The Model Issue

THAN A MODEL

The Lev el 21t eam Publisher & Chief Executive Officer Tempestt Harris (CEO)

Writers

Chief Operating Officer/ Editor In Chief

Desi Helm

Maresa Scott (COO) Chief Financial Officer

Contributing writer Marage Blakeney

Anitra Scott (CFO)

Co-Editor Intern

Creative Director

Shannon Rawley

Michael Lopez

Writer Intern

Writer

Chris Lewis Administrative Staff Marketing Dane Prince Sales Executive

Blogger/ Journalist Intern Kaitlin Booe Victoria Calamusa Photography

Anitra Scott Sales

Antoinne Duan Jones

Michelle Mitchell

Laurence Logan-The T.Z Studio Todd Youngblood

Graphic Design

Glen Byrd- Photo X Words

Layout Designer Antoine Boderick

Videography Toussaint Studios-Emmanuel Toussaint

Graphic Design(Intern) Vanessa Mccorkle

Public Relations

Adriann Risk

Pac Public Relations

Fashion

Digital

Stylist

Level21 Media LLC.

Jerry Thompson

Yumpu

Style and Wardrobe Contributor

Wribits

Jekia Benson Makeup Artist

Contributor

Alexis Washington April Hill

Shartiera Wilkerson Contributor/ Correspondent

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A Quick Note It?s here! Our penultimate issue of the year is finally here, and Team Level21 is excited to share it with you. ?More than a MODEL? is not just an issue, though, but a movement to humanize an industry steeped in perfection and vanity. It?s an edition reflective of its subject matter. The words printed on the cover ?s background reflect the good, the bad, and the ugly concepts that models of all different shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds hear daily. They are words that have come to define their public reputation, but we here at Level21 know there is much more to each and every model than just a pretty face. With photography by Pierre JWalker and Laurence Logan, this double cover issue features Dylan Foster, an up and coming model who moved from North Carolina to New York with nothing but courage, blossoming models, Abigale Allen and Tara Nichole, from right here in the Queen City! We also bring you Fuzion Force Dance Studio, infusing dance and fashion! We hope you enjoy all the stories and editorials inside. And if they leave you thirsting for more, then please join us for more on November 1, 2017 as we go further beneath the surface with some on-camera interviews with a few models featured in this issue. #TeamLevel21

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photo by @jseasphotos. MUA: @zjglam. Model: Tara Nichole

Photographer & Stylist/Wardrobe: April Allison Model: Jinna Kim Hair & Makeup: April Allison

Ashley R. Wright Photographer: Denise Benson of Denise Benson Photography Make up: Whitney Seabrook of Enhanced Beauty by Whitney Hair: Ereiol Gamble of Noir Luxe Beauty Bar, LLC Cut: Flowe Da Barber of Da Lucky Spot Barbershop

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Model: Michelle Peralta Lance Andrews Photographer: In Vogue Photography

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MarQues Woolford

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www.website.com

Photographer/Creative Director - Christopher Smalls IG- @casmallsdesign Model - Justin Small IG- @I_am_justino His agency is Westhaven International

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Photographer/Creative Director - Christopher Smalls IG- @casmallsdesign Model- Jashanta Brown IG- @jashantabrown MUA- Kwantarius Fuller IG- @Kwanfuller

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From t he St udio TO THE RUNWAY, and Back Again

By K ait lin Booe

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ife is full of transitions, and Miles McMillan knows a thing or two about them.You might recognize the model and artist from his bit in a recent Tommy Hilfiger ad with Gigi Hadid, or from red carpet

appearances alongside, actor Zachary Quinto (Star Trek ,American Horror Story, Heroes). But a little screen time and a few snapped photos hardly scratch the surface of a man who?s found himself in the nexus between art and fashion.

Photo: Credit

ELECTTA B EAU TY Be Real. Be Beautiful.

Be Naturally YOU. www.electtabeauty.com

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Ta'ra Nichole Meet our cover model Tara ' Nichole. A virgo, native to the Carolinas and fresh to the modeling scene who's ready to take fashion to a new level. Nichole's an experienced print model with a passion for editorial fashion and all things 'outside of the box'. You may have spotted this beauty in publications like ShuString Magazine and Catalyst Bridal; two unique publications that show Nichole's versatility as a freelance model. She's bold and doesn't shy from a crowd which was apparent as she lead Greensboro Fashion Week as a mannequin model. What makes Tara Nichole different is her willingness to do what it takes. Her determination is unmatched. She's willing to travel for shoots and is passionate about trying new techniques and styles which makes her a hot commodity in the fashion industry. Her long, naturally curly hair and bold personality brighten the dimmest rooms and make Tara Nichole a force to be reckoned with.

