BELLO APRIL 2015
Dinner and a Movie Just Got an Upgrade Brad’s Buzz Diogo MORGADO Ben ROBSON
Katheryn WINNICK
ENTERTAINMENT
TOP & SKIRT SOLACE LONDON BRACELET NISSA
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
62
ENTERTAINMENT
Katheryn Winnick: A Modern Vixen WORDS BY GLENN GARNER PHOTOS BY JOSH REED
THE HOLLYWOOD VIXEN HAS BEEN IMMORTALIZED BY NAMES LIKE MONROE AND BARDOT. WITH ALL THE MAKINGS OF A FUTURE BOND GIRL, KATHERYN WINNICK SETS A WHOLE NEW STANDARD FOR THE TITLE. COMPLETE WITH THE RED-CARPET-READY BODY AND THE COVER-WORTHY FACE, THE TORONTO NATIVE SPEAKS UKRAINIAN AS A SECOND LANGUAGE AND HAS BEEN TRAINING IN MARTIAL ARTS SINCE SHE WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD.
show’s writer, Michael Hirst. With much less knowledge of Lagertha than has become available since the show’s success, Winnick saw the strong women of Hirst’s family in his writing.
Toronto winter that she decided it was time for a career change. After transitioning from stunt double to onset martial arts instructor, she went to New York to train as an actress.
“This is my favorite role to date, because I love being raw and dirty,” she said. “There’s a lot of fun to that for me because it’s stepping out of my own comfort zone.”
As for the physical strength, Winnick takes pride in doing as many of her own stunts as the production’s insurance will allow. Having gotten her start as a stunt double, this part of the job comes as second nature to her.
“I always had a passion for it, I just didn’t have a way in,” Winnick said.
Although much of the character is a product of Winnick’s method, she attributes Lagertha’s strength to the
It wasn’t until swinging off one building on a metal chain through the window of another building during a treacherous
Her fans know her as Lagertha, a warrior and queen on the History Channel’s Vikings. It’s a role that requires a capacity for strength, both emotionally and physically. For Winnick, that’s her favorite part.
63
Who would have guessed that the stuntdoubling martial artist behind the Viking queen would have found her passion for acting through Annie? During her strict upbringing, she was only allowed to watch television on Saturdays, when she found solace in the little orphan April 2015 - BELLO
TOP SOLACE LONDON
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
64
ginger and the singing, dancing fantasy of rags to riches. Unfortunately, the musical part of her career didn’t come as naturally as her physical prowess. As a student of St. Demetrius Catholic School in Toronto, her musical dreams were shattered when she had to sit and watch her classmates record a Christmas album as a punishment for her tone deafness. In 2012, she was redeemed when she starred in Roman Coppola’s A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III. While acting alongside Bill Murray and Patricia Arquette, the role called for singing a duet in Portuguese with Charlie Sheen, a feat for which she studied strenuously. “It was on my bucket list to record a song. I can actually say that my song’s now on iTunes.” Although she may not be known for “Aguas de Marco,” Winnick has definitely acquired a devoted fan base. Social media keeps her updated on the frequent Katheryn Winnick/Lagertha tattoos. It’s a flattering gesture that she’s happy to acknowledge.
army, rule a nation, and divorce her husband resonates on a personal level. Perhaps it puts today’s struggles into perspective. Many have regarded Lagertha as a feminist icon. Winnick was ambivalent to embrace a term associated with such negative connotations. She googled “feminist” to debunk the stereotypes. “A feminist advocate is “someone who supports the rights and equality of women.” That is the definition according to Wikipedia,” she said. “So yes, I would consider myself someone who supports the rights and equality of women.” As an official self-proclaimed feminist, Winnick is in the process of expanding her martial arts brand, Win Kai, to include self-defense. Having started a martial arts school when she was 16 and acquiring two more by 21, she’s focusing on adding a division devoted to women. Martial arts was created by and for men, but this eight-hour course will focus on providing women with the basics and knowledge needed to defend themselves.
“I just hope we don’t get cancelled because they’re stuck with me for life,” she said with a laugh.
