BELLO Entertainment
MARCH 2016
HIGH 2016
Spring Playlist Palm Springs
After Dark Suddenly
Singapore
#109
SOBELLO
Starring
Grey’s Anatomy’s
GIACOMO GIANNIOTTI
by Brian Kaminski
+
BRADLEY JAMES
Letter from the Editor It is Sunday 28th of February, and I am writing this letter just hours before our first official BELLO mag Oscar Party. Last night, I finally caught up on the last of the Oscar movies, and pleased that finally this craziness is coming to an end. Yesterday afternoon, I went for a walk to the red carpet where everyone will be today, and I must say that I am impressed with the year of entertainment behind us. I am also really proud of our BELLO mag team for making each and every issue better than the previous one. This issue is no exception, and we are happy for our cover boy, Giacomo Gianniotti (Grey’s Anatomy), and how handsome this talented Italian looks inside the pages of BELLO mag. As always, we bring you some great articles, fashion stories, and travel write ups, and hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoyed creating them. I am also very happy that our Executive Director, Leslie Alejandro, is finally back L.A. after being away in Vancouver BC the past half a year. I had a pleasure photographing with her our April Entertainment cover, and wow, was that a lot of fun... Keep following us on social media, and share your ideas, suggestions, likes, and dislikes by mentioning @BELLOmag. We promise you we read every single one. Ciao Bello, Alek Editor in Chief Aleksandar Tomovic
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CONTENTS 109 Letter from the Editor Contents Intro Masthead
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BRADLEY JAMES
22 HIGH
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COVER: GIACOMO GIANNIOTTI The 2016 Spring Playlist Wake Me Early in the Morning Palm Springs After Dark
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6 48 Suddenly Singapore 8 52 Out on the Town
33 54 SO BELLO
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PHOTOGRAPHER RICKY MICHIELS
STYLIST JUNGLE LIN
MODEL PAL REVESZ
INTRO When I think of spring, I think of the sun shining, blue skies, flowers blooming, a crisp breeze, and.... spring editorials... This week, we cover the most handsome Grey’s Anatomy newbie, Giacomo Gianniotti. Shot at Bay St. Studions in downtown, Los Angeles by photographer Brian Kaminski, Giacomo shows us what a pep in your step (or spring in your step) truly means. With an infectious smile and an impressive physique to match, Gianniotti shows us that talent also exists within all of his hotness and shares his passion for Motown during the shoot by blasting and dancing to the tunes of Sam Cook and The Platters. We also have the handsome, Bradley James, who plays the title character in Lifetime’s straight-to-series drama Damien. This nail-biting hell of a ride type of show is sure to get you to somehow fall in love with the devil’s spawn incarnate. So enjoy all that make us happy. And for me, what makes me happy is spring... Enjoy, Leslie Alejandro
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PUBLISHER IMAGE NATION STUDIO L.L.C. California, USA editorial@bellomag.com
ADVERTISING advertising@bellomag.com
Aleksandar Tomovic (editor in chief) alek@bellomag.com Stephane Marquet (creative director) steph@bellomag.com Leslie Alejandro (executive director) leslie@bellomag.com Dio Anthony (young hollywood editor) dio@bellomag.com Warren Alfie Baker (fashion director) warren@bellomag.com Nicole Walmsley (beauty editor) nicole@bellomag.com Michelle Ganney (Contributing Entertainment Editor) michelle@bellomag.com Dee Trillo (senior lifestyle and travel editor) dee@bellomag.com Fabio Fernandez (fashion news director) fabio@bellomag.com Kimmy Erin Kertes (fashion editor-at-large) kimmy@bellomag.com Hiko Mitsuzuka (entertainment editor-at-large) hiko@bellomag.com Morgan Stewart (lifestyle editor at large) boobsandloubs@bellomag.com Steven Carver (international editor) steven@bellomag.com Brent Lambert (design and technology editor) brent@bellomag.com Jon Norris (european editor) jon@bellomag.com Mark Norris (european editor) mark@bellomag.com Amanda Peixoto-Elkins (creative director, latin america) amanda@bellomag.com
INTERNS
PAULO ACUÑA (editorial assistant) paulo@bellomag.com CELESTE PIRAINO (social media and communications assistant) celeste@bellomag.com
LAYOUT
NEBOJSA DOLOVACKI
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
MICHELLE GANNEY (Cover/Entertainment) JON NORRIS (Lifestyle) HIKO MITSUZUKA (Travel/Entertainment)
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
COVER: BRIAN KAMINSKI (Los Angeles) AMANDA PEIXOTO-ELKINS (Los Angeles) RICKY MICHIELS (New York)
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ENTERTAINMENT
THE 2016 SPRING PLAYLIST BY HIKO MITSUZUKA @TheFirstEcho
STILL TRYING TO THAW OUT THE WINTER? LET THESE 12 TRACKS HELP YOU SHED SOME OF THOSE LAYERS AND GET READY FOR WHAT’S ABOUT TO BLOSSOM IN THE COMING WEEKS.
