BELLO mag #102

BELLO Fashion

JANUARY 2016

Haute

BOHÈM

Fashion

Editor’s Picks

Globetrotter Bliss at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

#102 ERROYL,

Australian luxury

from Starz’s Power

LALA ANTHONY +

by Aleksandar Tomovic

a special fashion spread with JUSTIN BALDONI Flaked leading lady RUTH KEARNEY

SOBELLO

Letter from the Editor Dear Readers, We have experimented with turning Bello mag into a weekly publication since the summer of 2015, making our magazine unlike any other publication that exists. And what an amazing decision it was... Each week, we are able to share and spotlight our favorite (and mostly yours) talent in film, television, music, and art. Our readers have tripled, and our images shared over and over and over again.

We would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you for helping make this opportunity possible.

This week, we have the stunning Lala Anthony from Starz’s hit show, Power.

Shot in downtown LA by our Editor in Chief himself, Aleksandar Tomovic, Anthony shows us how to exude how to be sultry with grace.

Our SO BELLO cover is a special one since we are giving you Jane the Virgin’s Justin Baldoni, yet again. We cannot get enough of this powerhouse of a man.

Shot in the desert by fashion photographer, TJ Manou, we present a straight up fashion editorial like none we have published.

Newcomer, Ruth Kearney, who stars in the highly anticipated Will Arnett/ Netflix show, Flaked, debuts her first published photoshoot with Bello mag, and we are honored to take on that role. Shot by fashion/celebrity photographer, Josh Reed in Playa Del Rey, Ruth Kearney proves that she will be part of this game for a long, long time.

So once again, thank you for your support, energy, and love.

All the best, Leslie Alejandro, Executive Director at BELLO mag

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CONTENTS 102 Letter from the Editor Contents Intro Masthead

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JUSTIN BALDONI

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RUTH KEARNEY

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LALA ANTHONY

Fashion Editor’s Picks Haute Bohèm Time - ERROYL

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18 38 Travel - GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA 20 60 So Bello 34

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Photographer TJ MANOU Stylist FRANZY STAEDTER Model JUSTIN BALDONI Makeup Artist JUSTIN ST. CLAIR Hair Stylist JENELLE OLDHAM

INTRO What makes BELLO mag different from other magazines is the honest approach to creativity and reporting. So let me tell you a story: A few months ago, we wanted to put Justin Baldoni on the cover and had this amazing concept in mind, but as it was an outdoor photo shoot, thanks to the weather conditions, we had to move to the studio and reimagine everything. That did not stop TJ Manou and the rest of the team to still do the photo shoot, and we are bringing it to you in this issue as a SO BELLO special inside cover story.

Our cover girl this month is the amazing Lala Anthony. In the spirit of full disclosure, we did this photo shoto on a day when she just arrived to Los Angeles, after an overnight flight and a TV inteview that morning. This did not stop her from bringing it for our cover feature. While I am writing this, we are preparing for one of our biggest photo shotos BELLO mag has even done, as we are shooting the entire lead cast of Shadowhunters (the new FREE FORM, previously ABC Famiy, television show premiering this month).

Moments like these always remind me how this one thing that Steph and I started in our kitchen in Paris a long time ago has become this big publication that people seem to enjoy and love.

Thank you all for your support and enjoy our first Fashion issue of 2016.

Ciao, Alek editor in chief Aleksandar Tomovic FASHION issue - BELLOmag.com

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PUBLISHER IMAGE NATION STUDIO L.L.C. California, USA editorial@bellomag.com