“It’s just a passion of mine,” Winnick explained. “If you can protect yourself, you could be empowered to overcome any circumstance in your life. But you have to start with yourself.”
It’s no surprise that such a progressive generation identifies with such a strong female lead. For many, seeing a woman of centuries past lead an
With season three of Vikings underway, Winnick is enjoying some much-needed time with her family before the filming of season four begins.
65
So yes, I would consider myself someone who supports the rights and equality of women.
April 2015 - BELLO
JUMPSUIT SELF-PORTRAIT
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
66
DRESS VATANIKA RING WANDERLUST + CO
67
April 2015 - BELLO
DRESS TEATUM JONES
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
68
TOP SOLACE LONDON
Photographer JOSH REED www.joshreed.com Art Director ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC Stylist TIFFANI CHYNEL www.tiffanichynel.com Makeup KINDRA MANN at The Wall Group Hair DAVE STANWELL at Solo Artists Nails BLONDIE for Exclusive Artists Mgmt using Smith and Cult Video ARNO DIEM & Host JAMES MCCOURT 69
April 2015 - BELLO
ENTERTAINMENT
Dinner-and-a-Movie Just Got an Upgrade BY HIKO MITSUZUKA
WHEN IT COMES TO FABULOUS MOVIEGOING EXPERIENCES, GETTING A POPCORN AND SODA IS SO...2014. Why not try some lobster rolls and a martini to spice up your Saturday night screening of Furious 7? iPic Theaters is changing the way we go to the movies. The Florida-based company has properties throughout the U.S. (Florida, Illinois, Texas, Washington, and Arizona) and is making an impact in Southern California, wooing westsiders in Los Angeles with its indulgent amenities - and killer cocktail menu - at its Westwood location, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
70
a standalone meal. It’s also where we happened to try the best dirty martini we’ve ever tasted (yes, you can quote us on that). Using olive tapenade, the mixologists here have found an innovative way to dirty up a classic. As for the food, executive chef Bryan Podgorski delivers an array of flavorful dishes that is guaranteed to please the pickiest palates. Our favorites: the grilled Spanish octopus starter, followed by pan-seared Scottish salmon with squash and caramelized sunchokes. Or you can stop by for brunch on the weekend for bottomless strawberry mimosas and the foodgasmic “bacon and eggs” ravioli. this month (*remember the good ol’ Avco Center Cinemas on Wilshire? It’s gotten a significant facelift). “From the moment of arrival, guests will be transported by iPic’s iconic design, which gives the feeling of stepping into a stylish hotel or lounge,” iPic’s Entertainment Chief Executive Hamid Hashemi told The Los Angeles Times. “Los Angeles is the movie capital of the world, and we are thrilled to bring the iPic Experience to the home of the film industry...For the longest time, everyone did the same thing, [and now] the industry has matured. It’s following the hospitality model. This is really a different level of experience.” Different indeed: recling seats (with pillows and blankets!), complimentary popcorn (for premium ticketholders), and a full bar loaded with crafted cocktails and mouthwatering appetizers (try the ham and cheddar biscuits) are just some of the highlights found at this location. Each auditorium offers reserved seating and provides 4K digital projection with a Dolby 7.1 Channel sound system.
- as it sounds. Once you’ve settled into your seat and you’re craving something a little more substantial, you’ll have time to order from one of the stealthy servers and choose something from the menu, which was designed by executive chef Sherry Yard. The salmon tartar cones...or the apple caramel ice cream cups with almond streusel? Such tough decisions might be easier to make once you’ve taken a few sips of a cocktail presented by award-winning mixologist and master sommelier, Adam Seger.