“Help Me Run Away” by St Lucia - Just the kind of getup-and-go anthem that belongs in the opening credits of an 80s spring break movie. Taken from the group’s sophomore album, Matter, which is already proving to be one of the best pop albums of the year. “Amazing” by Foxes - The name of this single, taken from the British singer’s All I Need, is how you’ll feel once you let its uplifting chorus whisk you away. “More and More” by Fleur East - The 28-year-old X-Factor UK alum is getting us pumped for warmer weather with this bouncy jam straight out of the 80s. “Best for Last” by The Knocks feat. Walk the Moon The Brooklyn-based duo slightly shift gears with this mellower groove that’s a perfect match for the vocals of Walk the Moon frontman Nick Petricca. ENTERTAINMENT issue - BELLOmag.com
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“Real Love” by Florrie - Luscious vocals + waves and waves of smooth-gliding synths = one carefree, windows-down pop gem. “Youth” by Troye Sivan - The talented YouTuberturned-pop-star is wooing American audiences with this stellar debut single (he performed it on Ellen last month; she’s a fan). “This Ain’t Over” by Alex Newell - The Glee alum releases his inner diva on this straight-outta-the-90s house anthem that will surely get fingers waving and hips swaying on the dance floor. “Unstoppable” by Sia - The singer-songwriter continues to blow us away, and this heart-pumping number is destined to be included in any given movie featuring a workout montage.
“Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers feat. Daya - The DJ studs are stepping away from their signature four-on-the-floor sounds and injecting some trapbanger stylings on this single that’s accompanied by the 17-year-old rising starlet. “Something New” by Zendaya feat. Chris Brown Sampling TLC’s mid-90s classic “Creep” seems to work here in this seductive collab. “Once in a While” by Timeflies - An easy, breezy trophouse filler to help accentuate those mimosa-filled Sunday Fundays. “I Took a Pill in Ibiza (SeeB Remix)” by Mike Posner Another chill, trop-house jam for spring breakers who will want nothing more than an anthem for those latenight shenanigans on the beach. 7
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HEALTH
WAKE ME EARLY IN THE MORNING
Welcome to the world of
CREATED AND WRITTEN BY JON & MARK NORRIS
WORKING HARD AND PLAYING HARD HAS LONG BEEN A PHILOSOPHY ADHERED TO BY MANY, BUT WHEN LOOKING AT RAB CARRINGTON’S JOURNEY TO CREATING ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL OUTDOOR CLOTHING BRANDS THAT EXIST TODAY, THIS PHILOSOPHY APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED FROM THE VERY START OF HIS ADVENTURE, STARTING EN ROUTE TO PATAGONIA FROM BUENOS AIRES IN 1973. Finding oneself stranded, sewing sleeping bags for the Argentine Army is quite an experience in itself, but Mr Carrington has carried this authentic legacy of his time spent in Buenos Aires in to his current day business – testament to the oozing care, and attention to detail each product RAB make today, possesses. Pioneering innovative experiences and products for us as individuals to participate in and own is something travel companies and brands are desperate to explore more of, offering us, as consumers, more than just the fundamentals. Recently, we made a trip to a place that takes innovation to another level. High ENTERTAINMENT issue - BELLOmag.com
up in the northern parts of Sweden, in Kiruna, we visited The Ice Hotel with a welcome helping hand from RAB – the perfect partner in getting us through the soaring temperatures of -35 degrees. Over the course of three days, the experience we gained was life changing, and inspirational on our quest for adventure. We saw the Northern Lights on two occasions out of a possible three, explored the Narnia like woodlands on cross-country ski’s, took part in a 4-hour snowmobile night adventure along the Torne River, which included a three course gourmet dinner over a hot roasting fire, and finally, spent the day at Sweden’s only national dogsled racing kennels, with Matts Pettersson, the owner and father to over 150 Huskies.
