ICON SUMMER 2013 by The Icon Mag

Staff/ contributors Editor in Chief >> Casey Geren Art Director >>> Samuel Guevara Copy Editor >> Christopher Dorsey Entertainment Editor >> Reilly T. Bates Sex/Love/Dating Editor >> Lexa James Fashion >> Mito Aviles Travel >> Christina Loglisci Anthony Pallitto music >> Christine Solomon food >> Esther Trinh

Contributing Photographers >> Steve Erle Brian Higbee

cover molly sims Photography by Steve erle Shot on location at siren studios

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6 products to get you through summer weekends!

icon art -Â homo riot

icon beauty - eau dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;talie

Daniel Sunjata

fashion - An American Royal Homecoming, Hilfiger Style!

icon food

John Gallagher Jr

molly sims

music - fitz and the tantrums

travel - ireland

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Supergoop SPF 30 Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist With Vitamin C www.supergoop.com

Supergoop SPF 37 Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream www.supergoop.com

LVX Summer 2013 Collection www.shoplvx.com

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Bumble and Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner www.bumbleandbumble.com

Swims 24 Hour Weekend Bag www.swims.com

Swims Lace Loafer www.swims.com

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iconART Working mostly at night, Homo Riot has been putting up signature pieces such as two lip-locked lovers with carnival worthy masked eyes since 2008, immediately after the passing of Proposition 8 in California. The response, he says, has been over-

whelmingly positive. Aside from receiving regular emails from fans expressing their happiness and gratitude with his art, his message has gained traction with the active participation of other artists.

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Art in the Streets: Homo

Riot

By: Reilly T. Bates Africa, Spain, the UK, to Brazil and all over North America, men and women hit the streets. I’d like to think that long after I stop being active in the streets, The street is not the only place you can find Homo Riot’s work. Having just closed a show in Chicago, he is gearing up for a new one in Portland, Oregon. But what Homo Riot finds most appealing about street art is that it can be an equalizer. “The traditional gallery system limits who shows what and who sees it. In street art there are no rules, no limitations, and the audience is potentially everyone. My street art is message driven, so for me, the more people who see it, the better. In a gallery, it’s typically educated artistic elites who are viewing

it, discussing it or dissing it. On the street, it may confuse and confound the public at large but there are no borders, no boundaries and no limitations.”

art itself, because our work is ephemeral and the only legacy it has is the photographed documentation,” he explains.

While putting art in the streets doesn’t limit the audience, it is still considered an illegal act in most places when it is unauthorized. When he’s in a city he’s familiar with, Homo Riot will usually get his night of rioting started at around 10 at night. He says if he is unfamiliar with a city or neighborhood, he’ll spend a few daytime hours scoping it out. When he can, he tries to find places where other artists have displayed work because this is where photographers also tend to go. “Photography of street art is just as important as the street

A simple online search of Homo Riot will lead you to his website where there is a viewing gallery of his artwork. While he sells pieces, money doesn’t drive him. He also doesn’t view being an artist as his career, but rather as something driven by selfexploration and fulfillment. “I love having an outlet for my art that ends up being important to someone other than just myself. And I love the rush of being a butch punk switchblade-carrying vandal.” And that is exactly what we call badass.

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Summer has arrived, which means sunshine, sexy bronzed skin and discovering some new favorite beauty products to add to your summer beauty routine. I recently had the great privilege of sitting down with the creator of one of my personal favorite fragrance and beauty lines, Sebastian Alvarez Murena

of Eau Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Italie. Close your eyes and picture yourself soaking in the sun and the breathtking surroundings of the Amalfi Coast in Italy. For those of us who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easily get to the Amalfi Coast, Sebastian paints a beautiful picture and shares his deep knowledge of fragrance and beauty.

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Eau D’Italie By: Lexa James Please give a brief description/background of Eau D’Italie for the readers: Eau d’Italie is an Italian fragrance brand, originally born to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the fabled Hotel Le Sirenuse of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Our fragrances are inspired by Italy, its regions, its history, its traditions. Eau d’Italie is not only personal fragrance, but also a luxury body line and a collection of super performing alcohol-free room fragrance diffusers. You recently celebrated your 60th Anniversary of the Hotel Le Sirenuse and created Un Bateau Pour Capri. To me, this fragrance captures the essence of a sexy, strong woman. What was the process of creating such a beautiful and alluring fragrance? Thank you! Actually, it’s interesting that you describe “Un Bateau pour Capri” in the words you do, because that’s precisely what we had in mind when creating it. But let me go one step back and explain how we got there. Indeed, two years ago we celebrated the Le Sirenuse’s 60th anniversary, and before that we were in Positano one day, and we started rummaging through a big box full of pictures we have at home. The pictures were of life in Positano and at Le Sirenuse in the 1950s and 1960s, and they were mostly of parties during summer.

