The Model Issue
More than a MODEL
More than a MODEL
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
THAN A<br />
MODEL
Publisher & Chief Executive Officer<br />
Tempestt Harris (CEO)<br />
<strong>The</strong> Level 21t eam<br />
Chief Operating Officer/ Editor In Chief<br />
Maresa Scott (COO)<br />
Chief Financial Officer<br />
Anitra Scott (CFO)<br />
Creative Director<br />
Michael Lopez<br />
Administrative Staff<br />
Marketing<br />
Dane Prince<br />
Sales Executive<br />
Anitra Scott<br />
Sales<br />
Michelle Mitchell<br />
Graphic Design<br />
Layout Designer<br />
Antoine Boderick<br />
Graphic Design(Intern)<br />
Vanessa Mccorkle<br />
Adriann Risk<br />
Writers<br />
Writer<br />
Desi Helm<br />
Contributing writer<br />
Marage Blakeney<br />
Co-Editor Intern<br />
Shannon Rawley<br />
Writer Intern<br />
Chris Lewis<br />
Blogger/ Journalist Intern<br />
Kaitlin Booe<br />
Victoria Calamusa<br />
Photography<br />
Antoinne Duan Jones<br />
Laurence Logan-<strong>The</strong> T.Z Studio<br />
Todd Youngblood<br />
Glen Byrd- Photo X Words<br />
Videography<br />
Toussaint Studios-Emmanuel Toussaint<br />
Public Relations<br />
Pac Public Relations<br />
Fashion<br />
Stylist<br />
Jerry Thompson<br />
Style and Wardrobe Contributor<br />
Jekia Benson<br />
Makeup Artist<br />
Alexis Washington<br />
April Hill<br />
Digital<br />
Level21 Media LLC.<br />
Yumpu<br />
Wribits<br />
Contributor<br />
Shartiera Wilkerson<br />
Contributor/ Correspondent
t able of cont ent<br />
FOSTERING34<br />
DYLAN
CO NTENT<br />
24<br />
TAE<br />
27<br />
WANG<br />
56 ECRU
40<br />
54<br />
16<br />
58
A Quick Note<br />
It?s here! Our penultimate issue of<br />
the year is finally here, and Team<br />
Level21 is excited to share it with<br />
you. ?More than a MODEL? is not<br />
just an issue, though, but a<br />
movement to humanize an<br />
industry steeped in perfection and<br />
vanity. It?s an edition reflective of<br />
its subject matter. <strong>The</strong> words<br />
printed on the cover?s background<br />
reflect the good, the bad, and the<br />
ugly concepts that models of all<br />
different shapes, sizes, ethnicities,<br />
and backgrounds hear daily. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
are words that have come to<br />
define their public reputation, but<br />
we here at Level21 know there is<br />
much more to each and every<br />
model than just a pretty face. With<br />
photography by Pierre J Walker and<br />
Laurence Logan, this double cover<br />
issue features Dylan Foster, an up<br />
and coming model who moved<br />
from North Carolina to New York<br />
with nothing but courage,<br />
blossoming models, Abigale Allen<br />
and Tara Nichole, from right here<br />
in the Queen City! We also bring<br />
you Fuzion Force Dance Studio,<br />
infusing dance and fashion! We<br />
hope you enjoy all the stories and<br />
editorials inside. And if they leave<br />
you thirsting for more, then please<br />
join us for more on November 1,<br />
2017 as we go further beneath the<br />
surface with some on-camera<br />
interviews with a few models<br />
featured in this issue.<br />
#TeamLevel21<br />
6.<br />
photo by @jseasphotos. MUA: @zjglam. <strong>Model</strong>: Tara Nichole
Photographer & Stylist/Wardrobe: April Allison<br />
<strong>Model</strong>: Jinna Kim<br />
Hair & Makeup: April Allison
Ashley R. Wright<br />
Photographer: Denise Benson of Denise<br />
Benson Photography<br />
Make up: Whitney Seabrook of Enhanced<br />
Beauty by Whitney<br />
Hair: Ereiol Gamble of Noir Luxe Beauty Bar,<br />
LLC<br />
Cut: Flowe Da Barber of Da Lucky Spot<br />
Barbershop<br />
8.
<strong>Model</strong>: Michelle Peralta<br />
Lance Andrews<br />
Photographer: In Vogue Photography
10.
MarQues Woolford
12.
www.website.com
14.<br />
Photographer/Creative Director - Christopher Smalls IG- @casmallsdesign<br />
<strong>Model</strong> - Justin Small IG- @I_am_justino His agency is Westhaven International
Photographer/Creative Director - Christopher Smalls IG- @casmallsdesign<br />
<strong>Model</strong>- Jashanta Brown IG- @jashantabrown<br />
MUA- Kwantarius Fuller IG- @Kwanfuller
16
From the Studio<br />
TO THE RUNWAY,<br />
and Back Again<br />
By Kaitlin Booe<br />
ife is full of transitions, and Miles McMillan knows a thing or two<br />
L<br />
about them.You might recognize the model and artist from his bit<br />
in a recent Tommy Hilfiger ad with Gigi Hadid, or from red carpet<br />
appearances alongside, actor Zachary Quinto (Star Trek ,American Horror<br />
Story, Heroes). But a little screen time and a few snapped photos hardly<br />
scratch the surface of a man who?s found himself in the nexus between art<br />
and fashion.<br />
Photo: Credit
ELECTTA<br />
BEAU TY<br />
Be Real. Be Beautiful.<br />
Be Naturally YOU.<br />
www.electtabeauty.com
21
22.
