “which is what I
us. This wasn’t the only thing that
find myself doing with my love
she started from an early age.
for art. I’m trying to master the
Mychal-Bella actually learned to
guitar, piano, and ukulele.”
read when she was just 3 years old, a foreshadowing of her
While Grace/Fanny’s strength
accomplishments that were yet
is evident throughout the entire
to come, including winning an
series, her unexpected re-
Emmy at just 9 years old (we’ll fill
entrance is what really tunes the
you in on those deets in a little bit).
viewer into how powerful she truly is. “I got to walk through
FINDING GRACE
actual fire like a rising phoenix!” Mychal-Bella shared. “I felt like a
But first, let’s take a deeper dive
stunt girl. Very empowered!”
into one of Mychal-Bella’s most well-known and impactful roles: Grace in the 10-episode series, Underground Railroad. In the first few episodes we see Grace as she acts as a guide to the series’ main character, Cora, to help her toward freedom. (Spoilers ahead!!) Not long after, she gets caught in a fire and the audience assumes we won’t see her again. However, just a few episodes later, she returns,
SMALL SPACES Portraying Grace did come with its challengesh. Throughout the series, there are scenes filmed inside a tiny crawl space, which posed a challenge when it came to acting, as Mychal-Bella had to rely on much more subtle movements than she would in a typical acting scenario. While Mychal-Bella did an amazing job overcoming her limited space, it wasn’t the only challenge.
Since the series was a period piece, she also had to change her dialect to match the time period it was set in. Having to keep up a specific dialect while in a crawl space would be difficult even for a seasoned actor, but Mychal-Bella was just 9 years old, which makes her performance all the more impressive. CRITICAL ACCLAIM The limited series was just 10 episodes, but it took 116 days to film, so Mychal-Bella got to know her cast and crew incredibly well while filming.
“[I’m] just blessed to have been a part of the cast and crew’s win,” she explained. “We worked really hard for it!” While she didn’t get to celebrate much with the cast and crew after their win, they’re still such an important part of her experience. “I just remember the bond the cast and crew shared,” she explained. “It felt like family from day one and to this day, that remains.” The experience was so great that Mychal-Bella said she hopes every experience will be like that, but admits that's “wishful thinking.” ADVICE FOR OTHERS
One of her favorite memories was the day that they wrapped the last episode. “It was sappy but beautiful,” she explained. “I remember when we finished filming and Liz, the [assistant director] screamed, ‘it’s a wrap!,’ and everyone started clapping as I walked off the set.” While it’s now been over a year since that day, it’s a memory she won’t soon forget. “It was like time just froze,” she shared, “seeing all of the amazing people who I’ve been [working] with for about 100 days in front of me.” She wasn’t the only one the series had a great impact on, in fact, the series (and Mychal-Bella) ended up being nominated for 7 Emmys and won a Golden Globe! Since the ceremony was during the pandemic, however, MychalBella unfortunately didn’t get to attend the awards show, as it wasn’t filmed live. She didn’t let that get her down, though.
Playing Grace/Fanny was an incredible opportunity, and well-deserved, but like any actor, Mychal-Bella has had to face her fair share of auditions where she didn’t get the role. We asked her what she’d tell other actors (or dancers!), who don’t end up being chosen for the part they wanted. Her advice? “Never take it personally,” she told us, “especially if you have mastered your craft and gave it your all. There are a lot of factors that are out of your control and you have to be confident enough to know that.” While Mychal-Bella has had a lot of opportunities to strengthen her acting skills in the roles she’s played, new actors may wonder how to get acting experience without… acting. “Take your time and learn life skills,” she shared with us. “[Learn] how to communicate.” She suggests
that you educate yourself on skills that would help you as an actor like “critical thinking, memory recall, social skills, and, most of all, how to see and think like others in order to relate to things others may be going through.” Strengthening your ability to experience empathy is crucial for actors, and it’s something that Mychal-Bella says has “made [her] more compassionate.” PHILANTHROPY Speaking of her compassionate side, MychalBella doesn’t just use it when acting, she’s also extremely passionate about philanthropy, specifically the Say No to Bullying organization. “It’s one of the most important projects to me,” she shared. “I was actually bullied by my own teacher in first grade and while this organization does many things, it most importantly makes us feel not alone. It reminds me there are other people who you can relate to and lean on.” SHOWSTOPPING STYLE Since this is our “Iconic Styles” issue, we couldn’t let MychalBella–who has modeled for brands like H&M, Target, Disney, Levi, and more–go without asking her about her personal style! While her outfits
were jaw dropping at our photo shoot (s/o to the epic mirrored dress!), her personal style is a little more laid back. Her go-to outfit? “Converse, tank tops, jeans, and a zip-up or pullover sweatshirt.” Her style icon is Bella Hadid, so it’s no surprise that MychalBella loves a simple but chic style. She describes her style as “street style, while trying to keep up with the trends.” Whatever she wears, though, she doesn’t leave the house without one accessory… rings! “Especially silver,” she shared. FOR THE FUTURE As for the future, Mychal-Bella has no plans of slowing down. She has big dreams and hopes to have her own television show or be an empowering Marvel hero. While she’s already gotten to work with some incredible actors, she’d love to collaborate with a few of her favorites– Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, Elizabeth Olsen, and Florence Pugh. “They’re all just amazing actors,” she told us. “You can tell they’ve been working on their technique for quite awhile.” It sounds like as long as she’s involved in the entertainment industry, though, she’ll be happy. “I am doing what I love to do. That’s the ultimate success!"
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Photography: Marie Lafranque, Jennifer Lentini, Brian Jones • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
Photography: Gerardo J. De Sousa, Vince Trupsin, Raymond Designz, Christy Lyn Huebner [For Kent Boyd Photo]: Grooming: Christine Hazelhurst • Stylist: Quentin Fears
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Celai West is only 14 years old,
The latter book even included
daughter, or them, and it
and already she’s a model,
tips specific to girls who looked
always makes me feel like this
actor, runway coach, author,
like Celai, with darker skin and
is why I do what I do.”
public speaker, Texture
Type 4 (coily) hair, something
Activist, environmentalist,
she noticed affected her in the
CEO of her own company
industry and was the reason
(The Chatty Chick), and
she became a Texture Activist.
the youngest professional runway model to walk
She doesn’t just use her voice to speak up against the
TEXTURE ACTIVIST
amongst an all-adult lineup
inequalities in the industry, though, she also uses it to
in NYFW. Phew. Hold on; we
So, what exactly is a Texture
spread positive messages
have to catch our breath.
