Tell
us which outfit was your favorite from the RUNWAY photo shoot?
There were so many amazing looks! I think the iridescent
bustier with the white skirt was my favorite! After I put it on and saw
everything together! It just felt so magical!
What
designers do you like? My favorite designers are Alexander McQueen and I love Oscar de la Renta’s
dresses! There’s actually a new fashion line called Situationist from the
Republic of Georgia that I’ve started to fall in love with! I love their fall
line!
Tell
us about your shoe and boot collection.
I’m all about boots! I love thigh high boots in all colors.
I’ve got long legs so I have a lot of room to let the boot shine without taking
away from my legs. For this shoot, I wore a lot of velvet boots because they
just look so great under lights and they feel so soft.
What
does a girl need in her purse at all times?
Besides
her coins… A good tinted lip gloss, and a pair of rockin shades!
What
kind of bass do you play?
I
play a Fender jazz bass! The sound gets booties shakin!
Who
inspires you?
The late great Prince inspires me. He was a great friend. I
loved his music, his spirit, and his shoes! I always wanted to borrow them!
What do
you do to unwind?
I love baths! Nothing gets me relaxed and in a happy mood
like a bath with lots of bubbles and good music. I also love to watch reruns of
Friends on Netflix
Tell
us about what’s planned next for you.
My wedding!!!! Some cool collaborations on my new album,
which comes out in the spring!!! And I am currently working on a documentary.
RUNWAY’s interview archive continues across generations of talent, including 2025 Summer cover girl Victory Van Tuyl on acting, creativity and her evolving career.
Every spring, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute in New York City transforms into the ultimate fashion exhibit: showcasing a broad range of celebrities as almost walking works of art for a Monday night event known as the “Met Gala”.
Guo Pei / China: Through the Looking Glass – Rihanna’s Met Gala, 2015. (Getty Images)
Taking place on the first Monday of May, spectators rangefrom fashion designers and journalists —to a worldwide social media audience that can’t help but marvel at the night’s extraordinary ensembles.
Cher and Paulette Betts, 1974. Theme: Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design. (Credit: Ron Galella/WireImage)
It’s a grand tradition, and Monday night’sevent was no exception; particularly because the theme was “camp.”
Met Gala, 2019: Cardi B (Getty Images)
No, not summer camp.
This year’s theme (in celebration of the museum’s new “Camp: Notes on Fashion” exhibit) was inspired by writer Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay “Notes on Camp.”
“It is not a natural mode of sensibility, if there be any such. Indeed the essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration,” Sontag wrote, and concluded, “The ultimate Camp statement: it’s good because it’s awful.”
Met Gala, 2019: Kylie Jenner & Kendall Jenner. (Getty Images)
From models, singers, actors, and even social media stars: Celebrities certainlymade statements on the Met Gala carpet this year! (05.06.19)
Here are five stunning looks from this year’s Met Gala (in no particular order):
Elmira Medins will have a suite in the second floor of Martinez, one of Cannes’ most emblematic palace from May 15th to May 23th 2019
Elmira Medins will have a suite in the second floor of Martinez, one of Cannes’ most emblematic palace from May 15th to May 23th 2019
House Off will improve its offer, giving the chance to celebrities to get a full package: borrowing a gown, shoes and accessories
To book an appointment with Elmira Medins please contact : William [email protected]– 0033637491139
House Off team will be present to welcome of celebrities and stylists, follow-up of product placements, receive the pieces back at Elmira Medins Martinez Show Room – Second FloorSPRING SUMMER COLLECTION 2019 THE EXCLUSIVE “RED CARPET COUTURE” COLLECTION For more information : [email protected]– 0033652805244Discover Elmira Medins Key Code & Creative Universe
For over two decades, the Black Eyed Peas topped chart after chart with their free-spirited, universal anthems – combining catchy lyrics, powerhouse vocals, and the ingenious mix of both electronica and hip-hop style beats.
Fergie, “My Humps,” and Fashion in Pop Culture
The award-winning music group have had a plethoraof songs topping the Billboard charts.