Prior warning is given for the low temperatures that can be experienced, but having prepared well, we had products and clothing that were absolutely vital to our health and wellbeing during our stay. RAB as a brand have a generic understanding of how and why they make the garments they produce, exactly for cold trips like this. The brand lives by these qualities such as innovation, integrity, and functionality, and when you really do need to rely on your technical gear to stay alive, RAB really do deliver on all fronts. Please visit Rab’s website for more products and information -- http:// www.rab.equipment/uk/ 8
RAB ESSENTIALS
POSITRON JACKET
NEO GUIDE JACKET
CALIBRE PANTS
The Positron Jacket is a technical, boxwall bodied down jacket, featuring a water-resistant outer fabric designed for mountain and expedition use up to 6000m. With 275g/10oz (Size L) of the highest quality 800FP European Goose Down, the Positron offers levels of warmth suitable for up to 6000m. Key technical features include a large helmet-compatible hood, YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® waterproof zips throughout, and a stuff sack.
The Neo Guide Jacket is a premium waterproof jacket, in a breathable Polartec® NeoShell® stretch fabric, ideal for active use in Scottish winter and alpine conditions. Loaded with technical features, the Neo Guide Jacket includes a helmet-compatible hood, 2-way YKK AquaGuard® front zip and 2 YKK AquaGuard® napoleon chest pockets for easy access when wearing a harness. The stretch nature of the NeoShell® fabric offers softshell levels of freedom of movement and comfort, but with all the protection of a hardshell jacket.
The Calibre Pants are specialist, technical mountaineering pants, designed with a weather-resistant softshell membrane, for use in cold, harsh environments. A gripper elastic cuff and under-boot cord loops secure the pants when wearing large mountain boots. The Calibre Pants also feature an updated integrated and removable webbing belt with an offset aluminium buckle.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Bradley
James
The Antichrist Or Prince Charming? WORDS MICHELLE GANNEY PHOTOS BY AMANDA PEIXOTO-ELKINS
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JACKET AND JEANS GSTAR-RAW TEE SANDRO SUNGLASSES RAY-BAN
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JACKET AND JEANS GSTAR-RAW TEE SANDRO BRACELET AND NECKLACE SWAROVSKI
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IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE LONDONERS FLYING THE BRITISH FLAG IN LA SO IT WAS GREAT TO SPEAK WITH FELLOW BRIT, BRADLEY JAMES, ABOUT HIS TERRIFYING YET HIGHLY ANTICIPATED LEADING ROLE AS ‘DAMIEN THORN’ IN A&E’S NEW SHOW DAMIEN, BASED ON THE 1976 OMEN MOVIE. DAMIEN FOLLOWS THE ADULT LIFE OF DAMIEN THORN, WHO IS NOW A 30-YEAR-OLD WAR PHOTOGRAPHER. ‘ANN RUTLEDGE’, PLAYED BY THE VERY TALENTED BARBARA HERSHEY, WHO HAS PROTECTED DAMIEN HIS ENTIRE LIFE, NOW HELPS HIM TO EMBRACE HIS ANTICHRIST SIDE.
We spoke about the upcoming show, awards season and how he feels about holding the title of the “sexy British presenter who held the microphone up for Jacob Tremblay” at the Critics’ Choice Award. Needless to say he was ecstatic upon hearing this news. Seriously though, the Internet went nuts for the “real life Prince Charming”! BELLO: So you’re originally from Exeter in England. When did you make the move to LA? BRADLEY JAMES: I was born in Exeter but I was slightly nomadic after that. I moved at a young age to London, then Wiltshire came after that, then Bath, Florida. In my younger years, I demanded that we move every few years just to keep it fresh! There were a fair few stops before I went off on my own. B: So it seems the Americans are already warming to you. Do you know you’ve been referred to as the ‘sexy British presenter who held the microphone up for Jacob Tremblay’? 13
BJ: Wow. That’s a big title, I mean being known as a mic stand, if that’s what you’re known for, then possibly you’re going in the right direction? There’s a few different ways you could take that! B: Do you enjoy going to award shows? BJ: At this stage, the novelty hasn’t worn off for me. They can be quite fun.! It depends on which one it is admittedly. B: You play ‘Damien Thorn’ in the series Damien which is set to be released in March. Tell me a little bit about this show. BJ: ‘Damien Thorn’ was the little kid who was the Antichrist in The Omen. He’s 30 and he’s a war photographer trying to escape the darkness within’. His life has more tragedy in it than others so he’s sort of been on the run from it. His life now catches up to him. All the noise of tragedy that surrounds him is no longer loud enough to drown out his own dark noise. B: You also have another upcoming project, ‘Underworld 5’. There’s