Activist? Well, it’s someone who
through her brand. “I started
“pushes for the inclusion of kinky
[Chatty Chick] when I was
hair textures in the media as well
7 because I started to get
PUBLISHED AUTHOR
as better training for hairstylists
messages from moms about
Celai started modeling at just
to work with ethnically textured
how their daughters didn’t
3 years old and immediately
hair.” From the age of 5 Celai had
love their own hair, but once
knew, “I want to do this til the
a difficult time with hair stylists
they saw my images, they
day I die!” Her passion for it
who didn't know how to style her
learned to love their hair!” This
has only grown in last 11 years,
hair texture. So at age 10, she
inspired Celai to start a line of
but her view toward it has
decided to speak out about it. “It
tees that helped people feel
completely transformed from
made me feel good and relieved
empowered by their natural
when she was younger and
to know I gave so many other
hair. She made one particular
her passion became about
girls a voice,” she shared.
tee with the phrase “I’d be
much more than just modeling.
Photography: Reem Abousaif • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
EMPOWERMENT
jealous of my hair, too.” The While it didn't lead to instant
message took off in more
When she first began to walk
change, sharing her experience
directions than she could have
runways with adults, she
taught her one powerful thing:
expected. “I noticed everyone
got a lot of questions from
how important speaking up is.
was wearing it… people with
parents of other aspiring
“The truth can really upset people
blonde hair, red hair, braids,
models who wanted her
and close doors,” she shared, “but
locs, super long hair, gray hair,
advice on getting their
you should [speak up] anyway!”
and boys!” It just goes to show
daughters into the industry,
that empowerment is good
so Celai co-authored her
With some doors being closed
first set of books–A Parents’
for speaking her truth, Celai
Guide to Kids' Runway and A
tried to focus on the positives.
Celai has even started offering
Parents Guide to Kids' Runway
She didn’t give up on those
confidence boosting "Slay
for Brown Girls. They included
closed doors, but she also
Kit" subscription boxes with
tips for breaking into the
“started learning how to build
motivational and uplifting
industry, how to increase the
[her] own doors so [she] could
items inside. But that's not all...
odds of casting, and model
hold them open for others.”
She has a new book coming
etiquette. “It's kind of like my
She said, “Every so often, I get
out this Summer! Be sure to
blueprint that built me up to
a message from a supporter
keep your eyes out for when
who I am today,” she shared.
telling me how I inspired their
its released!
for everyone.
@GOSHOWSTOPPER
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We met fashion designer and
Finding her passion for design, she
entrepreneur Isabella Barrett
started her first business, “Glitzy
at New York Fashion Week
Girl,” which featured jewelry and
While we’re used to seeing
a few months ago, and we
makeup. She became one of the
Isabella in tweed suits,
were taken aback by the
youngest self-made millionares at
rhinestones, and evening
brand that she’s created in
just 9 years old!
gowns because of her House
just four short years. We had to wonder how she got so
of Barretti line, her actual THE NEXT BIG THING
much experience to create
Photography: Bennett Raglin • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
FINDING HER STYLE
style is a little more laid back (it almost has to be with how
a lifestyle brand with three
Then came “Bound by the
busy this girl is!). “My go-to
NYFW shows, dozens of
Crown Couture,” which featured
outfit is definitely a crop
teen celebrities walking the
royalty-inspired looks with an
top with leggings and my
runways, and gorgeously
elevated style for teens that
latest fav pair of sneakers,”
constructed outfits. The
was otherwise hard to find. It
she shared with us. Though
answer? She started at age 6
was our first glimpse at the chic
she does have a "Chanel
and didn’t stop.
couture that Isabella makes
and pink" side, too. As for
today with her teen lifestyle
accessories, Isabella loves
brand, House of Barretti, which
"cool hats, pocketbooks, and
she founded in 2018.
big chunky jewelry."
Toddlers & Tiaras, Isabella
Now at 15 years old, she offers
While running House of
was certainly no stranger
multiple collections (including
Barretti takes up a lot of her
to the spotlight. "[It] opened
activewear, formalwear,
time, she also goes to school,
many doors for me,” she
and vegan and cruelty-free
cheers, makes content, four-
shared. “Being on such an
makeup). Her most iconic
wheels, and jet skis!
iconic show gave me the
look is her power suits–made
platform to do many things
with Chanel-inspired tweed,
So what has she learned from
and gave me a voice to help
gorgeous colors, and detailed
her nine incredible years in
promote my brands.” While
button accents. She has already
the industry so far? To not be
doing pageantry, Isabella
done six seasons at NYFW (you
influenced by the industry’s
was inspired to begin her
can read more about the behind
pressure to fit in. “It’s
design journey simply to
the scenes and planning process
important to figure out who
have more comfortable
on page 62!). And just because
you are as a person and stay
clothes to wear. “I started
Toddlers & Tiaras ended, it
true to yourself. This really
designing clothes for
doesn’t mean Isabella has left
has been a breakthrough for
myself when a lot of my TV
the TV spotlight just yet. In fact,
me knowing that I can make
wardrobe was cute but itchy
she is currently one of the cast
decisions and not have to
and not comfortable,”
members on the hit Prime Video
go with the flow so don’t be
she revealed.
show, Next Big Thing.
afraid to just be you."
TODDLERS & TIARAS Getting her start on TLC’s
As industry events go, fashion
and Paris Fashion Week. (So for
Summer 2023.) Keep this in mind as
week is the perfect blend of trend-
everyone that loves fashion, it’s
you plan when you want to go! If
chasing, art, and exploration.
more like fashion month.)
you’re not into cold-weather looks,
Whether you love an event, you’re
S/S NYFW might not be for you.
trying to get an up-close look at
The best part about the length of
This isn’t a hard rule, so there will
the fashion world, or you just want
this event is that you can plan to
be in-season ready-to-wear shows
to see a new side of New York City,
attend as many or as few shows
during both weeks, but it’s still a
New York Fashion Week is definitely
as you want. When you go to
good indicator of what you’ll see.
on our list of must-go trips.