ADVERTISING advertising@bellomag.com

Aleksandar Tomovic (editor in chief) alek@bellomag.com Stephane Marquet (creative director) steph@bellomag.com Leslie Alejandro (executive director) leslie@bellomag.com Dio Anthony (young hollywood editor) dio@bellomag.com Warren Alfie Baker (fashion director) warren@bellomag.com Nicole Walmsley (beauty editor) nicole@bellomag.com Michelle Ganney (Contributing Entertainment Editor) michelle@bellomag.com Dee Trillo (senior lifestyle and travel editor) dee@bellomag.com Fabio Fernandez (fashion news director) fabio@bellomag.com Kimmy Erin Kertes (fashion editor-at-large) kimmy@bellomag.com Hiko Mitsuzuka (entertainment editor-at-large) hiko@bellomag.com Morgan Stewart (lifestyle editor at large) boobsandloubs@bellomag.com Steven Carver (international editor) steven@bellomag.com Brent Lambert (design and technology editor) brent@bellomag.com Jon Norris (european editor) jon@bellomag.com Mark Norris (european editor) mark@bellomag.com Amanda Peixoto-Elkins (creative director, latin america) amanda@bellomag.com

INTERNS PAULO ACUÑA (editorial assistant) paulo@bellomag.com CELESTE PIRAINO (social media and communications assistant) celeste@bellomag.com

LAYOUT

NEBOJSA DOLOVACKI

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MICHELLE GANNEY (Cover) MARK NORRIS (Lifestyle) DEE TRILLO (Lifestyle and Travel)

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

COVER: ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC (Los Angeles) JOSH REED (Los Angeles) TJ MANOU (Los Angeles) EMILIE ELIZABETH (Los Angeles)

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SoBELLO Justin Baldoni A fashion story

BY TJ MANOU

T-SHIRT MICHAEL STARS JEANS LEVIS BRACELETS TALENT’S OWN

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HENLEY THE RAIL JEANS ALLSAINTS BOOTS TIMBERLAND

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T-SHIRT ALTERNATIVE APPAREL JEANS ALLSAINTS BOOTS TIMBERLAND BRACELETS AND WATCH TALENT’S OWN

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DENIM JACKET VINTAGE LEE BUTTON DOWN 1791 SUPPLY & CO. JEANS ROY ROGER’S HENLEY JACOB HOLSTON BOOTS TALENT’S OWN

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LEATHER JACKET SCHOTT NYC BUTTON DOWN 1791 SUPPLY & CO. T-SHIRT MICHAEL STARS GLOVES H&M

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BUTTON DOWN 1791 SUPPLY & CO. JEANS ROY ROGER’S HENLEY JACOB HOLSTON BOOTS TALENT’S OWN

Photographer TJ MANOU www.tjmanou.com Stylist FRANZY STAEDTER Model JUSTIN BALDONI Makeup Artist JUSTIN ST. CLAIR Hair Stylist JENELLE OLDHAM FASHION issue - BELLOmag.com

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FASHION

EDITOR’S PICKS

Black & Blue COMBINING NAVY AND BLACK WAS, ONCE UPON A TIME, A FASHION “DON’T.” BUT AS AWARDS SEASON KICKS IN FULL THROTTLE, THIS TREND COULDN’T BE MORE ON POINT. ADDING DEPTH TO FORMALITY, IT’S TIME TO GET BLACK AND BLUE. Brunello Cucinelli navy cashmere tuxedo

Ermenegildo Zegna bow tie

Bottega Veneta black-on-black belt

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Cartier Love ring with black ceramic

Movado Bold ink and navy watch

Rubinacci Marphy loafers

John Varvatos two-tone scarf 19

Paul Smith marled socks

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FASHION

Haute Bohèm PHOTOGRAPHY EMILIE ELIZABETH

“FORGET NOT THAT THE EARTH DELIGHTS TO FEEL YOUR BARE FEET AND THE WINDS LONG TO PLAY WITH YOUR HAIR” -Khalil Gibran This collection and editorial was inspired by the eternal freedom and beauty found in nature, and how we are not separate, but part of the universal whole. -Heidi Abra, Designer

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Photography: EMILIE ELIZABETH • Wardrobe Stylist: HEIDI ABRA • Stylist assistant: LIAT VEYSEY Hair and Makeup: DONNA GAST • Models: KALYN and BROOKE M @ Stars Model Management Production Designer: MELISA DOUGHERTY • Photo Assistants: CORINNE SCHIAVONE, ADRIAN ESPINOZA *All clothing by HEIDI ABRA 33

