BELLO Fashion
NEUROSCIENCE OF NOSTALGIA The Demise of
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH Beyond the PINES
AUGUST 2015
Starring
MERCEDES MASON BY AMANDA ELKINS
Swim Week at
SHELBORNE WYNDHAM SOBE
#81
NOSTALGIA ISSUE
Is your summer all about fun and relaxing? It sure should be! And fashion is always a part of it. We are happy to share with you this exciting and creative Fashion issue with sexy and fierce cover model Mercedes Mason, the stylish star of Fear The Walking Dead. That show is going to rock your socks off--trust me! So we can not wait for it to get on our small screens. It will be the perfect way to spice up the end of summer. As our regular reagers know, we usually try to be inspirational while still approachable; this time arround we are also pushing the bounderies by being edgy, slightly moody, opinionated as always, and of course, stylish and fun. Have we succeeded? You be the judge! Just send us your comments @BELLOmag. I have a feeling that each time we enjoy something, time flies away too fast. It is the same with this summer: the better it gets, the faster it passes.We hope you do get to experience some new things this August, and savor some truly memorable moments. TOP & SKIRT STEVEN KHALIL JEWLERY WILLOW ROE
Happy Reading! Ciao, Aleksandar Tomovic Editor in Chief BELLO Mag
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CONTENTS 81 Letter from the Editor Contents Intro Masthead Contributor’s Page
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MIXED PRINTS
20 TESS
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MERCEDES MASON
16 32 The Demise of Abercrombie & Fitch: Being Nice Isn’t Always Good Books of Beauty and Brawn 18 34 Beyond the Pines Swim Week at Shelborne Wyndham SoBe 28 52 +Fashion List Neuroscience of Nostalgia
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August 2015 - BELLO
BELLO Fashion
AUGUST 2015
NEUROSCIENCE OF NOSTALGIA The Demise of
Starring
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
MERCEDES MASON BY AMANDA ELKINS
#81
Beyond
the PINES
Swim Week at
SHELBORNE WYNDHAM SOBE
NOSTALGIA ISSUE
PUBLISHER
IMAGE NATION STUDIO L.L.C. California, USA editorial@bellomag.com
ADVERTISING
advertising@bellomag.com
Aleksandar Tomovic (editor in chief) alek@bellomag.com
Nicole Walmsley (beauty editor) nicole@bellomag.com Stephane Marquet (creative director) steph@bellomag.com Leslie Alejandro (executive director) leslie@bellomag.com Annie Y. Miller (art and content director) annie@bellomag.com Warren Alfie Baker (fashion director) warren@bellomag.com Fabio Fernandez (fashion news director) fabio@bellomag.com Kimmy Erin Kertes (fashion editor) kimmy@bellomag.com Hiko Mitsuzuka (entertainment editor-at-large) hiko@bellomag.com Brad Liberti (entertainment editor) brad@bellomag.com Dio Anthony (young hollywood editor) dio@bellomag.com Dee Trillo (lifestyle and travel editor) dee@bellomag.com Morgan Stewart (lifestyle editor at large) boobsforloubs@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
LAYOUT
NEBOJSA DOLOVACKI
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
MICHELLE GANEY (Cover) DEE TRILLO (Lifestyle) STEVEN CARVER (Entertianment) BRENT LAMBERT (Auto and Tech) MARK NORRIS (Lifestyle)
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AMANDA ELKINS (Los Angeles) DAYANE OHIRA (New York) ALLEN ZAKI (Los Angeles)
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Contributors and what’s on their mind, ...
BRENT LAMBERT Brent Lambert is founder and editor of the blog www.FEELguide.com which covers everything from design, neuroscience, and psychology, to pop culture, alternative style, and hot guys. With a degree in architecture from Carleton University, Brent began working as a set designer and illustrator in the film industry in 2002. He has been part of the design team on numerous films including: X-MEN: APOCALYPSE (2016), X-MEN: Days Of Future Past (2014), The Fountain (2006), The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor (2008), 300 (2007), and many more. You can see his entire portfolio of drawings and illustrations by visiting www.unifiedFEEL. com.
ALLEN ZAKI Allen Zaki is a fashion and celebrity portrait photographer out of Los Angeles, Ca. He enjoys capturing fashion and creating imagery that steals the viewers attention. Allen is inspired by the beauty that is California and his traveling adventures around the world. “I love the creative team at Bello Mag. They are always open to my creative ideas and chasing the next big fashion or celebrity story. It’s always great to be apart of Los Angeles’s top online magazine. This shoot in particular was amazing, shooting fashion in the forested Griffith Park, created a story by itself, only amped up the sexy Tommy O’Reilly. I look forward to many more collaborations with Bello Mag.”