In fact, next year marks the Fifteenth Year anniversary of one of their most well-known, global hits:
“My Humps” (2005)
Though a fan-favorite that echoed from radio stations across the world with an outstanding Billboard reign, it receivedmuch backlash from music critics. This was said to be due to its “provocative lyrics” and the “exploitation of the female body”.
However, if you actually listen to what Stacy Ferguson, known as “Fergie”, explains throughout the upbeat song – it is quite the opposite..
The song explains how superficial men chase women.
Mesmerized by the woman’s assets, he’s almost under a spell.
“Get You Love Drunk Off My Humps.”
He can’t help but buy her expensive jewelry, bags, designer clothes, etc. – thinking this will make her give in to him.
However, the woman does not ask for these gifts.
“I say no but they keep giving.”
She also cannot be bought.
“You can look but you can’t touch or I’m a start some drama.”
“So don’t pull on my hand boy, you ain’t my man boy, I’m just trying to dance boy..”
If anything, it’s exposing a certain type of manin our society without being too serious. After all, she still accepts all of the lavish gifts, so no one is truly innocent here.
As we take a look into the lyrics of the popular Black Eyed Peas song…
Fergie goes on to mention the names of a few designers and clothing lines, all in which the boys are willing to buy for her —and were top notch during the time of the song’s release.
Can you name all five brands she mentions from the 2005 song?
The Five Fashion Brands Named in “My Humps”
1. Dolce & Gabbana
The first name on the list is certainly befitting.
The brand – founded in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana – has remained one of the top fashion houses across the globe.
Although the once couple are no longer together romantically, they still remain in business – owning one of the most well-known brands in the world.
As of 2019, Dolce & Gabbana has an estimated company net worth of $1.14BillionUSD.
Keep up with the brand’s latest collections on Instagram.
2. Fendi
As the eldest brand on the list, Fendi will come to celebrate its 95th birthday next year!
As of 2019, Fendi is both a favorite of the couture runways and popular amongst the mainstream fashion world – as celebrities and fashion lovers alike sport the brand on a regular basis.
From pants, to sneakers, to boots, bags, sweaters, and even baby strollers – Fendi’s famous print can be found on a number of items, making it one of the most iconic fashion brands of today.
3. Donna Karan
Donna Karan is a fashion designer known for her comfortable, simple – yet elegant clothing. She gained notoriety with collections designed to give businesswomen an alternative to traditional business suits.
DKNY (Donna Karan New York) was founded in 1984 by Donna Karan.
Karan had launched DKNY as a women’s collection called Seven Easy Pieces that could translate easily from day to night. It was revolutionary at the time – due to the fact that women could wear something to work and then straight out at night.
The brand was highly profitable. So much so, in 2000, the brand along with Donna Karan’s mainstay line, sold to LVMH for $450 million.
Since, DKNY has confirmed that the it’s been sold to G-III Apparel Group for $650 million.
Seven7 Jeans, an abbreviation of 7 for All Mankind, is an American denim brand founded by Michael Glasser, Peter Koral, and Jerome Dahan in 2000. Their headquarters was in Vernon, California.
They began by designing women’s jeans. A men’s jeans line was introduced in fall 2002, and its Children Denim Collection for boys and girls in fall 2005. 7 for All Mankind also produces other clothing items such as skirts, shorts, and denim jackets.
The denim collection uses various pocket embroidery designs. The signature logo is found on their various styles. Their A-pocket jean consists of an A stitched on the pocket, at times even incorporating Swarovski Crystals. The Dojo jean consists of a 7 on the pocket, the Kate features V-shaped embroidery.
However, it is not always possible to determine the cut or fit by the pocket design alone.
Although no longer considered a top brand of today, the denim wear can still be purchased from a variety of stores and websites including their own official website.
5. True Religion
“In 2002, True Religion emerged onto the Los Angeles denim scene by blowing up the construction of the classic five-pocket jean. Industry-standard sewing machines couldn’t handle our designs, so we broke them apart and rebuilt them to produce our one-of-a-kind vision. With its five-needle thread attwo-stitch-per-inch process, our Super T stitch was instantly recognized for style that was unlike any other denim brand in the world.”