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TIME

Australian

LUXURY AT ITS BEST WRITTEN AND CREATED BY MARK NORRIS

WHEN YOU THINK OF LUXURY WATCHES, THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE USUALLY ISN’T OUR FIRST PORT OF CALL FOR MARKETPLACES. THE SWISS HERITAGE, AND GLAMOROUS VISARD THAT ENGULFS WESTERN EUROPEAN WATCHMAKERS, DISTRACT THE MAJORITY OF CONSUMERS AWAY FROM ANY OTHER OFFERINGS. BUT DARE TO LOOK OUTSIDE OF THIS BOUNDARY, AND YOU’LL FIND A GEM, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF AUSTRALIA; ERROYL.

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The brand, established in 2014 by Wes Knight, has achieved incredible success in such a short space of time, pitching up against such mighty mechanical rivals; their offering is nothing short of exquisite.

ERROYL started as a kickstarter project, with great success, their watches have now been sold in more than 37 countries worldwide, and with Europe being one of their strongest markets.

Inspired by minimalist ideologies, the brand takes pride in attracting new and established collectors alike, and has done extremely well to forge its own brand identity in such a short space of time.

Attention-to-detail, and impeccable product material, make ERROYL watches a real pleasure to wear. For me, when looking at a watch to buy, it’s not just about the status of the brand on my wrist, its about the aesthetics, and feel, and quality of the product upon touch, and an overall aura that the brand has, from delivery, through to initial wear, and proposed durability. It’s also about owning something a little different to everyone else, something that stands out, but in an elegant way, something that will open up a conversation, a talking point around dinner, something that will migrate away from the norm.

ERROYL certainly does all of these things, and more.

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THE REGENT COLLECTION New to 2016, is one of my favorite timepieces from their range; The Regent Collection. The collection introduces a triple date complication to the stable of ERROYL watches. The Regent Collection takes it’s cue from the Heritage Collection with a polished rose gold plated bezel and case providing a rich and vibrant lustre, perfectly sized at 42mm to accommodate the day and month sub-dials. The tapering lugs, our signature dauphine hands and the Italian crazy horse (saddle) leather strap add the finishing touches to an eye-catching design.

designed rose gold stamped case back, the Regent Aurum is fittingly presented in a luxury wooden presentation box.

Available for delivery this month, the Regent Collection promises to be one of ERROYL’s most popular timepieces since their launch. For more information on The Regent Collection, and any other timepiece from ERROYL, take the time to browse their online presence.

www.erroyl.com Instagram: @erroylwatchcompany Twitter: @erroylwatchco Facebook: erroylwatchcompany

REGENT AURUM In particular, the Regent Aurum, a personal favorite, features a white sunray dial with a unique guilloché concentric circle design. The dial is decorated with rose gold plated applied stainless steel hour markers and is made even more striking by the white recessed day and month sub-dials.

The Regent Aurum is powered by the Japanese Miyota Cal. 9122 movement with more than 40 hour power reserve, providing reliability and functionality.

Featuring scratch resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the underside and an exquisitely

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TRAVEL

Globetrotter Bliss at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

BY DEE TRILLO Senior Lifestyle and Travel Editor| Dee@BelloMag.com| @HauteFrugalista

THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY MEXICO IS ONE OF THE MOST VISITED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD AND AFTER VISITING RIVIERA MAYA, I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO EXPERIENCE IT ALL FOR MYSELF. THE RUINS OF TULUM ARE NOTHING SHORT OF MAGNIFICENT. THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE MAYANS IS EMBEDDED IN EVERY STONE. THE VIEWS OF THE OCEAN FROM THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS, CONNECTING YOU WITH A MYSTERIOUS PAST. THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO STAY THAN GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA ALLINCLUSIVE RESORT.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya aerial view

This resort can easily take the numberone spot as the best all-inclusive luxury and eco-conscious property, something that very few have accomplished. Their commitment to sustainability and preserving the richness of the jungle is setting them apart, and making a difference in the environment by having a positive impact in the community.

