Bello
LINDSEY STIRLING
#131
photography by Leslie Alejandro
on being BRAVE ENOUGH...
Bello 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 (entertainment editor) dio@bellomag.com Warren Alfie Baker (fashion director) warren@bellomag.com Nicole Walmsley (beauty editor) nicole@bellomag.com Dee Trillo (senior lifestyle and travel editor) dee@bellomag.com Michelle Ganney (associate entertainment editor) michelle@bellomag.com Fabio Fernandez (fashion news director) fabio@bellomag.com Hiko Mitsuzuka (entertainment editor-at-large) hiko@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 COVER STORY: MICHELLE GANNEY DEE TRILLO (Fashion and Beauty) MARK NORRIS (Lifestyle) CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS COVER: LESLIE ALEJANDRO ALEX PETCH
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EDITOR’S
note,
SEPTEMBER, 13, 2016
First off, we want to apologize to all our readers about the major delay in releasing this issue. We have had a few minor set backs the past few weeks, but we are happy to announce that we are finally back on track. With that being said, I’m so excited and happy to present to you this special issue because I, myself, had the honor and pleasure to photograph a true, unique, and ultimately talented star, mega-violinist, Lindsey Stirling. She inspired me through her story about making her album called Brave Enough and described “tearing down the walls” she’d built around her heart. In this editorial, we have her tearing away layers of paper to reveal, in the end, an even more confident woman from where she began. I only hope you love it as much as I do. We also feature the gorgeous Norris Twins, Mark and Jon Norris. You’ll get to see them in front of the camera rather than behind the writing of some of our best articles to date. They tell their journey and rise to the top of the industry. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I know this issue will make up for everything. Enjoy,
Leslie Alejandro,
Executive Director at BELLO mag
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ISSUE#131 September 2016 - BELLO
CO NTEN TS
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TB MOMENT OF THE WEEK
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TOP 8 PICKS (DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY)
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FASHIONING A PARADISE: INSIDE DRIES VAN NOTEN’S STUNNING PRIVATE GARDEN & BELGIAN ESTATE
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FITNESS IS MY WITNESS
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IN ROME WITH CASA CAU
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CAPRI RELAX BOATS
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MONASTERIO SANTA ROSA HOTEL & SPA
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SO BELLO: MARK & JON NORRIS
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STYLISH SUMMER
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September #131 issue - BELLOmag.com
2016
COVER - LINDSEY STIRLING
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MONTRÉAL’S HOTEL ST. PAUL 4
tbMOMENT
of THE WEEK
Making it happen no matter what. Photographers SOSA + ART shooting US THE DUO. July 2016
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September 2016 - BELLO
Top 8 Picks: DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY BY BRENT LAMBERT
Vancouver-based musician Jay Arner is my go-to favorite these days when I’m craving the sun-dazed zen of the west coast. At the press of a button I suddenly find myself teleported to the care-free hippy vibes found only in that blissful stretch between SoCal and Vancouver. You can grab his brand new album, Jay II, on iTunes here: www.apple.co/2bJONi2
Make no mistake, this is not a hairdryer or a sci-fi alien spaceship -- this is the powerful new Phantom wireless speaker. At $3,000 this loudspeaker from French manufacturer Devialet produces sounds as loud as a concert: 4,500 watts and a whopping 108 decibels. Yes, that’s the equivalent of a live rock performance. Learn more at www.cnnmon.ie/2beSdYS (photo via Devialet).
Dutch artist Rosa de Jong knows a thing or two about capturing magic in a bottle. Her exquisite micro-sized sculptures of trees, tents, homes, and other structures are helping fill her test tubes with miniature fantasy worlds. You can see more of her sculptures on her Instagram at www.instagram.com/byrosa/ (photo by Rosa de Jong).