Under new owners, True Religion has recently been under construction. In attempts to reinvent itself, the latest 2019 campaign placed supermodel Bella Hadid as the face of the brand’s comeback.
The company is known for its signature jeans with a horseshoe printed on each of the pant’s back pockets.
To stay up to date with all things True Religion – visit their official Instagram.
The brands named in this story connect to a larger fashion-house lineage. For more context on the designers shaping celebrity wardrobes, see the Designers Hub.
You looked excited for your Runway Magazine
shoot, tell us about your favorite look?
I loved the red oversized dress with the yellow glasses, I felt
very Posh Spice.
Who is your favorite designers for red carpet?
Recently I’ve been loving Bronx and Banco! Their dresses are so unique
and detailed, they always make me feel like a princess.
Tell us about your personal style?
It’s very East Coast. My color scheme tends to be really dark. I like
wearing black, gray, white, and red. I live in leather, sweatpants, and
hoodies. Sneakers are my life. My personal style is very laid back and
sporty.
What is like on the set of a soap opera?
It’s incredible! The pace we work at is so fast, which makes it feel very
professional but in the coolest way possible. Everyone is always smiling and
laughing but we always get our work done.
Tell us about your funniest moment on set?
I forgot to shave my legs the night before I had to wear a mini skirt.
The funny part was me frantically shaving my legs in my dressing room sink as
they were calling my name for set. It was a private moment, but I wish I had it
recorded. The look on my face was priceless.
What kind of music do you like?
Every kind. But I primarily listen to Hip-hop, rock music, and classic
80’s tunes.
Got any pets?
I have one Miniature Schnauzer named Lola. She acts like a
bunny/goat/puppy hybrid. She’s an angel.
Tell us about your favorite shoes?
My black thigh high boots by Vince. I’ve worn them every day for the past
week. If I could sleep in them I would.
What is like filming a horror movie? Were you
ever scared on set for real?
I was never scared when we were filming because I knew it wasn’t real.
However, there was this one moment where our director was showing me clips off
of his phone while a scary clown stood right behind me so that when I turned
around I would get frightened. It worked.
Tell us about your family and growing up?
My family means everything to me. Growing up with European parents in
America was interesting because I learned European customs from them while
learning American customs from my friends at school. I liked having a different
world at home. It made me feel special.
What stresses you out the most on set?
Honestly, the process of getting my hair and makeup done. I don’t know
why but I always get restless. I guess it’s just because I’m so eager to
work.
What advice would you give to people who are
camera shy?
Pretend it’s not there. Transport yourself to another world, and try to
truly believe it.
A Star Is Born BlacKkKlansman Green Book Roma Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody The Favourite Vice
Best Director
Alfonso Cuarón, Roma Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman Adam McKay, Vice Yorgos Lanthimos, The Favourite Pawel Pawlikowski, Cold War
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Glenn Close, The Wife Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born Olivia Colman, The Favourite Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me? Yalitza Aparicio, Roma
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Christian Bale, Vice Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born Viggo Mortensen, Green Book Willem Dafoe, At Eternity’s Gate
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk Amy Adams, Vice Emma Stone, The Favourite Marina de Tavira, Roma Rachel Weisz, The Favourite
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Mahershala Ali, Green
Book
Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman
Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Sam Elliott, A Star Is Born
Sam Rockwell, Vice
Best Original Song
“All the Stars” from Black Panther “I’ll Fight” from RBG “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from Mary Poppins Returns “Shallow” from A Star Is Born “When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings” from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Best Original Screenplay
The Favourite First Reformed Green Book Roma Vice
Best Adapted Screenplay
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs BlacKkKlansman Can You Ever Forgive Me? If Beale Street Could Talk A Star Is Born
Best Original Score
Black Panther BlacKkKlansman If Beale Street Could Talk Isle of Dogs Mary Poppins Returns
Best Foreign Language Film
Cold War Roma Shoplifters Capernaum Never Look Away
Best Animated Feature Film
Incredibles 2 Isle of Dogs Mirai Ralph Breaks the Internet Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Best Documentary Feature
Free Solo Hale County This Morning, This Evening Minding the Gap Of Fathers and Sons RBG
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Border Mary Queen of Scots Vice
Best Costume Design
Ballad of Buster Scruggs Black Panther The Favourite Mary Poppins Returns Mary Queen of Scots
Best Production Design
Black Panther The Favourite First Man Mary Poppins Returns Roma
Best Cinematography
Cold War The Favourite Never Look Away Roma A Star Is Born
Best Sound Editing
Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody First Man A Quiet Place Roma
Best Sound Mixing
Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody First Man Roma A Star Is Born
Best Film Editing
BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody The Favourite Green Book Vice
Best Animated Short Film
Animal Behaviour Bao Late Afternoon One Small Step Weekends
Best Documentary Short Subject
Black Sheep End Game Lifeboat A Night at the Garden Period. End of Sentence.
