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V ol u me 9 ; I ss u e 1 ; anniversary 2 0 2 0
features tanya reynolds
Editor’s Note 60
From film to stage to photography, Tanya Reynolds seems to do it all. You can catch this multi-talented English actress as Lily on the hit Netflix series, Sex Education, and as Mrs. Elton in the new film, Emma.
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Illustration by Antonio Soares - antoniosoares.tumblr.com
danileigh: A Star on the rise This multi-talented 25-year-old truly has what it takes. Whether she’s singing a catchy tune, choreographing a cool new dance, or entertaining a live crowd, DaniLeigh’s star quality is undeniable.
emily tosta
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Humanizing political and social issues is a Hollywood staple in today’s climate, and 21-year-old actress, Emily Tosta is making her mark on Freeform’s latest installment, Party of Five.
on the cover Photographer: Drake Hackney, Model: DaniLeigh, Fashion Stylist: Saulú Santana, Makeup Artist: Carly Fisher, Hair Stylist: Jay Nixon - DaniLeigh wears: Top & Jacket: Garbage By Maria Goldschmied, Pants by Lionne, High Waisted Panties by BLACKLICKORISH, Earrings by Laruicci, Necklace & Rings: BYLOLITA
Welcome to our 8th Anniversary Issue! It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years already—I still remember putting together our very first issue, back in 2012! MOD Magazine has grown a lot, since then, and I am incredibly grateful for all the wonderful connections we’ve made along the way. We’re so lucky to have worked with many of the most talented emerging photographers, artists, and designers around the world! I have so much hope for the future of the fashion industry and I’m excited to see the heights this new generation of creatives will reach! - Shannon Phelps
tanya
reynolds
From film to stage to photography, Tanya Reynolds seems to do it all. This multitalented English actress has known exactly who she was and who she wanted to be from a young age, and her fearless pursuit of art and creative expression is beyond inspiring. Whether you’ve seen her as Lily on the hit Netflix series, Sex Education, or in her latest break-out role as Mrs. Elton in the new film, Emma, you can spot this British powerhouse with a book in one hand, a script in the other, and an incredible thirst to bring the most unusually unique characters to life. Interview by Ashley Dawson | Photographs by Matt Holyoak
SHLEY: What is your original hometown and what is it famous for? tanya: Hemel Hempstead. At one point, it was voted the “ugliest town in Britain.” ashley: What did you want to be when you were a child? Did you always envision yourself in the entertainment industry? tanya: I always wanted to be an actress. I also wanted to write books, and still do. ashley: What influenced you to become an actress? tanya: I just always wanted to do it and when I was young, I never really questioned it—it was just in my bones. But as I’ve got older, I think it’s probably something to do with escapism.
ashley: Tell us about your heroes growing up—Who empowered you to be who you are and achieve your dreams? tanya: My parents were always so supportive and encouraging of my ambitions. They made me believe I could do anything. ashley: What has been your favorite role to-date and why? tanya: I have been incredibly lucky with the roles I’ve been given so far in my incredibly short career. Lily in Sex Education is obviously a highlight. Roles like her are so rare. I feel lucky that I’ve managed to play characters quite vastly different from each other in the last few years. I’ve loved them all. ashley: Tell us about the most difficult role you’ve ever been cast in—How did you overcome this challenge and what
about it made you a stronger actress? tanya: Every role has its challenges. Lily has been challenging in a lot of ways, because she’s so unusual, and that brings the challenge of making her as human and relatable as possible, and not just letting her be a cartoon. In a lot of ways, I found Mrs. Elton in Emma challenging in the same way. It’s very easy to be silly with these hilarious characters, but you also have to make them real. ashley: Which do you prefer—film or theater? And what has been your favorite stage performance to date? tanya: I love them both for different reasons and in different ways. Theater is tough on your stamina, but I love how it pushes you. I love the immediacy of it, I love the difficulty of it, I love spending three weeks in a rehearsal room talking about every inch of your character, every word in the script. I love hearing an audience laugh or gasp or sniff back tears. Film and TV are rewarding in different ways. It’s always so exciting to be on a set, and I love how the camera can pick up things you aren’t aware of or doing intentionally. I love the subtlety of it and the delayed gratification, in that you have a lot of fun making it, then it goes away for a while, and then it comes out and you get to experience the joy and anxiety of people seeing it. I’ve only done one play so far, since leaving drama school, which was Scenes With Girls by Miriam Battye at The Royal Court, which I’ve literally just finished. The Royal Court has always been my favorite theater, so working there was actually a dream come true. ashley: What is it like recreating a classic like Jane Austen’s Emma? Tell us more about how you get into character for such a role. tanya: Just being as familiar as possible with the book and trusting what I knew about her. I went through the book and wrote down on my script every single thing another character said about Mrs. Elton, and what she says about herself, and that’s how I tried to get into her skin. ashley: What’s been your experience starring in a major Netflix series like Sex Education? tanya: It’s been incredible, obviously. It’s very surreal, but so gratifying to be working on a project I love and believe in so much. ashley: Describe your personal style in three words. tanya: Lazy. Comfortable. Loose. ashley: Would you consider yourself more of an extrovert or an introvert? tanya: INTROVERT. In capital letters. I don’t think there’s an extroverted bone in my body.