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FASHION TOP ASOS SKIRT ASOS JACKET PULL & BEAR NECKLACE GOLDEN STELLA RING H & M SHOES ZARA HEADSCARF UNLABELED VINTAGE
Mixed Prints 7
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TOP CAMEO & MYTH SHORTS ASOS NECKLACE MICHELLE RHODES JEWELRY EARRINGS UNLABELED VINTAGE HEADSCARF CAMEO & MYTH
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TOP ZARA JACKET CARTONNIER PANTS CAMEO & MYTH NECKLACE GOLDEN STELLA EARRINGS UNLABELED VINTAGE RINGS H & M SHOES ZARA HEADSCARF CAMEO & MYTH FASHION issue - BELLOmag.com
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TOP CAMEO & MYTH JACKET CARTONNIER CULOTTES HAZEL NECKLACE GOLDEN STELLA EARRINGS GOLDEN STELLA BRACELETS H & M RINGS GOLDEN STELLA SHOES ZARA HEADSCARF CAMEO & MYTH
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TOP TOPSHOP JACKET STEPS SHORTS ELEVENSES NECKLACE GOLDEN STELLA BRACELET TOPSHOP RING H & M SHOES ZARA
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TOP ZARA SKIRT ZARA EARRINGS GOLDEN STELLA BANGLE ANTHROPOLOGIE HEADSCARF ZARA
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TOP IN LUV JACKET HAZEL SKORT 1.3 CMA NECKLACE GOLDEN STELLA BRACELET GOLDEN STELLA RINGS H & M SHOES DOLCE VITA HEADSCARF CAMEO & MYTH
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Photography MICHELLE KIM @michellekimphoto www.michellekimphoto.com Model MARIANNE HAGSTROM @mariannehags Stylist JAMIE LORRAINE @by.jamielorraine Makeup and Hair ALICIA WHEELER @makeupartistalicia 15
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FASHION
The Neuroscience Of Nostalgia:
How The Brain Uses Happy Memories To Add Years To Your Life BY BRENT LAMBERT
THE NEXT TIME YOU’RE WAXING NOSTALGIC WHILE GOING THROUGH AN OLD PHOTO ALBUM, OR THINKING BACK ON A HAPPY MEMORY FROM YOUR YOUTH, IT’S WORTH KNOWING THAT YOU’RE ALSO IN THE PROCESS OF BOOSTING YOUR HEALTH AND POSSIBLY EVEN EXTENDING YOUR LIFE SPAN. What exactly is nostalgia? It’s nothing more than a long-term memory, and unlike short-term memories which are built from one thing alone -- the memory itself -- long-term memories are built out of two things: the memory and its attached emotion. It’s this emotional component which allows the memory to survive for our entire lives. While short-term memories (i.e. where you put your phone, your keys, etc.) are stored in the frontal lobe, long-term memories are made and stored deep in the central brain’s hippocampus via neurotransmitters (especially during your sleep). Even more fascinating than this, the hippocampus is one of only two small regions of the brain
(courtesy of National Geographic)
capable of producing new brain cells. Researchers have discovered that exercise can significantly increase the production of these new brain cells in the hippocampus, thereby improving the storage and recollection of your long-term memories, and much more.
(credit: Libby Guinness)
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First coined in the late 17th century by Swiss physician, Johannes Hofer, the term “nostalgia” is a merging of two Greek words, “nostos” (suffering) and “algos” (origins). He invented the diagnostic term to classify a group of Swiss mercenaries who were plagued by what he thought was a brain disorder akin to melancholia. Little did he know 16
experience were genetically labelled in mice. Subsequent exposure of these mice to chronic immobilization stress resulted in depression-like behaviours that were transiently attenuated.”