MAD Architects are the wizards behind the mindblowing new Harbin Opera House in the northern Chinese city of Harbin. The opera house is part of a larger Cultural Island occupying a whopping building area 850,000 sq.ft. in size. You can see all the amazing photos at www.bit. ly/1O8UPTZ (photo © Hufton+Crow)
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Fiona O’Leary has created a brilliant hand-held device called Spector, which uses Bluetooth technology to identify fonts. Nicknamed as “Shazam for fonts,” this clever gadget can identify not only fonts, but also typefaces and colors (CMYK and RGB). You can learn more www.bit.ly/2aZTMLy (photo by Fiona O’Leary)
Koo Jeong has teamed up with Belgian design firm L’Escaut Architectures to create a concrete glowin-the-dark skatepark. The intersecting bowl-like concave forms are also connected by a tunnel and a cradle. You can learn more at www.bit.ly/Pt7LxL (photo © L’Escaut Architectures).
Legendary Athens restaurant and café, Zonars, has been recently renovated and brought back to its full, original 1939 glory. A favorite hangout of of “artists, jet-setters and globe-trotters,” Zonars is yours to discover by reading the full story at Yatzer here: www.bit.ly/2aM9tZ6 (photo credit: Yiorgos Kordakis).
“When I dream of an afterlife in heaven,” Ernest Hemingway once wrote, “the action always takes place at the Ritz Paris.” Michael Solomon of Forbes opens his terrific look at the history of the Ritz Paris with this Hemingway quote, and in a wonderfully succinct profile we get a glimpse at the extraordinary history of this legendary hotel -- including the Imperial Suite pictured here. The hotel reopened in June 2016 after a 4-year renovation and you can read the full story at Forbes here: www.bit.ly/2bBuAN8 (photo © Hemis/Alamy). 7
September 2016 - BELLO
Fashioning a Paradise: Inside Dries Van Noten’s Stunning Private Garden & Belgian Estate
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BY BRENT LAMBERT
o understand the source of Dries Van Noten’s passion for fashion, one need look no further than his family’s lineage. Born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1958, Dries Van Noten is the third generational branch in a family tree of tailors. During the years between WWI and WWII, for example, Dries’ grandfather singlehandedly introduced Belgium to the concept of ready-to-wear by turning thrift store clothing inside-out.
And when the swinging 60s came to an end his father opened up a high-end boutique outside Antwerp, followed by another upscale outlet in the city centre where he sold the latest collections from Ungaro, Zegna, and Ferragamo. Meanwhile, his mother ran a linen and antique lace boutique. When it comes to the finer things in life, it seems Dries Van Noten hit the ground running the day he was born. In 1976, at a spritely 18-years young, Dries began his fashion education at Antwerp’s royal academy. Ten years later he would be selling his collections to prestigious customers such as Barneys New York, Whistles in London, #131 issue - BELLOmag.com
and Pauw in Amsterdam. And in 2016, four decades after he began his professional training, Dries Van Noten is one of the most renowned fashion designers in the world.
the world -- flowers and textiles. Not an easy feat, considering the Neoclassical mansion itself had to be completely remodelled since it was all but destroyed by bombing during WWII.
Running a fashion empire is no easy task, and during his downtime there is no place more restorative and soul-soothing for Dries than his private garden estate in Ringenhof, approximately a 35-minute drive southwest of Antwerp. Built in 1840, Dries shares the estate with his longtime partner, Patrick Vangheluwe. To make it truly their own, they worked with interior designer Gert Voorjans to fill the house with two of Van Noten’s favorite things in
Van Noten’s obsession with flowers extends from the luscious interiors to the jaw-dropping private gardens outside designed by landscape architect, Erik Dhont. All 55 acres of Ringenhof’s park and gardens were meticulously planned by Dhont, whose love of Italian gardens, German ecological sustainability, and English garden heritage imbue all of his designs. In her feature profile of Dhont’s landscape design style, Diane Summers of the Financial 8
Times writes, “Dhont’s landscapes take traditional garden ground rules and components and push them a stage further. For example, he understands the Renaissance principle, largely based on classical sources, of taking the central axis of a house, extending it through the grounds and then using it to produce, garden ‘rooms’. But he prefers his designs to be more free-form. ‘I think it’s more interesting to use only 60 per cent of your property,’ he says, sketching an amoeba shape. ‘Then all this you can leave for nature,’ he adds, hatching in the remaining perimeter, representing wilder planting, which
spills over and disguises the boundaries.” Carefully incorporated into the landscape design is a series of vegetable gardens as well. If Van Noten’s first love is fashion, then his second is hands-on gardening. AnOther magazine notes, “He particularly likes growing vegetables and boasts that he knows around 50 different ways to prepare cour-
gettes.” And after getting his thumbs green in his vegetable garden, Van Noten need walk only a few feet to find himself surrounded by peonies, avens, and geraniums in his flower gardens bursting with every color in the rainbow. Judging by these photos taken by VOGUE photographer Francois Halard in March 2014, it’s safe to say Dries Van Noten has found the perfect balance between the three dimensions of life: work, play, and love. “Enjoy your life,” Van Noten says. “Fashion is not that important.” (All photos by François Halard for VOGUE)
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September 2016 - BELLO
Fitness Is My Witness BY DEE TRILLO
Senior Travel and Lifestyle Editor| @HauteFrugalista| Dee@BELLOMag.com
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f you are not the most athletic person, have a busy schedule, or have children, then I have the answers to all your fitness problems. These quick and easy workout buddies can be used from the comfort of your home or make it easier for you to enjoy outdoor activities with the family.