Best Visual Effects
Avengers: Infinity War Christopher Robin First Man Ready Player One Solo: A Star Wars Story
“Unapologetically,” Kelsea Ballerini”Port Saint Joe,” Brothers Osborne”Girl Going Nowhere,” Ashley McBryde”Golden Hour,” Kacey Musgraves *WINNER“Volume 2,” Chris Stapleton
Album of the year
“Invasion of Privacy,” Cardi B”By the Way, I Forgive You,” Brandi Carlile”Scorpion,” Drake”H.E.R.,” H.E.R.”Beerbongs & Bentleys,” Post Malone”Dirty Computer,” Janelle Monae”Golden Hour,” Kacey Musgraves *WINNER“Black Panther: The Album,” Featuring Kendrick Lamar
Record of the year
“I Like It,” Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin”The Joke,” Brandi Carlile”This is America,” Childish Gambino *WINNER“God’s Plan,” Drake”Shallow,” Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper”All The Stars,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA”Rockstar,” Post Malone feat. 21 Savage”The Middle,” Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey
Song of the year
“All The Stars,” Kendrick Duckworth, Mark Spears, Al Shuckburgh, Anthony Tiffith and Solana Rowe”Boo’d Up,” Larrance Dopson, Joelle James, Ella Mai, and Dijon McFarlane”God’s Plan,” Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Brock Korsan, Ron Latour, Matthew Samuels and Noah Shebib.”In My Blood,” Teddy Geiger, Scott Harris, Shawn Mendes and Geoffrey Warburton”The Joke,” Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth”The Middle,” Sarah Aarons, Jordan K. Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Marcus Lomax, Kyle Trewartha, Michael Trewartha and Anton Zaslavski”Shallow,” Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt”This Is America,” Donald Glover and Ludwig Göransson *WINNER
Best new artist
Chloe X HalleLuke CombsGreta Van FleetH.E.R.Dua Lipa *WINNERMargo PriceBebe RexhaJorja Smith
Best pop solo performance
“Colors,” Beck”Havana (Live),” Camila Cabello”God Is A Woman,” Ariana Grande”Joanne (Where Do You Think You’re Goin’?),” Lady Gaga *WINNER“Better Now,” Post Malone
Best pop vocal album
“Camila,” Camila Cabello”Meaning Of Life,” Kelly Clarkson”Sweetener,” Ariana Grande *WINNER“Shawn Mendes,” Shawn Mendes”Beautiful Trauma,” P!nk”Reputation,” Taylor Swift
Best pop duo/group performance
“Fall in Line,” Christina Aguilera featuring Demi Lovato”Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” Backstreet Boys”‘S Wonderful,” Tony Bennett & Diana Krall”Shallow,” Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper *WINNER“Girls Like You,” Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B”Say Something,” Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton”The Middle,” Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey
Best rap album
“Invasion Of Privacy,” Cardi B *WINNER“Swimming,” Mac Miller”Victory Lap,” Nipsey Hussle”Daytona,” Pusha T”Astroworld,” Travis Scott
Best rap song
“God’s Plan,” Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Brock Korsan, Ron LaTour, Matthew Samuels & Noah Shebib, songwriters (Drake) *WINNER“King’s Dead,” Kendrick Duckworth, Samuel Gloade, James Litherland, Johnny McKinzie, Mark Spears, Travis Walton, Nayvadius Wilburn & Michael Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake)”Lucky You,” R. Fraser, G. Lucas, M. Mathers, M. Samuels & J. Sweet, songwriters (Eminem Featuring Joyner Lucas)”Sicko Mode,” Khalif Brown, Rogét Chahayed, BryTavious Chambers, Mike Dean, Mirsad Dervic, Kevin Gomringer, Tim Gomringer, Aubrey Graham, John Edward Hawkins, Chauncey Hollis, Jacques Webster, Ozan Yildirim & Cydel Young, songwriters (Travis Scott, Drake, Big Hawk & Swae Lee)”Win,” K. Duckworth, A. Hernandez, J. McKinzie, M. Samuels & C. Thompson, songwriters (Jay Rock)
