Bello
MAY 2017
O IT ED
ISSUE 152
TABLE of CONTENT
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Letter From The Editor
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Weekend Get Away
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Top 8 Picks
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Dark Fashion Vanity
16-27
BELLO Spotlight Justin Deeley
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The Zen Art of Nostalgia
32-35
Yearbook Boy
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Flower Power
Paris Fashion Week
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Nuyu X Wonder Woment
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COVER Story Leighton Meester
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Model of the Month Chase Mattson
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Spring Fling
Style and Substance at the W South Beach
Straight Outta Tribeca
The Vegas Diarie
Beauty Editor’s Picks
Masthead
Shades of Summer
tbMOMENT
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MAY 2017 The METAMORPHOSIS issue is finally here. We are proud of our new team, and are excited to show you what we have been preparing for some time now. We like to think about this issue as a transitional one since we are bringing back things that were part of the original BELLO, and adding the spice and aesthetics of the newest members on the team. Leighton Mesteer was an ideal choice, as her own metamorphosis is palpable in her new show. We did her photo shoot in BEA Pilates studio on Sunset Blvd a few weeks ago, and had such a fun afternoon playing dressing up. Lets just say that we ended wrapping up with some Bloody Mary’s and some yummy french snacks. In the spirit of spring Steph and I wanted to evolve the magazine with a newer and fresher layout. We would especially enjoy hearing your opinion on @BELLOmag Twitter and Instagram. As we are in such a creatively rich metamorphosis period, we are eager to hear to all of your suggestions and ideas. From this issue on, we are bringing back BELLO Spotlight, BELLO Model of the Month and BELLO Watch. We are also using this opportunity to thank all of those whom we have met and worked with through the years. This magazine is our baby, but we are sharing it with many creative people around the world. While closing this issue, we are also proud to be celebrating the win of Emanuel Macron in France, who has given us hope that the up-is-down, left-is-right craziness the world has been experiencing of late might perhaps be coming to an end. Finally kindness, intelligence, compassion, and social awareness are on the winning side once again. Ciao, Aleksandar Tomovic Editor in Chief
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WEEKEND GET AWAY NOTHING IS MORE EXCITING THAN 5PM ON FRIDAY! by Sonia Young @soniamichelle
Vessel
Tom Ford Chubbies
Jack Black
Polaroid
Urban Outfitters
Shinola
Topman
Saint Laurent 5
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PICKS by Brent Lambert
West Vancouver has its fair share of amazing homes, but architecture firm Mcleod Bovell has raised the bar with their latest design. Situated on a site overlooking the harbour in the distance, the home features an impressive suspended wooden deck, garden, and plunge pool making it stand head and shoulders above the rest. See more photos at www.bit.ly/2nQ7v1u (photo courtesy of Mcleod Bovell).
Why is this cardboard wine carrier designed by Facil such a big deal? For starters, it’s already won two major awards: the RedDot Award, and the prestigious 2017 European Product Design Award (Gold Medal). Find out why by visiting www.ZigPack. com.
Stars are in a constant state of motion, but have you ever wondered how the night sky will change over time? Let’s say in 5 million years? The European Space Agency took motion data of the stars and extrapolated them 5 million years into the future, and you can watch what the results looks like on YouTube here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag0qsSFJBAk
It would be hard to find two things that match more perfectly than art and New York City. So imagine if there was a hotel that could bring these two worlds closer together than any other? That’s exactly what you will experience if you stay at The Quin, just two blocks south of Central Park. The astonishing hotel has a connection to art history that will blow your mind. Georgia O’Keeffe used to stay here, and it’s also a favorite spot of the man who is Banksy’s #1 inspiration. The hotel also happens to be filled from top to bottom with his and other artists’ extraordinary work. Make your reservation today at www.TheQuinHotel.com (photo courtesy of The Quin). #152 issue - BELLOmag.com
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You might not be lucky enough to live in a lavish pad in the heart of Paris, but architect and designer Joseph Dirand can at least set your imagination running with dreams of what it would look like. One of his newest interior design projects -- an apartment on Avenue Montaigne -- was recently featured in The New York Times. You can read the story and see more stunning photos at www.nyti.ms/2pEyhpE (photo credit: Martin Morrell).
If glamping is your thing, and you live in the Los Angeles area, then your next dream weekend awaits you just 1.5 hours north in Ojai. It’s here where you’ll find Caravan Outpost, the stunning camping site which has 11 beautifully curated Airstream trailers for daily or weekly rental. Learn more at www.CaravanOutpost.com (photo credit: @jessicamenda).
Design heaven happened once again this year at Milan Design Week this past April, and as far as lighting is concerned, one of the most incredible designs came from the team at Montreal-based D’Armes Luminaires. It’s called the RA Pendant and you can see it in its full glory at www.bit.ly/2oeAGaw (photo credit: Jean-Sébastien Senécal).
If you’re already missing snowboard season then have I got a treat for you. Introducing the LEIF ESnowboard, a 6-wheeled electric skateboard that was designed specifically to simulate the exhilaration unique to snowboarding. You’re welcome. Get all the deets at www. LEIFtech.com
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DARK FASHION VANITY PHOTOGRAPHY BITA BEHZAD MODEL ANNA BOSKA Styling: Caroline Camplone Hair: Ilona Georges Makeup: Ilona Georges Photo Assistant: Lili Mirab
“She was heartily ashamed of her ignorance - a misplaced shame. Where people wish to attach, they should always be ignorant. To come with a well−informed mind is to come with an inability of administering to the vanity of others, which a sensible person would always wish to avoid. A woman especially, if she have the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can.” Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
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Photographer: Bita Behzad @bitabehzad Model: Anna Boska @anna_boska at MP Paris @mpparisofficial Stylist: Caroline Camplone @carolinecamplone95 Hair: Ilona Georges @ ilonagrgsmua Makeup: Ilona Georges @ ilonagrgsmua Photo Assistant: Lili Mirab @ lilimirab Location Paris France
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Bello
SPOT LIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHY SANTIAGO BISSO
PHOTOGRAPHY HAYDEN SU
Justin Deeley was born on February 1, 1986 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. He is known for his roles on the television series 90210 and Drop Dead
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Top 227 | Shorts ARGYLE GRANT | Watch ELICO ASSOULINI | Shoes ANGEL TERRAZAS
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Glasses Vintage GIVENCHY
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Top MICHAEL STARS | Watch ELICO ASSOULINI | Pant QUATTROCCHI | Shoes ANGEL TERRAZAS
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Top HANES Pant QUATTROCCHI SUITS Shoes BROOK BROTHERS
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PHOTOGRAPHY SANTIAGO BISSO @santiagobisso ART DIRECTION WAYNE HUENERS @wayneveniceca STYLING SHERA JONES @sherahstylist GROOMING JENNIFER HANCHING www.jennartist.com USING TOM FORD BEAUTY & ORIBE HAIR CARE LOCATION PALM SPRINGS CA 27
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Miansai Founder Michael Saiger on His New Venice Beach Store, The Nature of Inspiration, and The Power of Motivation by Brent Lambert
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Michael Siager (photo credit: V76 by Vaughn)
THE ZEN ART OF NOSTALGIA
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LIFE ITSELF IS A WORK OF ART, SO IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE THAT THE #1 HOTTEST CLASS AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY RIGHT NOW IS CALLED DESIGN YOUR LIFE. TAUGHT BY DESIGN PROFESSORS BILL BURNETT AND DAVE EVANS, THE DESIGN YOUR LIFE CLASS TEACHES ITS STUDENTS (WHO RANGE IN AGE FROM LATE TEENS TO FOLKS IN THEIR 70S) HOW TO UNLOCK LIFE’S POTENTIAL AND MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE -- ALL BY APPROACHING LIFE THE SAME WAY DESIGNERS APPROACH DESIGN CHALLENGES. THE CLASS HAS THE HIGHEST STUDENT RATING OF SATISFACTION OF THE ENTIRE UNIVERSITY, AND ITS CORE WISDOM OF USING “PROTOTYPE” EXPERIMENTS TO MAKE BOLD MOVES IN LIFE IS HELPING TO REVOLUTIONIZE THE FUTURE OF EACH PERSON WHO TAKES IT. ONE
Photo by Michael Saiger
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PERSON WHO COULD PROBABLY TEACH A CLASS OR TWO OF DESIGN YOUR LIFE IS MICHAEL SAIGER, THE FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF MIANSAI, THE RENOWNED CONTEMPORARY HANDMADE ACCESSORIES BRAND. WE HAD THE CHANCE TO CATCH UP WITH MICHAEL RECENTLY WHERE HE SHARED HIS EXCITEMENT ABOUT HIS COMPANY’S BRAND NEW STORE IN VENICE BEACH, AS WELL AS THE KEYS TO HIS INSPIRATION, THE JOY OF GIVING A WHOLE NEW LIFE TO TREASURES FROM THE VINTAGE PAST, AND HIS OWN PERSONAL DEFINITION OF A WELL-DESIGNED LIFE.