Booty Belt System: There is no denying the current obsession with a firm derriere, and if you’re looking to target this area then this is your best choice. This set makes the most of every space in your house, or on-thego, to take you from flat to grand! The belt adjusts to your waist and through resistance bands it uses your own body strength to give you the added push you need for a more effective workout. The package comes with a DVD, floor mat, and additional bands to help you transition from beginner to pro. You will find yourself toned and in a very desirable shape in no time. $99 www. BootyBelt.com
PouchCouch: A quick and easy solution for outdoor activities. This inflatable couch is great for parties, picnics, BBQs, beach trips, and fitness time. It can be used to rest during workout sessions like yoga or biking, making it stress-free to relax between sessions. They also come with a sun shade to prevent burning while reading or tanning. It comes with a built-in bag to take on-the-go without a fuzz. $40 www.PouchCouch.com #131 issue - BELLOmag.com
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DynaPro Exercise Ball: Full body workouts have never been faster than with this inflatable ball. It is the perfect companion to target all areas of your body without hurting your back or joints. The slip resistance PVC will give you the support you need to change positions and routines quickly. From core strength, legs and derriere, to toning arms, you can go from one target zone to another quickly. It is especially helpful for people with back pain who want to work their abs without hurting their spine. Â $30 www.DynaProDirect.com
Flipbelt Zipper: Now you can carry all your essentials while running a marathon, biking through the city, hiking the mountains, doing yoga on the beach, or traveling. The stretchy band wraps around your hips for maximum comfort. It comes with a zipper to protect your things from falling out and a key hook to easily find your keys. $35 www.FlipBelt.com
RunLites Gloves: If you like to hit the gym after work, these fun gloves will give you the protection needed during weight centered workouts. In addition, it comes with a built-in LED light pocket perfect for alerting traffic and staying safe during nighttime jogging or while walking the dog, and a space to safely carry money and IDs in case of emergencies. $20 www.GoRunLites.com 11
September 2016 - BELLO
At home in Rome with
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asa Cau; a gem set amongst the bustling streets of Rome, situated just a one-minute walk from the Fontana di Trevi. The 17th century building conversion of delicately detailed apartments, is the perfect home from home in Rome. WRITTEN AND CREATED BY MARK NORRIS
The property, which has been validated by the British luxury hotel website Mr & Mrs Smith, is a multi-level building conversion, with a small discreet en#131 issue - BELLOmag.com
trance on the side streets of one of the most famous landmarks in Rome. The beautifully spacious entrance hall and staircase takes you up to the reception
room, where you will be welcomed by the friendly and personable concierge team at Casa Cau.