NYFW as a fashion fan/tourist, you
Despite its world-renown and
get to enjoy the best of it with very
Once you pick your season,
little pressure!
expect to be in fashion week
so so many photos, articles, and comments on the designs,
limbo until you’re very close to PREPARING
designers, and models each year,
the dates because shows are often not announced until a week
figuring out New York Fashion
Before you start booking flights
before (if not the week of!). NYFW
Week is a little more mysterious.
or making a packing list, you
generally happens across the
Luckily, we cracked the code
really need to know your seasons
first two weeks of February and
for you. Here’s everything you
and what you want to get out of
September, so a good strategy is
need to know about successfully
NYFW.
to pick dates that work best for
navigating your first NYFW.
you and then find shows on those NYFW happens twice a year in
WHAT IS NYFW?
dates when schedules are out.
February and September. The February shows are for the Fall/
What season you go in will also
Fashion week is a bit of a
Winter season of that year. The
determine your wardrobe. It’s fun
misnomer. Four fashion weeks
September shows are for the
to dress up and show-off your
happen twice a year (February
Spring/Summer season of the
own style at NYFW even as a
and September) for the Fall/Winter
following year. (So, February
viewer, but you’ll be walking and
and Spring/Summer seasons. New
2022 NYFW shows are trends and
exploring, so you don’t want to be
York Fashion Week is the kick-off
looks for Fall/Winter 2022 while
over or under-dressed (especially
event followed by London Fashion
September 2022 NYFW shows
in February when you might get
Week, Milan Fashion Week,
are trends and looks for Spring/
caught in the snow)!
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(IN ORDER): HOUSE OF BARRETTI, KRISSY KING THE LABEL, DOVIART FASHION, HOUSE OF BARRETTI
FINDING THE SHOWS
isn’t always possible, but at smaller
don’t want to walk from Manhattan
shows, the models and designers
to Brooklyn, walking around a few
There are a few ways to get into
may mingle with the crowd when
blocks outside of the venues you go
shows. Many of the major industry
everything is done.)
to might lead you to discover some
shows that come to mind when
really cool places to stop for food,
you think of NYFW are invite-only
At your first show, just take the
souvenirs, and photos. (See our
events, but there are plenty of
time to drink it all in. While the
behind the scenes of Showstopper
shows open to the public if you
looks are the stars, a lot goes
Magazine’s trip to NYFW to see our
know where to look.
into a runway show from music
favorite places to go!)
and lighting to displays and even Companies like Runway 7, NYFW
choreography. The Runway 7
What are you waiting for? No
The Experience, and Fashion
show that Showstopper Magazine
matter the time of year, NYFW is
Week Online let you buy tickets
attended for NYFW in February
only months away! Use the packing
for individual shows, so you can
was opened by DoviArt Fashion,
list inspo below and start planning
pick the designers you want to
and the first model strutted down
the perfect adventure!
see at times that fit your schedule.
the stage wielding a sword!
Photography/Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
No matter where you plan to go, keep your eyes on social media.
MAKE IT YOUR WEEK
You never know when a brand or designer might announce a last-
Attending NYFW shouldn’t be
minute show.
stressful! You’re not working, so take in as much as you can and enjoy the
YOUR FIRST SHOW
experience, fashion enthusiast! New York City is huge. So another
Go to a small runway show for your
thing you might consider as you find
first taste of NYFW. Small shows
shows to attend is whether you’re
give you an up-close experience.
willing to run around the city or if
Small shows are also a great way
you’d like to stick to one borough
to support a small or independent
(or even one neighborhood), but
designer and potentially meet the
no matter where you are, take the
creators behind the show. (This
time to explore. While you definitely
FASHION WEEK ESSENTIALS Comfy shoes (sneakers or a nice pair of boots are always a great idea!) A small bag or tote (to hold your stuff and keep you hands-free) Phone charger (keep it with you always!) Outerwear (at least one jacket JIC) Refillable water bottle (stay hydrated!) A journal or your notes app (to write down your favorite moments, designers, and looks)
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The Editor-in-Chief of Showstopper Magazine, Holly Childs, and Managing Editor of Showstopper Magazine Online, Veronica Good, jetted off to New York City last February to attend New York Fashion Week, photograph shows featuring a lot of the fanastic women in this issue (Sophie Fergi, Adriana Camposano, and Ava Breeze to name a few!). When we weren't at shows, we were exploring all of the incredible things there are to see in the city that never sleeps. And we're sharing our fav spots with you so you can make the most of your NYFW trip!
MUSEUMS
TIMES SQUARE
Can you really visit New York without going into at least one museum? If you want your NYFW trip to be all-fashion, visit The Met to see exhibits by the Costume Institute, but MoMA is also full of incredible pieces you have to Van Gogh and see.
If you’ve never been to NYC before, you pretty much have to see Times Square just for the experience of being in the center of it all!
CENTRAL PARK 843 acres! Central Park is a huge area full of different kinds of landscaping and places to walk. We have to recommend an early breakfast (bagels, of course!) sitting in the park and photos at Bethesda Terrace. Save time to explore! Bonus points for bringing a bouquet of flowers and taking silly pics!
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washington square park Another great photo-op, the arch and fountain in Washington Square Park are the perfect backdrop to your next Insta post (or a stop on your To All The Boys: Forever and Always NY tour).
TOP OF THE ROCK Do you wonder what it’s like to be on top of it all? Going to the top of “30 Rock” will get you pretty close! If you’re not afraid of heights, this is one of many rooftop views you have to experience. We were actually looking down on NYC from this height with Adriana Camposano while Ava Breeze filmed her “Young Love” music video!
grand central station Grand Central Station isn’t just about the subway. If you have a moment, stop in to see the architecture of the Main Concourse or visit the Whispering Gallery.
CHELSEA MARKET Former National Biscuit Company factory turned mall, Chelsea Market is a collection of shops and vendors you don’t want to miss. Visit the bookstore, find unique souvenirs at Artists and Fleas, and walk the High Line!
rooftop restaurants NYC is full of roofs, and stopping to grab a bite with a birds-eye view of the Big Apple is a must. Bonus points if you can spot some famous buildings in the skyline! @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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Adriana Camposano was one
everything from working on big
of the fabulous dancers we
production sets, to working with
met while attending New York
adults at a young age."