ashley: How do you use your personal style to express yourself, and what do your fashion choices say about you? tanya: I sort of want to hide in my clothes. I don’t like feeling too dressed up, I don’t like feeling restricted. I am happiest in a tee shirt and loose-fitting jeans and my Dr. Martens that are so worn, they are hanging on for dear life. For formal events, I just try and wear things that make me feel the least awkward. I think my clothing choices probably say that I’m a lazy dresser who would rather you weren’t looking at her, or that I’m really making an effort but that I feel pretty awkward about it. ashley: I noticed on your Instagram that you have some interesting portrait and film photography you’ve shot. Is photography something you dabble in, from time to time? tanya: I love photography, it’s been a big hobby of mine since I was sixteen. I love it because there’s no pressure or expectation in it for me. I think it’s important to have a hobby that you love to do, for no other reason than you love to do it, and aren’t particularly striving for any sort of greatness in that area. I don’t need to be amazing at taking photos, I just like doing it for myself. ashley: What are your hobbies when you’re not acting? How do these help you stay balanced with such a demanding job? tanya: As well as taking photos, I write and read a lot. I go out of my mind if I don’t always have a book on the go.
counts and I like that.
ashley: Which do you prefer —digital or film photography? tanya: At the moment, I love film photography because I like that you don’t have complete control over your images. It makes every image a bit special, rather than taking 50 of the same thing. You think through your photos a bit more when shooting on film, and every shot
Ashley: You seem to like to shoot a lot of naturally lit sets— does nature inspire you to create? tanya: Nature, light, people. I create most when I’m feeling terrible, or trying to work through something and I need a creative outlet. Ashley: What was your first “pinch me” moment when you knew this career was taking off for you? tanya: I had a pinch-me moment the other day. I went to the cinema with my best friend and my housemate to see Emma, and afterwards went straight to The Royal Court Theatre, where I was doing a brilliant play called Scenes With Girls. When I was on the tube on my way to the theater, I just felt in that moment incredibly lucky and grateful.
Ashley: What’s been the most impactful piece of advice that a fellow entertainer has given you to-date? tanya: Bet on yourself. Ashley: Tell me about your first major role—what was it and how did the character impact you? tanya: I guess it was playing Teresa in a Sky One show called Delicious, which ran for three series. Teresa was depressed and complicated and struggled with bulimia. She was sharp and lonely and bright and I loved her. Delicious was a huge deal for me, as it was my first television job, and it was playing a character I had a great deal of love for and a huge connection with. Dawn French, who is one of my all-time comedy heroes, was playing my mother, so it was just a surreal and incredible experience. I learned so much on that job, and made some life-long friends. I will always be grateful for that opportunity. ashley: Who is your personal hero? tanya: My mum and dad. Ashley: Let’s talk favorites—What is your favorite book? tanya: It’s a toss-up between My Brilliant Friend by Eleanor Ferante, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, and Just Kids by Patti Smith. Ashley: What is your favorite camera to use for photography? tanya: My gorgeous, second-hand Nikon F3A film camera. ashley: What is your favorite animal? tanya: Dogs ashley: What is your favorite color? tanya: Coral ashley: Which genre of film is your favorite? tanya: Comedy ashley: What is your favorite type of character to play? tanya: The more complex and messy, the better. To keep up with Tanya Reynolds between projects, be sure to follow her on Instagram @tanyaloureynolds.