Ekberg, and by the fact there was this shuttling back and forward between Positano and Capri aboard beautiful Riva speedboats--a scarf tied on the head, big dark sunglasses. Thus the name, which means “A boat to Capri”. We thought about the fragrances that were popular at the time, the fragrances worn by these women, and thought we wanted to create something evocative of this period and of this kind of woman. Not a reproduction of these fragrances though, but a more ambitious project: that of managing to encapsulate in a fragrance the spirit of this kind of woman. So we embarked in this project in which we wanted to create a fully feminine Eau de Parfum, a floral fragrance with some fruity hints in its notes, and a glorious, superb powdery drydown. But we wanted to do this in a contemporary way, so that the woman wearing it today would not feel at any time like wearing something that isn’t just absolutely perfect in its classicism. It was a very interesting job, and the result is this gorgeous, deep peony with notes of freesia and a hint of peach, that then leaves way to a heart of jasmine, rose and heliotrope. One has to smell it to understand it, but the fact is Un Bateau pour Capri is an Eau de Parfum that literally carries you away.

In those days, Marina’s father (Marina Sersale, my wife and business partner) and his siblings had turned their summer residence into a hotel which they called Le Sirenuse, and which had become “the place” to go to from very early on. The pictures, thus, depicted extraordinary parties on the terrace of the hotel, all the men in dinner jackets, all the women in long dresses, quite stunning, la Dolce Vita at its best.

Do you have a personal favorite fragrance in the line? We were commenting this with Marina the other day: the fragrance one has last worked on always seems to have a special place in one’s heart. But then we smell again the ones we did previously, and we fall in love again quite immediately. We were surprised by this, and came to the conclusion that since we’d never release a fragrance we don’t absolutely love personally, the truth is we love them all, each of them because of its own characteristics.

We were particularly struck by pictures of the beauties of the time: Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, Anita

In your opinion, what is the perfect summer fragrance in your collection?

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I guess the two most perfect would be Eau d’Italie Eau de Toilette and Jardin du Poèt, but with a caveat. Eau d’Italie EdT is not “a summer fragrance”. It’s rather a fragrance that becomes so much part of one’s identity, that it “molds” itself perfectly also to summer. Whereas Jardin du Poète, a green citrus, is just such a burst of energy and coolness that’s hard to resist. Can you give any advice to our readers on how to pick out a new fragrance? Absolutely, yes. Rule number one is trust your own judgement! Shut your eyes, forget publicity and magazine ads, and try the fragrance on your own skin. Does the fragrance “speak” to you? Then, it’s your fragrance. Also, stay away from airport stores where the air is so saturated of fragrances that your nose can’t tell one from the other. Favor smaller stores, where the person proposing you a fragrance expects you to be fully happy with your purchase, so he or she will be truly motivated to help you. But, again, above all, trust your own judgement. Be courageous! You can’t go wrong with what you like. Where can our dedicated readers purchase your luxury line? You can purchase our entire collection of fragrance, body and home luxuries online at www.lafcony.com. Can you tell us what we can look forward to next from Eau D’Italie? We are always working on new fragrances, new products, many projects that evolve at the same time. Then one of them reaches perfection, and becomes our next launch. So, soon, very soon...

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Sweater: PRPS Goods & Co.

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DanielSUNJATA

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From Smash to Graceland, Daniel Sunjata is Our Kind Of Man By: Reilly T. Bates

Swoon-worthy actor Daniel Sunjata returns to television this year in the USA Network’s Graceland. Sunjata’s character, Paul Briggs, is an FBI agent who shares a beachfront property with five other government agents. The folks are undercover in

their day to day lives, so the dynamics of the show will play out in an entertaining way. Sunjata, whose career spans nearly two decades, has appeared on dozens of our favorite shows and movies over the years such as The Devil

Photography by STEVE ERLE Shot on location at SIREN STUDIOS Grooming by ERICA SAUER Styling by BRIAN PRIMEAUX for ARTISTSBYTIMOTHYPRIANO.COM Post Production by ERIC BROCKOB

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Wears Prada and Sex and The City. After graduating from New York University, this humbled actor has found himself with consistent work, which his talent speaks for.