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BELLO: You started Miansai back in 2008 in Miami, then you opened your first store in New York, and now you’ve opened your second store in Venice, California. Why was Venice the perfect fit for the new expansion?
bands. I thought how cool it would be to turn them into something wearable, so coming up in the next collection I’m going to have some cigar band rings, and some other vintage necklace designs that have cigar bands, too.
MICHAEL: Yeah, I started in college in 2008, then I opened my first store in 2014 in New York. The first store was on Crosby Street which is such a cool street -- I love it -- and I wanted something similar on the West Coast. I love Venice, I’ve been going there forever. I love the vibe there. You have such an eclectic group of people. It just made so much sense for me and the brand. I love the culture of Venice, the beach, the lifestyle. It’s a perfect match for the brand.
What a great idea! Do you travel now mostly for research, or is it mostly for pleasure?
I read an interview where you told the story of how your iconic fish hook bracelet was inspired during a fishing trip in Florida when you stumbled upon an old fishing tackle shack. Can you think of any recent moments such as this in which an encounter with an object triggered similar a similar ‘aha’ moment of design inspiration? Actually, I’m working on a new design for a cigar band ring. I went to Cuba a couple of months ago -- and obviously, being in Miami, I’ve been around Cuban culture a lot -- but during this trip in particular I started collecting old cigar #152 issue - BELLOmag.com
Well, I already travel a lot for work, so when I’m not working it’s entirely for pleasure. Also, when I was in Cuba it was mainly for my fiancé who has a charity. We were visiting some orphanages, and then we spent a few days traveling through the city, so it was a nice balance. We also went to the Viñales area, which is where they make and roll all the cigars. Maybe you could open a line of your own cigars some day [laughing]? Yes [laughing]! I just love those old vintage Cuban pieces. A few years ago, actually, I was in Cuba and I bought an old vintage book from the 1940s that used to belong to an old man. It’s absolutely covered in old cigar bands -- pages and pages of them -- and they’re all taped down. They are so cool. And I had that book on my mind when I was on my recent trip there. I thought to myself it’s the perfect time to do these rings.
Travel is such a great foundation for your work because so many of your pieces are inspired by objects that have a past, a memory, a history; whether it be your fish hooks, the anchors, the nautical rope, etc. Do you think there might be a deeper, psychological reason why so many people are attracted to your jewelry -- a reason that goes beyond aesthetics? Yeah, absolutely. I like to use pieces in my designs that are nostalgic, that people can relate to in different kinds of ways. Say, for example, the rope. When I started using nautical rope, no one was doing it at the time -- except the kids at summer camp. But for anyone who has ever gone to summer camp and had one of those rope bracelets, it’s nostalgic for them. So I like to take different materials like that and use them in unconventional ways. I definitely love to reuse those materials and objects and cast them in a new light. You’re giving these piece a new reality. Yeah, a revival in a way. That’s one of my ultimate goals. And also, I know when I’ve come across a great design -- I just kind of know it right away. It’s similar to writing I would say, because writers experience the same feeling when they’ve captured a moment or story in words -- they just know when they’ve nailed it. 30
Yeah, you know intuitively when it works. Exactly. Sometimes you can spend days working on something and it’s not coming together, and then other times it all comes together so quickly. I’m sure a lot of creative people can relate to that. In your case it’s not just the form of the piece, it’s also about the materiality. And you have what looks like an amazing metal shop -- do you get to spend a lot of time in there? Because it looks like it’s the kind of place that would be so much fun to work in, where time would just melt away? Yeah, of course. I’m in and out of the shop all day. I get pulled in a million different directions obviously. I’ll get to spend more peaceful time in there when I’m designing and I tell everyone to leave me alone [laughing]. But I’m in and out of there all the time. It’s your zen home base? Definitely. It’s in the basement of our studio, tucked in the corner. So I can kind of go in there and nobody really knows where I am. It’s a good place to be. Materiality is a big part of Miansai. Have you recently come across any new materials or forgotten classic materials that you’re considering integrating into your collection. Yes, right this second I’m developing a way to fuse silver and gold together, and I’m going to launch it out this summer actually. Nobody is doing this -- so I don’t want to give too much away until I launch it, but yes -- I’m going to be combining them in a really cool way. I think it will be launching at the end of June. Wow, we’ll be waiting! You’re coming up on your 10th anniversary of the very first bracelet you created back in college. Can you say in a nutshell how your personal style has evolved over
this decade? My style has stayed consistent, in that I love to take classic clothes and combine them with a great conversation piece -- like a unique vintage piece, such as an army jacket, for example. I love doing that. So I would say my style has remained the same, but now it’s become more minimal and tonal, versus when I was younger it might have been a bit busier. But the overall concept is the same. You’ve really come a long way since you made that first bullet bracelet back in college. What words of wisdom would you give to your younger self if you could? Let me think about that. I guess I would tell myself, “You got this.” To be honest, when I started my company I wasn’t afraid. I would try to keep my confidence very high as much as I could. You had a lot of drive, determination, and motivation back then?
your business, and what you want it to mean to you. Out of all those spinning plates that you have to manage, one of them is the design of your stores, which are really beautiful. I’m wondering how you enjoyed the process of designing the stores themselves, and if you enjoy it enough to pursue interior design and architecture even further? Yeah, I consider myself to be of that world. I’ve done two stores, I’ve designed mobile units, I’ve done my office, my mom is an interior decorator. So I’ve grown up around interior design my whole life. I personally enjoy the challenge of it. Designing the new Venice store, for example, is one way I can step outside of my comfort zone and the things I do everyday. I really enjoy it. But I definitely would. If someone came to me and asked me to design a unique space for them, I would definitely consider it. But it would have to be something I was passionate about.