For booking contact: iamtara.nichole@yahoo.com.

Photographer: Wendy McCarty MUA: Jennie Carelock 24

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ae McKenzie was crowned the first USA Ms. Heels for Wheels (USA MHFW) October 31, 2015, in the Nation?s Capital. As USA MHFW her duties are to advocate for people with disabilities throughout the USA and afar, while empowering and inspiring others to excel in their lives. Being inclusive of community events, such as annual parades? will enable her to fulfill some of her duties.

Talathia was denied the opportunity to be a part of last year ?s parade; the reason given was the organizers of the Novant?s parade do not recognize pageant participants; yet Miss NC and Miss SC will be, and has always been allowed to take part in this annual community event.

Talathia is a native of Charlotte, NC, and North Carolinian's should be proud of her for her determination.

Credit:Change.org.

W ei ch er t Real tor s L K N Par tn er s w w w.M i ch ael M or r i son Real tor .com

Michael Morrison/Broker/Realtor Weichert, RealtorsÂŽ - LKN Partners 704-928-6404 www.michaelmorrisonrealtor.com mikezmorrison@gmail.com 736 Brawley School Rd Ste A Mooresville, NC 28117

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By Marage Blakeney

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Model: De'Onna Banks

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www.KBKollections.com

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FOSTER

FOSTERING DYLAN

By Kaitlin Booe

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n 2011, Matt Damon starred inWe Bought a Zoo, an inspiring and heartwarming film based on the book of the same name. In his portrayal of Benjamin Mee, Damon brought one of the book?s more famous quotes to the screen. ?You know,? he says, sitting next to his on-screen son, ?sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage.? For some, that twenty seconds of courage might be deciding to initiate a conversation, or getting back on the bike after taking a nasty spill, but for Dylan Foster, it encompassed a few different things. Namely, a decision to buy a plane ticket.

Admittedly, that in and of itself isn?t too difficult, but when you factor in the ticket was a one-way trip from North Carolina to New York City, that changes things a little bit. ?I didn?t have the necessary resources, didn?t have a lot of money, there wasn?t a planned-out trip. There wasn?t anything. I just did it. There was just one day I got up, bought a plane ticket and was just like, ?Okay, mom, I?m moving,?? Foster, nineteen, said. With very few, if any at all, contacts in the Big Apple, Foster had his work cut out for him. Networking proved to be a key factor as he made his way up the ladder from both the free work and freelancing that brought him to New York Fashion Week, where he not only starred in his first fashion show, but connected with us here at Level21.

By no means is Foster ?s modeling career over. It?s now been about four months

since he first arrived in New York City, but the progress he has made in such a short time only proved to us that there?s more to him than being labeled a model. Dylan Foster has a story to tell, and it?s one that resonates? or should resonate? with all of us. Team Level21 is simply excited to help him tell it.

Starting a career wasn?t Foster ?s only goal when he decided to move away from home. ?I honestly moved here to build my self-esteem up, build my confidence up, and learn to love myself. As conceited as that sounds, it?s key.? From his initial decision to move, throw away all the boundaries separating himself from what he wants, to the learning curves he?s faced so far, each and every experience has helped him along the way.?I was a freelance model, honestly,? he said when prompted for a reminder of where he was in his journey the last time he spoke with Level21. ?I had just starred in my first little fashion show during Fashion Week. I mean it was amazing that I even found it. It was exhilarating, this feeling that ?Hey, I moved here and look what I?m doing. I?m doing something. I?m taking the first steps.??

"All you need is twenty seconds of insane courage"