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SunKi 26

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issed Gold netter to by Helmut Lang Bangels Alexis Bittar Hat by Corto Maltese

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Gold netter to by Helmut Lang Bangels Alexis Bittar Hat by Corto Maltese

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White bikini bottom by Marc Jacobs Necklace by Alice & Olivia Photography by Lyall Aston at Artists by Timothy Priano Hair & makeup by Mary Guthrie at Artists by Timothy Priano Wardrobe styling by Vanessa Albalat Model Carleen at Elite Models

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leather bustier by Dolce & Gabbana black heels by Alexander Wang

Beaded sheer top by Elizabeth & James

Creating an unforgettable first impression is a timeless art that very few are able to master. That is, of course, unless you’re a stripe-clad

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wizard known as Tommy Hilfiger. His latest expression of American sportswear is done with, as he states, “a twist.”

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An American Royal Homecoming, Hilfiger Style! Hilfiger makes a fashion forward splash, introducing his LA Flagship in absolute style. By Mito Alves If you’re expecting the usual, All-American Hilfiger style, think again. Washed denim, cotton casuals, and faded prints are the anthesis of Hifilger’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection, which embodies true simplistic elegance. Vertical stripes, oversized proportions, gold chain straps, dramatic contrast hems, pajama suits, boyfriend collared bottom downs, slouchy patchwork denim, sexy open backs, and red, white, and blue are what sets apart this nautical-chic collection. The collection embodies East Coast tradition with its whimsy summer-in-the-Hamp-

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tons feeling, so warm summer nights can be enjoyed in absolute style. Fresh, light and summery is exactly what the Spring/Summer collection gives us, which is why it’s exclusively sold at his LA flagship store on chic and fashion-forward Robertson Blvd. “Los Angeles is an iconic U.S. destination with unique style that embraces the relaxed vibe, youthful spirit and irreverent attitude that are the foundation of the brand,” gushes Hilfiger. “Robertson Blvd, with its global significance and blend of luxury meets accessibility, is the perfect location for the brand.”

The classic, American, cool spirit of the Hilfiger brand fuses with the distinct West Coast vibe. Inspired by the city’s blend of fashion, art, music and entertainment, Hilfiger has found his new fashion haven under the sunny LA skies and Angelinos wouldn’t have it any other way.

Welcome to LA, Hilfigers.

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Need to make a quick getaway this summer? It might be easier than you think. By: Esther Trinh

The tradition of the speakeasy came out of the Prohibition when alcohol was banned in The States. Drinkers would visit these secret drinking establishments to get their fix and were encouraged to speak easy, or be discreet, in order to keep law enforcement at bay. www.theiconmag.com

These days, speakeasies are more about offering a unique experience rather than avoiding the law. And how fortunate for us, because even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get out of town, you can still escape to one of these hidden gems.