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Grand Velas Riviera Maya is set on more than 200 acres of jungle and is comprised of three different sections scattered throughout the property.

Each one has a theme and offers something different to fit the plans of avid travelers, honeymooners, or families. I loved that they all have their own decorated lobbies to suit the style,

five-star gourmet restaurants allegoric to the area and gorgeous pools so you feel at home regardless where you decide to stay.

It is a true all-inclusive indulgence.

You can drink, dine, dive and dance at your heart’s desires without having to deal with added costs. The best part is 38

Grand class suite at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

that all accommodations include the same superb service, in-room dining, amenities, and fully stocked minibars which can be customized if there are children or any Nesquik double chocolate milk lovers.

Having fun does not mean leaving the resort. The Koi Bar located in the Zen section has an indoor and outdoor area where you can dance to the rhythm of trendy songs or classics played by a live DJ, and follow routines from videos streamed onto a wall-to-wall screen.

It turns into a nightclub or sports bar perfect for any occasion. You can also enjoy the Aqua Bar while lounging in the pool or grab a glass of champagne before taking a walk down the beach to watch the sunset.

by lush trees. As if that wasn’t enough, it has a natural cenote that is home to beautiful fishes and turtles.

foosball and pool tables, and a karaoke nightclub that could make any adult jealous.

For families with children, the Ambassador suites at Grand Velas Riviera Maya are best because they are central to all the restaurants and the beach, as well as the coolest area in the whole resort: the teen club! Trust me, this is one place kids would love. State of the art video game booths including Xbox and PlayStation consoles, interactive 3D experiences,

Then there is the Grand Class Adult-Only Oceanfront suites. If you are seeking the ultimate intimate and romantic beach experience, then this will be your Agua de Jamaica. Let’s begin with the fact that it has a large jacuzzi which is ideal for any scenario, double sinks to avoid the counter sharing madness- we all know how crazy it can get between makeup and hot tools- and an amazing

WORTHY OF SLEEPING BEAUTY: For those seeking to reconnect with Mother Nature and hoping to experience the Mayan jungle up close, I would recommend the Zen section. This area has some of my favorite things: the spa and the most gorgeous pool layout I have seen. The kind that is perfect for an outdoor wedding, on top of a bridge in the middle of the water, surrounded 39

Teens club at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

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rain shower that will transport you back to the jungle.

As you pass the living room and the plushiest bed you will lay your head on, you will find the crown of the suite: a spectacular balcony section with swimout jacuzzi, lounging furniture, and unblocked views of the crystal clear waters and white sand beach. It does not get any better than this.

AWAKEN YOUR SOUL: I have to admit: I have a weakness for spas. They are the place where I’m able to relax, recharge my energies and get pampered. If you are not a fan of those things, then you must be cold inside! The spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is truly a sanctuary for the body and soul. A retreat from the noise and hectic life; where problems can be left behind, even if for a couple of hours.

From the moment you walk in, you begin to absorb the feeling of harmony and wellness and get in touch with your senses.

Begin your day with a water journey. The spa has some of the best experience showers around, from the Color Therapy Steam, to a clay room and an ice room, each charmingly decorated with glass stones in various colors

Terrace with private pool ambassador presidential suite at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

and temperatures adjusted to your preference. The pools inside the area are not only beautiful, but feature an added decompressing area. Warm and cold water, walkways with pebbles, waterfalls, jets, and whirlpools turn the visit into a ceremony.

Another thing I loved about the spa is that it pays tribute to healing techniques from all around the world, while honoring ancient Mayan and Aztec practices. My top picks are the Ayurvedic Hot Stone Massage, the Mediterranean Citrus Body Wrap, the Velas Fish Therapy, and the Mayan Ritual and Massage. The latter is a

full experience to align your energies and uniting the body, mind and soul into one. It begins with a traditional Mayan ritual that consists of using the elements – water, fire, earth and air- to release negative energies and prepare the spirit for deep relaxation. It finishes with a full therapeutic massage that will help your body get rid of toxins and stress and your mind go silent.