dreams no matter what. I think that no matter my situation, I believe that I can Those first steps have since opened a make it no matter the type of conflict ?There?s always handful of doors and, while Foster, I?m in. The best thing is that I?ve got a understandably, can?t disclose specifics, story. Everybody?s got their story, but I going to be but he has a few other magazine have a story: the story of how I started somebody features in the works? all of which believing in myself.? And in today?s you?ll be able to follow on his Instagram world full of the highlight reels and prettier than account once its reconstruction is depictions of constant, unrealistic you" finished:@dyligen t lem an, currently; perfection provided by a social media his username is subject to change. server near you, the acknowledgement that, while it?s hard work, actively of various struggles and journeys to These opportunities are more than pursuing your dreams and goals what he started with, though they may gained self-esteem and confidence is a does work. After all, Benjamin tale that can?t be told enough. not seem like huge breaks in such a Mee?s full quote goes like this: ?You large and competitive industry. That?s a Foster ?s story and his journey thus far know, sometimes all you need is 20 thought that, if dwelled upon too much, come with a message he?s excited to seconds of insane courage. Just can bring about feelings of insecurity: send back down south to us. ?It?s so literally twenty seconds of just ?There?s always going to be somebody funny that I moved to North Carolina, embarrassing bravery. And I prettier than you, there?s always going came to New York, and then met these promise you, something great will to be somebody that you think is better people from North Carolina. They?re come of it.? So, take twenty looking than you, there?s always going to be the first people to see that seconds and decide to buy your somebody that?s better at it than you, I?m doing okay, and I want that! I want (figurative) plane ticket because we whether they?re better looking or not. everybody down there to pick up what think Dylan?s doing pretty great.

But you can?t let that get to you, you they?re doing and do what they want; know? All of us have those moments of don?t stay in their little shells, don?t rot insecurity.? What matters and makes away. This generation might be the difference, Foster believes, is how whatever they say it is, but that doesn?t you deal with it. mean that there can?t be true dreamers, So, how does he deal with it? ?I think that I have the drive to push past my boundaries and go for my dreams no matter what. I think that no

there can?t be people who aspire to be greater, that there can still be golden people.?

His message is verified. He?s living proof

"But you can?t let that get to you"

Photographer: Laurence Logan Creative Director: Michael Lopez

Photographer:

Fuzion Force Dance Studio 'The Editorial'

Location:6233 Old Su gar Cr eek Rd, Ch ar lot t e, NC 28269

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Pierre Walker Designers: Shukura Oni Maurice Brow n Ecru Fashion Models: Jinna Kim Abigal Allen Tara Nichole Bre Shay Trot ter Alexis Foley Fiona Rose Dan n y William s Assan e Diem e Jor dan M it ze

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MUA/Hair: Paul Mitchell The School Charlotte Donna Anderson Glow Glam Brittany Butler Adorned by the Queen

Abigale Allen At only 17 years old ou r cover model, Abigale Allen found her passion. Now, four years into modeling, her dreams remain the same. Allen is determined to make these dreams reality with goals of traveling and exploring new ventures while working for brands like Victoria's Secret and Guess. But what drives Abigale Allen's passion for modeling? It's the opportunity to meet new people and explore different experiences. "It challenges you to become better and strive for something," said Allen when asked about what motivates her dreams of being a successful model.

One of her most notable take-aways is to be inspired by the competition. From her previous experience as a model, Allen understands that its easy to get intimated and question yourself and your capabilities when compared to others. She encourages aspiring models to let that intimidation motivate you to be the best you can be because you can always learn from your competition.

For booking : steve_allen35@aol.com

Creat ive Director- Michael Lopez and Publisher-Tempest t Harris Videographer-Emmanuel Toussaint

MAURICE BRO WN

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CLASS & STYLE B y Chr i st op her L ew i s

veryone, this is not a drill! Be on alert because fashion stylist and designer Maurice Brown is coming on the scene with fresh looks that will stimulate your eyes and mind. He got his start in the industry back in 2015 modeling clothes and walking in fashion shows for other fashion designers. He would often get compliments for his unique style while doing shows, which then further prompted him to sell some of the pieces he would wear and give styling tips to other people. Brown?s style is influenced mainly by combining contemporary clothing trends with vintage styles.

He grew up in the 80s, where he first recalls rocking a different style from most other people. Brown credits his individuality partially to his parents, who decided not to cut his afro in a time when high-top fades were all the rage. Later, though, he desired a high-top fade hairstyle himself to which he is thankful his parents did not object to the idea.

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JThompson(Model)#TeamLevel21 erry Maurice Brown Fashion Show

hen he is styling for a client, he likes to get into the client?s mind. He figures out what inspires them, as he doesn?t believe in forcing any particular style on someone. He wants everyone to explore their own unique style while he gives them tips that will help their individuality truly shine.

In the future, he wants to continue working with and promoting the Classic Man Boutique, a business that he recently opened up. In November, he is collaborating with a fashion show producer named Sabre, who raises money and awareness for Graves?disease, where he will style 10 guys who are working with Lord & Taylor as part of an upcoming show.

You can find Maurice Brown on Instagram @mauricemodel e-mail address mauricemodel@gmail.com , Facebook ?Maurice Brown.?