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SummerHideaway

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East Coast

Central Region

Pacific Northwest

THE GNO Beauty & Essex, New York City

THE VISIONARY The Aviary, Chicago

THE GO-TO The Zig Zag Café, Seattle

It’s like a speakeasy within a speakeasy. This You haven’t experienced molecular mixology until “The Zag”, as many locals call it, is a rarity that offers champagne bar is tucked away in the ladies’ restroom you’ve been to the Aviary, where cocktails are food that’s just as good as its cocktails. Best of all, of a restaurant hidden by a pawn shop. deconstructed and then ingeniously foamed, gelée-d, they manage to keep it real, from the friendly patrons steeped, frozen, and even smoked into fanciful who are happy to share recommendations to the masterpieces. knowledgeable and efficient staff. You can enjoy Beauty & Essex’ food, drinks and music in mixed company, but when it’s time to use the ladies’ room, the free bubbly makes it a girls’ night From the custom barware and surprising ingredients → Get there out. to the stunning presentations, the lines between art, It’s tucked away in little walkway near Pike Place science and food are blurred — and not just because Market at Western and the Pike Street Hill Climb. → Get there of your buzz. Look for the Kasala Furniture store. Between bites, slip downstairs to the women’s restroom. The champagne bar is in the adjacent → Get there THE FOODIE lounge area. Your flute is free, but be sure to tip your It’s by reservation only with very limited seating, and Secret Society Lounge, Portland bartender. books up months in advance. Try to snag a spot by emailing reservations@theaviary.com. If you’ve been to the Secret Society Lounge, chances THE INSTITUTION are you’ve been to iconic Portland restaurant Toro Pegu Club, New York City Bravo. But the Secret Society Lounge holds its own, with well-crafted classic cocktails and small bites that Though it may no longer be fresh on the scene, you are well worth the trip whether you’re having dinner can always depend on Pegu Club for its smart downstairs or not. cocktail menu, eclectic small plates and well-heeled crowd — the kind of reliability only comes with → Get there experience. Enter through Toro Bravo and up the stairs. → Get there Find the unassuming glass door on Houston Street and head upstairs. California THE ORIGINAL The Varnish, Los Angeles In a city known for its trendy, image-conscious nightlife, the Varnish was one of the first to fearlessly buck the trend and adopt vintage as its philosophy, not just the theme of the night. While the bandage dresses and table service elsewhere can get old, the Varnish with its classic cocktails, dapper style and dimly lit booths has a timeless throwback appeal. → Get there Find the door at the back of Cole’s. THE SOUNDTRACK Sayers Club, Hollywood You might be hard-pressed to find a club in Hollywood that’s more about the music than the scene, but Sayers is an exception where guests have enjoyed performances from acts such as the Black Keys, Gotye and Prince. The club doesn’t feed into the hype, keeping featured performers under wraps to maintain a spontaneous, serendipitous atmosphere that’s conducive to, well, good music. → Get there There’s no sign on the door, but you’ll be able to find it by following the long lines that stretch out front on the weekends. THE PARAMOUR Pour Vous, Hollywood If you’re going to indulge in a summer fling, spend your nights with the French mistress that is Pour Vous. Heat things up with the lush décor, sultry music and live burlesque performances sprinkled throughout the evening. Then, cool off with a refined cocktail or a visit to the vintage smoking trolley out back. → Get there Make a reservation or arrive early to avoid long lines, and be sure to follow the reasonable but strictly enforced code. THE MEET MARKET RickHouse, San Francisco Don’t let its location on a quiet street near Union Square fool you — RickHouse epitomizes the fashionable young Bay Area scene. Of course, the drinks are notable as well, including a shareable, fruit-infused punch bowl that’s a perfect way to make new friends. → Get there Look for the wood-paneled storefront. www.theiconmag.com

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JohnGallagherJr Fresh off the first season, we cannot get enough of HBOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hit show The Newsroom. We caught up with John Gallagher Jr. who plays adorable producer Jim Harper on the dramatic series. Having a career that has spanned over a decade, his list of credits and awards is impressive, yet there are many more sur-

prising aspects to this dynamic actor than just a strong screen presence. A dynamic man indeed, Gallagher tells us about his up-and-coming music, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next with the show, and his future plans.

Photography by Brian Higbee Grooming by Stephanie Hobgood Styling by Vanessa Shokrian for Celestine Agency Shirt: Theory Navy Knit Polo

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Beyond The Newsroom: John Gallagher Jr. By: Reilly T. Bates

Icon: How’s the filming of season two of The Newsroom going? What can we expect? John Gallagher Jr.: It’s going great! It’s always so hard to gauge from the inside how it is going, but people can expect a lot of what they enjoyed about season one—a lot of the struggles and strong aspects of the show carry into season two. In season one, each episode tackled a major news story from the recent past. Season two still does that, but now there is a more thorough storyline. Each episode isn’t centered around a news story quite as much this time. What I think is most exciting is that the characters get out of the newsroom more, and you get to see them in other locations and see how they work outside of the familiarity of the newsroom. Icon: How is it as an actor to relive some of those real-life news events apart from an everyday person? JG Jr.: I don’t think there’s been a single story that we’ve tackled on the show that I haven’t learned more about by working on the show. Aaron Sorkin does a tremendous amount of research, and there tends to be some angle or some side to the story that wasn’t actually covered by CNN, or wasn’t covered by MSNBC. So you have to look elsewhere for these sides of the stories and there’s always something unique that I didn’t know about. It’s an interesting opportunity to be able to focus in closer on some of these events or stories that have changed the world over the past few years. Icon: How is it working with such a huge name like Aaron Sorkin? JG Jr.: He’s a fantastic person to have