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Each room has its own artistically inspired decoration and design, with entrance hall, kitchen, dining table, bedroom, and bathroom all inside. As 13
you begin your stay, you will continue to notice the small touches that make Casa Cau so special. From the beautiful artwork on the walls, to the care-
fully considered books and art pieces dotted around, the apartment really will ensure you look look forward to relaxing after a hard days sightseeing. September 2016 - BELLO
STAZIONE DI POSTA RESTAURANT We were lucky enough to meet Mr Pino Cau on our visit, and dine at his Michelin starred restaurant upon our arrival. The decoration within the restaurant mirrored that of Casa Cau, a beautiful building and open space, with a luxury designer warehouse feel to it. The food was spectacularly good, with starter, main, and dessert all tasting as good as you’ll find in Rome, and looking fabulous. Every morning, you will awake to a delightful bag of breakfast goodies hanging on your door outside. Inside the bag are handpicked food from the local markets and bakery, for you to enjoy at home. Your Casa Cau kitchen comes equipped with everything you need for cooking, including organic fruits and spreads to go with the breakfast food. One of the finest touches of the apartments is the steam-room shower. It was the first time I had been in a steam shower, and it really made a huge difference. Every little detail about Casa Cau makes it the perfect luxury home from home for your trip to Rome. #131 issue - BELLOmag.com
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From carefully chosen seafood, to delicately cooked beef fillets, the food was as good as you’ll find anywhere. The Michelin award has been well earnt. Above all, the properties of Casa Cau and RESTAURANT are two of the most interesting and delightful places in Rome, and you’ll be sure to enjoy every minute of your stay with Casa Cau. Please visit their online channels and website to find out more and book your stay. www.casacau.com Facebook: @CasaCau Instagram: @CasaCau
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September 2016 - BELLO
Experience the magic of Capri
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here are some things in life that you deserve to experience whilst on this planet. The magic of Capri in Italy is definitely one of those things. What better way to do it than a private boat tour of the island with Capri Relax Boats. Â
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WRITTEN AND CREATED BY MARK NORRIS
September 2016 - BELLO
From start to finish, Andrea (the owner), makes every effort to ensure you feel at home. You will know your exact route, and all the landmarks along the way, together with many opportunities to swim amongst the clear blue sea and in the sculptured caves of the island. With refreshments on board, it really is an experience that you will never forget. For the romantics of you out there, there is also the opportunity to kiss your significant other under the well-known ‘kissing arch’ that symbolises the Island of Capri, an added touch if you want to make the trip extra special. The trip itself takes you around the golden coast of the island, with knowledgeable and friendly crew guiding the way. There are many perfect picture opportunities, and with the exceptional crew at your side, they are more than willing to capture your special moments whilst on board.
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A trip to Capri, or indeed the surrounding coastline is definitely not complete without adventuring around this beautiful island with gentle tranquillity. Capri Relax Boats offer exceptional services, and even a romantic dinner for two, at sea. You’ll leave the island with the special feeling that you have taken in all that Capri has to offer, and more. For more information about Capri Relax Boat Tours, please visit their channels, and website, below: www.caprirelaxboats.com Facebook: CapriRelaxBoats Twitter: CapriRelaxBoats
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September 2016 - BELLO
Lunching & Serenity at the
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hen you think of paradise, there aren’t many better definitions of it, than the Monastero Santa Rosa on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. From beautiful landscaped gardens blooming with colourful delights, to one of the most picturesque infinity pools in the world, all set on the cliffside of the Amalfi Coast. Paradise.