Thank you to Maurice Brown for sharing his story with us!

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Photographer is Dae Howerton of DaeoftheKlasix Jacket: H&M Shirt: Armani Exchange Pants: Classic Man Boutique SHoes: Converse Sunglasses: Stevie Boi Hairstylist: Keisha Chalet Barber: Jermaine Johnson of Nogrease Barbershop Inc

UP NEXT: THE KIDS ISSUE w it h level21 Contact us today t o f eat u r e you r ch ild!! in f o@level21m ag.com

Photography:Miranda Rivers Sleek Style Fashion Photography New York Society Fashion Week Designer: Jaylani's Boutique

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?I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet.? ? Carrie Bradshaw

Photographer: Todd Youngblood Model:Shante Waiters

Model Lindsey D. Rondell Lane or Media Lane Photo & Video. Greensboro,NC MUA:DusktoDawnCosmetics (Dawn) Greensboro,NC

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This shot is by photographer Paul Jensen from Shelby, NC ,Taken in the historic Dairy Queen located in Gastonia.

Model: Fiona Rose @fifi_girl

Mo del Wat ch

Bre'ShayTrotter @_breshyrelle

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Photographer Laurence Ta'Ziyah Logan. Hair: Flair connoisseur. Model : Whitney Armstrong

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Portrait Series

Peak Performance in Digital Artistry & Branding

Photographer: Laurence Logan www.thetzstudio.co/

Models: Left:Nupur Charyalu

Right:Tina Duong

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www.ecrufashion.com

Unisex appar el f o r t he mo der n mil l ennial .

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M odel:Tiffany Froehlich Shot on location in The Gold District neighborhood of Historic South End, Charlotte.

Upcycled fur vest by Fur Ever Fur exclusive collection available at Magnolia Emporium.

"Discover what curated shopping is all about!" 307 Lincoln St. Charlotte.

AMCONYC! A YEAR TO REMEMBER! # NYFW 2017

Official New York Fashion Week Level21 Coverage

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his was one of AMCONYC?S best years yet!!

Metallics were in this year and lots of color blocking decorated the streets, while the selections showcased on the runways were creative, colorful, and edgy. First up for Team Level21 was AMCONYC. Sponsored by Sacha Cosmetics and Aveda, AMCONYC welcomed 3,000 guests throughout their three-day event for emerging designers Maj Designs, Klad Apparel, Zula Studio, Bradelis New York, Nicole Bell, and Atelier Kate. ?Our vision is to nurture the future of fashion and foster emerging designers by offering the opportunity to reveal their unique designs and one-of-a-kind pieces,? AMCONYC founder, Adriana Marie, said in a press release. On the last day of their 2017 run, AMCONYC teamed up with Variety the Children?s Charity of New York, The Door, and FabScrap to put on a special show which featured original and sustainable designs. We were able to catch Nicole Bell?s show, which featured intense pops of vibrant color we are sure to see all next spring 2018! visit Amconyc?s website for more events!http://www.amconyc.com/ Photo Credit: Photo 1:Level21, Photo2:Badillo, Photo3:M ar k Joh n son, Photo4:Opia, Photo5:Th e Ru n w ay Au t h or it y

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Vict oria Rose int erviewing Designer Nicole Bell

Nicole Bell Design

"no w is t he t ime t o change o ur way o f t hinking"

Natasha Erwin the motivational speaker teaching a stronger self inspiring way of thinking to small or large groups. W ith so much prejudice, discrimination, poverty and educational needs, now is the time to change our way of thinking."I Set the Standards"

www.isetthestandards.com

Title: Destination, Desert Photographer: Hugo Fernando (@Hugofernando.m) Wardrobe: AndrĂŠ Hammonds (@All_About_Andre) Hair/Makeup: Elise Flores (@eflores95) Location: Joshua Tree, California Dress: Antidote LA (@AntidoteLA) Jewelry: Charlene K (@Charlenekstore)

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Antidote LA (@AntidoteLA) Jewelry: Charlene K Shoes: BCBG

MODEL WATCH

Assane Dieme @P.ASSANE_DIEME

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Model :Briannna Dedeaux IG: _bdedeaux Photography: Stacey La'Nor

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Model :CaMisha Yarbrough IG: Camisha.Tyana Photography: Stacey La'Nor

St ar t you r m odelin g Car eer w it h Level21 We will connect you,critique you,publish you, and guide you. Work with the BEST! Contact us today. www.level21mag.com or level21model@gmail.com

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