(credit: Libby Guinness)
his patients were actually suffering from PTSD. In the centuries since, the word nostalgia has become associated with much more positive emotional experiences, but it’s something that has existed since the dawn of time. Because nostalgia is a common human experience, scientists have considered its role in the mind-body connection. Dr. Tim Wildschut is a researcher and professor at the University of Southampton, and one of the world’s leading experts in studying the neuroscience of nostalgia. In an interview with The New York Times, Wildschut explains the possible evolutionary value of these types of memories. “If you can recruit a memory to maintain physiological comfort,” says Wildschut, “at least subjectively, that could be an amazing and complex adaptation. It could contribute to survival by making you look for food and shelter that much longer.” Research has found that nostalgia tends to increase body temperature, producing what’s described by scientists as a “warm glow”. It also has the ability to give people a much higher level of endurance during tougher times, and even reactivate dormant neural pathways. One study found that participants who were induced into a state of nostalgia were more likely than the control group to say they felt “loved” and that “life is worth living.” 17
A recent study published in the journal Nature has found that nostalgia also has a stabilizing effect on one’s overall mood, similar to insulin’s role in regulating blood sugar. “Stress can induce depression, and the hippocampus regulates cognitive aspects of this response. [Hippocampal] neurons that were active during a pleasant
The usefulness of nostalgia also appears to correlate with age, with levels highest in young adults and seniors (i.e. people going through major periods of transition), and lowest in people of middle age. Experts also have one recommendation -- especially for the older population. As we age it can be easy for nostalgic thoughts to turn towards comparison of the past vs. the present. Their advice is to use what’s known as “comparison-free nostalgizing” (CFN). Instead of looking back at these moments from the past and comparing them to the present (i.e. “Life was better when I was younger”), try using comparison-free nostalgizing for existential purposes instead by asking questions like “What has my life meant?” The results could transform both your mind and your body in the most extraordinary ways.
(credit: @rBc5FNoura)
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FASHION
Books of BY STEVEN CARVER
Beauty and Brawn
IT’S EASY TO TAKE THINGS AT FACE VALUE SINCE IT DOESN’T REQUIRE MUCH THOUGHT. BUT, IF ONE LOOKS DEEPER, THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING BEYOND THE SURFACE. IN TWO NEW TOMES CELEBRATING ICONS OF THE PAGE (SUPERMODEL CINDY CRAWFORD) AND OF THE STAGE (BALLET DANCER ROBERTO BOLLE), THE REALIZATION OF A BRAIN BEHIND THE BRAWN IS APPARENT; IT TAKES MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE TO MAKE A LASTING IMPACT. FASHION issue - BELLOmag.com
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With the resurgence of the supermodel era of the 1990s, Cindy Crawford was part of an elite group of women who ran the runways and dominated magazine covers. They were not mere celebrities, but stars on par with the A-listers of the entertainment world. Few made it to the top, and those that did, ruled the empire. Recognized for her work ethic and professionalism, this all-American girl successfully crossed over from haute couture to commercial work with her striking face, lustrous mane of auburn hair, signature beauty mark, and athletic stature. And, in Becoming (Rizzoli), Crawford shares stories of her professional and personal evolution, accompanied by 150 photos from shoots and never-before-published images from her personal archive. Once referred to as Cindy Inc., Crawford was one of the first models savvy enough
to capitalize on her name recognition, developing her brand before the days of social media (the association of drinking Pepsi at a gas station is her doing). Even after 25 years, she remains one of the most popular models in the business. But, it’s not only women who are celebrated for their bodies of work. Taking athleticism to another level, Roberto Bolle is one of the male masters of ballet. Performing with some of the world’s greatest companies – American Ballet Theatre, La Scala and the Bolshoi Ballet – and dancing all of the most important roles on the global stage, Bolle is both a cultural ambassador to the arts and his native Italy. 19
In Roberto Bolle: Voyage into Beauty (Rizzoli), Bolle combines his love of dance and homeland in a new book photographed by Fabrizio Ferri and Luciano Romano. Set in some of Italy’s most stunning locations (with Pompeii, Rome’s Colosseum, and Milan’s Duomo Square amongst the sites), each image is an interplay between the architecture of a historic country and the classically handsome features, lean musculature and elegant posture of an accomplished dancer. Bolle’s talent presents agility and flexibility as physically enduring acts. His stellar accomplishments prove that only a strong man can dance ballet. (Images reproduced with permission from the publisher) August 2015 - BELLO
FASHION COAT CHICWISH NOSE RING GOTHIC RENAISSANCE HARNESS GOTHIC RENAISSANCE
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TOP CHARLIE DESIGN HR PANTS CHARLIE DESIGN HR
Photographer DAYANE OHIRA • Wardrobe Stylist LIZ LINETT • Model TESS, APM Models Make Up Artist HEIDI PAUL • Hair Stylist ANIKE RABIU 27
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FASHION
Swim Week Take Over at
Shelborne Wyndham South Beach BY DEE TRILLO Lifestyle and Travel Editor| Dee@BelloMag.com| @HauteFrugalista
KNOWN FOR BEEN A SULTRY AND ENTERTAINING CITY, MIAMI, IS HOME TO MANY WELL-KNOWN MUSIC, ART AND LIFESTYLE EVENTS. PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TRAVEL TO THE SUNSHINE STATE TO GET A TASTE OF ITS EXOTIC CUISINE, DIVERSE PEOPLE AND BEAUTIFUL BEACHES.