WRITTEN & CREATED BY MARK NORRIS
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he restaurant itself is set with an ocean view, atop of the landscaped gardens and infinity pool, a place of serenity and peaceful bliss. Escorted down by the personable concierge team, you will be welcomed by the Maitre’d, Stefano, who will assist your every need. It takes a few minutes to adjust your eyes to the views that await you. You can take your time to make your way through the range of menu’s on offer, choosing the perfect glass of wine to accompany you and your significant other(s). The food itself offers a range of options. To start, highly recommended is the platter of cold meats and cheeses. The quality and taste of both make the perfect cocktail to set your palate up for the main course. Small details such as the locally sourced extra virgin olive oil, make things that little bit more special. With a relaxed feel, the main courses available cater for all your needs. From pizza-bread sandwiches, to seafood #131 issue - BELLOmag.com
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bustle of the touristy area, but close enough so that you can pop down to the centre, whenever you feel the need. A truly stunning property to enjoy, I can tell you one truth, you won’t regret visiting. Please explore their channels for more exquisite content from the Amalfi Coast: www.MonasteroSantaRosa.com Instagram: @MonasteroSantaRosaHotel Facebook: MonasteroSantaRosa
concoctions, the taste and quality was of the highest calibre. After enjoying lunch, what better way to take in the Amalfi Coast than to relax amongst the gardens of the Monastero property. The grounds and pool area of the hotel are an experience you will never forget. If you enjoy transporting yourself into another world, of peaceful
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heaven, this is the place to be. With an abundance of sun chairs and loungers dotted at different locations of the grounds, privacy and quietness isn’t hard to find. With a short trip back down to the Amalfi village, the Monastero Santa Rosa couldn’t be placed in a better location, far enough away from the hustle and
September 2016 - BELLO
Bello
#131
The Norris Twins
The Supermodel Twins enjoy the English Summer
MARK & JON NORRIS
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MARK NORRIS
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The Norris Twins
The Supermodel Twins enjoy the English Summer MODELS: JON AND MARK NORRIS PHOTOGRAPHER: ALEX PETCH (WWW.ALEXPETCH.COM) H/MU: STEPHEN HAMILTON (WWW.STEPHENHAMILTONHAIRANDMAKEUP.CO.UK)
We chat to The Norris Twins about life in the spotlight, and get their thoughts on their journey within the Modelling industry over the last few years, and how they have risen to the top of the industry. How did you both get into Modeling? We were both studying Master degrees in Florida, and we were approached whilst on Spring Break by a Manager, Jim Jordan, in Los Angeles. We then flew back to Europe to work. Have you always worked together, or do you work separately? We have mostly worked on the same projects, although we do work separately, too. It depends on what brands prefer. Our work as twins usually gets a lot of attention, and can be a little more creative for magazines and editorial shoots. Do you like being recognized as The Norris Twins in the industry? Over the last few years, we have gotten used to being branded as The Norris Twins, and most people call us by this name within the industry. It has become our mini brand, which works well for some of the shoots we do together. It’s just something we have worked in our favor over the years. How have you found becoming recognized for your extraordinary achievements in Modelling? We have worked hard since we started modeling, and haven’t taken anything for granted. We have gotten out of the industry what we have put in, and are 27
proud that people recognize us for our journey and achievement within the industry; it makes all the hard work and effort worth it.
was something we got recognized for, so go for it and stay positive as its not always an easy industry to be successful in, and start off in.
How would you describe your journey to the top of your field in Modeling?
How would you describe the change in the modeling industry over the past few years?
We were very lucky to have a big introduction to the industry shooting with famous photographers and brands. But we have also put a lot of hard work in after we started, and have made sure we keep our feet on the ground throughout. We have kept in touch with the teams we shoot with, and it’s really great to develop this network all over the world.
It has changed, but it is subjective on whether that is for the good or bad of people that work within it. For models, I think we are very lucky to have been as successful as we have been in our careers but haven’t really noticed too much change as models. Brands like success and your success personally certainly impacts positively on their campaigns and journeys we are a small part of when shooting the big campaigns.