I did. I had a lot of motivation. When the other 22-year-olds were out playing, I was working my ass off and very, very focused.
Speaking of passion, you seem like the kind of guy who knows how to make his dreams come true. What’s the next big dream coming up on your bucket list?
What advice would you give to someone who has the vision for their own collection, but is too afraid of making the leap into business?
I would love to open stores internationally in the next couple years, such as London, Hong Kong, or Tokyo. That would be great.
I would tell them they have to come to the market with something unique, and they have to be very determined. When they come to the market they have to make sure they can deliver the quality. They have to make sure they can deliver a million things at one time because it’s not going to be about sitting in your workshop making pieces all day -- you’re going to have different elements coming at you -- whether it’s sales or PR or events, and all the other things. So you need to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish, the direction you want to take
And what about bucket list dreams outside of business life? I want to continue to travel and have a strong work-life balance with friends and family. And one day have a family of my own. I’m getting married in the fall actually. Wow, congratulations! Thank you. So yeah, my dreams have everything to do with my family.
Miansai Venice is located at 1116 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice CA 90291. Store hours are Monday-Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (310) 683-0060. For more information visit www.Miansai.com
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YEARBOOK PHOTOGRAPHY PRICE BRENDON STEPHEN
JACKET RALPH LAUREN | JEANS ZARA
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HAT NIKE
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Jacket Ralph Lauren Underwear H&M
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PHOTOGRAPHY + STYLING PRICE BRENDON STEPHEN | MODEL KEVIN WILHELMY - FAUNLET MODEL MANAGEMENT
SPRING MAY SOON COME TO AN END BUT NOTHING IS HOTTER THAN FLORALS THIS SUMMER! by Sonia Young @soniamichelle
Venus Et Fleur
Dana Michele
Naeem Khan
Kiehl’s
Mario Badescu
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Ashlyn’
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Define and polish brows using Boy Brow by Glossier. Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask plumps and hydrates the skin, a great prep for makeup. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick provides a weightless, satin finish and flawless complexion. Using your finger, press KOSAS lipstick in “Stardust” in the center of the lips for a popsicle stained effect. Run Oribe Grandiose Plumping Mousse through the hair and loosely dry for soft, casual texture. Define curls with a 1” iron. Lastly brush through curls with a wide toothed comb to add fluffiness. A wash of gold shimmer across the eyelids adds subtle drama. Try Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadow in “Gold Blitz”.
SPRING
Photographer: Josh Reed Styling: Taylor Sheridan Makeup: Nicole Walmsley Hair: Jen Blanchard Model Tevia at Next Models LA
FLING
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After 12 days of world premiere film and TV screenings at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival, Adrienne McIlvaine (@mizocty) is drawn to the family drama behind one of fashion’s boldest designers. by Hiko Mitsuzuka
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HOUSE OF Z 39
When Zac Posen burst onto the fashion scene in 2001 the mop-topped prodigy heralded a new era in American fashion. His vision of the American woman seemed perfectly timed to the dawn of a new millennia -- carefree yet polished, an independent figure who dressed to please herself while slyly taking cues from the world around her. For a spell in the mid-2000s, celebrities rallied to Posen just as much for his sleek and chic designs as for his charismatic and flamboyant personality. But House of Z, first-time director Sandy Chronopoulos’ chronicle of Posen’s rise and fall (and rise again), is a surprisingly emotional portrait that unravels the threads of Posen’s personal and professional life while documenting a New York City and America in flux. Fashion fans will find plenty of eye candy in the extensive archival footage of Posen’s early days as a budding designer growing up on the Lower East Side and as a boundary-pushing student at Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn. There’s a charming dissonance to the twentysomething Posen’s bold and vibrant designs that boast the technical skill and vision of a designer twice his age, and the close-knit family business behind it all. No one in his family had any experience running a fashion label -- his father Stephen was a painter while his mother Susan had worked for years as a corporate lawyer -- but they and his older sister Alexandra rallied around his undeniable talent and transformed their LES home into a ramshackle atelier that hosted everyone from models like Naomi Campbell to buyers from legendary
NYC boutique Henri Bendel. Chronopoulos’ extensive interviews with Zac, his family, and longtime friends and employees build a palpable sense of community that proves to be the linchpin of Posen’s success. His relentless climb through the fashion ranks is deftly played against the glittery allure of a pre-crash New York City, when anything seemed possible in a city that had rebuilt itself from the ashes of 9/11. In his candid and self-effacing way Posen admits to the most New York of schemes, of faking it till he made it. That poignant nostalgia hits harder than expected and takes on a new dimension when compared to the second half of the film, which sees an increasingly directionless Posen hit rock bottom with an ill-received show in Paris and the 2008 financial crisis. The long-simmering tension between art and commerce, between Zac’s devotion to his vision and the financial needs of his business, is the catalyst for the film’s most difficult and personal moments. Zac’s family exits the company they helped build while Zac navigates the harsh realities of diminished runway budgets, negative press, and a reputation as a designer all out of ideas. Though the exact details of the falling-out between Zac and his older sister Alexandra, who dedicated herself to fulfilling her brother’s vision, are scarce, it’s easy enough to imagine how painful the rift was. His hard-fought comeback, which includes reconnecting with his family, completes the by-now familiar redemption arc and gives the film an appropriately raw, and hopeful end.
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sle y Wa lm ico le by N
EDITOR’s PICKS Spring is a time for renewal, a time to start fresh! This includes the opportunity to revamp your beauty routine. Whether you’re trying new products or refreshing old favorites, here are a few worth checking out!
The Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation from Hourglass is a perfect addition to your Spring and Summer beauty routine. It’s genius liquid-to-powder formula creates an ultra fine veil of coverage that camouflages imperfections. Oil free and made with Cashmere Kaolinite Clay - it absorbs 75% of it’s weight in oil. Perfect for people with combination to oily skin.
www.sephora.com
The Magnetight Age-Defier is a mask from Dr. Brandt that isn’t just fun to use, it also recharges and rejuvinates the skin. Iron magnetic particles draw out impurities, while the scent of lavender provides a calming effect. Once the mask is removed with the provided magnet, massage the remaining product into the skin to energize the skin and protect against environmental damage.
www.ahava.com
www.hourglasscosmetics.com
Prepare your skin for the sunny seasons ahead with Smoothing Body Exfoliator from AHAVA. Made with Deadsea Plants, natural minerals, sugar cane and nut shells, you’ll feel radiant and pampered like you’ve just left the spa.
www.neimanmarcus.com
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For a fresh face and flushed from within look, try Dolce and Gabbana’s Creamy Face Colour. With four beautiful shades, as well as a bronzer and illuminator to choose from, you can mix, layer and build depth for perfect, luminous color.
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www.nordstrom.com
If a dose of luxury is what you need, look no further than the White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion from La Prairie. This serum instantly brightens the complextion, minimizing grey tone and dullness. It lessens redness and reduces the appearance of pigmentation and age spots. Opalescent white caviar pearls fuse with the serum to reveal youthful, luminous skin.
Garrett Leight
Tom Ford
Gucci
Alice + Olivia
Whether you are gearing up for Mykonos or a day at the beach, step up your shade game with some of my favorite styles of the season.