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Miami Swim Week is one of those yearly affairs that bring out the best in fashion, a parade of models and celebrities, and an endless amount of exclusive after-parties. The Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach was the perfect location to navigate easily from one event to another, enjoy the view of the gorgeous crystal waters, and get pampered from head to toes. There are many things that make The Shelborne Wyndham SoBe a staple hotel. After a 150 million dollar renovation, this hotel built in the 1940’s was brought back to its former Art Deco glory, and injected a boost of modern vibes. The remodeling turned this iconic hotel into an ultra-charming and vintage-chic spot. The décor and style of the hotel exudes a level of luxury and glamour reminiscing of the old Hollywood movies. The rooms have a cozy feel accented with glam touches, and balconies overlooking the
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sandy beaches. This mix of decadent and serene make the hotel the perfect place to relax and get in the mood to experience the Miami Beach scene. Begin your day at Blue Harmony Spa. True to Miami’s personality, the spa has unique treatments that use fruits and spices to detox, revitalize, invigorate
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the beach, making it easy to take a swim in the landscape of your preference, and take advantage of the proximity to the restaurants and nightclubs. On-site dining is great with an array of casual and upscale options that cater to every palate. Start the night with an apothecary style drink at The Drawing Room. Just like the doctor recommended, pick your poison, and let the master mixologist create a delish fusion by blending spirits and aromas in a harmonious way.
and restore your body’s well-being. Select from an Iconic Aroma Infusion Massage, Red Mangrove Rejuvenating Facial, a Citrus Quench Mani-Pedi, or the Diamond Harmony Experience. This exceptional body treatment uses chakra gems to bring balance to your body and spirit, a luminous diamond dust mud that will leave your skin glowing, and a magnetic massage that helps release tension and get rid of toxins. Truly one-of-a-kind! The hotel has a great outdoor pool and cabana area that has direct access to
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The Fashion Front Row Swim Week, previously Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, had a different set up this season. Instead of been held at a single venue, this time designers took over the city and set up their shows at different locations. From the Funkshion Tents to The Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach, Miami Beach was as glitzy and colorful as always. Mohini Swim debut show was held at The Shelborne. The looks had in mind the adventurous and jetsetter lifestyle with fun cuts, neoprene and mix of hues that give you the options to
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lounge on a yacht or swim on the ocean just as stylishly. Tory Burch held an exclusive presentation at The Soho Beach House where tasseled sandals, embroidered ponchos and printed bikinis were the feast of the day. Mara Hoffman, queen of all things boho-chic, had an intimate event at Casa Casuarina (formerly The Versace Mansion) where she showcased her luxurious Moroccan inspired collection. Gottex Resort displayed colorful silk caftans and cover-ups, and looks with metallic intricate details on their runway show at 1 Hotel. Nookie’s presentation at Mondrian Hotel was full of bold cut-outs, fitted silhouettes and daring fabrics like mesh and leather.