FOODIE NIRVANA: Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the ultimate destination for the food connoisseur.

This position was cemented further with their Best of France Tour event,

Grand Velas Riviera Maya Uxmal pyramid

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Grand Velas Riviera Maya infinity pool at night ambassador ambiance

an all-gourmet weekend gathering were renowned Maîtres Cuisiniers de France Chefs Christian Têtedoie, Claude Le-Tohic, Claude Godard and Michele Mustière were invited to create 10-course dining experiences at Piaf to merge the Mexican and French cuisine and bring a distinct flavor to the concept of all-inclusive menus.

This, among many other things, sets the resort apart from any other. Each gourmet restaurant, bistro and pool bar uses locally-sourced produce, in addition to having an extensive menu all guests can enjoy. The dishes were succulent, sumptuous, visually inspiring and very creative. Nothing

else could be expected from a team of chefs that have a combined 12 Michelin stars among them.

Speaking with each chef pushed me to analyze my eating habits and the American food culture. Between the super-sized offerings and BBQ-it-all practices, it came to mind the idea that we have forgotten to enjoy a meal more for its nutritional value rather than the amount of consumption. We are so occupied with our busy lives that we forget the repercussions of what we consume can be detrimental to our health. That is why it is recommended to have a balanced diet and think about what we are eating before doing so.

Piaf traditional french cuisine at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

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Lucky for visitors, all plates are made with fresh ingredients that are in synchronization with the environment.

Since I’m a huge foodie, it is a bit hard to choose my favorite dishes from the array of delicious options I tasted, but here are a few. Lucca has an amazing oil bar which takes each meal to another level. From chili and basil to rosemary, there is something for even the pickiest palate.

At Cocina de Autor, my favorites were the grouper with tapioca and rice crispy, the New Zealand lamb with dates, the plantains with truffle mushroom, and trout with avocado and pork on top in a sugar lime vodka marination. At Frida, everything was amazing, but the scallops with pork rinds and aguachiles in green apples were beyond delightful.

Not to mention their tequila and mezcal tasting menu, where you can delight in Añejo 1800, which stays in American barrels for a minimum of 3 years. Do not skip the dessert bar at Azul. Their Mexican-style appetizers and Three Milks Cake are mouthwatering.

From beaches to jungle, if you want a bucket list vacation, this is the place to choose. To book your stay or for more information on the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort, visit www.GrandVelas.com January 2016 - BELLO

JACKET TED BAKER TURTLENECK T ALEXANDER WANG AT BLOOMINGDALE’S CENTURY CITY SKIRT ALEXA CHUNG FOR AG AT BLOOMINGDALE’S CENTURY CITY RING AMARILO

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TRAVEL

Ruth Kearney Dream-Girl Next Door PHOTOGRAPHY JOSH REED

WORDS BY MICHELLE GANNEY

DUBLIN ACTRESS RUTH KEARNEY IS CARVING OUT QUITE THE NAME FOR HERSELF IN LOS ANGELES. HAVING VISITED CALIFORNIA HER ENTIRE LIFE, RUTH ADMITS SHE FEELS RATHER AT HOME HERE. THE IRISHBORN BEAUTY HAS JUST LANDED A ROLE OPPOSITE COMEDY GENIUS WILL ARNETT IN THE UPCOMING NETFLIX SERIES “FLAKED” WHERE SHE PLAYS THE BEAUTIFUL AND INTRIGUING WAITRESS, ‘LONDON’.

You are set to appear in the highly anticipated “Flaked” on Netflix this year. What can you tell me about this series?

It’s a dramedy set in Venice beach. I loved the script because it felt different to anything I’d read or seen out there.

It has some really serious and sad real moments that are mixed in with humour that perfectly capture some of the deeper complexities of human relationships.

What was it like working alongside the talented and hilarious Will Arnett?

I loved working with Will, he was such a positive force on set, very supportive of us all and hilarious.

In what ways would you say you relate to your character, ‘London’?