Karen Walker
KREWE Le Specs
Chloe
SUMMER
Oliver Peoples
by Sonia Young
Gucci
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Barton Perreira
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by Nikita Kahn
FASHION WEEK Nikita Kahn resides in Malibu, CA where she runs her own interior design and real estate firm. She is also a philanthropist and the founder of the fashion and lifestyle blog, NK Her Lifestyle, a site for the modern day woman driven by a healthy, confident and socially minded lifestyle. She attended the most recent New York and Paris fashion weeks where she attended Dior and Chanel’s Fall 2017 shows. In this issue of Bello Magazine, she shares her favorite looks from each show and what she wore to both of them.
The collection is very luxurious. Warm tweed fabrics paired with wool, silk and cashmere. Color palette is very light and refreshing for fall/winter collection, lots of comfortable boots. I Love the interesting touch with the silver sparkle fabrics which completes the astronaut theme of the collection.
Dior opened the runway show with a bold statement “Blue is the new black”. Galaxy theme is in vogue this season. The
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velvet dress with the golden embroidery reminds me of the painting “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh the dress is
actually hand painted. Ballet skirts and see through dresses are staying strong throughout the fall season. The new detail
is the leather beret that Maria Grazia Chiuri introduced this season.
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NUYU X
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WONDER WOMAN by: Ally Marrone @allymarrone
As a college graduate of Michigan, Tracy Buescher, Founder and President of NUYU, yearned for a flirty & unique athletic and leisure wear not found in your campus bookstore. Years later as we celebrate the 75th year anniversary of DC Wonder Woman, NUYU debuts luxury work out gear that empowers women to make their presence known in the weight room. From understated pieces with a simple logo, to neoprene leisure
wear adorned with Wonder Woman embellishments, there is something for every Wonder Woman fan. With over 40 campuses nation wide carrying her collegiate line, from Harvard to the University of California Berkley, Tracy wants her brand to be something women look forward to shopping for. Her belief is that athletic wear shouldn’t be boring, but an expression of your personal style and inner badass.
In Los Angeles athletic leisure is a booming fashion market where many women go from their early morning cycling class to errands and meetings wearing their favorite work out ensemble. Finally, there is something DC fans have to feel sexy and confident from sunrise to sunset. If discreet is more your style, don’t miss “The Yoga Short” with just enough spunk to remind you what you are capable of. The gold foil appliqué and durable spandex will inspire you to push yourself to new limits of mind and body. Pieces can easily be transformed into fashionable ready-to-wear for an afternoon around town like “The Fitted Dress”. With soft, black, body- hugging material and just enough shoulder embellishments to resemble armor, this dress will have you powering through your most difficult of days. My personal favorite, “The Gold Maize Crop Top with Foil Print”, can easily be worn solo or layered with your favorite tee. The adjustable straps accommodate any bust size and will keep you supported
and sculpted through your highest intensity workout. The best part? “Wonder Woman” proudly displayed across the back to let your competition know that you are fearless and ready to win the day. NUYU can be purchased online at www.wearnuyu.com, at Ron Robinson on Melrose in Los Angeles, or various universities around the nation. Check out their Instagram at @wearnuyu to see the latest look book.
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LEIGHTON PHOTOGRAPHY ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC
“LIFE CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BACKWARDS, BUT IT MUST BE LIVED FORWARDS.” THIS TRUTH-BOMB FROM PHILOSOPHER SØREN KIERKEGAARD PERFECTLY CAPTURES THE NATURE OF HOW LIFE ONLY REALLY BEGINS TO MAKE SENSE WHEN ENOUGH TIME HAS PASSED. BUT THIS PEARL OF WISDOM ASSUMES THAT TIME MOVES IN ONE DIRECTION. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO OUR LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING IF WE COULD BEND TIME -- JUMPING BOTH BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS, LEARNING LESSONS FROM HISTORY AND FROM THE FUTURE? THIS IDEA LIES AT THE HEART OF MAKING HISTORY, THE BRAND NEW FOX COMEDY STARRING LEIGHTON MEESTER. I RECENTLY HAD THE CHANCE TO SPEAK WITH MEESTER ABOUT THE SHOW, THE JOY OF GETTING TO FLEX HER COMEDIC SKILLS, AND HER OWN DEFINITION OF FULFILLMENT.
MEESTER Stitches In Time
by Brent Lambert
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Always in search of new ways to challenge herself, Leighton Meester jumped at the chance to try comedy when she was offered the role of Deborah Revere in FOX’s Making History. As a woman making her way in pre-Revolution America in 1775, Deborah knows a thing or two about doing it all. Whether it’s wielding an axe, shooting a gun, or riding a horse, she’s mastered everything she needs to in Colonial life -- all while wearing a corset and heels. But when she meets Dan and Chris (played by Adam Pally and Yassir Lester), who have traveled back in time from 2017 and ask her if she wants to join them as a fellow time traveler, she gladly jumps on board. The show’s concept creates a brilliant dynamic -- two guys from the future learn lessons from the past, while a woman from the past learns lessons from the future. So which of these characters is learning the most? “I would say my character because she is more open to learning new things,” says Meester. “She even marvels at something as simple as plastic, and all the little things that we take for granted in the modern world.” Meester adds, “Deb has a childlike appreciation of everything around her. She’s amazed by ice cream, and cotton clothes that breathe, and being able to get into a car and get somewhere in five minutes instead of one month. Also, I think Dan and Chris come to appreciate that they’ve grown up in a time where men and women are treated as equals. I think that’s why Deb loves Dan and gets along with Chris. Dan, although he’s kind of an oaf, he doesn’t even think twice about talking to her about politics, involving her in business decisions, and even pushes her to start her own business.” Not only do these three leave us in stitches with each hilarious situation they find themselves in, they also lead us through many teachable moments -- especially with Deborah who becomes a prism through which we see the evolution of women’s rights over the course of time. For Meester, one episode in particular provided viewers with the best glimpse
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of Deborah’s inner strength. “I really enjoyed the two-part episode where we went to Chicago in 1919, run into Al Capone, and bet on the World Series,” she says. “I think that was a really clever storyline, and I enjoy that time period for a lot of different reasons. I also love the fact that my character has said as much, and fulfills that in the show, that she is not just the girlfriend. Such as when she is getting her cover story on which gangster she will be, and they say, ‘OK so you’re Bugsy Siegel and you’re Bugsy Siegel’s girlfriend.’ She says, ‘No, I want to be my own gangster.’ I think it’s nice because it’s making a statement. And it’s also coming from Deb, who, when she says something it’s so just so common sense -- she should be her own gangster, why not? It’s her ideals that give her a really ‘ahead of her time’ persona.” Strong women and comedy go handin-hand for Meester, who used to love watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show and I Love Lucy when she was a young girl. “I grew up watching [these shows] -- strong female characters who were beautiful, but they could do lots of things that played against that. They could be strong characters, and funny in their own right. They made me laugh as a kid and still do. In their time it was so rare to see a woman leading a show, and being the funny one at the same time. It’s really inspiring.” Although taking on the reigns of comedy can be intimidating for even the most seasoned of actors, Meester revels in the unique way comedy can touch on hot button issues. “The fact that we can use humor to make a point is something I really enjoy. I think it’s a great way to reach people in whatever way you want. And talking about the political and social climate in a funny way is really exciting.” The challenge was made all the more rewarding of an experience thanks to her co-stars. “For me it was a huge challenge. I have less experience than the people I’m working with, and I felt really lucky and really supported, and yes, very challenged by the material, but at
the same time I was allowed to explore the character and find what I thought was funny, and really work with the writers and actors and directors to flush out the character. I felt even more fulfilled getting to do that. And it’s so much fun on set that it’s a joy to go to work.” The exploration of this role has been a labor of love for Meester, who cites the work of one of her personal heroes as a major inspiration in how she builds her characters, as well as how she lives her own life. “I love Joan Didion. I think about some of the complexities that she is able to capture that are so human, and are so specific to being a woman. Being vulnerable, and at the same time tough, but not in a hard shell kind of way -- in a smart way.” Meester says Didion has been a major role model for her entire adult life. “She inspired me throughout my 20s and into my 30s, to remember that I feel much more fulfilled when I’m building my own character, things that make me feel whole and satisfied, as opposed to building other aspects of my life which are much less important. Building my relationships and friendships, learning, exploring, being kind; instead of thinking so much about what you’re wearing, or who you’re dating, or who has ‘more.’ She also brings so much depth to a female character, whether it’s herself of someone else.”