How do you cope with life in the public eye? It is not something we think too much about at all, we just enjoy our time in front of camera and enjoy life privately too. It comes from being international models, and working for world class brands such as Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Roberto Cavalli, Prada etc. What advice would you give to youngsters that aspire to be models? Its great to have aspirations and objectives that you want to achieve in life, it
Do you have any future ambitions you would like to achieve? We are both very grateful for the lives we’ve lived and like to take every step as it comes. Its always very easy to forgot the moment you are in for the longer term goal, so for us, we want to carry on being as successful and enjoying every minute - thats the most important thing! Twitter @thenorristwins IG @the_norris_twins
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JON & MARK NORRIS
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MARK & JON NORRIS
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MARK NORRIS
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JON NORRIS
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September 2016 - BELLO
Splurge Or Steal:
Stylish Summer BY DEE TRILLO Senior Travel and Lifestyle Editor| @HauteFrugalista| Dee@BELLOMag.com
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ust like any savvy-shopper, I love picking out pieces that last throughout any season. This time, I have compiled a list with some of the trendiest must-have for this Summer-Fall that are timeless, sophisticated, and fun. Be ready to look great without spending much! If you have a beauty, travel or style question, feel free to send me a note via social media @ HauteFrugalista, and I will fulfill the request on an upcoming S.O.S feature. KYBOE! Port Collection Rose Gold Watch: If you are looking for a well-made, irresistibly posh, and fashionable watch then look no further than KYBOE! Known for their signature giant 48mm and 55mm watches, they carry gorgeous styles at very accessible prices. Made in a uber chic colored stainless steel case and mineral glass face, the Port Chronos watch comes with a thick silicone band with rose gold accents that make it elegant yet edgy. The chronograph, tachymeter, and date window are ideally for staying updated on the go, and the water resistance feature allows you to submerge up to 100m (10 ATM). Once the night arrives, do not worry, the watch comes with a 5-second-long LED light, and luminous hands and numbers that make timekeeping effortless at any time. $360 www.KYBOE.com
Gold & Gray Jewelry Shark Tooth Necklace: Sharks are very intriguing and mysterious animals. Folk tales characterize them as a symbol of strength, good luck, and protection; but, who said they cannot be delicate too? This gold-dipped one of a kind piece is made of fossilized teeth which sharks lose naturally throughout their lives. The process makes this necklace a rare and special way to carry nature with you without harming the environment. $120 www.GoldandGray.com #131 issue - BELLOmag.com
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Hedgren Boarding S Carry-On Luggage: This incredibly stylish suitcase is as beautiful as well-organized. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a 2-3 day business trip. The bag is made of scratch resistant 100% polycarbonate. It comes with 4 color-matching spinner wheels that glide smoothly, a front pocket that can fit a 15” laptop, which is a feature very hard to find on a carry-on suitcase, and a detachable cosmetic or toiletry bag for all your personal care essentials. My favorite features are the TSA approved lock located on the side which will keep all your belongings secured and the fabric compartments it has on both parts of the suitcase. These sections make it easier to organize all travel items in categories. $130 www.Hedgren.com
Très Chic Boutique Layered Choker: One of the hottest trends of the season are chokers. They have made a huge comeback because they are edgy and feminine. This multi-layered necklace comes with a vegan leather Jeweled neck piece and a long double gold chain that go perfectly together. $20 www.TresChicNY.com
WET Swimwear Tropical Paradise One-Piece Suit: Forget about the idea of the old school one-piece swimsuit. This classic shape now comes in trendier styles that are everything, but boring. The colorful and bright design on this WET swimsuit is ideal for summer. The scoop back is sexy while the adjustable back strap will prevent any wardrobe malfunctions. It comes in a soft spandex like fabric that will give you a flattering sculpted fit, and the print is so cool it can be used as a bodysuit under flowy skirts or linen pants. $178 www.WETSwimwear.com 35
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PANTS AND SHIRT ACNE VEST MATTEO THIELA RINGS K/LLER COLLECTION
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Brave
Enough Electronic Violinist, Lindsey Stirling debuts new album. WORDS BY MICHELLE GANNEY PHOTOS BY LESLIE ALEJANDRO
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BRACELET, RING, EARRING PAMELA LOVE RING K/LLER COLLECTION TOP AND PANTS GEORGINE SHOES LAURENCE DACADE
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indsey Stirling is one extremely talented woman. The acclaimed electronic violinist, New York Times Best Selling author and YouTube visionary just released her third studio album, Brave Enough, on August 19th via her very own record label, Lindseystomp Records. The gifted, young musician has a number of high-profile collaborations on her album including singer-songwriter Christina Perri, musician Andrew McMahon, blues inspired musician ZZ Ward, rock singer Rivers Cuomo, hip-hop artist Lecrae and musical duo Dan + Shay.