Dani Leigh
Model: DaniLeigh, Fashion Stylist: Saulú Santana, Makeup Artist: Carly Fisher, Hair Stylist: Jay Nixon - DaniLeigh wears: Top & Jacket: Garbage By Maria Goldschmied, Earrings by Laruicci, Jewelry (Necklace, Rings): BYLOLITA
A Star on the Rise Whether she’s singing a catchy tune, choreographing a cool new dance, or entertaining a live crowd, DaniLeigh’s star quality is undeniable. She’s known from an early age that she wanted to be a household name in the music industry, and from collaborating with some of music’s greatest, to releasing a sensational album of her own, she’s not slowing down anytime soon. I recently sat down to get to know Dani, and within a few minutes, I came to realize just how powerful a force she is—and I’m excited to watch her take the industry by storm! Interview by Ashley Dawson | Photographs by drake hackney
o start the interview, I wanted to learn more about DaniLeigh’s early life. The multi-talented artist has fond memories of her childhood, and particularly enjoys spending time with loved ones. “They are always so energetic, so its always a party,” she says of her family life. I also learned that Dani’s early idols in the music industry were big names like Aaliyah, Alicia Keys, and Missy Elliott. “Watching artists like Drake and Rihanna really influenced me,” she says, when asked what inspired her to become a part of the entertainment world. “When I was 18,” she continues, “I knew I wanted to become a household name.”
DaniLeigh grew up like a lot of us, listening to “a wide range of Hip Hop and R&B music,” dreaming of making it big in an industry that can appear oh-so-intimidating from the outside. The only difference? She made it—and she made it big! As I browsed her Instagram profile, over the weekend, I found a clip where the famed DJ Khaled brings Dani on stage, embraces her, and tells a crowd full of onlookers that she “has something special.” Clearly, many of her peers in the music business share the sentiment. “I love the fact that they respect me as an artist,” Dani says about her experience working with hit-makers like G-Eazy and Chris Brown. “That was one of my concerns, coming into the game after being a dancer.”
Top & Jacket: Garbage By Maria Goldschmied, Pants by Lionne, High Waisted Panties by BLACKLICKORISH, Earrings by Laruicci, Necklace & Rings: BYLOLITA
Indeed, DaniLeigh’s foray into the music world was through dancing, and I’m sure the transition from dancer to recording artist has been an interesting one. So that’s where we shift the conversation towards next—the art that began it all for her: dance. “I started dancing at 10 [years old]. My mom put me in an Indian dance class—that’s where I first learned choreography,” Dani recalls. Her favorite dance trend at the moment is the “Futsal Shuffle,” and when asked her favorite style of dance, she immediately lets “Hip Hop” roll off the tongue.
DaniLeigh wears: Pants by IH NOM UH NIT, Blazer by Strike Oil by Nats Getty, Jewelry by BYLOLITA, Hoops by Bonheur Jewelry, Durag by DELACRUZ
I then ask Dani about the art of choreographing a scene, and what goes through her mind—to which she replies: “I love to just tell the story of the song being played with my movement.” This sort of artistic storytelling, taking the basic meaning behind the lyrics of a song and expressing them through physical movement, is one of the skills that speaks most to Dani’s love of dance. And of course, we all have that one person who encourages us to be our very best. For DaniLeigh, it is her choreographer, “Coach Cherry” who pushes her the most as a dancer. Naturally, my next topic with Dani has to be her music. We’re all eagerly awaiting the release of her album, and she certainly isn’t shy in dropping hints as to its theme and vibe. “This album speaks to my first toxic relationship,” Dani shares, when asked to spill some secrets about the new project. Indeed, a topic that a number of her fans, I’m sure, can relate to. And let’s face it— nothing makes a listener pause and turn the volume up like when the first lyric speaks to them on a deeper level. “Going through life inspires my music. I tend to talk about what I’m dealing with at the moment,” Dani reveals about her songwriting process. The transparency in her music lends itself to an open dialogue with fans, which is yet another reason she’s so good at what she does. I thought it was fitting, at this point, to ask her about her early career, what it was like working closely with the legendary Prince, and how he helped shape her into who she is as an artist. In 2013, after making her mark on the industry by directing Prince’s “Breakfast Can Wait” music video, DaniLeigh adopted the icon as her mentor. “Working with Prince was so surreal,” Dani says. “He’s such a visionary—it’s hard to describe his genius. You have to