a pretty incredible cast with Kate Beckinsale, Charles Dance, Theo James. What was your experience like working alongside them all? BJ: I’ve worked with Charles before, I’m a massive fan of him as a person, he’s a terrific actor as well. In terms of the project, I was allowed to have quite a lot of fun on that. The director [Anna Foerster] allowed me to have some creative freedom with my interpretation. I really enjoyed working with Anna as she’s very open to ideas. Her and Glen Mazzara, who created Damien, both something in common which is fantastic for actors because they both love to collaborate, so if you come up with an idea, if it’s good enough, they’ll go ‘Yes, go with it!’ The cast and I were all out in Prague, which was a really great experience, just sort of hanging out. Everyone had something fun about them, which made the experience fantastic. I really enjoyed working with all these people and hanging out in between. I think it’s due out in October. I feel I’ve heard that enough times so that I can say it with a relative amount of confidence! March 2016 - BELLO
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PANTS H&M TANK STYLIST’S OWN
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JACKET AND JEANS GSTAR-RAW TEE SANDRO BRACELET AND NECKLACE SWAROVSKI
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SHIRT H&M JEANS G-STAR RAW
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PANTS H&M TANK STYLIST’S OWN
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LEATHER JACKET BAR III TROUSERS AND T-SHIRT H&M
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LEATHER JACKET BAR III TROUSERS AND T-SHIRT H&M
Photographer: AMANDA PEIXOTO-ELKINS Stylist: KIMMY ERIN and KELLY SMITH ï‚— Grooming: DARIELLE ROSE 21
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ENTERTAINMENT
HIGH BY RICKY MICHIELS
THIS STORY WAS SHOT IN BROOKLYN [NYC] AND PLAYED AROUND WITH BROOKLYN’S SUBURBAN ATMOSPHERE WHILE DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM ARCHITECTURE AND THE BUSY BROOKLYN LIFE.
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JACKET DIOR HOMME SHIRT PRADA PANTS DIOR HOMME SNEAKERS DIOR HOMME
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JACKET DIOR SHIRT PRADA PANTS DIOR
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JUMPSUIT PRADA SPRING 2016 MENSWEAR COLLECTION TANKTOP PRADA WATCH JUNGLE SHOES GUCCI
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BLAZER/PANTS ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA SHIRT ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA SHOES ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA
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JUMPSUIT BALENCIAGA WATCH JUNGLE
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TRAVEL
Palm Springs After Dark HIKO MITSUZUKA (@THEFIRSTECHO) REDISCOVERS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S FAVORITE DESERT DESTINATION AS IT UPS ITS NIGHTLIFE GAME AND REINVENTS ITSELF FOR CONSTANTLY REINVENTING TASTES.
Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs
As someone who makes an effort to escape to Palm Springs at least once a year, I’m always looking for new ways to experience the getaway destination that’s just as frequented by anyone who resides between San Francisco and San Diego. After all, there are only so many times I can order the same Bloody Mary from the same sidewalk cafe I visit for a good old-fashioned 33
Sunday brunch. And there are only so many times I can swing by the same art gallery and browse through pieces that would complement my Los Angeles living room but fall way out of my price range. (I call it retail masochism.) Luckily for me, Palm Springs always delivers when it comes to new, enticing attractions and points of interest that
can quickly be added to a weekend itinerary. Consider this a result of the demographic shift in appeal that has occurred over the past 15 years. What was once deemed a haven for retirees and quiet leisure is now a hotspot with undeniably cosmopolitan tastes. Sensibilities have evolved from daytime daiquiris to late-night martinis. PS isn’t just about poolside lounging in the dry March 2016 - BELLO
heat. When the sun goes down, there’s an emerging nightlife in which more and more visitors (and maybe some residents) are participating – and no one knows this more than the Hard Rock Hotel (hrhpalmsprings.com). Still in its infancy and located in the heart of downtown, the hotel continues to lure city folk like myself who are looking for some R&R with a dose of rock star glamour and decadence. (Sipping on mojitos in a poolside cabana will surely do the trick.) With last summer’s opening of Bardot, the dance club-lounge located inside the Hard Rock, Palm Springs practically announced to the world how serious it’s taking its nightlife business. Giving off a vintage French disco vibe combined with California desert chic, Bardot is aiming to bring Palm Springs to a whole new level of cool within a destination that is seeing an uptick in nightlife activity. Angelenos may recognize the name from the original Hollywood iteration that debuted in 2008 near the world-famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine. (Skrillex, Hot Chip, Stevie Nicks, Bruno Mars, Ryan Gosling, and Prince are just some of the big names that have made appearances.)