Best country song
“Break Up In The End,” Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill & Jon Nite, songwriters (Cole Swindell)”Dear Hate,” Tom Douglas, David Hodges & Maren Morris, songwriters (Maren Morris Featuring Vince Gill)”I Lived It,” Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley & Ben Hayslip, songwriters (Blake Shelton)”Space Cowboy,” Luke Laird, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves) *WINNER“Tequila,” Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds & Dan Smyers, songwriters (Dan + Shay)”When Someone Stops Loving You,” Hillary Lindsey, Chase McGill & Lori McKenna, songwriters (Little Big Town)
Best R&B performance
“Long As I Live,” Toni Braxton”Summer,” The Carters”Y O Y,” Lalah Hathaway”Best Part,” H.E.R. featuring Daniel Caesar *WINNER“First Began,” PJ Morton
What was your favorite look from the photo shoot for Runway?
I think my favorite look was the red two piece outfit with the wet hair look. We had so much fun doing that look! Especially being sprayed with water for the last few shots. So many laughs.
Who is your favorite couture designer?
Currently I am obsessed with Alessandro Michele. What he has done with Gucci has truly been amazing to watch. I love the current, funky, fun element he brought back to Gucci.
What designers do you wear for red carpet events?
I wear high end designers and young upcoming NYC and LA designers who I believe in. I love wearing vintage Saint Laurent suits, The Kooples, Kenzo, Alexander Wang, and Bryan Hearns are a couple I truly love.
What is your favorite go to piece in your closet currently?
My vintage 501 Levi’s! Always look super cute!
Tell us about your new single “Lonely Girl”
Lonely girl was born from experience where a group of people hurt and betrayed me. They were like family to me and they went behind my back and sabotaged a lot for me. One night I went into the studio and we wrote the song pulling from the pain of what had recently happened to me. As we were writing the song we were laying down a demo vocal and in between takes I was crying because it was so painful reliving what I had been going through. When I sent it to my manager that night he said that’s your song, it’s so special. It’s raw emotion that’s so true to me. It’s been so amazing to see how my fans have reacted to this song which is the most authentic one I’ve released to date. It’s currently 45 on the pop chart and I couldn’t feel more grateful for that.
Who is your biggest influence?
Gwen has always been a huge inspiration for me because she is so unique. She never followed what everyone else was doing around her. She was a risk taker and performer that no one could compete with. Like young Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga is a risk taker and such a huge inspiration to me. She is the epitome of an artist.
What’s it like being a radio host on Sirius XM show “Hits 1 in Hollywood”?
I pinch myself every single day that I get to have a platform with over 30 million listeners to be able to have an opinion and be a voice for young women. I love connecting with others and that is definitely an important quality to have as a radio host. When you’re speaking to so many different types of people and personalities you need to be able to connect with every single person on a different level. It’s truly inspiring to hear some of my biggest influences stories when interviewing them such as Selma Hayek.