The California-born artist spoke to BELLO about her upcoming music, her dedicated fan-base and some philanthropic causes close to her heart. She revealed, “I wrote this album while I was searching for the courage to be vulnerable. I wanted to tear down the walls I’d built around my heart and each song represents a step of my journey.” You began your musical career on America’s Got Talent. Looking back, what memory from that show stands out to you the most now? I remember most how I thought that Americas Got talent was my make or break moment. If I didn’t succeed on that stage, I didn’t know where else I could possibly go. When I got reamed by the judges and kicked off the show, I was left feeling humiliated. I had blown the biggest moment of my life. However, since then I have learned that life is kind, and if we listen to our inner voice, we will be lead to the next greatest moment of our life, and it is always ahead of us. After getting over the hurt, embarrassment and shock, that inner voice told me that this wasn’t over. I had much further to go so I picked myself up and began to climb again. Was it a conscious decision to make this your career or did it just happen naturally through your love of music and passion for the violin? It was a combination. In the beginning I was merely trying to reinvigorate my passion for the violin. I had gotten burnt out on classical music and I didn’t love it anymore. So I started writing my own music, dancing and searching for my voice. Once I found my voice, I knew I 39
wanted to share it and I worked with all my might to share it with the world. You’re known as the ‘The Electronic Violinist’. Who inspired you to move from the classical genre of violin to the more modern genre? I was very inspired by a string quartet called Bond, and violinists like Vanessa Mae, and David Garret. All these individuals/ groups, took the violin and made it their own, they made it fun, they made it “cool”. Suddenly I thought, I can make the violin fit me, rather than trying to make myself fit the violin. I don’t have to play the same things that have been played for 100’s of years I can play the kind of music that I like on the violin. If you could collaborate with any artist (past or present) who would it be and why? Michael Jackson 100%. Not only did I learn to dance by watching and mimicking his music videos, but he was revolutionary in pop music. He added so much swag to everything he touched. No matter what tempo his songs were, he put in some magic that made you want to dance. So your album, Brave Enough, came out this summer, which I know you’ve been working on for the past 8 months. What was your inspiration for this album? I was actually very inspired by the writings of Brene Brown. She is a researcher on Shame and she writes a lot about vulnerability and how to live a whole hearted life. As I wrote this album I was September 2016 - BELLO
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I WANT TO BE A VOICE TO HELP PEOPLE ACCEPT THEMSELVES WITH THEIR IMPERFECTIONS AND I WANT TO GIVE HOPE TO EVERYONE THAT THEY CAN OVERCOME THEIR OWN MIND.
trying to not only express whole hearted, vulnerable emotions in my music but in my own life I was trying to live them. Right around the time I started writing this album my best friend died unexpectedly. I wanted to shut off, and emotionally block myself, I wanted to never feel again because feeling anything meant feeling pain... a lot of pain. But I had just begun this whole hearted journey and I forced myself to feel, to remember and to push through the pain so I could feel joy again. I miss him so much. He had been in the hospital undergoing chemo and whenever I visited him I promised him that when he got out, we would work on my album and write together. I never got to write with him sadly, but... Every time I wrote, I took a piece of him into the studio with me. I would wear his shirt, his beanie, or a necklace he gave me. It made me feel like he was close. I know that the other side is close so I would pray for god to inspire my writing but I would also ask him to send Gavi to my session so he could help me write. I know that Gavi was a huge part of this album. His light is infused in the melodies and the lyrics. You seem to be caught up in a lot of philanthropic causes, which is very inspiring. In 2013 you teamed up with the non-profit Atlanta Music Project. Tell me a little bit more about this? The Atlanta music project helped provide instruments and musical training to youth who otherwise would not have been able to learn music. I believe so much in providing art opportunities for youth. The arts give people a means of expression and the means to feel like they have a voice. I am also working on my own philanthropic foundation to bring awareness to mental health. I want to change the stigma that is associated with mental health and make it a 41