Once again, you’re welcome. Visit ipictheaters.com and tanzyrestaurant.com/westwood for more info and showtimes. @TheFirstEcho
Tanzy, the theater’s companion restaurant, is also a delicious destination for those looking to fill up on dinner before showtime, or to try as
The luxury theater chain is showing no signs of slowing down, continuing to raise the bar when it comes to premium moviegoing experiences. The “ninja” waiter service is just as indulgent - and sure, a little sexy 71
April 2015 - BELLO
JACKET & SHIRT THE KOOPLES PANTS VINCE
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
72
ENTERTAINMENT
Jesus to Devious:
Diogo Morgado WORDS BY ALFONSO ESPINA PHOTOS BY J. HORTON
WHEN DIOGO MORGADO TOOK ON THE TITLE ROLE IN SON OF GOD, FANS DUBBED HIM “HOT JESUS,” AND IT’S NOT HARD TO SEE WHY. BUT TRUST ME, ONCE YOU SEE THE 6-FOOT-3-INCH PORTUGUESE ACTOR AS THE MAN ON THE CW’S THE MESSENGERS, IT WILL PRESENT YOU WITH A WHOLE NEW MEANING OF TALL, DARK AND HANDSOME.
know I was. I just had to ask Morgado during our one-on-one interview about why this character - a far cry from the role of Jesus - attracted him.
that we think we know the reason, and we think we know the outcome of them, and we actually don’t.”
The Messengers, debuting on Friday, April 17 at 9 p.m. ET, follows a group of five strangers — a radio astronomer (Shantel VanSanten), a young mother (Sofia Black-D’Elia), a troubled teenager (Joel Courtney), a Texan televangelist (Jon Fletcher), and a federal agent (JD Pardo) — whose lives intertwine after a mysterious object plummets to Earth, sending powerful shock waves that bestow each of them with angelic powers.
Sometimes we are the result of our situations that we’re living, and sometimes we do stuff that [does] not necessarily represent who we are.
Along with turning the wheels of Revelation towards the impending Rapture, the mystifying event also summons the aforementioned alien, The Man, an all-knowing figure whose intentions will keep you guessing until the final scene of the pilot episode. I
“This character is wicked and mysterious,” he tells me about The Man, who offers VanSanten’s Vera Buckley the chance to be reunited with her kidnapped son, but for a morally conflicting path. “And when I say mysterious, he’s playing some cards
73
It’s this ambiguity between what is good and what is evil that Morgado says is what he loves about the show. “It keeps twisting our perception of what is right and what’s wrong, and what’s good and what’s evil,” he says. “Sometimes we are the result of our situations that we’re April 2015 - BELLO
JACKET BLK DNM SHIRT TOPMAN JEANS G-STAR RAW
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
74
living, and sometimes we do stuff that [does] not necessarily represent who we are. Under those circumstances, we are forced to act in a way that is not our normal behaviour. Nevertheless, it’s still us.” With special abilities, among which are super-strength and miraculous healing, our five heroes may be tempted to use their new gifts for personal reasons rather than for the greater good. It’s in these gray moments that we can expect The Man to be present. “They’re his tools to try to manipulate the situation in his favor,” he says. “Sometimes [the characters are] gonna use their gifts for what [they’re] supposed to, and sometimes [not].” Filmed on location in Albuquerque, New Mexico, The Messengers takes full advantage of its exotic setting, especially in scenes taking place in the dessert or the VLA (Very Large Array), bringing audiences right into the gritty action. It’s another quality about the show that Morgado takes pride in. “Just by the look of it, you can see that it’s quite raw,” he says. “It’s not like the glamorous beauty shots of other shows. It’s really appealing, [and something] that people are more and more drawn into.” He also praises the diverse group of actors he got to work with. “Even the 75
cast are so different. So we have the mom, we have the preacher, we have the atheist, [and] we have the scientist part. I’m really looking forward to [seeing] the result of this.” All these elements combined are sure to draw in audiences, but it’s arguably the mystery surrounding the apocalypse that the pilot episode — which was directed by Lost’s Stephen Williams — introduces that will have viewers back for a second round.
I never had a strategy. All I do is basically read stories, and every time it resonates, I try to get it.