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as your boss. He loves what he does and he really likes actors and takes really good care of his company and the ensemble. We really have such fantastic work to do each week, and at the same time, it is a lot of fun. Icon: I don’t know if a lot of people know that you’re a Tony-winner, which is a huge deal. Do you miss the stage now that you’re on television? JG Jr.: I love being on stage—I do miss it as a matter of fact. I don’t know when I’m going to get back on it, but I can’t wait for whenever that might be, or whenever the timing works out. That is one of the tricky things. Being on television ties you down for the better part of a year. You can’t say yes to opportunities you might say yes to otherwise, so it takes a lot of planning. But I can’t wait to do it again, and actually I’m a little scared! 2011 was the last time I appeared on stage doing a play, and now there’s this sense that if I go too long without doing it, I’m going to forget. I do have a feeling that whenever the next thing happens, I’ll be ready to get back on—hopefully sooner than later. Icon: You’ve also been in some rock bands, tell us about that. JG Jr.: Yeah, I’ve made music in various formats over the years. Icon: Is that something you’re also pursuing at the moment? JG Jr.: I recorded some music in the fall of some songs I wrote. I play in a few different line-ups, and I’ll play in New York or LA. I’ll play whenever I can, even if it’s just me and my guitar. I’ve been writing songs for about 11 years now, and I would absolutely go crazy

without it. It’s a form of expression for me, and keeps me grounded and sane. I was just in New York for nine days shooting Newsroom, and I was able to play a couple of shows while I was there. And so I recorded some songs in the fall and I’m hoping to release it sometime next year. It’s just a matter of getting back to New York to mix and master it. I put a band together over the summer and we put some songs together and it sounded so good and worked so well, so we decided to go into the studio together for about six days before I went off to shoot the show. Whether it gets put out by a record label or I put it out myself, I’m not sure of those details, but as of now, there is no real way for anyone to hear it unless it’s on YouTube from people that have uploaded it themselves. My parents played folk music as a hobby, so music has been very second-nature for me. Icon: What kind of music are you playing? JG Jr.: I kind of jump around and try different things, I definitely don’t limit myself. The record is rock and Americana music with folk music in there. It’s definitely in the tradition of rock-singersongwriter, because that is what I grew up around. Icon: Do you perform under your name? JG Jr.: My parents call me Johnny at home, so I try to always bill it as just Johnny Gallagher. Icon: Sounds amazing. Currently with the major success of Newsroom do you find that your career is more planted in Hollywood? How does that make you feel?

JG Jr.: Well, I never really spent a lot of time in Los Angeles before getting hired on the show. I’d been out a few times here and there, but you never know how long these things are going to last. I’m adjusting to it, and I still go back to New York once we wrap, but I’m spending the better part of the year in LA now as we shoot the show. I had always been intimidated by LA since I’ve lived in New York for ten years, and had done a lot of plays and theater there. Now, it is definitely welcoming and warm and a comfortable place. I was always scared it would be the opposite. Being on the show has been a dream—the combination of HBO and Aaron Sorkin is incredible, so I obviously leapt at the chance. I will say that it is hard to be taken seriously or even being considered for a role on TV or film as a theater actor in New York City. I think that’s shifting a little. It was a bit of a struggle for years before I even got the chance to send tapes in for a role on television. There used to be a lot of doors that I had to pound on, and they don’t magically open for me now, but I don’t have to pound as hard. Icon: You’re also so young, your career can go anywhere. Where do you want it to go? JG Jr.: I don’t know! I have no idea. As long as I can keep working and stay challenged, and hopefully not repeat myself too much, I always try to do things that are different. I know that sounds like such a cliche, but I just want to do things that make me feel good, and that excite me and scare me. I’m attracted to projects that I, myself, would like to see. I’m really happy to go down any path that sounds exciting in that sense.

Shirt: John Varvatos Blazer: District Homme

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Jacket: Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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Suit: District Homme Shirt: John Varvatos

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Molly Sims was a sophomore at Vanderbilt studying to be a lawyer when her roommate suggested she send some pictures to a modeling agency in New York. Over

the next 20 years, the 5-foot-10-inch blonde went from small-town, Kentucky beauty to worldwide supermodel, actress, designer, and style icon.