Fashion Week and her bubbly and optimistic personality was on full
CHICKEN GIRLS
display, even in the short time we spent with her. It makes sense that
Despite her bubbly energy,
her hobbies are all high-energy,
Adriana gets cast in a lot of roles
like dancing, acting, and modeling.
where the character is very serious. More recently, though,
DANCE AS A SAFE SPACE
she was able to play Poppy on Chicken Girls, an “optimistic, fun,
Dance was Adriana’s first love in
energetic character.” She said it
the entertainment industry. She
was “super fun” to play Poppy
started dancing at just 4 years old.
and the contrast between this
“It was the most fun I ever had,”
role and her more serious roles
she shared with us, “especially
meant she was able to “bring
being able to share those
out a different acting style than
moments with my best friends.”
[she’s] been used to.”
Like it does for many of us, dance also brought Adriana comfort.
WHAT SHE'S UP TO
”Being at the studio felt like a safe space for me surrounded by great
She just recently wrapped on
supportive people."
the short film, Laurina, and even filmed a pilot episode for a new
GROWING UP ON OITNB
Hulu series called Olga Dies
Photography: Ryan Clemens • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
Dreaming. She’s making major Like dance, Adriana found a passion
moves in the industry and hopes
for acting when she was very
to get to work on other shows she
young. “I was super energetic and
loves like “Outer Banks, Cobra
absolutely loved the thought of
Kai, Stranger Things, Pretty Little
being in front of a camera and on
Liars, and YOU.”
a TV,” she shared. “I would watch shows like iCarly and Victorious and
Either way, Adriana isn’t
recreate skits from those shows and
stressed. Her motto is
perform them for my family.”
“everything happens for a reason,” and she believes that
Adriana, now 16 years old, booked
everyone’s “time will come when
her first commercial role at 5. At
it’s meant to.” Her advice to
age 6, she became “Lucy Diaz” on
others trying to break into the
Orange is the New Black, a role
industry? Don’t let the nos stop
that lasted almost six years (in other
you from your passion. Just keep
words, half of Adriana’s life at the
putting the time and effort into
time!). “It was an unforgettable
what you love, it will be worth it
experience,” she revealed, “being
in the end! [...] It's not always an
able to grow up on this show
easy process but cherish all the
throughout the seasons until I was
steps and the journey that takes
around 12 years old! I learned
you there day by day.”
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Photography: (Left) Ana Ochoa, (Right) Provided by Dancers • Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
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Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
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Photography Provided by Management • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
Fashion prodigy, designer, and activist Ashlyn So combines structural futurism with avant-garde style to create truly unique clothing. The youngest Asian American designer to exhibit a collection at New York Fashion Week, she’s a force to be reckoned with. We sat down for an exclusive interview with Ashlyn to learn more about the force behind the fashion. WHEN DID YOU START SEWING? When I was really young, I went to a Montessori preschool where I hand-sewed Christmas ornaments, stuffed animals, and more. At 6, my mom let me go to a sewing camp, and I fell in love. In the sewing class, I realized I wanted to do more than basic design. When I went home, I started designing clothes I wanted to wear myself! WHERE DO YOU GET INSPIRATION FOR YOUR PIECES? I look at things that we see every day and imagine them in different ways to put on the dress form. Sometimes, I see things beyond what they are. I like to imagine simple things, like patterns on a wood door or silhouettes of trees, and transform them into figures or fantasies and eventually, a dress. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON THAT BEING A DESIGNER HAS TAUGHT YOU? To be humble and always try something new. Everytime I finish a design, although everyone around me tells me that they love it, I feel like I'm never satisfied with it. I want to keep reinventing myself and making new things. WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PIECE YOU’VE CREATED SO FAR? WHY? My favorite piece I've created so far is my last NYFW outfit. It is called the “ball gown” in my Beneath the Surface collection. I love this piece because it took a long time to make and figure out but, I love the end result. [Head to ashlynso.com to check it out for yourself!] WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE YOUR BRAND GIVES TO THE WORLD? I hope that my brand sends messages of love and unity, because that's what I'm all for. I think that uniting with others and showing forgiveness and love can solve a lot of problems.
Photography Provided by Ashlyn So • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
DO YOU HAVE ANY ROLE MODELS OR PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE YOU? I have many role models but I think my biggest one is my mom. She does so much for me and continues to push me to be better. I love her so much. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM COLLABORATION? My dream would be to dress Rihanna at the Met Gala. She has always been my icon and I love the outfits she wears every year. It is always something unexpected and new. WHO'S YOUR FAV CELEB STYLE ICON? I love Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Zendaya. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND IN THE DISTANT FUTURE? I hope to go to my dream design school in New York City called Parsons. I also hope to continue to build my brand and go to Paris or Milan Fashion Week. DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT? Some of my upcoming projects are NFTs and a Metaverse fashion show! BE SURE TO GO TO ASHLYNSO.COM TO SEE HER LATEST COLLECTION
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Dancer, influencer, and jewelry
on spreading messages of
designer Scarlett Bella Song
“kindness, empowerment,
is truly a work of art. She’s
collaboration, self-love, and
well-spoken, insightful,
sisterhood throughout the teen
grounded, dedicated, and
community.” Featuring simple
compassionate. She seems
but stunning items like silver
endlessly self-aware, and
diamond bar necklaces, Yin
she faces challenges with
and Yang earrings, and crystals
resilience and poise. We had
that match the sentiments of
the absolute honor of sitting
the message written on each
down with her for an interview
necklace, Scarlett says the line is
about her dance background,
a “physical manifestation of the
her jewelry line, and how she’s
loving energy that [she] wishes
made life’s roadblocks her
to send out into the world.”
artistic medium. REFRAMING NARRATIVES PASSION FOR DANCE Scarlett faces her fair share Scarlett started dancing at
of challenges in both the
3 years old, and while she
dance and the fashion world.
pursued other activities (like
Instead of seeing them in a
soccer, swimming, and ice
negative light, she tries to
skating), “[her] heart always
“reframe narratives, cultivate
led [her] back to dance.”