hit-wonder Donna Lewis made the cut, and that earned him bonus points in my book. This was followed by a rip-roaring remix of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” that sampled Nelly and Stevie Nicks, added a splash of 80s New Wave, effortlessly led into Destiny Child’s “Bootylicious,” and included a random run of the theme song to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. This pop music junkie was impressed; it was an energetic demonstration that needed to be seen and heard to be believed. (For more on the spinmeister who regularly bounces between Palm Springs and L.A., check out djpaparazzi. com.) *And here’s another tip: Every Friday night at Bardot, guests can also
enjoy Rewind, a mix of dancefloor hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s. If you find yourself partying a little too hard, there’s always brunch to look forward to at Simon Kitchen & Bar, from celeb chef Kerry Simon, located right off the hotel’s lobby. The brioche French toast stuffed with Nutella usually does the trick. If you’re looking for a little more protein, an order of deviled eggs, topped with pancetta and caviar, will suffice. And, should you feel extra ambitious, there’s always the Sunday all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet in which you’ll want to get acquainted with the most delicious, thick-cut bacon your taste buds will ever experience. Photo Credit Van Roo Photography
DJ Paparazzi was at the helm when I visited the Palm Springs location, masterfully spinning an eclectic mix from Usher and Stevie Wonder to House of Pain and Lil Wayne – even 90s one-
WORKSHOP KITCHEN + BAR
Hard Rock Hotel Entrance
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Sessions At Hard Rock Hotel
Bardot
But on to our second night… Tucked away in the back of the courtyard of the historic El Paseo building in Palm Springs’s Uptown Design District, Workshop Kitchen & Bar (workshoppalmsprings.com) gives off the impression of a minimalist cement bunker with high vaulted ceilings. Once the home of several art galleries and a movie theater in the 1950s, the unique space now belongs to this farm-totable New American eatery. My friend and I sat down at the communal stone table that ran down the middle of the main dining hall, flanked by stark granite booths. While taking in the ambiance I thought aloud, “The production designer from Ex Machina could have used this place as inspiration.” Yet despite the steel and stone facades, there was a warmth to the room, probably from the amberhued pendant lights…and the friendly serving staff. We were seated in between a fashionable pair of Boomers and a younger couple who looked as if they hailed from the Los Angeles neighborhood of Silverlake (they screamed “hipster” with a pinch of “out-of-work actor.”) However, the rest of the place was full of a fascinating mix of diners, sophisticated without coming off as pretentious – much like the menu of mouthwatering offerings. 35
I started things off with a hot toddy to kill the persistent cough that snuck up on me the night before. This was followed by an irresistible foie gras French toast (topped with shaved purple artichoke, a quail egg, and blackberry sauce) and an octopus carpaccio small plate. By this time, our sexagenerian neighbors were replaced by a fit-looking couple that ordered a bowl of mussels, avoiding the toasted bread that accompanied it. (Is a fear of carbs still a thing?) We exchanged smiles and shared our intel on the menu, the way you’re supposed to when brushing shoulders with strangers at a highly rated restaurant. My main entrée consisted of a mesquitegrilled duck breast that sat atop a bed of
braised lentils – the best lentils I’ve ever tasted. (And I should know after trying several ways to prepare them this past year in an attempt to eat healthier.) It could have been the buzz from my hot toddy (or the mango cake topped with black pepper ice cream), but I could have sworn I felt some kind of invisible magic dust being sprinkled over my head. Once we stepped outside and glanced up into the bedazzled night sky, my friend was in awe. “That’s amazing,” he muttered under his breath, taking in the stars. I nodded, taking in the moment, and replied, “That’s Palm Springs.”
Bardot
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COVER STORY
THE DOCT
GIACOMO’S NEW ROLE AS ANDRE WORDS BY MICHELLE GANNEY PHOTOS BY BRIAN KAMINSKI
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TOR IS IN
EW DELUCA IN GREY’S ANATOMY
SHIRT AZUL CHINO PANTS TOPMAN SHOES VALAS LOS ANGELES WATCH ELICO ASSOULINI
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SUIT & TURTLE NECK TOPMAN POCKET SQUARE LORD&ANIMAL
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HE MAY BE A VERY HANDSOME ITALIAN ACTOR WITH HIS CHISELED CHEEKBONES AND DARK, LUSCIOUS LOCKS BUT GIACOMO GIANNIOTTI IS ANYTHING BUT A CLICHÉ. HIS CHOICE OF MUSIC FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT WAS A COMBINATION OF OLD-SCHOOL MOTOWN AND A LITTLE BIT OF REGGAE. DESCRIBING HIS CHARACTER IN GREY’S ANATOMY AS SOMEWHAT OF A DORK, GIACOMO PROVES TO BE A VERY HUMBLE AND UNIQUE GUY.