Photography by Steve Erle Shot on location at Siren Studios Hair by Lee Rittiner Make up by Amy Rittiner Styling by Brian Primeaux for artistsbytimothypriano.com Post Production by Eric Brockob Merimekko dress Maidstone earrings Bangles Pluma and Bauble Box

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from small-town, Kentucky beauty to worldwide supermodel, actress, designer, and style icon. By Natalia Galbetti “It’s very different but if you know me, I’m a really good debater,” says Sims about her drastic career change.

the reader that this isn’t just another in-the-know cool chick, but instead a hit television actress and Vogue cover model.

She’s also very busy. After a five-year stint playing Delinda Deline in the hit TV drama Las Vegas, and starring in blockbusters like Yes Man and Starsky & Hutch, the 39-year-old got married and recently had her first child while juggling her career and humanitarian work.

She may go to the Met Gala and garden parties at Rachel Zoe’s but when it comes to her daily computer habits, she’s just like a lot of her fashion-obsessed fans, following online blogs.

“Brooks woke up with a cough today,” she explains of her 10-month-old son with husband and film producer Scott Stuber. “We’re in this super weird awkward location. My husband is shooting A Million Ways to Die in the West, Brooks is wearing a cowboy hat, and I have an audition on Monday so there’s a lot going on.” Just days earlier, she helped raise money to donate over one million diapers to Baby2Baby, a charity organization that helps mothers and babies in need. “I learned that from my mom and dad—to help people,” she says about her work with orphans in Mexico, UNICEF, supporting the arts in New York City and addressing environmental issues, to name a few. “I’ve always done soup kitchens and other charities. I’m a big believer in karma. You do well by others and those good things are bound to come back to you.” Maybe it’s her attitude that allows Sims to juggle several hats with such effortlessness. Those who follow her on social media can attest that she makes it seem remarkably easy. Her Twitter feed is a mix of private moments with her friends, family and links to just about everything she likes around the web, from summer style predictions based on movies to a website that rewards small businesses. Every once in a while, a link to an interview or press feature reminds

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“I love Into the Gloss, Who What Wear, Net a Porter, the magazine, Refinery 29,“ she lists excitedly. “What else? There are so many! Oh, and Oh Joy!, she’s amazing!” And then there’s her own blog, mollysims.com, a personal diary and reference guide to beauty, fashion and lifestyle that Sims has become a symbol for, all of which is turning into a book, The Everyday Supermodel, set to publish next spring. “Everyone asks me all the time—what to eat, where to go, what products to use,” she explains. “I figured if I’m going to be giving people that information, I might as well start a blog!” Updated frequently, the blog has the same friendly, relatable tone Sims has in real life, sharing her Alist secrets and recommending others when they can give better advice. “I look up to different people for different things,” explains Sims. “I love Sarah Jessica Parker, because I think she’s such an amazing icon. I love architecture, so I’m working with Daniel Scott on my new house I just bought in the Hamptons.” She’ll also be putting her home decor skills to work in the new home, decorating for the next seven months. “The Hamptons have been kind of a second home

to me,” says the current Los Angeles resident. “I want to create memories, and I love that you can just be yourself—go someplace fabulous to eat or walk around, and no one cares.” That sense of anonymity is definitely something the starlet is not used to on the West Coast where paparazzi follow her day and night, recording her every look, casual or red carpet ready. Her classic, bohemian chic style has become her trademark and has kept her in the best-dressed list ever since her model days, throughout her pregnancy, and into mommyhood. “It’s definitely harder to keep your style when you’re pregnant, because you’re expanding every minute of every day,” she says as not just a fashion lover but also a styling pro. “I do this thing where my style is not trendy, but I do love a hippie skirt, you know? It has lots of clean lines so I just wore the same things I used to wear but in much, much bigger sizes.” Thanks to hiking and yoga, Sims is now back to her supermodel figure and planning on adding yet another title to her resume: talk show host. “I’m probably going back to TV,” she says about a The View-esque talk show currently in the works. Like she said, there’s a lot going on, but despite her rushed tone of voice, it’s clear Sims doesn’t let it get to her. Perhaps, it’s the time spent with a grueling schedule on the set of Las Vegas, or maybe her two years at “Vandy” as she calls it. Maybe her relaxed yet put together style mimics her laid back type-A personality. When I ask how she does it all, the answer is remarkably simple and honest, a mix of all of the above. “I definitely haven’t been lazy,” she says laughing. “I work really, really hard.”