experience it.” And what an experience it must have been, to be able to pick the mind of one of music’s greatest! When asked about some of her more recent experiences, Dani cites the “Easy” music video set as one of her favorites. “Easy was the most fun, because working with Chris [Brown] was a huge goal I had and the vibe was incredible.” In the video, she and Brown show off their hottest dance moves, in what appears to be a warehouse/studio. The platinum-certified track is also Dani’s career-first Billboard Hot 100 charting single. One quick scroll through DaniLeigh’s social media, and you start to rack up the number of talented stars she’s worked with. In addition to Chris Brown, Dani lists influential artists, such as “Da Baby and Ty Dolla Sign” as some of her favorite musical collaborations, so far. And with so much talent constantly surrounding her, killing the game was pretty much inevitable. Dani attributes her success in the music industry, to date, to “[her]self, [her] team, and those who have supported [her] on this journey.” From here, we transition to a more casual tone, as I ask for some “fun facts” about Dani’s style and social media preferences. In 2018, she wen’t viral on social media for her uniquely bubbly take on Drake’s #InMyFeelings challenge—and there’s absolutely no way she could’ve guessed that her video would blow up on Instagram the way it did (all you have to do is search the hashtag to see that her entry has millions of views). DaniLeigh’s such a huge online influence now, it only makes sense to be curious about her app usage. “I think Tik Tok is super fun,” she says. “I actually used to post on there all the time.” When I ask how she fits her online world into her life healthily, she replies: “I honestly love to be an influencer because I have a platform to share my personality and creativity. It fits in my life in a healthy way, because I don’t associate it with my personal [life].” As someone with a lot of social media accounts myself, I really appreciated her description. An online life can be used to promote a healthy love for art and self-expression, without interfering with personal affairs. Indeed, it’s important for an artist to have this level of separation, so that they can lead a fulfilling personal life, while still succeeding in their professional career. I wrapped my social media curiosity up by asking Dani her
DaniLeigh wears: Pants by IH NOM UH NIT, Blazer by Strike Oil by Nats Getty, Jewelry by BYLOLITA, Hoops by Bonheur Jewelry, Durag by DELACRUZ
DaniLeigh wears: Top by Graham Cruz, Earrings by Laruicci
favorite and least favorite aspects of the social media-heavy world we live in. “I hate how serious people take it,” she says. “I love how it can connect us all in a unique way.” As an entertainer and influencer, style plays a huge role in your career. I took a moment in this section of our interview to ask DaniLeigh about her personal style, what it means to her, and how she uses it to express herself. In the entertainment industry, a signature look is everything, and Dani says that hers is her “curly blonde hair,” which, I must say, is killer! She described her style in three words: “fly, different, and comfy”—true to her laid-back nature and on-the-go schedule. When asked what drives her to get up every day and do what she does, Dani replies: “The idea of taking care of my family and finishing my mission.” I wrapped up our time together by asking DaniLeigh where she sees herself in five years, and how she’s going to get there. Her immediate response is that she “sees [her]self going up and up in success, and that she’ll get there through hard work and dedication.” Her advice to any young musicians reading this, who want to make it in the industry? “Work hard, create a plan, execute [your] vision, and be a good person.” That last line is key in getting to know DaniLeigh. You don’t get this far by being selfish—her continued success shows that if you’re a dedicated, hard-working, good person, you can make it as far as your dreams will take you. dani’s Favorites: Favorite shoe to dance in: Puma shoes are very comfy. They have been my favorite lately. Favorite dancewear to rock on the dancefloor: Puma Sweats. The one accessory you can’t leave her house without: My Rolex. Favorite current beauty trend: Eyelash extensions and my lip liner. Favorite way to wind down after a long day: Listen to music and sit in stillness. Favorite color(s): Black and purple. Current favorite song: Every song on my album. Favorite smell: YSL fragrance Be sure to follow DaniLeigh on Instagram: @iamdanileigh.