Giacomo made the big move to Los Angeles last year and it seems the novelty isn’t wearing off anytime soon. “It’s been great, I love LA, I love the people and there are a lot of creative people. I am a super creative person. I write, I paint and play music. I started a production company a year ago and I’m releasing my first feature film in May in Toronto. I hope to direct someday, maybe like 10 years from now when I have more experience in film. I’m always really busy doing a bunch of different things.” Grey’s Anatomy has a seriously dedicated fan base due to the longevity of the show, so being cast as the newbie isn’t always easy. “It was a little intimidating at first because there was the 250th episode, there was so much already built so jumping on this moving train felt a little intimidating because so many people have come and gone so I thought ‘What am I brining? What new things am I bringing to the table?’” It’s the classic case of art imitating reality as it seems the friendships and bonds we see on-screen translate in real life too. “I really had to go back and watch the show and watch the current 39
seasons and see what was missing, ‘What’s not there that I can bring?’ So I started focusing on those things but you know everyone’s really nice on the show and I get to do a lot of really cool stuff so it’s a great gig.” Despite Giacomo referring to his character as a little dorky, there’s definitely a love story blossoming. “I just think from the outside he may be a charming doctor but I don’t think he’s as smooth as he’d like to be. He’s not as confident as he’d like to be.” I’m sure fans are desperate to see the antics unfold between ‘Andrew’ and ‘Maggie,’ played by the talented Kelly McCreary, which Giacomo was more than happy to tease. “Like any work relationship, it’s not going to run smoothly. There are complications with seeing someone at work, whether you want to keep it public or private or sometimes things slip out. I think both people have different ideas about what the relationship is, maybe one person is thinking it’s more casual and the other person is more invested and thinking long term already. So that’s what we’re both sort of juggling right now as characters.”
Aside from Grey’s Anatomy, there is another show close to Giacomo. Speaking about his favorite series that he’d like to appear on, his answer was very interesting. So ladies just a quick tip - if you’re looking to impress Giacomo make sure you own some red lippy and your clothing isn’t too provocative. “I loved Boardwalk Empire, I love the 20s and the 30s, the way women looked, those beautiful flapper girl dresses and the red lipstick and the fact that it was a little more conservative. I love that time period and that era and I thought HBO did such a great job with Boardwalk Empire and there were such great characters and storylines.” TV and film is not the only avenue Giacomo wants to explore. He still has a soft spot for theatre which was his starting ground. “I’d love to do a play, I come from the theatre, I miss that but I don’t know when I’d have the time. The hiatus we have on Grey’s Anatomy is so brief that it would have to be so perfectly scheduled but I was just in New York and I saw some theatre and I was like ‘Oh, I miss this so much!’” Giacomo really is the whole package good looking, modest, adventurous and driven. March 2016 - BELLO
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HOODIE SWEATER MATIERE TSHIRT H&M JEANS TRUE RELIGION SHOES TOMS
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HOODIE SWEATER MATIERE TSHIRT H&M
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JACKET TOPMAN SHIRT H&M CHINO PANTS H&M
Photography BRIAN KAMINSKI Styling SIMONA SACCHITELLA Grooming NATALIE MALCHEV Location: Bay St. Studios http://www.bayststudio.co
TRAVEL
Suddenly Singapore HIKO MITSUZUKA (@THEFIRSTECHO) TRAVELS TO THE ISLAND CITY-STATE OFF SOUTHERN MALAYSIA FOR SOME SAND, STREET FOOD, AND ‘SCARLET’ SPLENDOR.
In August of 2015 Singapore celebrated 50 years of independence from the Federation of Malaysia, but when I visited several months later, the party was far from over. The pomp and circumstance could be seen and felt everywhere I went, from the colorful light sculptures that lined the highway from Changi Airport to the banners and flags that proudly showed off the SG50 logo on every city block. ENTERTAINMENT issue - BELLOmag.com
In just five short decades, the former British colony has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world. And most of that glitz and glamour is apparent throughout the highly cosmopolitan city center. Situated two blocks from the bustling Chinatown and Little India districts on a quaint one-way street, The Scarlet Singapore (thescarlethotels.com/singapore) is the city’s “first luxury boutique hotel.”
