[NYOTA Magazine ]
star power
starring
Marsai Martin Volume 2
HELLO THERE, READER! Our second Star Power issue features none other than Marsai Martin. At only 10 years old, Marsai landed the role of Diane in 'Blackish'. Now four years later, she is set to star in and executive produce the movie, "Little". We know that Marsai's career can only continue to flourish and I hope she inspires you to go after your dreams no matter your age or your circumstances.
YOURS TRULY, Carol Wright EDITOR IN CHIEF, NYOTA MAGAZINE @_CAROL_WRIGHT_
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from the editor
Contents
1
Editor's Letter
3
Get to Know Marsai
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Marsai's Playlist
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#StarPower: Marsai Martin
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#NYOTAtravel
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#TrendLikeTaylor
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OFF-WHITE x Heron Preston
#StarPower
w o n K o T t i e a G s r a M I'm originally from Dallas, TX I love cheese
I'm Left Handed
I love going to amusement parks
I'm a major shoe fanatic
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#StarPower
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#StarPower
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Photos by Jeff Vespa // Stylist Apuje Kalu // Tasha Brown for Exclusive Artists using Bobbi Brown // Alexander Armand for Exclusive Artists using Oribe Haircare
#NyotaMusic
Marsai's Playlist Kent Jones //Merengue Migos // Stir Fry Rejjie Snow// Egyptian Luvr Daniel Ceaser//Blessed Cardi B/Bartier Cardi Khalid & Swae Lee// The Ways Syd// Insecurities Drake// God's Plan Prince// Joy & Repetition Jaden Smith// Icon
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i i a a s r a M M n i i t t r r a a M M #StarPower
#StarPower In 2014 Marsai Martin became the breakout star of ABC’s ‘Black-ish’. Now, after completing four successful seasons the thirteen-year-old tour de force can add movie star to her resume. Marsai is working with Universal to executive produce and star in original comedy ‘Little’. Yes, you read that correctly. While most of us were attending our first middle school dances at 13, learning algebra or finally getting permission to go to the mall without our parents, Marsai is producing a feature film. With "Little" under her belt. Marsai is set to continue to create more opportunities for actors of color, and we can't wait to see how she continues to shake up the industry.
What sparked your interest in acting? I’ve always loved movies as far back as I can remember. As a baby, my parents noticed that I would mimic what I saw on screen, and that’s how it all started.
What made you gravitate towards a comedic role like Diane in ‘Blackish’ as opposed to a more dramatic role? I enjoy making people laugh and love playing the role of ‘Diane’ because it allows me to do both drama and comedy.
What was the audition process for ‘Blackish’ like? The audition process for Black-ish consisted of three rounds: a general audition, a producers session, and then the screen test. The last two were the most fun because they were with Miles Brown.
Blackish’ has truly turned into a modern day Cosby show. What is it like on set? What is one of your favorite on set memories? We are one big family on and off set. I didn’t have any siblings when I first started doing the show so Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, and Miles Brown became my sister and brothers.
Your character Diane always delivers the best one liners. Do you relate to your character at all? Diane is extremely intelligent, headstrong, and always says what’s on her mind. I definitely can relate to her and love how fearless she is.
Your TV mom and sister are two of the most stylish women in the industry. What is your personal style? Casual, trendy a mix? My personal style is constantly evolving. My stylist, Apuje Kalu, and I like to experiment with different styles and colors depending on the event that I attend and bounce our ideas off each other.
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#StarPower What is it like working with Laurence Fishburne and Jenifer Lewis? Have they given you any good advice? Jenifer once told me that instead of having a number of friends, all you really need is one really great friend who supports you. Working with Jenifer and Laurence is equivalent to taking a master class for acting and allows me to study under two of the greatest performers in the industry.
Are most of your friends in the industry or out? Has it been hard to maintain old friendships?
I like to have a mixture of friends in and out of the entertainment industry. Because I spend a lot of my time working, I try and see my friends as much as I can by planning trips and inviting them to events that I attend.
Who are some of your favorite comedians? I admire Tiffany Haddish, Kristen Wiig, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Kevin Hart. They are all so different, but I respect each of them for their unique abilities to share their comedy with the world.