positive thinking, and trust
After years of classes, she
[herself] to persevere.”
realized she wanted to
Instead of seeing obstacles
pursue it further, and had the
as things to get over, she
“serendipitous” opportunity to
sees them as a medium for
move to LA. “Ultimately, it was
growth: “all the stumbles and
my training in LA with world-
disappointments along my
renowned choreographers
journey will transform me into
that solidified my passion for
the artist I aspire to become.”
dance,” she shared. “As I was
Photography: Tanya Turner • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
training side-by-side with
MASTERPIECE
the next generation of iconic dancers, I was living a lifestyle
Scarlett had so much more
that shaped my identity and
insight to give us, but we
life-long aspirations.”
couldn’t include it all here. Head over to our online
MANIFESTING
magazine (goshowstopper. com/magazine) to read
While her love of dance hasn’t
more about this fascinating
changed, she’s expanded her
teen. For now, we’ll leave
horizons to even more artforms,
you with one of her favorite
including jewelry making.
quotes from Sophia Bush,
Her collaborative line, “Annie
“You are allowed to be both a
x Scarlet,” is an inspirational
masterpiece and a work-in-
teen jewelry brand focused
progress simultaneously.” @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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We first started chatting with
line was on my bucket list
Tiger Friday founder, Bree
I created at 18 years old!”
Hafen, when we featured the
Between her love of fashion
talented Gracyn French in our
and wanting to stay involved
last issue (an incredible dancer
in dance, Bree seized an
and one of Bree’s “TIGRLS”).
opportunity in the industry.
Bree has trained, performed, taught, and choreographed
As a dance-lover and dance
in the dance world for over 35
mom, she saw a void in the
years, and describes dance
market–a lack of bold, bright,
as her “passion and [her] first
and fun dancewear made
love.” She hit her stride in the
with high-quality fabrics.
dance world as a teacher/
She decided to take on the
choreographer in 2012, when
challenge and made it her
she auditioned for So You
mission to take things from
Think You Can Dance (with her
outdated to trendy, and
“two little kiddos”) and was a
create both function and
Capezio ACE award winner.
fashion.
However, years of dance and
In four years, she has created
four babies “took a major toll
a brand that’s garnered over
on [her] body.” After having
40K followers on Instagram,
three hip surgeries and three
has worked with dozens of
correctional surgeries in her
popular dancers, and, most
best effort to keep dancing,
importantly, has empowered
she says it “became apparent
dancers around the world to
the universe had other plans
look and feel fierce.
for [her].” HER MISSION DANCE, MEET FASHION Fierceness and freedom are Not being able to dance
the driving forces behind
professionally anymore hit
Tiger Friday, and while
Bree hard and “not one to
there are so many factors
be held back, [she] knew
that make Tiger Friday
[she] had to find a way to
such an incredible brand
keep moving forward in the
(USA-made garments,
dance world even if [she]
hand-crafted pieces, and
could no longer teach and
moisture-wicking Softech
choreograph.” And thus, the
fabrics… just to name a few),
birth of Tiger Friday!
it’s the mission behind the brand that’s truly the most
I’ve always loved fashion and
inspiring part. “It has always
design,” she shared, “in fact,
been about living fierce and
designing my own fashion
free,” Bree told us. “Tiger
Friday is so much more than
HARD WORK & HUSTLE
failures have shaped the journey and forced me to
fabric and thread… it’s all about putting on a leo and
While her mission keeps Bree
learn, grow, think outside the
letting go of insecurities.
going, it sure hasn’t been without
box, and take certain crucial
It’s about recognizing your
challenges. “I always tease that
turns that I may not have
inner beauty as you see it
if someone had told me before I
taken otherwise. I used to be
portrayed outwardly. And
launched Tiger Friday how hard
so afraid of failure. Now, I see
that feeling is not exclusive to
it would be, I would have jumped
it as a crucial part of success.”
the girl that won first place;
ship so fast,” she told us, laughing.
it’s for everyone!” Tiger
“I’m so glad nobody warned me!”
Friday’s belief is that "when you look like a rock star, you
She compares the process to
feel like a rock star, and you
training in dance, in which it
dance like a rock star.”
requires a patient building of a foundation before you can see results. “You grow slow,” she shared, “and it can’t happen overnight. You have to get up each and every day (at least the days that you actually slept!) and be willing to grind it out again. There’s no taking breaks. There are no naps. I’ve been hustling every dang day for almost four years, and we
TEEN INFLUENCE
are still just getting started!” We wondered how Tiger Friday perfectly encapsulated teen style, in a way that eludes most traditional dancewear brands, and we found out the secret… Bree's favorite part about
she collaborates with the very
owning Tiger Friday is “100%
teens who wear the designs!
seeing dancers wearing "In my opinion, students and
it and watching how it
young dancers are the most
affects their confidence. She shared, “for me, an
FAILURE AS A FORCE
pure, creative, incredible minds and they help me SO much
outfit can literally make or break my mood, my self
Bree’s biggest advice to anyone
with design.” As far as working
assurance. You see your
trying to achieve a big goal
with anyone else, like designers
reflection and there’s an
is to not fear failure. “Failures
or celebrities, she “always
internal shift. Seeing dancers
are found all along the road to
comes back to the kids that are
put on Tiger Friday and have
success. I’ve failed a thousand
designing with [her] and can’t
that increase of confidence…
times (so far) and I’m surely not
imagine taking that investment
that’s everything to me!”
done failing now! However, those
and shifting it to anyone else.”
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Photography: Michael Scott, Chanae Goodman • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
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Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
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Design/Writing: Nikki Cole
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Photography: Pottery Barn Teen • Design/Writing: Nikki Cole
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For our "Iconic Styles" issue,
THAT OUTER BANKS SHOW
we knew we had to spend a
If you’re wondering how to get to those on-set moments, Georgia has
day in the life of someone who
While Georgia has recently started
this advice for aspiring stylists: “Be
always has fashion on the brain.
working as a music video director
open to learning and work with
Solo artist and stylist, Georgia
and producer as well as a stylist and
anyone and everyone you can.
VanNewkirk takes us through a
musician, styling was the beginning.