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“I feel much more fulfilled when I’m building my own character, things that make me feel whole and satisfied, as opposed to building other aspects of my life which are much less important: building my relationships and friendships, learning, exploring being kind; instead of thinking so much about what you’re wearing, or who you’re dating, or who has ‘more.”
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Suit JOHN PAUL ATAKER Shoes CHIARA FERRAGNI COLLECTION
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Dress JOVANI Jacket MSMG Shoes CESARE PACIOTTI Socks TOPSHOP Purse LEILOU
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Jacket ELISABETTA FRANCHI Top ASILIO Jeans DL 1961 Shoes SOL SANA Sunglasses LE SPECS
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“I grew up watching Nick at Nite, and I watched I Love Lucy and The Mary Tyler Moore Show ... In their time it was so rare to see a woman leading a show, and being the funny one at the same time. It’s really inspiring.”
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Dress LEI LOU Shoes CESARE PACIOTTI
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Dress GOSIA BACZYNSKA Earrings MICHAEL JOHN Shoes LORIBLU
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Dress LANA MUELLER Earrings MICHAEL JOHN Shoes CESARE PACIOTTI
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Photography Aleksandar Tomovic www.alekandsteph.com Creative Director Stephane Marquet @alekandsteph Art Director & Photo Editing Arthur Galvao @arthurbgalvao Fashion Director & Styling Sonia Young @soniamichelle Makeup Clariss Anya Rubenstein (The Wall Group) @clarissanya products used Oribe, Karastase, Unite & Bumble and Bumble Hair Lauren Andersen Nails Millie Machado Location : @BEApilates_LA / BEA Pilates Studio 8285 W Sunset Blvd, Suite 14 West Hollywood, CA 90046
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Bello
MODEL OF THE MONTH
PHOTOGRAPHY HAYDEN SU
GREEN BOMBER JACKET TOP SHOP | UNDERWEAR C-IN2
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Cali kid Chase is definitely caching the light and sending out those good vibrations. He was scouted at the age of 15 outside of a Starbucks in Irvine. Surf, football, and baseball gave him this classic All American appeal mixed with a high fashion edge. At ease on the runway as well as in front of the lens ... as you can see ... Chase has its place on the next Dolce & Gabbana campaign or Dsquared2 fashion show, and if you are lucky enough to live in L.A. he could even be your personal trainer.
HEIGHT 6’ 2” - 189 WAIST 31” - 79 SUIT SIZE 38 - 48 SUIT CUT LONG INSEAM 32 SHOE SIZE 10 - 43 HAIR COLOR BROWN EYES GREEN
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FLORAL SUIT JACKET MISTERTRIPLEX | WHITE UNDERWEAR CHARLIE
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BLACK UNDERWEAR 2EROS
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JACKET AND LEATHER BLACK PANTS IVAN BITTON
PHOTOGRAPHER: HAYDEN SU @HAYDEN.SU STYLING ANESSA LONDON @STYLEZBYLONDONARTISTRY GROOMING KEON CRUZ @KEEOCRUZ MODEL CHASE MATTSON (LA MODELS, NOW WHAT MODEL) @CHASEMATTSON
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STYLE AND SUBSTANCE at the W South Beach By: Steven Carver
AS A MODERN METROPOLIS, MIAMI PULSATES WITH RELENTLESS ENERGY. A PLACE WHERE THE WORLDS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND DESIGN COHESIVELY COME TOGETHER, THIS CITY ALSO APPEALS TO THOSE WHO LOVE THE MODERATE CLIMATE AND MILES OF COASTLINE. THE RICH AND FAMOUS FREQUENTLY FLOCK HERE, BUT FINDING A PLACE TO STAY ISN’T AS SIMPLE AS IT SEEMS. CATERING TO THOSE WHO CRAVE STYLE, SUBSTANCE AND SERVICE IS A NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TASK. OR IS IT?
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Located on Collins Avenue, steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, W South Beach achieves the perfect balance of aesthetics and amenities. The W family redefines the upscale hotel experience – it’s why they became the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in the world. One of the newest hotels of the district, the architecture by Costas Kondylis in collaboration with NBWW & Associates is a graphic series of grid-like white bands that highlight navy glass panels. Lush landscape architecture by Paula Hayes punctuates the property with color and quirky touches – large scale Sanrio sculptures (Hello Kitty!) – make for Instagram-worthy moments. Walking past the steel-
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wrapped doors, the lobby is a sultry mix of shade and shadow. With an interior design by Anna Busta of Studio B Design, it’s a sensuous contrast to the crisp, bright exterior. Large slabs of imported stone and metal fretwork scale the walls. Matte wood finishes mix with textural animal prints. Seating clusters are covered in creamy upholstery, with periodic shots of color scattered throughout. The only sound is the clicking of soles on the terrazzo flooring. It’s impossible not to notice the striking works of art on display. The W South Beach is home to an extensive and exclusive art collection – in both public and private spaces – from world-renowned artists. Jaw dropping pieces from Andy Warhol, Jean-Mi-
chel Basquiat and Julian Schnabel are priceless, but not treated as precious. After a warm welcome and quick check-in, it’s time to unpack and decompress. Stepping into the elevator, floor mats subversively greet guests (they’re changed three times a day - good morning, good afternoon, good evening), and doors slide open to hushed hallways with plush carpeting that stifles ambient noise. Boasting some of the largest rooms in South Beach, guests are greeted with a sleek and stylish space: Italian furnishings; large scale photography; a signature W Bed (with pillow-top mattress); silky 350 thread count and 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheets; goose down comforter and
pillows; a desk and ergonomic chair (for those who need to work); and its own private balcony with views of the ocean. Oversized bathrooms feature expansive mirrors, thickveined Cipollino marble finishes, high-end chrome fixtures, spacious showers (select suites have soaking tubs), thick white towels, and signature W slippers and waffle bath robes lined with terry cloth. Additionally, all guest rooms and suites feature the signature Mix Bar (W Hotels’ twist on the traditional hotel mini bar) and a state-of-the-art entertainment system which includes flat screen TVs, DVD player and a docking station for iPods.