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I think that I relate to London’s sense of adventure and curiosity. She has a strong sense of going after what she believes in. There are other parts to her that were less relatable to me but I found really interesting to explore.

Do you have a dream co-star that you’d like to work with in the future?

For me, part of the reason this job is so great is the fact that you constantly get to work with different people all the time. To have fun and laugh on set is such a bonus so just to have a co-star who I have a good time with is the main thing.

You have your very own fan page on Instagram dedicated to you and your work as an actress. Would you ever want to have your own social media account?

It’s not something I’ve really thought about setting up. I think I’d spend too long over thinking anything I was about to post. I prefer to keep some things just for me.

You’ve been busy filming “Flaked” in Los Angeles so it must have been nice to have a little time off over the holidays. How did you spend Christmas and New Year?

It was an intense shoot but so fun. I did enjoy having some down time after we finished. Christmas and New Years has been all about seeing family and friends back in London that I miss while I’m away. And being Irish, there were definitely a few drinks involved!

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TOP ASILIO SKIRT KOROVILAS JEWELRY AMARILO SUNGLASSES JONATHAN ADLER

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BLOUSE LAN JAENICKE PANTS RAG & BONE AT BLOOMINGDALE’S CENTURY CITY JACKET ALICE & OLIVIA AT BLOOMINGDALE’S CENTURY CITY RINGS AMARILO

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TOP AND SKIRT RACHEL ZOE AT BLOOMINGDALE’S CENTURY CITY SHOES OFFICE OF ANGELA SCOTT SOCKS TOPSHOP JACKET ELIZABETH & JAMES AT BLOOMINGDALE’S CENTURY CITY

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BLOUSE LAN JAENICKE PANTS RAG & BONE AT BLOOMINGDALE’S CENTURY CITY JACKET ALICE & OLIVIA AT BLOOMINGDALE’S CENTURY CITY

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TOP ASILIO SKIRT KOROVILAS JEWELRY AMARILO SHOES OFFICE OF ANGELA SCOTT SUNGLASSES JONATHAN ADLER

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BLOUSE DISTRICT VEST TART COLLECTIONS PANTS J BRAND AT BLOOMINGDALE’S CENTURY CITY JEWELRY AMARILO

Photography JOSH REED www.joshreed.com • Styling TAYLOR SHERIDAN www.taylorstylist.com/ Makeup NICOLE WALMSLEY at the Wall Group • Hair BOBBY ELIOT at Tomlinson Management Group 49

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COVER STORY

Lala Music To Women’s Ears.

WORDS BY MICHELLE GANNEY PHOTOS BY ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC

IT IS SO REFRESHING TO SEE IN TODAY’S CRUMBLING SOCIETY, WOMEN SUPPORTING AND PRAISING EACH OTHER IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY – IT IS SUCH A RARE BUT IMPERATIVE THING. THE MULTIFACETED ACTRESS, AUTHOR, TELEVISION PERSONALITY AND BUSINESSWOMAN, LALA ANTHONY, GRACES THE BELLO COVER THIS WEEK FOR OUR FASHION EDITION, HOWEVER THERE IS MUCH MORE TO THIS TALENTED WOMAN THAN MEETS THE EYE.

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DRESS SANYAE DEMURE NECKLACE ISHARYA

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DRESS MAC DUGGAL

(AVAILABLE AT: HTTPS://WWW.MACDUGGAL.COM)

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“The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet” - Mohadesa Najumi

This quote absolutely encapsulates Lala’s view on women and is the precise notion that inspired her to write ‘The Love Playbook’, which rose to # 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list. The premise of the book is to encourage women to believe in themselves and to not look to others for acceptance or recognition. “People always have questions about relationships, about love and some young women suffer from low self esteem letting men control them and manipulate them, so I thought it was the perfect time to write a book to all women but especially young women. The book really talks about building up your self-esteem, loving yourself before trying to be in a relationship. That’s the primary message of the book, I was really proud of it.”