Style varies from person to person
day of being creative and how
and being open to the evolution of
her style motivates her along with
Georgia was introduced to
a look is so beneficial. I learned so
a behind-the-scenes look at how
costuming at an early age. Her
much from [Emmie] and the way
some of your favorite TV shows
mom, Angel Roberts, is an Emmy
she worked with the actors during
are styled.
Award-winning stylist for her
fittings to make sure they felt
work on That 70s Show. But even
comfortable and confident as their
with that background, Georgia
characters on set.”
ROUTINES & RITUALS
says, “I entered the industry kind “I would say my personal style can
of by accident.” When Georgia
Oh, and one practical thing for a
be described as if a secret agent
graduated from The Savannah
stylist? “Bring a steamer with you
from the 70s discovered the color
College of Art and Design (SCAD),
everywhere you go.”
combo of pink and green for the
the world was mid-pandemic and
first time and then accepted a
Georgia was hesitant to go to a
Recently, Georgia put her many
mission in 2022,” Georgia told us.
big city. Luckily, New York and Los
job titles to work on music
Angeles weren’t the only places
videos for the bands Babe Club
Before she can get on with the
where big things were happening
and 19&You. Check out Babe
latest mission, though. Georgia has
in entertainment.
Club’s “Lazy Lover” and 19&You’s
Photography: Provided by Georgia VanNewkirk • Design/Writing: Holly Childs
a routine. “The first thing I do every
“Paradise” to see her work!
morning is make a cup of coffee,
“I knew they were shooting [Outer
and sit on my porch.” Moving from
Banks] Season 2 in Charleston, SC,
She’s also still working on her own
where she grew up in Charleston,
so I reached out to the costume
music. “I am wrapping an EP I
South Carolina to her hometown in
designer on Instagram basically
wrote and recorded that I am SO
Los Angeles, California, Georgia's
just telling her how much I
excited about, so that should be on
routine is to drink her morning cup
admired her work and that if
the horizon very soon.” We can't
of coffee looking out over the valley.
there were any spots on her
wait to hear it!
“As someone coming from the south
team, I would love to learn from
where there’s not a ton of hills, this
her.” When Georgia reached out,
ritual helps to remind me of how
Outer Banks was prepping to start
grateful I am and to continue that
shooting the following week, and
Early starts and unpredictable
energy as I start my day.”
Emmie Holmes (costume designer)
days mean that having a cool-
TUNE IN, COOL DOWN
needed a costume production
down routine is just as important
Working as a stylist means that
assistant. Georgia would work for
as waking up the right way.
Georgia’s schedule isn’t quite
Emmie on Outer Banks Season
For Georgia, it’s simple. “After a
as predictable as her morning
2 and follow her to other shows
busy day, I like to wind down by
coffee This variation is one of her
for another year and a half
listening to music or a podcast.”
favorite parts of the job.. She could
before breaking off and moving
be sourcing clothes, working on
to LA. “The entire thing felt super
That doesn’t mean she’s put work
set, or doing any number of tasks
serendipitous,” Georgia reflected.
out of her mind, though. “I try to consume as much inspiration as
throughout the day, so she has a list of essentials: “comfortable yet
(Check out the sidebar on the next
possible when I am not working,
cool tennis shoes, a gigantic water
page for a detailed look at what
and this helps me do that while
bottle, and eccentric sunglasses.”
it's like to be an on-set stylist.)
also relaxing.
OFF-SET STYLING
bright scarf tied to a purse strap, a
Michigan? You’ll have a rustic board
bold eye-shadow color, or layered
by the end of the day. I know this
She isn’t just styling other people.
gold chains to a look to give it an
isn’t incredibly groundbreaking,
Georgia also works hard on her
extra wow.
but it is such a great platform for
own personal looks. No matter
inspiration.”
whose wardrobe she’s working on,
Georgia has some go-to inspirations
Georgia has a simple formula for
as well. Some of her current style
creating looks. “I always like to have
inspirations are Orville Peck, Slim
an element of the unexpected,” she
Aarons’ photography, and AREA’s
Georgia says her everyday style
told us. “Style is about the way you
more recent collections, but she’s
goal is “to be true to myself while
feel when you walk into a room,
also “a Pinterest girl” at heart. She
still trying to evolve.” No matter the
so I always want to include an
loves creating boards and gathering
trends, the set, or who her clients
immediate eye-catching moment.”
ideas no matter what she’s doing.
are, style isn’t concrete. It changes
“We’re going to dinner? I’ll make
with time, and sometimes a good
Those eye-catching moments?
a board for the looks. Someone
throwback is a perfect way to
Georgia likes to add things like a
tells me they want a cottage in
create something "new.'"
CONCLUSION
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Sooo we love to talk about Harry Styles, but can we please focus on Harry’s style for a second? We’ve looked to iconic celebrity styles in the past for their brand dedication or their love of a color, but one thing that makes Harry’s looks so seemingly effortless is how he can blend his inspirations, eras, people, media, with his own personality and presence that make everything he wears so Harry. For some, Harry might be one iconic style like that incredible pink suit from his Today performance in 2017 or his three Gucci feather boa looks from the Grammys in 2021. But Harry goes through trends and style changes like anyone else and looking at all of his looks from boyband skinny jeans to Peter Pan collars shows us a lot about how his music and expression blend a lot with his fashion
How well do you know Harry Styles' music video fashion? 1. Which music video features Harry and Beau Gadsdon in matching custom Gucci suits? A. “Watermelon Sugar” B. “Falling” C. “Sign of the Times” D. “Kiwi”
2. Which music video has the most Harry styles? A. “Adore You” C. “As It Was” D. “Lights Up” B. “Golden”
THE TONED-DOWN (HARRY STYLES) Harry styles admitted in his Better Homes & Gardens cover interview this year that he felt like he needed to play it safe when he released his debut album if he wanted to be taken seriously. We can see a lot of that attitude in his looks as well. It wasn’t all quiet styling, though. Harry Styles and its tour definitely showcased Harry’s love of a Gucci suit, especially the suits with intricate embroidery and detailing. While there are many many Gucci suits to choose from,
3. What colors are the sequin jumpsuit looks in “As It Was?” A. Pink and Blue B. Orange and Yellow C. Red and Blue D. Black and White
4. How many rings does Harry wear in “Falling?” A. 2 B. 3
C. 6 D. 7
we can’t help but love the custom blue and green jacquard double-breasted suit that makes an appearance in the “Kiwi” music video.