Beauty and the Beach No Swim Week season is done without the beauty looks. Glamsquad was in charge of getting makeup and hair don for all the major shows and VIP events. The app service is a breath of fresh air for those who want to look great without wasting time. Once you download it, the system sets you up 31
with your own personal glam team that arrives at the location of your preference, and beautifies you on your own terms. Choose from the menu or create your own look. My faves were: The bombshell, every bit like the name, is a hair style with volume and a polished finish that can easily go from day to night. As makeup goes, The Vamp is my go-to because I love the statement from the smoky eyes and deep red lip. Beauty brand Neutrogena held an intimate brunch were Elizabeth Ulloa, their lead makeup expert, used the products to create summer looks and a flawless skin. Jergens introduced their new Wet Skin collection at Edition Miami Beach Hotel. The innovative in-shower moisturizer, in 3 different fragrances, is a lotion infused with oils which leaves your skin smooth and nourished without the hassle of drying time. John Frieda presented their Frizz Ease line which is the perfect option to keep hair shiny, silky and tamed. Visit www.ShelborneWyndhamGrand. com To Book Your Stay and Begin Your Journey. August 2015 - BELLO
FASHION
The Demise Of Abercrombie & Fitch -
Being Nice Isn’t Always Good WRITTEN BY MARK NORRIS (opinion piece) Instagram @mrmarknorris @the_norris_twins & Twitter @thenorristwins
THE DEPARTURE OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE MIKE JEFFERIES IN DECEMBER 2014, HAS RUPTURED THE IDENTITY OF WHAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL BRANDS OF ITS TIME. WHY? WELL, I WANT TO PROPOSE A SIMPLE ANSWER TO YOU. BEING NICE ISN’T ALWAYS A GOOD THING. Having worked as a “model” at the flagship Abercrombie & Fitch store in London during its heyday, greeting customers at the door, with lines of hopeful, aspiring, foreign teenagers circling the outside of the building near Piccadilly Circus in the summer of 2012 and 2013, I am well aware of what the brand had, that most of its competitors would envy; sexual
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spice, and an allure of confidence and perfection that stood as a benchmark to so many young, aspiring kids. The raucous nature of the brand, from the shirtless models greeting customers, its sexual advertising across walls, gorgeous models floating around, happy to converse with
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“A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong.” Whether you like it or not, Mike Jefferies and Abercrombie & Fitch built one of the most successful fashion empires of its time, by smart, targeted marketing, that focused on its core strength, and its core consumer. The moves by the new executive team in 2015 have lost the golden premise for why people loved the brand so much. Its why when I visited one of its largest flagship stores last month at The Grove in Los Angeles, I found it was no longer in business.
you and your family, dimly lit, nightclub vibe store interiors, it all provided the perfect mix of intimacy, aspiration, happiness, and a sense of optimism, that if you bought that t-shirt, you would walk out of store with that little bit more self-esteem, and confidence, to face the world. And isn’t that the point of fashion? Being a model in the London flagship store was an interesting experience. We were all made to feel special, that we were the chosen few who had what others wanted. We were responsible for passing this vibe across to our customers. We were made to feel part of the Abercrombie & Fitch story, an incumbent of what the identity stood for, we WERE the brand, and everything it stood for.
interview in 2013, that many of you may find offensive, is actually right on point with how to build strength and value into your proposition, as an identity you want people to associate with: “Are we exclusionary? Absolutely. Those companies that are in trouble are trying to target everybody: young, old, fat, skinny. But then you become totally vanilla.” “Listen, do we go too far sometimes? Absolutely. But we push the envelope, and we try to be funny, and we try to stay authentic and relevant to our target customer.”
Christos Angelides, president of the Abercrombie brand, and Fran Horowitz, the chief of Hollister, are trying to turn the brand around, and disregard all that was before them. In doing so, they have removed everything that made it unique, and haven’t replaced it with anything. The reasoning goes back to a quote from Mike Jefferies back in 2013; whilst the brand may not be offending people as often now, it is not doing anything at all, which is worse. Abercrombie & Fitch is known for being one of the most hated, but most successful brands in history. Perhaps, one would think, the journey of how they got here shouldn’t be passed off as if it was merely a ‘phase’.
And so it offended people that we wouldn’t offer larger sizes, or dull colours, or clothes to fit people who weren’t ‘stereotypically cool’, or advertising that exploited everything human nature desires. But that was the point. I have actually met Mike Jefferies during my time in the London store, and as you would expect, he didn’t do much to extinguish the reputation he has for being a rather inconsiderate human being, but what he said in an 33
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FASHION
Beyond The Pines Beyond the Pines tells the story of a
badass, motorcycle-riding, cigarettesmoking rebel. Canadian actor Tommy O’Reilly takes us beyond the streets of Los Angeles and into the abandoned forest. O’Reilly, an accomplished actor, has his first screenplay “Windsor Drive” premiering later this month (August 28th) in Los Angeles, starring himself as River Miller, the mentally unstable actor haunted by the past, only to find his inner demons are inescapable. The cast includes Samaire Armstrong (The OC, Entourage), Jillian Murray (Murder in the First), Mandy Musgrave (90210) and Matt Cohen (Supernatural). O’Reilly has many film projects currently in the works to finish out the year, and will have his directorial debut in Spring 2016 with “Forever and Always”, which he also wrote. This actor/writer/director and producer is one to keep an eye out for--he’s sure to make his mark here in Hollywood.