DaniLeigh wears: Top by Graham Cruz, Earrings by Laruicci
DaniLeigh wears: Jewelry by BYLOTIA, Top by HPC, Pants by ​Garbage By Maria Goldschmied
Emily tosta
Humanizing political and social issues is a Hollywood staple in today’s climate, and 21-year-old actress, Emily Tosta is making her mark on Freeform’s latest installment, Party of Five. The original series, which aired from 1994-2000, receives a 21st century political makeover in this reboot, which follows five siblings as they maneuver through life after their parents are deported.Tosta’s passion for arts and activism is her driving force, as the young actress strives to make waves in Hollywood and around the world. Interview by Destini Lattimore | Photographs by Ryan West
mily Tosta’s acting career began at 8 years old, shortly after discovering her love for singing, acting and dancing, at the age of 6. Originally hailing from Dominican Republic, Tosta’s talent and ambition eventually led her and her mother to Miami, Florida, where the star’s real journey began. “My mom and I came to the US when I was 12 years old, from Dominican Republic,” Tosta says. However, the move was no easy feat for the pair, who both had to adjust to their new environment. “We definitely faced many obstacles,” she reveals. “It was a big culture shift—we had to deal with language barriers, different mindsets and perspectives.” The introduction to a new culture initially took its toll on the
young actress, who often felt judged because of a number of things, including her looks and her language. “For many years, [the change in environment] affected me a lot—until I realized the importance of self-love and selfacceptance and radiating love and kindness for myself and others.” After four years in Miami, Tosta’s acting pursuits moved her and her mother once again—but this time, to Los Angeles. Shortly after her arrival in the new city, Tosta signed with The Corsa Agency and went on to book roles in titles such as Rosewood, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Selfie Dad, to name a few. While the actress has surely made great strides in terms of her own success, there are still many changes she hopes to see within the entertainment industry. Tosta is adamant about the
need for more lead roles for Latinx actors, and expresses her desire to work in an industry that celebrates diversity. “Sadly, we are underrepresented in both film and TV,” she says. “Even though there is progress that has been made, I still think we have a long way to go.” Tosta’s latest role on the reboot of the 90s drama, Party of Five, pushes issues of diversity to the forefront. The Freeform series personalizes the political issue of immigration and shows the lasting effects these policies have on real people. This new subject matter is certainly a necessary update in today’s climate, where many families relate to the Acosta family’s story. “There is no better time than now for this reboot,” Tosta states. “We are humanizing a political issue that is currently happening in this country. Families are being separated, kids are being taken from their parents. There is no better time to tell this story.” Tosta plays 16-year-old, Lucia Acosta, who the actress says she relates to in several ways. “Lucia and I are very similar,” she notes. “We are both very purposeful and we aren’t afraid to speak our minds.” Lucia also develops an interest in activism and charity, much like Tosta herself, who started a charity organization with her mother to help those in need in Venezuela. The show exemplifies the everyday struggles experienced by many Hispanic and Latinx families in the United States. Most importantly, Tosta hopes for Party of Five viewers to connect with the characters’ stories, while gaining a better understanding of the real-world issues. “I want the audience to take away a message of hope, love, strength and kindness,” she says. “We want to shine light on an important topic and give people perspective and understanding.” Tosta’s move to Los Angeles may have helped catapult her career to new heights, but it definitely came with its challenges. Since her arrival in Hollywood, the actress has felt a similar scorn toward her body type and language/accent as she did upon first moving to the United States. “When I was younger, I always felt like there was something wrong with the way I looked,” Tosta reveals. “I thought maybe I had to lose enough weight to hide my curves, maybe
I had to always straighten my hair so I could fit in more. But, eventually after a lot of self-discovery, I decided that I was going to embrace every part of me. This is who I am, and the industry can either take it or leave it.” Despite all the changes and challenges Tosta has faced thus far, one aspect of her fast-paced life has always kept her grounded: her mom. Tosta’s family still resides in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, so her mom has been her “partner-in-crime” throughout her acting career. Tosta credits her mother’s unconditional love and support for her success today, and recalls her mom taking her on auditions and ultimately making the decision to move, so that she could follow her dreams. “She is the biggest warrior I know,” Tosta gushes. “She was willing to sacrifice everything to come to this country and help me chase my dreams. She is my superhero!” With such an amazing track record, one can only imagine the places this talented actress will go. Her three main goals for the future are simple: “I would love to volunteer abroad, get more involved in the film industry and buy my momma a house.” One of Tosta’s more specific objectives is to volunteer with UNICEF and PETA, two organizations whose values align with hers. “I have such a passion for both children and animals. I love that UNICEF focuses so much on providing education and help to children around the world. At the end of the day, these are our future generations,” she says. “I also love PETA and everything they stand for. I don’t eat meat and I will always try my best to fight for the rights of animals.” When asked what gives her hope about the future, the actress responds; “the youth.” “There are so many enlightened and intellectual kids,” Tosta says. “It gives me hope for the future that the younger generations are starting to have important conversations about the things that matter.” Indeed, this new wave of young leaders are certainly prioritizing social matters and pushing important issues to the forefront—and whether she’s Lucia Acosta or Emily Tosta, this rising superstar is sure to be among the new generation of change-makers.