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Newly renovated are the Penthouse and E-Wow suites. Considered the two top room categories at the W South Beach, each span approximately 3,000 square feet and provide the ultimate in comfort and high-end craftsmanship. The two-story Penthouse is decorated in neutral tones, features custom and designer furniture pieces, spacious living and dining room, Bang & Olufsen smart television, Naim Muso sound system, galley-style kitchen, multiple balconies, relaxing master bedroom with five-fixture stone master bathroom, and expansive rooftop with living and dining areas for al fresco entertaining, plus an elevated plunge pool. The openair views of the ocean and sky above are included. In contrast to the warm palate of the Penthouse, the E-Wow suite highlights a cool, monochromatic look with contrasting dark accents. With three bedrooms and bathrooms, oversized living and dining room, efficient kitchen, automation system (controlling lights, temperature, and in-mirror TV), curated art and art book collections (a concept shared with the Penthouse), and terraces that showcase 180-degree views of the ocean and downtown Miami skyline – it’s a home up on high. (As the first all condo hotel in the W family, the 408 W-branded residences are available to purchase - for those who want to make their temporary visit a little more permanent.)
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An added plus to the W South Beach is their Whatever/Whenever philosophy: whatever you want, whenever you want it. This A-plus concierge service employs a series of specialists (speaking an array of languages) that can make anything happen. From coordinating dry cleaning pick-up to planning fabulous fêtes; dial the hotel’s operator and they do the rest. Luxurious suites are just one part of the W South Beach. There’s so much more to discover. On the main floor is the Living Room, the W’s take on the lobby lounge. Guests can meet and greet in the prime people watching space. Sip and savor a drink on white Mongolian alpaca chairs, or clink cocktails on the outdoor terrace. But before that, make sure to take in the extensive, colorful art collection that line the walls. From James Beard-winning chef Andrew Carmellini, The Dutch is a restaurant, bar and oyster room inspired by local cafes, seaside shacks, roadside joints. Think contemporary, yet casual. Designed by Meyer Davis Studio, the high-ceilinged, 170-seat indoor-outdoor space is wrapped in white painted brick walls, light oak wood finishes, and windows that open to capture the views of the patio and pool beyond. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu features an array of appetizers (the tomato salad with basil seed, cucumber and feta is fresh), pizzas and pastas, fresh fish and choice meat
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options (a mouth-watering bone-in prime ribeye with spicy potatoes). But, there’s still dessert! Whether it’s a twist of the traditional cheese plate, a salted lime pie, or churros and doughnuts, save space for the sweets. For something more glamorous, Mr Chow is a premiere dining experience. In line with his other properties, the Michael Chow-designed restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows, textured white walls contrasting with black leather and lacquered furniture, artwork from Chow’s private collection, and soaring ceilings capped with a 125-foot gold-leaf and Swarovski crystal chandelier. With a menu that combines
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old world tradition and modern techniques, the talented chefs will ensure a memorable meal. The champagne cart is a tempting treat, Beijing duck is carved at the table (the roasted skin crackles with each cut), but watching a chef make fresh noodles is a show in itself. A fresh mound of dough is whipped and flipped, sliced and diced in a matter of minutes. Want to post something on social media? This is it. To burn off those excess calories is FIT. The fully-equipped, 24-hour gym also offers W Bootcamp, a fast-paced conditioning circuit led by celebrity trainer, Simone Cavalletti. Too intense? Weekly yoga classes increase strength and
flexibility, while aligning body and mind. SWISH & SWING (the rooftop regulation-size basketball court and HarTru® tennis court) lets guests get their game on while being cooled by the ocean breeze. For those who need help with their backhand, full-time tennis pro, Federico Pintaluba, is there to assist with technique. Desire to explore South Beach while exercising? Borrow one of the complimentary Martone bikes for a spin. For those who love the sun, WET features two picturesque swimming pools amongst the rusting sounds of swaying palm trees. Bask in the South Beach sunshine or enjoy the privacy of a poolside cabana as attendants pass refreshing
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towelettes for guests to cool down on hot days. The WET Bar and Grille is adjacent to the hotel pool and offers refreshing cocktails, organic cold-pressed juices, and light fare (note: don’t forget to order the delicious lobster roll) while a DJ drops the beat in the background. Just steps from the hotel, SAND offers beach cabanas and daybeds to lounge on or jet skis to zip across the water. No desire to tan? The Grove resides beside the pool area and is a respite from the sun, with shady foliage, hanging lanterns, and low-rise seating to kick back and relax. After the sand and surf, it’s time for some pampering. Famous for its efficacious services, Bliss Spa Miami boasts more than 7,000-square-feet in an airy, relaxed atmosphere with friendly, knowledgeable staff. With the fragrance of lemon and sage permeating through the hallways, Bliss offers an array of treatments – their signature Triple Oxygen Facial and Blissage75 Massage being two of the most popular. Before leaving, spend a few moments in their retail beauty boutique or pop by their outdoor patio with a view overlooking Collins Avenue. Although special events – from intimate weddings to large conferences – are regularly hosted at the W South Beach, located within the hotel is also one of the most intimate and exclusive clubs in Miami: the WALL Lounge. Regularly attracting international DJs (Skrillex, Diplo) and one-named celebrities (DiCaprio, the Kardashians), it’s easy to feel like a high roller by proxy. Go ahead and move to the baseline, dance under the choreographed light show, or grab a booth and order bottle service. Before leaving, a drop-in at the W Store is necessary. There aren’t any tourist t-shirts at this boutique, but a curated selection of must-have fashion items and accessories. And if a trinket isn’t enough, then a return visit to the W South Beach is in order.
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W South Beach 2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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THE VEGAS DIARIE: 55 Hours of Dining, Decadence, and Overindulgence
by Hiko Mitsuzuka @TheFirstEcho
We’ve seen the movies. The Hangover, Ocean’s Eleven, and even that Ashton Kutcher-Cameron Diaz ode to hot messes, What Happens in Vegas, all portray Sin City as a hedonistic Mecca full of promise and possibility, whether its in the spinning reels of a slot machine, the pulsating mix from a DJ-in-residency, or the cocktail-fueled, late-night shenanigans with strangers you randomly meet on the Strip. It’s no secret that Las Vegas is one of the few American cities that has rapidly evolved over the past decade, inspiring a new generation of Rat Packers to paint the town red, blue, purple, and every other color of the rainbow. They are the Wi-Fi-seeking revelers with a taste for top-shelf vodka (and energy drinks), designer suites, and meticulously crafted Instagram optics. Sure, magic shows, celebrity impersonators, and all-you-can-eat buffets are fine and
FRIDAY 5:10am – I stumble into the opulent, grand lobby of Caesars Palace in a haze, thanks to one rough night, not from a booze-filled bender, but from a canceled flight that resulted in an uncomfortable four-anda-half-hour bus ride from Los Angeles which involved a rest stop in the middle of the desert during a severe windstorm and an unexpected friendship with a 70-year-old Seattle woman with whom I shared a bag of jelly beans to help us get through the exhausting transit. Once I check in, I make a beeline past the marble statues #152 issue - BELLOmag.com
and chiming slot machines, straight to my room. 8:40am – I can’t go back to sleep. My body clock isn’t cooperating, and I look forward to conquering the day’s itinerary. The sun peeks through a slit in the curtains, and I’m able take in my gorgeous Julius Tower room. Despite the lack of shut-eye, I feel oddly refreshed, and maybe it’s due to my stylish accommodations. It’s one of the 587 rooms remodeled and reopened to the public last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the
all, but they have gradually given way to an increasingly robust offering of entertainment options, especially for those who may have come of age in the late 90s. The proof is in the marquee over at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, where headliners from the pop heyday of MTV’s Total Request Live (Britney, Backstreet Boys, J.Lo) are luring in anyone thirsty for some Y2K nostalgia. Never one to miss an opportunity to relive my youth, I wanted to get a taste of the new and improved Vegas of the 2010s. And with my birthday approaching, it only made sense for me to pack a weekend bag, head out to that neon city in the Nevada desert, and celebrate as recklessly as my thirtysomething mind and body would allow. Here’s what went down…
original Roman Tower. And it’s an impressive $75 million-dollar renovation made, one would assume, to compete with other glam spots that have popped up along the boulevard over the past decade. “It’s the largest overhaul of its kind to take place in a single year,” Philip Auerbach, Caesars’ senior vice president of hospitality and entertainment marketing, once told Las Vegas Review-Journal. And from the looks of it, it certainly has breathed new life into the brand, accommodating tech-savvy vacationers who may need an extra USB port to go with that standard power outlet. 10:35am – My friend Swaga and I walk across Las Vegas
Boulevard to The Cromwell Hotel for what promises to be a mouthwatering brunch at Giada, one of the ventures from Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis that opened in 2014 and promises “Italian cuisine with refreshing Californian influences.” An escalator at the rear of the casino floor brings us to the hostess stand situated in front of giant wall of warm, colorful shelves displaying the celeb chef’s cookbooks and a variety of chic kitchenware. A spacious dining room is just beyond it, and we’re escorted to our comfy booth facing large retractable windows that provide a fantastic view of the Strip, most notably the Bellagio fountain.