“It’s a really free and wild interpretation of the book of Revelation,” Morgado says. “It’s using what’s vaguely there because the book of Revelation is basically one of the [most] debated and polemic and controversial books of the whole Bible. Basically, what Eoghan [O’Donnell], the creator, and Trey [Callaway], the showrunner, did, they widely and freely used what’s in the book of Revelation and created this amazing story.” It’s easy to be known as “the guy who played Jesus”; Hollywood loves to characterize actors into boxed categories. But this role and show are already proof that he won’t be joining that lineup. And it’s not even a strategy, as Morgado tells me. “I never had a strategy. All I do is basically read stories, and every time it resonates, I try to get it. And that’s pretty much it.” April 2015 - BELLO
SUIT ANTHONY FRANCO SHIRT HUGO BOSS
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
76
SUIT & SHIRT MOODS OF NORWAY
77
April 2015 - BELLO
JACKET TOPMAN SHIRT & JEANS G-STAR RAW SHOES MAX VERRE
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
78
SWEATER ATM
Photography J. HORTON Art Director ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC Styling TOYE ADEDIPE and DOUGLAS HICKMAN www.toyeadedipe.com / www.douglashickman.com Grooming SIMONE for Exclusive Artists Management using Baxter of CA Location and special thanks to BEACHWOOD STUDIO www.beachwoodstudio.com 79
April 2015 - BELLO
BLAZER EMPORIO ARMANI T-SHIRT CALVIN KLEIN JEANS APC
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
80
ENTERTAINMENT
Ben
Robson:
Bearded and Beautiful WORDS BY FALENE NURSE PHOTOS BY TREVER HOEHNE
81
April 2015 - BELLO
JACKET & JEANS LEVI’S ACCESSORIES THROUGHOUT BEN’S OWN
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
82
BEN ROBSON (@ROBBOBEN) IS SET TO FIT RIGHT IN WITH THE RUGGED IRISH TERRAIN AND HANDSOME VIEWS AWASH IN THE HISTORY CHANNEL’S VIKINGS. ALTHOUGH ALREADY A SUCCESS IN HIS NATIVE BRITAIN, HE WILL SURELY SET HEARTS AFLUTTER IN HIS RECENT FORAY INTO INTERNATIONAL EPISODIC CABLE TV. ORIGINALLY A “GEORDIE” (*AN ENGLISH IDIOM REFERRING TO FOLKS HAILING FROM NEWCASTLE), HIS ACCENT HAS ALL BUT VANISHED; HE’S BEEN STATESIDE SINCE 2009, AND NOW INSTEAD SOUNDS ‘TRANSATLANTIC ENGLISH.’
Robson’s stateside career trajectory looks pretty impressive already. If you don’t already recognize him from Pearry Reginald Teo’s Dracula: The Dark Prince or his spring/summer campaign for Love Brand & Co. (the British luxe lifestyle label in aid of endangered wildlife), once you see him as a Vikings series regular you won’t soon forget him again. His character pointed out on one of the recent episodes, “I desire fame above all things.” It seems that Robson’s life will soon be imitating his art. Having landed the coveted role of Scandinavian newbie Kalf, second-incommand to Lagertha and her trusted confidante, Robson’s character will play a pivotal new (and calculating) part in the show’s ongoing plotlines. Loyal but ambitions, Kalf is more cerebral and driven by political power than some of the other male leads. That being said, based on some of the training he’s already endured, he will no doubt get involved in some bloodthirsty axe-wielding at some stage in the proceedings. We can only hope! In many ways, Ben was born to play the part. Looking like the younger, brunette brother of Charlie Hunnam - which can never be a bad thing - he’s got all the 83
attributes required. Man bun, check. Lumber-sexual beard, check. Built like a Norse god...well, let’s be honest: who isn’t on that show. Calling from Canada, where he’s shooting his next film, we chatted about Viking life philosophies, Barbados beaches and just why on earth he was ever on Tinder, albeit very briefly.
he tells me, “as I was already a regular viewer. I’m a big fan of the show; I loved what Travis and the cast and creators had done with it.” And so began our q-and-a on the show, his career, and all things social networking.