Having recently gone through a revamp, the hotel takes up most of a city block and has proudly preserved its European storefront exterior in memory of the small shops that once lined the small strip with their French Quarter-like shutters and painted window frames. Its 75 guest rooms and 5 suites now promise a more indulgent experience -- one that I welcomed with open arms upon my arrival. 48
of orange, topaz, and chartreuse that worked well with the jewelry-inspired palette, an ornate headboard made of luxe black velvet, draperies with elegant trimmings, and a curvy chaise lounge that was perfect for decompressing after a full day of walking throughout the city. (And there was lots of walking - *see my to-do list.) And if that’s not decadent enough for you, there are the gorgeous and spacious suites: “Swank” (not related to Hilary), “Opulent,” “Lavish,” “Splendour,” and “Passion,” all designed to appeal to travelers with
COURTESY OF THE SCARLET SINGAPORE
The Scarlet’s entrance is flanked by a watery portal and leads to the stunning lobby that’s decked out in Christian Lacroix velvet and multi-colored fabrics from the likes of Sonia Rykiel, JAB and Pierre Frey. The guest corridors are dressed in textured reds, purples, and fuchsia, adding to the intimate ambiance that runs throughout the rest of the facilities. And each guest room door comes equipped with a brown leather satchel to hold the daily newspaper. My “premium” room was ensconced in a full-bodied matte gold with subtle mix
an abundance of swagger. (Rooms start at $248 USD.) COURTESY OF THE SCARLET SINGAPORE
If I wanted to work up an extra sweat, there was always FLAUNT, the gym where fitness fiends can work on sculpting their bodies -- but this trip was mostly for pleasure, and I had no inkling to burn any extra calories. Besides, thanks to our close proximity to the Equator, the humidity did plenty to soak up the hand towel I carried wherever I went. 49
March 2016 - BELLO
TIP: if you’re planning to visit in September or October, prepare for “brown haze” season. That’s when Singapore’s neighbor, Indonesia, burns down acres and acres of trees to harvest palm oil, creating a Los Angeles-like smog that hangs over the city.
THE SINGAPORE TO-DO LIST: A 3-Day Planner 1. Stand across the street from the Marina Bay Sands and take in the aweinspiring, futuristic architecture of the resort’s trio of towers and connecting rooftop sky park.
Therefore my best bet was to take advantage of SODA, the open-air Jacuzzi that overlooks the city from a modest terrace that also features several lounge chairs for sunbathing. It’s also a cozy little spot for a nightcap after a dinner at Aria, the rooftop restaurant that serves Sicilian cuisine, or Casa Tartufo, a charming eatery with more Northern Italian fare (casatartufo. com). It’s also the place to grab some breakfast from the daily morning buffet that’s available to all guests (the coffee is killer) or sign up for a cooking class (learn about the Alba white truffle and how to use it in everything from scrambled eggs to tiramasu).
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COURTESY OF THE SCARLET SINGAPORE
2. Take an elevator to the top of the Sands and try a honey rose daiquiri at Ce La Vi.
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8. After that, swing by the nearby SunnyHills for a free sample of their signature pineapple tea cakes.
3. Surpass the lines at Universal Studios on Sentosa Island and go ride the Skyline Luge before lounging on the sands of Palawan Beach.
9. Ride the Singapore Flyer at night for a gorgeous view of the city and its sparkling skyline. (A single ticket starts at 33 Singaporean dollars.)
4. Order some fried carrot cake (for lunch, not dessert – trust me) at one of the city’s “hawker stations,” outdoor food courts that serve the some of the most delicious street food you’ll ever taste.
10. Walk the suspended, vertiginous Skyway up in the Supertrees of the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay.
