Getting to Know 'Orange is the New Black's' Selenis Leyva

We are such big fans of Orange is the New Black. Tell us about your role and how you landed it.

I play the feisty, sassy Gloria Mendoza. I got called in by casting director Jen Euston, to read for another role on the show. I didn’t book that one, but got a call a couple weeks later offering me Gloria.

The show is breaking boundaries both with Netflix and the content. Were you nervous for the show to debut on Netflix? Are you surprised by the reaction?

I wouldn’t say I was nervous about it debuting on Netflix. I just didn’t know what to expect. I knew Jenji Kohan had amazing success with Weeds, so I knew it was going to be pretty good. But this entire experience on this show and the critical acclaim and audience reaction has been an amazing and lovely surprise!

As you may know, we are a fashion magazine and we hear you recently attended some New York Fashion Week shows. How was it?

Fashion week is always so magical! One of my favorite things that happens in NY. I had to work every day of this year’s fashion week! I am not complaining! I did get to attend some parties and meet great designers. I attended Theia’s presentation and loved it! I love fashion! Meeting designers recently has been a huge perk this show has given me! I’ve also worn amazing dresses thus far on red carpet events. HEAVEN!

On the show your character doesn’t get to show off much personal fashion sense. How would you describe your personal style?

I am not afraid to switch things up, in fact, I have to. My style varies along with my mood. I am not afraid of prints I adore them. Recently, I met Nikki Poulos and I was immediately drawn to her use of color and patterns. I love clean lines and subtle looks as well. I love it all. Edgy, sexy, clean, smart, sophisticated, kick ass, fun, all words that sum up what I look for at any given time when matching what I feel to what I wear!

Who are some of your favorite designers? Favorite trend?

I am a huge fan of BCBG, I adore Valentino, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang,Theia, Lipsky, Calvin Klein, Carmen Marc Valvo. They are all amazing! I could go on and on! As far as trends I love maxi dresses and adore leather. For me, a form fitting white blouse paired with jeans or pencil skirt is always right too!

Within your career, you must have had some long days on set. If you could only bring one beauty product out of your trailer to have on you, what would it be?

Bring that powder! Too much shine on any face doesn’t work! haha

Regarding Fashion, who was your favorite role to play to date, and why?

I did the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and that was just lovely! I played a detective and wore the most amazing burberry trench coat! The fit was divine!

What is next for you?

We are working on season 2 for OITNB. I worked on two films recently, St Vincent de Van Nuys and Living with The Dead premiering in the near future.

Follow Selenis on Twitter @Selenis_Leyva