What are your current career goals? I aspire to create and produce film and television projects.
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"Instead of having a number of friends, all you really need is one great friend who supports you."
What was going through your head when you won the NAACP award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series? I was in complete shock the first time I won and I was also surprised when I won this year. I deeply admire all the women who were nominated in my category and it is such an honor to be in their company, especially at my age. I am grateful to the NAACP Image Awards for recognizing my work.
It was recently revealed that you are executive producing and starring in the movie ‘Little’. How did that project come to life? During my first hiatus from blackish, I was contemplating which project I would like to do, however, there weren’t very many projects being made that included roles for kids, especially kids of color. This prompted me to come up with my own opportunities and create roles that I wanted to play. Fortunately, Kenya Barris, Will Packer, and Universal were all open to hearing my ideas and were instrumental in bringing the project, Little, to fruition. Currently, I am working on developing projects in order to create even more opportunities for artists like myself.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Determined, creative and blessed.
My advice for aspiring actors is to never stop learning your craft.
#StarPower
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#StarPower
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THELIFESTYLETREND.COM
INSPIRATION Fall/Winter 2018 The sisters behind the brand, Krystal and Marilyn Lavoie have drawn inspiration from their perilous journey through Morrocco's infamous Tizi n'Tichka road, which is considered one of the most beautiful and dangerous in Morocco.
ANGELA MITCHELL FW18 COLLECTION
THE PHOTOGRAPHER Renowned photographer Carlo Davis' covered the event.
#NYOTA TRAVEL NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Photos by Eva Maria Guggenberger, Ken Alcazar, Vincenzo Dimino & @frankypuentes
The fashion scene is drastically changing especially for New York Fashion Week. As the high-end designers fall away to Paris, a new culture is taking the main stage, Streetwear. Independent American designers influenced by global street culture and hip-hop and rap music are quickly becoming the focal point of #NYFW. Here's a recap of what we saw. Gabriela Medina, Carolina Lindo, Andrea Salazar
#NyotaTravel
O F F T H E R U N W A Y
Streetwear was the star of the show at Irina Vitjaz and Leanne Marshall. These designers wowed us with their marriage of elegance and edge.
Leanne Marshall
IRINA VITJAZ
At Style Fashion Week New York, established, emerging and international designers showcased their Fall/Winter'18 collections at Cipriani on 42nd Street.
Photographer: Geremy Dubensky
Photos by Mark Gunter
Style Fashion Week partnered with Papertrail Magazine to bring Thursday's guests, biannual event "UNDERGROUND". Underground features some of the countries most coveted streetwear designs by Dertbag, Shay Kawaii, H33M and Chicago Playground shown here.
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#TRENDLIKE TAYLOR NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Stylist and model, Taylor Burella, attended the private after party for CFDA designer Gypsy Sport. Gypsy Sport is one of the most eclectic designers out right now and has gained much attention due to its focus on gender fluidity.
TAYLOR BURELLA Taylor is rocking a soft grunge look with fishnets turned into a top. This look truly fits the party's aesthetic.
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STREET STYLE Fashion continued outside where party goers rocked handmade and one of a kind pieces.
THE ATMOSPHERE The venue was lit with pink, blue and purple neon hues to set the mood.
All photos were taken by Taylor. You can view more of her work on trendliketaylor.com and follow her on Instagram @trendliketaylor
Let's Get Social
#NYOTAMAGAZINE
#NyotaFashion
In The Bag For their first collaborative release, Virgil Abloh (Off-White ℅ Virgil Abloh) and Heron Preston created “COLLABORATION”. The concept of "COLLABORATION" incorporates the designers’ common exploration of industrial elements. This accessory is a living hybrid: its dual-colored strap is a fusion of Off-Whites graphic yellow Weight Securing System strap and Preston’s signature orange band with the branded word “Style” in Russian. The strap is a purposeful note of asymmetry in a piece with clean balance. The transparent body is printed with Off-White’s famed diagonal white lines, along with the words “COLLABORATION”. Black carabiner clips secure the strap, while inside, an industrial nettinginspired inner tote is a textural contrast to the sleek exterior. Substantial industrial hardware finishes the design, with metal nuts that cleanly secure orange leather straps.
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