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11:05am – We try the fried chicken and waffles, the lobster hash (with marble potatoes and sunny-side-up eggs), and a pastry platter that includes the most delicious gluten-free hazelnut-chocolate brownie bites I’ve ever tasted. Naturally we wash it all down with some mimosas and a bloody Mary that packs an adequate punch and causes my head to feel like a fuzzy balloon. (My low tolerance makes me a cheap date.) At the end of it all, I find myself blowing out candles on what will be the first of three birthday cakes I am treated to during this trip.
1:15pm – I hit pay dirt on a sale rack at the French Connection inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. I try on several polos and settle for a purple one with white trim. I actually work up a slight sweat trying on several other shirts in the dressing room while Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack” blares throughout the store and flashes me back to my junior prom. There seems to be a lot of 90s playlists on repeat here – much to the delight of any visiting GenXer or Millennial. 2:33pm – We meet my friend, Doug, back in the room for a disco nap before the second half of our day kicks off. And since I am currently running on two hours of sleep, I need it.
12:08pm – A full stomach deserves a little cardio. So we go for a stroll up and down the Strip, stopping at The Shops at Crystals in the CityCenter complex to ogle items we can only 3:30pm – Three of us walk afford on a six-figure salary. It’s over to the Augustus Tower at a brief visit. Caesars and check in at the
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highly rated Qua Baths and Spa where I have a birthday appointment for a hot stone massage. We are guided down long, high-ceilinged corridors, past softly lit fountains. It is truly palatial – 55,000 square feet of lavish, Romanesque ambiance that includes 50 treatment rooms, 35 massage studios, 3 suites for couples, and 7 facial rooms. A tea sommelier is also on site to help pair beverages designed to compliment our treatments. I make brief visits to the heated tubs, herbal steam room, sauna, and Arctic Ice Room before I am summoned by my masseur. For the next 50 minutes, the world disappears as I plunge into a heavenly experience. I never want to leave. 6pm – Time for some pre-dinner cocktails at the bar at Mr. Chow, the Beijing-inspired restaurant at Caesars known for
its innovative design and exquisite menu. Inside the sleek, white lobby I am directed to the private elevator that takes me up to the dining room which is inspired by the sets of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey – minimalist, modern, and otherworldly. I make my way around the perimeter towards the bar and notice the suspended art installation in the middle of the domed ceiling that resembles what can only be described as a UFO designed by Apple engineers. At the bar I decide to be adventurous and try the 50-50, the house special that includes Martell XO cognac, Thatcher Yumberry liqueur, Yuzu Juice, red Shiso mint syrup, and a sprig garnish. It’s delicious enough to order a second glass.
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7:16pm – Dinner is served: Prawn toast with Gambei, sautéed baby bok choy, Gamblers Duck with steamed pancakes and plum sauce, steamed sea bass with ginger and cilantro, and traditional Beijing meat dumplings. At one point, the dome takes on a purple hue, and the suspended art installation lowers from the ceiling, breaking off into three pieces that rotate above our heads. It doesn’t distract from the scrumptious meal. I pop another dumpling into my mouth as I attempt to record the demonstration with my smartphone. 8:35pm – We arrive at The Axis at Planet Hollywood, tickets in hand, and get in line to see Britney: Piece of Me, the long-running spectacle of a show that has broken records and paved the way for other contemporary pop residencies in Vegas. The crowd is a decent mix of thirtysomethings – male, female, gay, straight – with an occasional bachelorette party or two and a handful of token middle-aged dudes dragged here against their will.
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8:45pm – I fight the urge to buy a show program and distract myself with more people watching. Some attendees wear custom-made tees professing their love for Brit (I spy three toting “It’s Britney Bitch”), some are dressed to the nines, and others are lining up at the bars, ready to get their drink on. 9:40pm – I find myself singing along to a remix of “Oops I Did It Again” and enjoying the hell out of this throwback to the summer of 2000. The frozen pina colada in my souvenir cup could also be working its wonders. Still, I notice the amount of work that goes into each choreographed piece. Brit covers a lot of ground, from her 1999 debut album all the way through to 2016’s Glory, from which she performs “Make Me Ooh,” “Do You Wanna Come Over,” and her underrated collab with Tinashe, “Slumber Party.” 10:20pm – The jungle set for “Toxic” is a sight to behold. Like most of the performances during the concert, the stage expands via digital projections
on the walls of the venue. The production value is spectacular. I continue to sing along – as does the bachelorette party standing in front of us: “Ooh the taste of your lips, I’m on a ride…” Whether or not this girlwho’s-a-35-year-old-mom is lip-syncing her way through the entire show is irrelevant at this point because everyone’s having a ball witnessing a living pop legend give it her all on stage, making every single body in the place move, bounce, and gyrate along with her. 11:10pm – Coming down from our Britney high, my friends and I do a quick “costume change” back in the room to prepare for the rest of the night, which includes seeing Zedd spin at Omnia, the massive nightclub inside Caesars Palace. I call Patrick, our VIP contact, to tell him we’re running a few minutes late and to figure out a rendezvous spot.
It leads us to an enormous crowd standing in front of the entrance to Omnia, which resembles a mahogany-paneled gate of a fortress housing hundreds of provocatively dressed women, dudes drenched in designer cologne, and a sound system of epic proportions. After ten minutes of patiently waiting and trying to get the attention of various men in suits with chiseled jawlines (“We’re on Patrick’s list!”), we’re finally introduced to our guy. And then, that magical moment happens: Patrick lifts up that proverbial rope, and we’re granted entry. We’re officially in. Just like that. I feel my shoulders roll back, my chest puffs out, and we leave behind the dozens and dozens of folks who will have to wait a little bit longer to get where we’re going. This is how it’s done, I think to my cocky self.
11:34pm – We walk across the floor of the Forum Casino and notice a line of people snaked around tables and velvet ropes.