COURTESY OF THE SCARLET SINGAPORE
5. Learn about the Ten Courts of Hell at Haw Par Villa, a creepy yet fascinating abandoned theme park full of handpainted statues and large dioramas of the macabre. Admission is always free. 6. Do some window shopping in the giant Louis Vuitton pod that overlooks the harborfront. 7. Enjoy a Singapore Sling at its birthplace, The Long Bar inside the famous, colonial Raffles Hotel. (The
11. And while you’re there, cool off and explore the highlands amidst waterfalls, orchids, and exotic plants inside the Cloud Forest, an awesome conservatory. 12. Drain your wallet on Orchard Road among the dozens of shops, boutiques, and cafes that line up the city’s most popular shopping strip. 13. Before heading back to your room at The Scarlet Singapore, take a foot bath and get a pedicure and massage at Beauty Empire, just two doors down.
fruity cocktail recently celebrated its 100th birthday.) 51
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ENTERTAINMENT
Out On The Town BY HIKO MITSUZUKA @thefirstecho
DTLA GETS ANOTHER UPGRADE
Whole Foods
Anyone who lives in downtown Los Angeles will be quick to convince you to move into one of the many lofts, apartments or condos that continue to pop up in what was once a part of the city designated for office buildings, hollowed out theaters, and bargain-bin markets. They won’t hesitate to tell you about its continued renaissance, about the alluring eateries that have foodies drooling, about the art galleries and clubs, and about the other cultural surprises that are drawing groups of next-gen Angelenos away from the city’s other neighborhoods.
Photo: David Guettler Photography
DTLA residents are also rejoicing because last fall the gentrification gods bestowed upon them...a brand new Whole Foods Market. The gorgeous 41,000-square-foot store features a coffee bar, an in-store pizza oven, two smokehouses, self-ordering kiosks where you can order prepared food for pickup after you shop, rice bowls from chef Roy Choi’s Chego, and an interior
design that “emulates the art deco style popular in historic downtown Los Angeles buildings, but with a contemporary twist.” There’s also Eight Bar, the bar-restaurant that features a seasonal menu, craft beer, and killer Bloody Marys. (Sunday brunch seekers won’t have to deal with any pesky reservations or pretentious lines here.)
The entire operation is a part of the bigger Eighth & Grand, a 700-apartment “mixed-use” development in the heart of downtown. “Modern American Glamour” is the aesthetic theme of the location -- check out the Jonathan Adler display in the lobby -- and it is quickly becoming a haven for young urban professionals looking for something a little more cosmopolitan and communal, something that is arguably more difficult to come across in neighborhoods like Silverlake, Hollywood, and Los Feliz. This three-acre city block at the corner of Eighth Street and Grand Avenue, a timelessly chic vision of luxurious urban living and modern sophistication, is all about community. Residents can enjoy exclusive access to 24-hour concierge services and world-class amenities. The expansive social spaces are designed to serve as extensions of the home and create a sense of community. Carmel Partners, the real estate investment management team behind the development, has even enlisted local artists, including Serena
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embodies Eighth & Grand,” said Neils Cotter, VP of Development at Carmel Partners, “the Jonathan Adler pieces in the model residence will reflect the fresh, dynamic metropolitan community that we are creating. This is an exciting time to be in the heart of one of Los Angeles’ hottest neighborhoods. Having a wide variety of high-caliber retail partners, including Jonathan Adler and Whole Foods Market downstairs is a gamechanger for downtown dwellers.”
In other words, who needs a weekend getaway when you have all of this in one place?
AIR + STYLE = GOOD TIMES
Mark McMorris
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Photo: AIR + STYLE
Mitnik-Miller and Wendy MacNaughton, to curate art installations throughout Eighth & Grand that celebrate the neighborhood and reflect the community. Amenities include a twostory, 5,400-square foot, state-of-theart fitness center, a top floor sky lounge with bar and private dining area, two resort-style pools, verdant landscaped terraces with outdoor dining, a calming Zen garden, and a 25-person theaterstyle screening room.
Artists including Kaskade, Incubus, Travis Barker (DJ & Drum set), Danny Brown, Big Grams, Gramatik, Rudimental, Kaneholler, Migos, and Flatbush Zombies also provided the soundtrack throughout the rest of the festivities. J. Cole
On February 20, Air + Style Los Angeles 2016 successfully kicked off with 24 athletes competing on the 16-story jump for Big Air Snowboarding. Eleven Photo: AIR + STYLE
Photo: David Guettler Photography
The finalists of the Big Air Snowboarding competition, from parts of the world like Japan, Norway, Canada, and Finland, went head to head for a chance to take home the winning title for Air + Style Los Angeles and the overall 2016 tour champion. (Competitions also took place in Beijing and Innsbruck.)
“As we continue to build the curated and collective live-work-play lifestyle that Photo: AIR + STYLE
musical artists including J. Cole, Haim, A-Trak, Action Bronson and A$AP Ferg hit two stages across Expo Park at the Coliseum in downtown Los Angeles.
Grand Lobby
Shaun White
March 2016 - BELLO