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Photographer ALLEN ZAKI (@allenzaki) Stylist CAT WRIGHT (@catwrightstyle) • Groomer DESPINA SCANDALIS (@makeupbydespina) Model/Actor TOMMY O’REILLY (@tommyoreilly) • Location Griffith Park, Los Feliz, CA 39
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COVER STORY
Mercedes Mason PHOTOS BY AMANDA ELKINS
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MERCEDES IS A COMBINATION OF TALENT, HUMOUR, MODESTY AND BEAUTY, A FORCEFUL SET OF ATTRIBUTES THAT HAVE LED HER ON THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO STARDOM. WORDS BY MICHELLE GANEY The Swedish-born beauty’s first acting venture was in The Break Up – who could forget the loved up on-off/real life/onset relationship between Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Anniston, Hollywood royalty back in the day! In spite of her “scene ending up on the cutting room floor”, this was a fruitful platform that catapulted her career to new heights, “I got my first manager because of it”. Not everything was smooth sailing though. “I learned all the things NOT to do on set. Ha! It was my first job and I was so nervous my knees kept buckling. We shot my scene with Vince Vaughn in a bar and I was still under age so it became an ordeal to get me in there, which just added to my already anxious state”. Lucky for her, Vince Vaughn was an absolute gent, not that we’d expect anything less! “Vince was SO kind and immediately set my mind at ease. He could tell that I was shaking in my proverbial boots and he did everything he could to calm me down”. However, even with her early success, Mercedes roots are still at the forefront of her mind. “I miss Sweden more than I could possibly express in words! So much has changed since I grew up there but the one thing that remains is how beautiful and sweet the Swedes are! My goal is to make a trip back to Stockholm in 2016. Summers in Sweden are magical, for lack of a better word”. To add even more strings to her bow Mercedes also landed significant roles in Californication and Anger Management respectively. Some might see working with Charlie Sheen as a bit of a handful, however, Mercedes had nothing but praise for the notorious actor. “Charlie Sheen is a very sweet man. We all have our preconceived notions about him due to the circumstances of him leaving Two and a Half Men but he was nothing but pleasant with me. I really 43
enjoyed being on that set. There’s a different vibe altogether doing multicamera sitcoms. It feels alive. I had a great time!” Mercedes is a class act and total pro, (just in case you hadn’t already got that vibe…), so it’s comforting to know that her admiration for others didn’t fall short. Speaking of her time on Californication, she revealed she “was a bit geeked out to meet him [David Duchovny]. He is nothing but charming and lovely to be around, and he’s also very intelligent”. He obviously has the beauty and the brains but that’s not all… “My favorite part, however, is that he has a good heart. I had been involved in a rather serious car accident a few months prior and was still recovering. David constantly checked in with me and made sure that I was feeling okay. He is such a nice man”. Speaking of being a total pro, Mercedes has a philosophical approach to the more intimate scenes, which can sometimes feel a little awkward. She takes this challenge in her stride, “I’ve been really lucky as I haven’t had too many intimate scenes in my career but the ones I’ve had have been so pleasant, perhaps because I have the mental capacity of a 12 year-old goofball!”. Mercedes has a little secret up her sleeve to relieve the “tension” on set… “I immediately try to break the ice by goofing off or being silly. I find mutual laughter usually sets people at ease (mostly me!). Once the giggles have been had, it’s easier to discuss if they prefer to turn their head to the left or the right when they make out. ;-)”. Like I said… total pro! This Swedish actress hasn’t yet graced our screens as ‘Ofelia’ in Fear the Walking Dead, but that hasn’t stopped her bevy of loyal fans. “We haven’t even
aired yet and already the fans have made such an impression on me. They are super supportive and absolutely delightful and I can’t wait for them to see our show!” Moreover, she praised her entourage of amazing co-stars with a special mention to her “onset bestie”, Alycia Debnam Carey. “She’s adorable! We tend to congregate in my trailer when we’re not working. Just play the song ‘Worth It’ by Fifth Harmony and you’ll see both of us immediately break into dance. I love me some Alycia! :)”. Aside from Fear the Walking Dead, her fans will be excited to hear about her collaborative prospects. Mercedes revealed that although working with the legendary actors of Hollywood such as Meryl Streep and Daniel Day Lewis would be epic; she has a real soft spot for the more comedic stars. “I’d be really excited to work with Chris Pratt. I think he’s absolutely adorable and hilarious! I’m also really keen on working with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I admire those women tremendously! Smart, beautiful, women who know comedy and create roles where none may have existed”. Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Mercedes, that is a dynamic acting combination we would all love to see! The world has had the pleasure of seeing Mercedes on screen for almost a decade and there’s no slowing down for this powerhouse of an actress, which explains her mantra for life. “NO FEAR. That’s my life motto. Fear rules the heart if we allow it. I refuse to make my decisions based on fear; it’ll cripple me if I do. Instead, I choose to believe that anything is possible (within reason of course...no matter how hard I work, I’ll never have a pet unicorn. I’ve finally come to terms with that. Sigh)”. Intelligent, humorous and down to earth, Mercedes really is the entire package. August 2015 - BELLO
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Being in a room full of strangers holding lights and sound booms, with someone directing you where to put your hands and how passionately to kiss or touch a person you’re expected to have instant chemistry with can be quite daunting, to say the least.