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SATURDAY 12:05am – We squeeze our way through the extremely crowded main hall while scantily clad dancers wearing glowing disco balls on their heads thrust their hips and provide obligatory eye candy. A loud emcee, whether from a track or over a live mic, tells us to put our “fucking hands up!” We don’t dare to head deeper into the pit of bouncing bodies because we value our personal space and prefer to use our drink tickets (thanks Patrick!) on rum and Cokes and vodka tonics. 12:45am – We find refuge on the second-floor patio overlooking the Strip. The crowd up here is just as feisty, but at least we have several more inches of space to breathe and grab our next round of drinks. A remix of an Ace of Base song thumps its way through the speakers (remember what I said about those 90s playlists?) and shamelessly give my ass a shake, nearly bumping into the young thing who’s balancing a martini in her well-manicured hand. I am sufficiently drunk. 1:30am – Zedd appears before the crowd in the main hall wearing a tee, putting his special touches on Alesso’s “Heroes” and MAGIC!’s “Rude” while taking sips from a glass. He then breaks out his own “Stay The Night,” and the crowd roars, instantly recognizing his hit single. The deep bass makes my chest vibrate, and I embrace it as I slurp down the remnants of my vodka tonic (What is this, my fifth cocktail of the night? Sixth? Who cares? It’s my birthday. I’m in Vegas. This is what’s supposed to happen. 85
I’m supposed to lose track of things like this. I’m supposed to listen to loud music, jump up and down, wave my arms in the air like I just don’t care, and get lost in it all. You’ll regret this in the morning, says a tiny part in the corner of my brain. But it’s Vegas, the rest of my brain says. STFU. 2:13am – My friends and I have Ubered our way to a bar off the Strip. A drag queen is thanking the crowd for being such a beautiful crowd, but I don’t remember seeing a show. I have another vodka tonic. I dance to Rihanna’s “Only Girl in the World” and kiss a stranger on the dance floor. 3:30am – Late night munchies are inevitable. I order a large platter of short rib nachos at the 24-hour Café Americano back at Caesars. I only eat a third of it and foolishly ask for a doggy bag to take the leftovers back to my room. 10:13am – I am relatively fine when I wake up, thanks to the Pedialyte I bought the day before and chugged before going to bed. No dehydration. No blackouts; I remember every festive detail of last night. I didn’t act too much like a fool. I take out last night’s nachos and eat them for breakfast. The melted cheese hardened overnight, and I don’t care. I wash everything down with room temperature diet soda. 12:40pm – Doug and I walk over to The Venetian for some window shopping at The Grand Canal Shoppes and some lunch at PrimeBurger. We both order carbfree plates, burger patties on
beds of lettuce, well aware of the heavy dinner that awaits us later tonight. 3:30pm – Our next appointment is at the Spa at the LINQ where we experience a 45-minute session in a Himalayan salt therapy cave. Doug and I are shown to our lockers and given the brief tour of the facilities (mental note: stop by the eucalyptus steam room). The “cave” is a small square of a room with two zero-gravity lounge chairs and walls covered in salt crystals, a result of the vent that pumps out salt particles during the private session. It’s a centuries-old practice to help with congestion, asthma, and sinus conditions. After a half-hour, it also makes my skin feel as smooth as baby’s bottom and my lips taste as if I’ve rubbed salted peanuts all over them. 7:30pm – Dinner at Martorano’s at Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino is one of the best Italian meals I have ever experienced in the U.S. Appetizers consist of Chef (and DJ) Steve Martorano’s “famous” meatball salad with ricotta cheese and Eggplant Stacked, a pan-fried tower layered with homemade mozzarella, marinated tomatoes, arugula, and slices of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (beyond delicious). Next was a fettucine Bolognese with shredded duck that melted the second it entered my mouth. I take a breather in between bites to take in the ambiance and suddenly understand why Open Table listed Martorano’s as one of the 100 Hottest Restaurants in the country in 2016. A cluster of disco balls hover above an empty spot that will surely turn into a dance floor later in the evening. A DJ positions himself at a station near the entrance to the bustling kitchen. A “Happy Birthday” ban-
ner hangs from his platform, but it’s not for me. (Apparently the restaurant’s generous manager, John, shares my special day.) Multiple TV screens play some of Steve’s favorite films, some R-rated and unedited, the kind only an Italian boy from South Philly could love. This is the calm before the late-night storm. It’s about to get loud up in here. 9:45pm – A walk down the LINQ Promenade takes us past bustling restaurants, shops, and hotspots (Sprinkles! Havaianas! Brooklyn Bowl!), leading us to the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel. It takes a full 30 minutes to complete one loop, and it’s a scenic one, possibly the best view on the Strip. (Recommended: get night tickets in order to take in the sparkling lights of the city.) 11:37pm – The electronic roulette wheel at The Cosmopolitan is not being very cooperative with my forty dollars. But I manage to sit there for a good thirty minutes before a cocktail waitress asks me if I’d like anything. “Vodka tonic,” I tell her. 12:35am – There is no wild, final night in Vegas. I’m down eighty bucks, I’m another year older, and I don’t think I have it in me to hit up another bar or club. I gulp down my last vodka tonic of the weekend, and I wonder: Has adulting really come down to this? Regardless, my belly is full and my mind is full with some awesome memories from this trip.
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SUNDAY 11:05am – Our last big meal of the weekend is brunch at the Buffet at Bellagio. And these ain’t your standard brunch offerings. Crab legs. A sushi bar. Caviar. Not to mention some killer prime rib and shrimp cocktail. I take a look around at the other diners here. Most are in the same boat as us, winding down from a weekend full of decadence. Some look tired, some look ready to go home. All are trying to satiate their ravenous appetites.
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2:30pm – My flight back to L.A. is on time. No delays. No frustrated passengers. Just a relaxing hour up in the air. I want to do it all over again. Someday.
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YOUR VEGAS CHEAT SHEET Caesars Palace and Qua Baths & Spa www.caesars.com
Giada www.giadadelaurentiis.com/vegas
Mr. Chow www.mrchow.com
The Axis at Planet Hollywood www.planethollywoodresort.com
Omnia www.omnianightclub.com
Martorano’s www.cafemartorano.com
The High Roller www.instagram.com/highrollervegas
The Spa at the LINQ www.caesars.com/linq
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ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC (editor in chief) alek@bellomag.com Stephane Marquet (creative director) steph@bellomag.com Sonia Young (fashion editor) sonia@bellomag.com Nicole Walmsley (beauty editor) nicole@bellomag.com Kimmy Erin Kertes (fashion editor-at-large) kimmy@bellomag.com Brent Lambert (entertainment editor) brent@bellomag.com Hiko Mitsuzuka (entertainment editor-at-large) hiko@bellomag.com Dee Trillo (senior lifestyle and travel editor) dee@bellomag.com Steven Carver (international editor) steven@bellomag.com Arthur Galvao (contributing editor) arthur@bellomag.com Ally Marrone (contributing editor) ally@bellomag.com Jon Norris (european editor) jon@bellomag.com Mark Norris (european editor) mark@bellomag.com
LAYOUT STEPHANE MARQUET
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC BITA BEHZAD SANTIAGO BISSO PRICE BRENDON STEPHEN JOSH REED HAYDEN SU
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tbMOMENT Leighton Meester with photographer Aleksandar Tomovic Arthur Galvao
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