Design: Holly Childs • Writing: Veronica Good
We wouldn’t see some of Harry’s most iconic looks until his sophomore album Fine Line came out
5. What decade inspired the “Watermelon Sugar” video’s vintage aesthetic? A. 20s B. 50s
C. 70s D. 90s
two years later, but there’s still so much signature Harry in his debut looks that separated him from his One Direction days (though cool jackets and designer accessories were making their way into his wardrobe long before One Direction split) and showed off his personality. Not anyone can casually wear jacquard all the time! Bold colors, a signature style that blended rock & roll with genderfluid fashion, and chunky rings
6. Which video features a 20s jazz performance vibe with a 70s twist? A. “Treat People with Kindness” B. “Sign of the Times” C. “Golden” D. “Adore You” Answers: 1. D 2. A (7 different outfits!) 3. C 4. D 5. C 6. A
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were obvious markers of Harry’s styles in 2017, and they would only
Simon on in his Rolling Stone cover interview in April 2017. “Pink is the only true rock & roll color.”
evolve over time. We can see his confidence as a solo artist grow as his style gets bolder.
If you think Harry Styles and think 70s and 80s looks, then it’s probably the Fine Line era
THE FLARE (FINE LINE)
filling your head. “Watermelon Sugar” and its beach picnics in literal rose-colored glasses
It’s hard not to think of Fine Line as Harry’s
and bold colors and patterns make us want
“trouser era.” So many of Harry’s best looks
to wear crochet tops as much as “Falling”
from Love on Tour and his TV appearances
makes us want to wear dramatic plissé tops
feature flared trousers in a variety of colors
with huge trains.
from the pop of pink on the Fine Line album cover to a rainbow of pastels, sparkling
This kind of expression and dress up was
trousers, and occasionally the jacquard we
new to Harry’s public persona and what
saw so much of before. Fine Line was like
he let fans see, but he shared with Vogue
an explosion of Harry for fans. It seemed
that dressing up and exploring fashion is
like it was a blast for Harry as well. While
something that has always made him excited.
Harry Styles was shorter and more toned
“As a kid I definitely liked fancy dress,” he
down, Fine Line was expansive and loud in
said, sharing that he was once cast as a
sound and style. It’s really no wonder that
church mouse named Barney in a school play.
“Watermelon Sugar” was everywhere in the
“I was really young, and I wore tights for that.
summer of 2020.
I remember it was crazy to me that I was wearing a pair of tights. And that was maybe
Harry commented directly on his
where it all kicked off!”
transformation between his first two albums in his Vogue December cover
Now, Harry is a professional actor as well as a
interview in 2020. “I was very much finding
pop staple. He appears as Starfox in Marvel’s
out what my sound was as a solo artist,”
The Eternals (2021) and will appear as Jack in
he says. “I can see all the places where
Don’t Worry Darling this September. Trying on
it almost felt like I was bowling with the
new personas is all part of the job, and Harry’s
bumpers up. I think with the second album
love for experimenting with clothes means
I let go of the fear of getting it wrong and…
that slipping into every role is a new bit of
it was really joyous and really free. I think
excitement. “I like playing dress-up in general,”
with music it’s so important to evolve—and
he told Vogue.
that extends to clothes and videos and all that stuff. That’s why you look back
COMFORT (HARRY'S HOUSE)
at David Bowie with Ziggy Stardust or the Beatles and their different eras—that
Finding the confidence and security to wear
fearlessness is super inspiring.”
the bold styles that are Harry’s signature seems like the peak of what he could
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The rock & roll influences that Harry mentions
accomplish fashion-wise, but as Harry’s third
were definitely there during his solo debut
album Harry’s House came out this summer,
and the pink pantsuit is classic 70s Mick
it was actually a move toward the cozy that
Jagger. Harry even quoted The Clash’s Paul
marks his creative freedom.
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The promo images for Harry’s House feature plenty of color (we can’t keep our eyes off those chunky beaded Éliou necklaces!), and polka dots and patterned sweaters are all fair game, but it’s not as loud as Fine Line. Harry shared with Better Homes & Gardens that Harry’s House is his “most intimate album.” “I just want to make stuff that is right, that is fun, in terms of process, that I can be proud of for a long time,” he said, “that my friends can be proud of, that my family can be proud of, that my kids will be proud of one day.” Creating Harry’s House is part of Harry’s exploration of himself and his redefining of “home” during the pandemic, especially during lockdowns and quarantines when he couldn’t tour. “I realized that that home feeling isn’t something that you get from a house; it’s more of an internal thing. You realize that when you stop for a minute,” he said to Better Homes & Gardens. If you stop for a minute, you can see this in Harry’s fashion, too. His fashion is internal. No matter what he wears, there’s Harry in it. The patterns and designers might shift from album to album, but whether he’s in a feather boa or a knit sweater with a giant duck head on it, you can see his love of classic silhouettes and the rock & roll sensibility that informs his music and his stage presence. Harry put it best when he told Vogue, “you can never be overdressed. There’s no such thing. The people that I looked up to in music—Prince and David Bowie and Elvis and Freddie Mercury and Elton John—they’re such showmen. As a kid it was completely mind-blowing. Now I’ll put on something that feels really flamboyant, and I don’t feel crazy wearing it. I think if you get something that you feel amazing in, it’s like a superhero outfit. Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with.”
We all agree that Harry’s style is impeccable, but like most celebrities, Harry isn’t creating these looks all by himself. So who helps Harry be so Harry? Stylist Harry Lambert (nicknamed “Sue” by Harry’s team) is the one pairing the pop star’s personality with brands and styles that fit him best. Harry Lambert is the stylist behind the JW Anderson patchwork cardigan look that led to a crochet and knitting craze in 2020. But these instincts aren’t all about creating trends, though Harry’s looks have sparked plenty of conversations in the fashion world. Harry Lambert shared with GQ, “It’s fun to do something that sparks a conversation, but, really, I try to just focus on delivering one look at a time.” Last year Harry Lambert told GQ that creating an impeccable style like this is all about trust. “Whenever I start working with someone, I tell them they’ve got to be honest with me. I need them to tell me if they don’t like something. Nothing would upset me more than a client going out on the red carpet or stage and not wearing something they feel happy in.” @GOSHOWSTOPPER
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1
When we saw the DoviArt Fashion show at NYFW in February, the first model wielded this
2
Harry Styles told Vogue that “you can never be ___________.”