What is your favorite type of music?
All music inspires me in different ways. Jazz, classic rock, 70’s funk, 80’s Hair bands, 90’s grunge, and pure pop!
What inspires you?
Independent films, traveling, religion, love, fashion, and daily life.
Do you have any advice for upcoming artists?
Most important thing is honing in on your craft and being amazing at what you do. Practice nonstop and don’t compare yourself to others, keep following your dreams! You have to be willing to work your butt off and social media can be a huge alley to new artists now. YouTube can do huge things for talent.
What’s up next for you?
I have a new song coming out with ChampionsLeak who are some of the most talented writers and producers I have ever met. Can’t wait for you all to hear! I have many new tv and film opportunities that are coming soon which are so exciting. I love the way different formats of art bring out different sides of me as an artist. I’m ready for everything to come my way! Can’t wait for this year.
I don’t think I can settle on just one favorite look. Rocky Gathercole, Resty Lagare and Elie Madi prepared such amazing collections and I was so happy to have had the chance to try each of their pieces on.
Like , I almost didn’t feel like myself when I was wearing Elie Madi’s black ball gown. It was quite an experience working with each designer!
Who is your favorite fashion designer?
Among the three, I couldn’t possibly choose. They are all so different and so talented that I can’t really compare them. I would love to work with them again someday soon.
What is your favorite fashion trend?
I’m really drawn to androgynous silhouettes, and unique vintage pieces.
Tell us about your new song.
My latest song “Caught U”, which is part of my EP called GREY under Tarsier Records is about catching a partner cheating and not being phased by it. It’s about realizing you’re better off without someone who takes you for granted.
Who is your favorite singer?
Rihanna, Aaliyah, Jojo, Christina Aguilera, Jhene Aiko are some of the artists I look up to and admire.
What do you do for fun?
I really enjoy the outdoors and being with friends and family, so when I have the time, I do my best to get away from the city life in Manila. When I have the chance, I go to the beach or hike.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about you.
I personally think I’m more of an introvert than extrovert. I feel safe being alone with a book, sketch pad or notebook and being able to own my time.
Do you like traveling?
I love to travel. I do prefer warmth over the cold so I usually end up in tropical destinations.
We have beautiful beaches in the Philippines, like El Nido Palawan, Cebu , La Union or Zambales . I’m planning a trip to a beautiful destination in the Philippines called Siargao very soon .
What was your most memorable moment in music?
My most memorable moment in my music career was when I performed my song, “Does She Know” at the MANILA X event in 2017. I’ll never forget it because it was the first time I performed the song after it was released. The crowd went wild and sang along with me.
What is next for you?
I’m currently working on my first full length album, so I’ve been channeling a lot of my creative and emotional energy into my writing. I also have a collaboration coming up with a Filipino clothing brand and I’m so excited because I’ll be able to design my own pieces.
Where can we find you on social media?
You can find me on my website kianavee.com and on Instagram and Twitter under my username @Kianavee.
My music is available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon and all major online music outlets.
Link to Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1DZGAZcaTA32eLJELEsjXY
Each of the dresses I chose were very different and reflected a different side of my personality. I think the black Elie Madi gown would have to be my favorite though. It speaks class and a little mischief at the same time. I love the covered up feeling from neck to floor, and I’m a HUGE fan of long sleeves. The sexy peek-a-boo cut outs all over the gown are the perfect detailing, so yeah I’m a fan.
Where did you learn to dance?
I learned to dance in Australia , I started at the age of 4. I studied Classical Ballet for 12 and a half years and went to primary and high schools where the ballet program could be incorporated into my everyday scholastic studies. I would start ballet at 8am and then have my first class at 10am, leave school at 3pm and then have Contemporary/Spanish/Russian character dance afterwards until 5pm. I then went home, which was 2 trains and began my homework. Sometimes I was so exhausted my homework was put on the back burner, because I always knew my passion for dance and theatre was so strong. Still I stuck it out and sat my TEE exams, which is entry into University. I passed but deferred my entrance , to pursue my overseas dream of being a ballerina. Unfortunately, I hurt my ankle and had 2 surgeries on it, leaving me not being able to get up onto pointe shoes without pain and discomfort. I then decided to enroll myself in a Salsa class at the local gym, and literally from that day on, I haven’t looked back. I’m in Hollywood, living the dream.