subject that people aren’t afraid to talk about. Many people have mental disorders and they should never feel as if their issues taint them. It doesnt mean that you are a bad person, that you are incapable; no it means that you are like many many other people and you just need to learn to live you life with this extra little layer in your personality. However, one cannot deal with or overcome a problem they wont admit to having. I know you’ve publicly spoken about your battle with anorexia and you actually said in an interview with Good Morning America that your song “Shatter Me” was your story of overcoming your eating disorder. Do you find young girls reach out to you about this since your comments? After I opened up about my story, young girls and young men and even parents have asked me for advice or confided in me about their struggles. So many people struggle with depression, eating disorders, self-harm, or a variety of mental health issues. I want to be a voice to help people accept themselves with their imperfections and I want to give hope to everyone that they can overcome their own mind. You can be the writer of your story and you are not defined by your struggles. Lastly, is there anything else you want to share with your fans? I love my fans. They are kind, supportive and so so loving. The best part is they aren’t only that support system for me, but they are a community; they show love and support for each other. They are Stirlingites and they are a family. Brave Enough released August 19, 2016. Download your copy today. September 2016 - BELLO
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DRESS MATTEO THIELA TIGHTS TOPSHOP RING JILL HOFFMEISTER RING SMITH + MARA RING NIXIN CARBON AND HYDE EARRINGS
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PHOTOGRAPHER LESLIE ALEJANDRO PHOTO ASSISTANTS SOSA + ART www.sosaandart.com STYLIST SAMANTHA BURKHART AT THE ONLY AGENCY MAKEUP MICHELLE MILLERÂ www.michellemillermakeup.com HAIR RYAN RICHMOND AT STARWORKS DIGITAL MASTERING ARTHUR GALVAO www.arthur-galvao.com 53
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Montréal’s Hotel St. Paul: Canada’s Premier Boutique Hotel Stands Shoulders Above The Rest BY BRENT LAMBERT
Like a fine wine, Montreal keeps getting better with age. Next year, as a matter of fact, she will celebrate her 375th birthday with an incredible range of events, parties, and festivities to mark the occasion. But as anyone who’s ever been to the City of Saints will tell you, there’s no need to wait for her birthday to head for a visit -- Montreal is a vacationer’s paradise 365 days a year. Although the city’s greatest sites and adventures can be found all over its sprawling and sleepless streets, Montreal’s crown jewel is by far Old Montreal, its spectacular heritage zone running alongside the Saint Lawrence River. Approximately the same size as Greenwich Village and the West Village combined, Old Montreal is a trea#131 issue - BELLOmag.com
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sure trove of architectural jaw-droppers. With the Notre Dame Cathedral and square serving as the area’s centerpiece, Old Montreal is flanked on the east by the giant silver-domed market, Marché Bonsecours, and on the west by the timeless beauty of McGill Street. From its beginning at the river’s edge, right up to the top edge of Old Montreal and Square Victoria, McGill Street has its fair share of 19th century architectural gems, but none are as alluring and majestic as that of the Hotel St. Paul. Sitting at the corner of McGill and the western end of St. Paul Street, the staggeringly beautiful pedestrian “spine” of Old Montreal, the Hotel St. Paul is one of the crown jewels of Montreal’s impressive collection of BeauxArts buildings. Built in 1900, not only has the St. Paul stood the test of time, it has become a towering example of the incredible design possibilities that can arise when old world charm meets nouveau chic.
After initially designing a minimalistic architecture and color palette, and with the intention to break the exhausting worldwide ‘grey trend,’ Borrallo’s new challenge was to dress up the hotel with luxurious and daring colours. She uses eggplant, beet root, fuchsia and its complementary greens in oversize pieces of furniture proving that good architecture works in all forms of dressing up. Continuing with the original design, brass and bronze elements get enhanced adding a cosmopolitan feel, with a more playful, less earthy vibe throughout. Subtle references from the world of fashion, such as high heels, and materiality inspired by luxury cars
such as the burl elm used in one of the arm chairs, are integrated into some of the bespoke furniture designs. Silks, moirées, and velvets combine to add a sense of warmth to the space as well. The addition of colourful art from contemporary Canadian artists further uplifts the hotel into a new era of sophistication. The first boutique hotel to open in Canada, the St. Paul continues to stand in a league of its own. In the heart and soul of the City of Saints, the St. Paul is hands down the boldest and most beautiful saint of all. For more information on the Hotel St. Paul you can visit www.HotelStPaul.com (Photo of Ana Borrallo courtesy of Vittorio Vieira via Le Devoir).
St. Paul’s exterior beauty is matched only by its interior minimalistic luxury, courtesy of designer Ana Borrallo. Perhaps most famous of all the hotel’s design interventions is the lobby’s iconic alabaster fireplace, but Borrallo’s meticulous design signatures can be found on every floor and in every room. 55
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