It’s hard not to stand out; we look like we are in a biker gang! Even when we aren’t playing Vikings, we still look the same. The first thing I noticed when Skyping with Ben is that he’s incredibly laid back. He inquired if I was calling from Victoria, because then I could have “recommended a good pizza place.” Ah, blessed youth, when you can eat dough and cheese and still have chiseled abs. The second thing I noticed is that he’s very quick reading between the lines: “So, when you say you have watched ‘some’ of Vikings, do you mean a trailer?” Truth be told, I’ve watched the show for work purposes, but I’m not yet an avid fan. I’m sure he’s able to tell because prior to booking the gig, he actually was. “It was great when I got hired,”
Did you have to do any training? I’ve done some combat work, but the first thing I was taught how to do was row, which in many ways, as far as Viking life goes, makes a lot of sense. Bearded or not bearded? Right now, definitely bearded. Kalf has quickly positioned himself as Earl; why is he obsessed by fast fame? I think he wants recognition, mostly, and he’s willing to do what it takes to receive that. For Vikings, it’s the recognition of the gods that’s always April 2015 - BELLO
SHIRT JOHN VARVATOS
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
84
a driving force: fighting by Odin’s side in the war of the gods in Valhalla, for example. Then with Ragnar, he sees a man who went from a farmer to a king. That’s a measure of success he wants to surpass, if possible. What shocks you most about the Viking lifestyle? The lack of cleanliness (he laughs), [and] obviously, the things that we take for granted, [like] hot running water, clean water, [and] shortness of life. From disease or war...I mean, 30 was considered “old age” back then. On the other hand, there’s a fearlessness of death and lust for life. You have to live for every moment. So you think they didn’t fear death? No, they had no fear at all of war, battle, or death. For them, death and glory [were] revered to go up to Valhalla. Fighting someone who isn’t afraid to die...that’s got to be terrifying. You certainly look the part... Ha, well, I grew out my beard and hair, that way I don’t have to go through all the extensions. When you go out fully bearded and ripped, do you get looks? Well, sometimes we go to a bar together, so you have a bunch of guys all over six feet [tall] with long beards, grizzly shoulder-length hair extensions and 85
some other mad ‘dos. It’s hard not to stand out; we look like we are in a biker gang! Even when we aren’t playing Vikings, we still look the same. I pause for a moment to consider the entire cast entering a bar. For some reason it’s in slow motion, and I’m the only one there. I wonder if he could provide directions to this particular watering hole...
Ever tried Tinder? Oh God, yes! Once. I tried it when it very first started; I thought it was going to be the next big thing in social media. A ll my friends were telling me, “you gotta try it.” So I did and I thought it’s a bit mental, really. I got off very quickly. I’m sure it serves its purposes for those on it, though. It’s very immediate, isn’t it?
Twitter is quite interesting, isn’t it? It’s a great way to interact directly with fans of the show. What are you filming in Canada now?
It’s a bloody nightmare!
Sort of a horror/thriller: The Boy. It’s myself, Lauren Cohan from The Walking Dead, and Rupert Evans, another Brit. William Brent Bell is directing.
(He laughs at my diplomacy.)
I noticed you have a lot of pics of Barbados on your Instagram. It’s good fun! I love it there, yes...best beaches in the world. I knew I would probably be back shooting in Ireland in the cold, so I thought I’d get some holiday sun while I can. How do you find social media? Twitter is quite interesting, isn’t it? It’s a great way to interact directly with fans of the show. And they aren’t shy to share their views! If people were upset by the plot twists or amused...a lot of things [like] that come flying in.
Now, what was that film The Oldest Profession in Winnipeg about? Prostitution, I should think (he laughs). But that wasn’t me! The IMDB has half my info wrong; there’s stuff on there that I have no idea what it is and I’ve never even filmed. I’ve asked them to fix it, but they won’t! I had another interviewer ask me about that specifically, too. Mmmm...I wonder why? Like me, they were probably hoping they too could get their hands on the movie where young Ben plays an obliging rent-boy or affordable Manitoban Gigolo. There’s probably a whole non-Viking audience for that! Vikings is back, Thursdays, 10/9c on History Channel. April 2015 - BELLO
SHIRT REISS
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
86
87
April 2015 - BELLO
SHIRT JOHN VARVATOS JEANS APC
LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
88
89
April 2015 - BELLO
SHIRT GIORGIO ARMANI
Photography TREVER HOEHNE www.treverhoehne.com • Styling WARREN AFLIE BAKER www.warrenalfiebaker.com Grooming SIENREE at CELESTINE using ORIBE • Location and special thanks to THE STYLE LIST www.thestylelistla.com LUXE issue - BELLOmag.com
90