You were born in New Zealand, but raised in Australia. What was the dance culture like there, and how do you compare it to the United States?
I feel that the dance culture in NZ and Australia are much the same to America, just on a lower scale. We have a pinch of the population that the US does, but our love for dance is the same. We have “So You Think You Can Dance”, “Australia’s Got Talent” and “Dancing With The Stars” and they are loved by families in every state of our country. Dance brings joy to peoples living rooms, dance brings smiles to people’s faces, and these shows encourage the youth to get out there and try it. Dance is no longer the lame thing to do. If a guy knows how to dance, it’s incredibly sexy!
You have a lot on your plate between being a new mom, and preparing for your national tour, “Maks, Val & Peta Live On Tour: Confidential!” What’s different for this tour than the ones you’ve done in the past?
Inside the Story
Our tour, that we are about to embark on, is unlike any other tour I’ve done. I’ve danced in theatres in every continent of the globe and this might have to be the one I’m most looking forward to, and that’s saying a lot because I’ve conquered Broadway already in 2009. This show has a real, completely honest, unfabricated storyline. The dances we are choreographing will tell stories about circumstances that we’ve lived through, the good and the bad. The show will lead from where the boys last show (Our Way) ended. Since then Maks and myself are parents to our beautiful son Shai Aleksander, a lot of things have changed in our day to day lives. In fact our world turned upside down, in the best way possible when Shai came into the picture. We are also officially married now! I think the best performances, are ones that come from real life emotions. You will see heartache, triumph, and joy from all of us throughout this show. I get emotional even writing about it, because I know what’s to come and I know, what feelings are going to be resurfacing when I dance every night on tour. Above all, it’s worth a ticket, our cast is phenomenal with some of the best dancers in the world, and we won’t disappoint. Having your own show is such a crazy feeling, I’ve always danced under the restrictions of another choreographer and artistic director, now, I am those people and it’s kind of cool.
With Valentine’s Day coming up, do you have any special plans with your husband?
Honestly, this will sound boring, but Maks and I will be going to dinner at night, and working during the day. This tour takes up all our time and energy and we want it to be the best it can be. I love Valentine’s Day thought, a day to celebrate LOVE! Maks is pretty awesome though and makes it feel Valentine’s Day every day.
You also have a great lifestyle blog, All Things Fam & Glam (http://www.allthingsfamandglam.com/)! What kind of content can our readers find there?
Career and Creative Process
Yes, I get so excited when I talk about my blog. All Things Fam & Glam is what I’ve been wanting to create for years. When I was pregnant I decided to give it a go and it’s been a great success. All Things Fam & Glam is more of an ecosystem that is supposed to benefit all mothers, first time mums and families. I wanted to create a space that is enjoyable and informative for everyone. I wanted to use the knowledge I had gained during my pregnancy and giving birth onwards, to help people with everyday things, like, my favorite baby items, dressing your bump, the ultimate vitamin regime, how to do your makeup in 5 mins. We talk wellness, beauty, family, and the latest buzz around town. No politics haha! Sharing my experiences has been very therapeutic for me, as becoming a mum can be overwhelming at times.
Tell us about your favorite every day styles!
Right now I’m all about the staples, jeans and white t-shirt. You can never go wrong and you will always be on trend. I love to throw a cool jacket on to spice it up, whether it be leather or a long trench coat, a jacket can definitely transform your look from day to night effortlessly.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I’m terrible for naming a song , but I will know all the words, it’s so weird haha! I love Whitney Houston, Nina Simon and Ella Fitzgerald, but I also love hip hop and can sing the entire Mercy song by Kanye West. I usually lean towards songs I can get down to, and songs Maks and I can dance to.