Dress Maria Lucia Hohan Necklace Swarovski Bracelet Isharya

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Previous page: Dress Haute Hippie from The Style Contingent Necklace from The Style Contingent Ring Isharya Earrings Karine Sultan This page: Jacket L.A.M.B. Dress Single Samira earrings

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By Christine Solomon They release on vinyl, seep soul from their pores and force hips to move left and right, then round, then left and right again. Not even the snootiest music hipster or the “coolest” A&R guy can keep still during a set. Their music has obvious Motown influence, but make no mistake, Fitz and The Tantrums are as current and unique as it gets. Vocally, Fitz has an original and refreshing sound. Noelle wails alongside the Motown masters with not a single audible mistake. Stylistically, they play on the whole retro-meets-today vibe, which as we all know, is the staple of true style. New and old, expensive and affordable always works. Throw in a ball of passion and fire, and you are left with an undeniable, energetic and connected live show. Fitz and The Tantrums were first signed to the Silverlake, California label, Dangerbird. More Than Just a Dream is their major label debut on Elektra. They have been coined the “hardest working band” over the last couple years, so it’s no surprise that their

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music connects on so many different levels. From an elevator to a jukebox in a cool little Hollywood bar, a Fitz tune seems to be playing all over Los Angeles these days. From top to bottom, the new album is catchy, the album artwork is gorgeous, and the “confessions” part of the marketing push is brilliant. Sure, their music leans a tad on the pop side, but all great bands morph after touring and being stuck with each other for years. We had the chance to speak with Fitz (Michael Fitzpatrick) about the upcoming release and more: The most exciting part of watching you blow up was the fact that you started this band from scratch. Your solo work, Modern Love kicked ass long before you were Fitz and The Tantrums. Do you think you will ever do another solo project? I can’t believe you even know that record! No solo plans right now. We are kicking off the new record which came out May 7th.

Noelle is a massive talent and the two of you have such incredible energy. How did the two of you meet and how did the rest of the band form? We met through our bandmate James King who recommended her. It was pretty magical the way we all came together. One person recommended one person and the next person turned us on to the next. The connection and vibe was instantaneous. I’ve seen you perform in support of Pickin Up The Pieces everywhere from the backlots of film studios to Amoeba. The energy is the same regardless of where you are. Do you get as pumped up for the intimate shows as you do for the big festivals? They are different beasts. I love a small intimate show but there is nothing like playing in front of 40,000 people either. I love both.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of performing live on TV? I love the pressure. It’s all on the line right there. One take and you gotta nail it. But then it’s over and you are all jacked up on adrenaline with nowhere to go!

We did some co-writing on this record but mainly it was the band working it out. Noelle and I locked ourselves in a room writing lyrics and melodies. If you could have any fine contemporary artist alive or dead design an album cover for you who would it be?

Heading into another promotional push, are there any shows or stops along the way that you most look forward to doing again?

Dan Flavin. I love his work with neon! Hence our album cover!

Every town has its own vibe. They are all really cool in their own way, from a small town like Asheville to a big city like Boston. It’s hard to pick.

Did the band’s style come naturally or did it take some PR assistance to get you here? Who are your favorite designers, and who do you look up to as a fashion icon?

Your writing is full of catchy hooks from the whistling in “The Walker” to the ooh ooh’s in “Spark”. Did you do a lot of co-writing on this record, or do these little hooks just pop into your head while you are grocery shopping?

No assistance needed there! We are clothes whores! The look of the band came easily. My favorite icons of style would have to be David Bowie and Alexander McQueen.

Of every television show and festival that you’ve played what was the one moment that stood out for you? Probably Live from Daryl’s house, working with one of my idols. Everything about that day was magical. On your hospitality rider, what is the one thing you have to have prior to a show? A peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I don’t know why, but it’s the way it is.

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TRAVELIRELAND Do yourself a favor and rent a small compact car so it will be easy to navigate the country’s narrow winding roads. Driving across Ireland gives you the opportunity to get lost and discover your own treasures. And who knows? You may even make a spur of the mo-

ment turn, follow a nearly camouflaged sign along a dirt road to a cheese farm in someone’s back yard. More likely than not, you’ll see postings for local artisan paintings and pottery, and its always nice to bring home unique Irish memories to friends and family.