More than just being an international sensation, the book had a deeper and more meaningful significance to LaLa. “What really got to me were people saying that this book had changed their lives. They were saying things like ‘I was in an abusive relationship, this book gave me the strength and the tools to get out of it’ or you know ‘I never thought I was pretty and this book made me feel good about myself’.

Those were the comments I really got bombarded with that mean more to me than anything. It was so interesting to see how the book uplifted them, that was the part that made it successful for me, not because it sold a lot of books but because I really felt like it changed people’s lives”.

LaLa is just one of the many females in the entertainment world who have ignited a wave of enthusiasm and appreciation amongst other women.

With so much love and admiration for her fellow female actors and credit to their work, LaLa is quick to steal Emma Watson’s feminist crown. “I just absolutely love Kerry Washington and 53

Viola Davis, I think they’re amazing.

Gabrielle [Union] like you mentioned, amazing amazing! I just love Amy Schumer, I love what she’s doing, and I would love to do something with her.

I love Lena [Dunham] from HBO the series ‘Girls’. I have a very long list of very different personalities and talent that I’d love to work with”.

However, there is one woman in particular who LaLa would love to share the screen with again; Gabrille Union, “I would love that! [To work with her].

It’s not in the works yet but that would be amazing. I mean she has this show ‘Being Mary Jane’ on BET that just got picked up. She’s amazing at what she does and being that we’re friends, I do think it would be really cool to do something again. Maybe we can put that energy out there and try to get something going”.

As well as being an actress, author and businesswoman, LaLa also holds a title that surpasses all, being a Mum. It seems her adorable son, Kiyan, doesn’t fancy following in her footsteps just yet though. “He’s all about going to school and playing sports. Basketball is his favourite thing, right now that’s his passion. He hasn’t really caught the acting bug, he likes the other side of it, setting up the camera and pressing record. I think he’s like any other athletic 8-year-old boy who likes sports and just having fun. He loves basketball but there’s no pressure for him to follow in his father’s footsteps.

We want him to be healthy and athletic and do activities”.

2016 is already shaping up to be a pretty successful year for LaLa so fans will no doubt be excited to see her in a new light when ‘Double Play’, directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, is released later this year. “The film is set in an island in the Caribbean. I got to go out there which was an amazing experience to January 2016 - BELLO

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JUMPSUIT SANYAE DEMURE NECKLACE + EARRINGS + RINGS AMARILO CUFF FABIO V

even get to go to such a beautiful island and shoot the movie. I actually play a prostitute but it’s not just about playing this sexy prostitute, it’s the story about how I got to this place to become what I am. It’s a lot more about that than just ‘oh I’m a prostitute,’ there’s a deeper story there. I’m really excited to bring that to life and there are so many great actors and actresses too. I think it’s going to be really special”.

LaLa credits her successful ventures and amazing family to her positive yet realistic approach to life. “I love to say ‘happiness is an inside job’, that’s one of my favourite quotes. Also, ‘love yourself from the inside out’. These are two very similar quotes that I live by.

At the end of the day it all starts with loving ourselves and both those quotes reflect that. That’s what I live my life by and try to tell women and especially young girls, not to look to others for validation but that it has to start with yourself”.

If you’re missing LaLa from your TV screens then fear not as she is currently starring on ‘Unforgettable’, which airs on Friday nights at 8pm on A&E. She also has another TV appearance on the horizon. “Late spring, early summer the third season of ‘Power’ the hit TV show from the Starz network will come back on and I’m also a part of that”.

A genuine all-rounder in every sense of the word. Like I said, there’s much more to LaLa than meets the eye.

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Photography ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC Art direction AMANDA PEIXOTO-ELKINS • Styling APUJE KALU (Jillian Babbit from Exclusive) Makeup by RENNY VASQUEZ for Basic White Shirt, LTD./CESAR RAMIREZ for MIZANI powered by crowdMGMT.com Hair CESAR RAMIREZ for MIZANI powered by crowdMGMT.com Special thanks to CHAD SCHOLLMEYER and HQ Avalon Studios 59

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