BM: You’ve lived in the US since you were 12; do you visit your hometown in Sweden? MM: I miss Sweden more than I could possibly express in words! (Perhaps an interpretive dance is in order?) The last time I was back in Linköping was probably about seven years ago. I visited my old house and the candy shop I used to go to after school. So much has changed since I grew up there. But the one thing that remains is how beautiful and sweet the Swedes are! My goal is to make a trip back to Stockholm in 2016. Summers in Sweden are magical, for lack of a better word. BM: The Break Up was one of your first big roles. How was it to be working with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston? MM: The Break-Up was such an important part of my career, even though my scene ended up on the cutting room floor. I got my first manager because of it. I also learned all the things NOT to do on set. [Laughs]. It was my first job and I was so nervous my knees kept buckling. We shot my scene with Vince Vaughn-I didn’t have the pleasure of working with Jennifer Aniston, unfortunately-in a bar and I was still under-aged so it became an ordeal to get me in there. Which just added to my already anxious state. Vince was so kind, in that he immediately set my mind at ease. He is an absolute gentleman. He could tell that I was shaking in my proverbial boots and he did everything he could to calm me down. I was still modeling at the 45
time and one’s entire career as a model, one is told to emote without speaking... now I had lines to memorize and some to improv! Looking back, I cringe at my own lack of acting experience. I had no idea what “marks” or “continuity” were so I was all over the place during our shoot. The amazing part was that Vince kept improvising with me so we laughed the entire time. Needless to say, I’ve learned a lot from that experience. Thank you Vince Vaughn. BM: You made a cameo appearance in Anger Management, how was it working alongside Charlie Sheen? MM: Charlie Sheen is a very sweet man. We all have our preconceived notions about him due to the circumstances of him leaving Two and a Half Men but he was nothing but pleasant with me. I really enjoyed being on that set. There’s a different vibe altogether doing multicamera sitcoms. It feels alive. I had a great time! BM: Also, there was Californication, did you enjoy working with David Duchovny? MM: When I booked Californication, every female in my life gushed about how lucky I was to be working with David Duchovny and I absolutely understand why. I used to watch The X-Files as a kid with my mom. So I was a bit geekedout to meet him. He is nothing [but] charming and lovely to be around. He’s very intelligent as well. My favorite part, however, is that he has a good heart. I had been involved in a rather serious
car accident a few months prior and was still recovering. David constantly checked in with me and made sure that I was feeling ok. He is such a nice man. BM: How do you feel when you’re told you’re going to have to shoot an intimate or romantic scene? Do you get nervous? MM: Creating intimacy on screen is a strange concept when you really think about it. Being in a room full of strangers holding lights and sound booms, with someone directing you where to put your hands and how passionately to kiss or touch a person you’re expected to have instant chemistry with can be quite daunting, to say the least. However, I’ve been really lucky. I haven’t had too many intimate scenes in my career but the ones I’ve had have been so pleasant. Perhaps because I have the mental capacity of a 12-year old goofball...I immediately try to break the ice by goofing off or being silly. I find mutual laughter usually sets people at ease (mostly me). Once the giggles have been had, it’s easier to discuss if they prefer to turn their head to the left or the right when they make out. ;-) BM: What is the most memorable acting project you’ve been involved with since you began? MM: Aside from The Break-Up (you always remember your first), I would say that I have a soft spot for The Finder. That show saved me from moving back to Chicago. I was monetarily depleted August 2015 - BELLO
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I’m so lucky that I get to work with such an amazing group of actors. I adore them all. But if I absolutely had to choose [just] one person, I would say my on-set bestie is Alycia Debnam Carey.
and panicked about paying my rent. I booked The Finder just in time. It allowed me to stay in Los Angeles and continue pursuing my acting dream. Also, I was lucky enough to work with the late Michael Clark Duncan (RIP). If you were to ask me this question ten years from now, I’d include Fear The Walking Dead in this list. We haven’t even aired yet and already the fans have made such an impression on me. They are super supportive and absolutely delightful and I can’t wait for them to see our show!