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By: Christina Loglisci and Anthony Pallitto Have you ever wanted to escape reality, wander carefree and enjoy the beauty of nature? Go to Ireland. It’s the kind of place where all you need is a set wheels and someone you can talk to for hours. And the countryside provides both.

the Ring of Kerry so you’ll have time to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views. The small peninsula of Dingle is a great place to stay the night. Locals will make you feel right at home. It’s easy to lose yourself at night, because the Irish have a tendency of striking up conversation everywhere you go. Be safe, but don’t be shy!

There are a few items in Ireland that are a must. Obviously, learn how to master pour a Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse is located in Dublin, the perfect place to begin an Irish adventure. If you haven’t heard, the Irish take pride in their alcohol. If a smooth, triple-distilled whiskey is more up your alley, then the Jameson Distillery is worth a visit. Share a pint at Temple Bar, one of Dublin’s nightlife gems, and experience live music as well as packed cobblestone streets. The hardest decision of the day will be picking the next place to have a pint, but don’t worry. Each location is uniquely charming.

As you continue your drive through the plush green carpet, stop for a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, which soar an astounding 120 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. If time allows, make a half day trip to the local villages on the Aran Islands. Finally, end the drive into the port city of Galloway. This city is full of bars and restaurants, and it has a completely different vibe from Dublin--more modern and hip. There’s a wider variety of food and a younger crowd roaming the streets.

As you leave the city behind and head for the countryside, be aware that you might very well get held up on the road. Cows and sheep are everywhere, and getting stuck behind a herd of cows or a family of sheep is inevitable. It happens. Just go with it. My suggested route is to head south from Dublin to Galloway, hugging the coast as much as possible. You should definitely participate in the Irish tradition and kiss the Blarney stone, stop in the Smithwick’s Brewery for a pint, and give yourself a good four to five hours to drive

Another must: soup. The Irish perfected the idea of how soup should be made. No matter what time of day, I could not get enough of the impeccably pureed carrot and ginger soup. The Irish use a diverse range of ingredients to create the most authentic tastes, which pairs wonderfully with a piece of homemade soda bread. Even though the traditional Irish cuisine can be found in every pub across Ireland, a variety of other European foods will cross your path. No matter what you try for dinner, make sure to have every-

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thing with a fresh pint of Guinness. It’s never overpriced and always poured to perfection. Plus, there’s always twice as much of it as any other beer around. In all honestly, the Irish do pubs like no other. At first glance, you’ll try to determine the age of the building. Creaky, old hardwood floors have the smell of fermented beer. Their national colors are plastered everywhere. The bars are made from solid wood and look as though they are holding up the walls. But the number one reason why Irish pubs are so distinctive is not the look and feel that gives each locale its trademark atmosphere. It’s the people. The Irish will make you feel like you’ve known them for a lifetime. Hell, you may even feel the need to tell them your life story. And that’s okay too. It’s not just the alcohol talking. They’re excellent listeners. And they’ll order you another Guinness just as a true friend should do. When you return, chances are you’ll carry the Irish traditions back, because after seeing a country as breathtaking as Ireland and meeting its wonderful residents, it’s virtually impossible not to.a spotted feline had not been seen in nearly a month. Our luck could not have been any better!

over, we noticed a family of elephants coming our way. We stopped the vehicle and prayed that they wouldn’t head the other direction, quickly finding out that we were trapped in the middle of a stampede! When the elephants charged toward the jeep, we worried that they might just run us over. As they passed on all sides, we felt the wind that their massive bodies stirred and heard the sounds of their trunks. To think that we were literally trapped in the fury of this particular moment gave us a different appreciation for life. We get so busy and caught up in the chaos, but if we can stop for a moment to remember the stillness—or in our case, the calm after an elephant stampede—the hard days and nights seem just a bit more tolerable. And if you can’t travel half the world to observe massive beasts thumping by in their most raw form, don’t worry. Nature is all around us, doing its thing, just waiting for us to notice its subtle lessons.

As the humidity subsided and the sun snuck over the horizon, our trek out of the wild sadly commenced. We couldn’t believe what your eyes had captured, and didn’t want to wake up from what felt like a dream. Thinking the excitement was www.theiconmag.com

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Summer

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rLoving Photographer: Rick Delgado ( rickdelgadophotos.com ) Makeup and Hair: Christopher Torres from BDRY Blow Bar Stylist: Ana-Carolina Gonzalez from dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;MODAstylists Phillip Mitchell, Front Model Management Daniela Lopez, Wilhemina Models Jeans: Gstar

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Phil: Gstar Jeans Dani: 7forallmankind Jeans