3
This Stones legend is Peach Martine’s fav style icon
6
This fabric embellishment is a big part of Lacey Schwimmer’s Chelsea x Lacey dance wear line
4
House of Barretti usually needs this at NYFW to fit all of their outfits
7
Scarlett Bella Song co-founded Annie x Scarlett, an empowering _______ brand
5
Celai West is a _______ Activist
8
This style aesthetic has been made popular again by Bridgerton
10
Something Sophie Fergi does when she’s anxious
9
The Ford Sisters danced in a surprise performance with this singer
11
Morgan Landrigan has performed with this singer twice
13
12
Alysa Gutierrez-Sierra dreams of working with this actor
Georgia VanNewkirk was a costume production assistant on this Netflix show
15
Ashlyn So will be hosting a fashion show here
14
Daniele Denise Dawson collects these
17
Mychal-Bella is passionate about the “Say No to ________” organization
16
Tiger Friday’s motto is all about living ______ and free
19
Adriana Camposano’s character in Chicken Girls
18
Butterflies, wide-leg jeans, and baby tees are all part of this 90s and 2000s style
20
Ava Breeze filmed her music video for this song on top of Rockefeller Center in NYC
HINT: Use articles in this magazine to find the answers!
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Aquarius
PISCES
ARIES
(1/20-2/18)
(2/19-3/20)
(3/21-4/19)
STYLE ICON: HARRY STYLES
STYLE ICON: OLIVIA RODRIGO
STYLE ICON: LADY GAGA
Your Aquarius imagination means you’ll have no trouble channeling your style icon this summer. Harry typically starts with a foundation of basics and then dreams big for the finishing touches— statement necklaces, scarves and boas, or tons of jewelry. Start with just one statement item so you get the magic, but don’t cross the fine line of too much.
You’re flexible, Pisces, which means you’re usually open to a shift in style. Why not try channeling your style icon, Olivia, this season? She combines Gen-Z trends with punk-rock throwbacks to achieve an effortlessly cool style. Head to your local thrift store to see if you can find some unique 2000s pieces to pair with your current wardrobe!
Your style icon’s sense of fashion is as energetic as you tend to be, Aries. While Gaga’s meat dress days are behind us, she’s still not afraid to make a statement! This summer, step out of your fashion comfort zone and opt for unexpected statement items—feather accents, mixed patterns, crystal headpieces, or simply just pops of bold color!
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
(7/22-8/22)
(8/23-9/22)
(9/23-10/22)
STYLE ICON: DUA LIPA
STYLE ICON: ZENDAYA
STYLE ICON: MADDIE ZIEGLER
What better way for your natural Leo confidence to come through than in your style? Dua Lipa is never afraid to do a lot, and you shouldn’t be either! Go BOLD this summer with bright, fun colors, eyecatching cut outs, and as many sequins as you deem reasonable for the occasion (and then, of course, add a few more).
Zendaya could wear a paper bag and we’d still be like “ugh, slay.” Everything she wears makes it feel like it’s the greatest (fashion) show—from simple sweats to iconic statements. It’s all in the confidence! As a Virgo, you probably have a go-to style, but this summer, try to shake it up! Start small—try a new eyeshadow look or get a new power suit.
From the first moment Maddie leapt onto our stage, we saw her grace, a trait shared by most Libras. She’s found ways to infuse that grace into her style—and as a fellow Libra, it’s something you could totally embody this summer if it aligns with your vibe! Try satin fabrics, matching sets, chic workout wear, and of course, a dewdriven skincare routine.
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*for entertainment purposes only
CELEB BIRTHDAYS Harry Styles February 1
Rihanna February 20
Loren Gray April 19
Sabrina Carpenter May 11
Sophie Fergi July 4
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
(4/20-5/20)
(5/21-6/20)
(6/21-7/22)
STYLE ICON: GIGI HADID
STYLE ICON: EMMA CHAMBERLAIN
STYLE ICON: ARIANA GRANDE
Simplicity and stability—two things a Taurus loves. Street style icon, Gigi Hadid, gives “basic” pieces new life by pairing them with colorful handbags, a cool pair of shades, or a slicked back pony. This summer, grab your fav denim, a pair of shades, and some edgy shoes, and use your Taurus determination to strut the street like you own it.
Part of your Gemini charm comes from your openmindedness, especially when it comes to change. Your style icon, Emma, switches up her style often. Why not try a few new styles this summer to see which ones you vibe with? Try thrifting or even renting clothes so you get to try all the styles without too much commitment.
While Ariana’s look has changed a lot over the years thanks to her innate adaptability as a Cancer, she’s sentimental to the classics (like her iconic high ponytail). This summer, don’t try to branch out too much, instead, identify your "icon items" and things that bring you comfort (i.e. your fav oversized sweatshirt) and find new ways to style them!
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
(10/23-11/21)
(11/22-12/21)
(12/22-1/19)
STYLE ICON: KENDALL JENNER
STYLE ICON: BILLIE EILISH
STYLE ICON: TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET
While Scorpios are known for their bravery, Kendall tends to stay close to the classics when it comes to her style. This summer, work on organizing your closet into a staple wardrobe and identify which pieces can act as your foundation all season long. Think comfy denim, basic-but-chic tanks, and a consistent color palette.
Not many embody the funloving, adventurous style as much as icon Billie Eilish does. Make your wardrobe happier than ever this summer by embracing the types of clothes that you feel most comfy in for adventuring (bc you’re a Sag, so, obvi), while also incorporating bright colors, edgy hairstyles, and even mixing/matching patterns.
Can we all agree that Timothée’s fashion has a certain effortless... je-nesais-quoi? He’s known for pairing one statement item with basic pieces to create a unique look, and it’s something you can easily incorporate into your own style! Find a patterned blazer, colorful pants, or a graphic tee to break up an otherwise simple look.
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