BM: Is there a particular actor you wish to co-star with in the future?
BM: If you could choose your dream role, what would it be?
BM: Do you have a favourite quote or saying that you live by?
MM: One of my earliest memories with my father was watching James Bond. That’s how we bonded. So I grew up desperately wanting to be a Bond girl. Yet as I mature and find myself more, I’ve come to realize that I [actually] want to be James Bond. The first ever female James Bond. Still called James Bond...008. I think it would be a role of a lifetime! I’d be honored to play Ms. James Bond 008.
MM: “No fear”. That’s my life motto. I think people’s biggest failure is standing in their own way. Fear rules the heart if we allow it. I refuse to make my decisions based on fear. It’ll cripple me if I do. Instead, I choose to believe that anything is possible--within reason of course...no matter how hard I work, I’ll never have a pet unicorn. I’ve finally come to terms with that. [Sighs].
BM: Is there anything you can tell us about your upcoming film, White City? MM: White City was a TV pilot that we shot in Morocco for AMC just before I booked Fear The Walking Dead. It was about war correspondents in Afghanistan before the war erupted. It didn’t get picked up, but luckily for me, AMC decided to keep me and place me in the Walking Dead family. I couldn’t be happier! 47
MM: Aside from the obvious greats like Meryl Streep and Daniel Day Lewis...I’d be really excited to work with Chris Pratt. I think he’s absolutely adorable and hilarious! I’m also really keen on working with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I admire those women tremendously! Smart, beautiful, women who know comedy and create roles where none may have existed.
BM: Tell me about your character Ofelia, in what ways do you relate to her? MM: Ofelia is the only child of immigrant parents. Her parents escaped El Salvador when the war took place to find refuge in the United States. Ofelia is very protective of her parents and wants to make sure that she takes care of them. She’s always been a studious good girl. A bit of a daddy’s girl when we first meet her, naive even. As the
first season develops, Ofelia begins to discover things about her family that shakes her entire foundation and makes her question what she knows, who she can trust and what “family” actually means. She is forced to find strength within herself lest she fall prey to the atrocities of the apocalyptic new world. Although my circumstances are obviously not as dire as Ofelia’s, I relate to her commitment to her family. I, too, am the daughter of immigrant parents so I understand the need and desire to protect them in a country they’re not familiar with. When we first moved to America, my sister and I were able to speak English much quicker than my parents so we ended up serving as their interpreters for many years. It creates a bond with your parents that I think only immigrants will understand. I empathize with Ofelia’s plight greatly. She has a difficult relationship with her father which I think most daughters can understand at one point or another. BM: Who is your closest friend on the set of Fear the Walking Dead? MM: I’m so lucky that I get to work with such an amazing group of actors. I adore them all. But if I absolutely had to choose [just] one person, I would say my on-set bestie is Alycia Debnam Carey. She’s adorable! We tend to congregate in my trailer when we’re not working. Just play the song Worth It by Fifth Harmony and you’ll see both of us immediately break into dance. I love me some Alycia. :) August 2015 - BELLO
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TOP SASS & BIDE VEST STEVEN KHALIL PANTS SASS & BIDE BLUE EARRINGS WILLOW ROE RIGHT HAND: RING KARMA EL KHALIL CROSS CROSS RING WILLOW ROE LEFT HAND: LEAF RING MELINDA MARIA BRACELET AND RING WILLOW ROE
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TOP TADASHI SHOJI BODYSUIT STEVEN KHALIL RING EFFY EARRINGS WILLOW ROE
Photographer AMANDA ELKINS • Styling KYLE KAGAMIDA • Makeup GRACE PHILLIPS Hair MELISSA DEZARATE for Exclusive Artists Management using Oribe Hair Care Nails PILAR NOIRE at Nailing Hollywood for MAC Studio Nail Lacquer in Only in Florida 51
August 2015 - BELLO
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