Ta'ra<br />
Nichole<br />
Meet our cover model Tara ' Nichole. A<br />
virgo, native to the Carolinas and fresh<br />
to the modeling scene who's ready to<br />
take fashion to a new level. Nichole's<br />
an experienced print model with a<br />
passion for editorial fashion and all<br />
things 'outside of the box'. You may<br />
have spotted this beauty in<br />
publications like ShuString Magazine<br />
and Catalyst Bridal; two unique<br />
publications that show Nichole's<br />
versatility as a freelance model. She's<br />
bold and doesn't shy from a crowd<br />
which was apparent as she lead<br />
Greensboro Fashion Week as a<br />
mannequin model. What makes Tara<br />
Nichole different is her willingness to<br />
do what it takes. Her determination is<br />
unmatched. She's willing to travel for<br />
shoots and is passionate about trying<br />
new techniques and styles which<br />
makes her a hot commodity in the<br />
fashion industry. Her long, naturally<br />
curly hair and bold personality<br />
brighten the dimmest rooms and<br />
make Tara Nichole a force to be<br />
reckoned with.<br />
For booking contact:<br />
iamtara.nichole@yahoo.com.
Photographer: Wendy McCarty<br />
24<br />
MUA: Jennie Carelock
T<br />
ae McKenzie was crowned the first USA Ms. Heels for Wheels (USA MHFW) October 31, 2015,<br />
in the Nation?s Capital. As USA MHFW her duties are to advocate for people with disabilities<br />
throughout the USA and afar, while empowering and inspiring others to excel in their lives. Being<br />
inclusive of community events, such as annual parades? will enable her to fulfill some of her duties.<br />
Talathia was denied the opportunity to be a part of last year?s parade; the reason given was the<br />
organizers of the Novant?s parade do not recognize pageant participants; yet Miss NC and Miss SC<br />
will be, and has always been allowed to take part in this annual community event.<br />
Talathia is a native of Charlotte, NC, and North Carolinian's should be proud of her for her<br />
determination.<br />
Credit:Change.org.
W eich er t Realtor s<br />
L KN Par tn er s<br />
w w w.M ich aelM or r ison Realtor .com<br />
Michael Morrison/Broker/Realtor<br />
Weichert, Realtors® - LKN Partners<br />
704-928-6404<br />
www.michaelmorrisonrealtor.com<br />
mikezmorrison@gmail.com<br />
736 Brawley School Rd Ste A<br />
Mooresville, NC 28117<br />
26.
I<br />
By Marage Blakeney<br />
27.
30.
32.<br />
<strong>Model</strong>: De'Onna Banks
www.KBKollections.com
34.
FOSTER
FOSTERING<br />
DYLAN<br />
By Kaitlin Booe<br />
In 2011, Matt Damon starred inWe<br />
Bought a Zoo, an inspiring and<br />
heartwarming film based on the book of<br />
the same name. In his portrayal of<br />
Benjamin Mee, Damon brought one of the<br />
book?s more famous quotes to the screen.<br />
?You know,? he says, sitting next to his<br />
on-screen son, ?sometimes all you need is<br />
twenty seconds of insane courage.? For<br />
some, that twenty seconds of courage<br />
might be deciding to initiate a<br />
conversation, or getting back on the bike<br />
after taking a nasty spill, but for Dylan<br />
Foster, it encompassed a few different<br />
things. Namely, a decision to buy a plane<br />
ticket.<br />
Admittedly, that in and of itself isn?t too<br />
difficult, but when you factor in the ticket<br />
was a one-way trip from North Carolina to<br />
New York City, that changes things a little<br />
bit. ?I didn?t have the necessary resources,<br />
didn?t have a lot of money, there wasn?t a<br />
planned-out trip. <strong>The</strong>re wasn?t anything. I<br />
just did it. <strong>The</strong>re was just one day I got up,<br />
bought a plane ticket and was just like,<br />
?Okay, mom, I?m moving, ? Foster, nineteen,<br />
said. With very few, if any at all, contacts in<br />
the Big Apple, Foster had his work cut out<br />
for him. Networking proved to be a key<br />
factor as he made his way up the ladder<br />
from both the free work and freelancing<br />
that brought him to New York Fashion<br />
Week, where he not only starred in his first<br />
fashion show, but connected with us here<br />
at Level21.<br />
By no means is Foster?s modeling career<br />
over. It?s now been about four months<br />
since he first arrived in New York City, but<br />
the progress he has made in such a short<br />
time only proved to us that there?s more to<br />
him than being labeled a model. Dylan<br />
Foster has a story to tell, and it?s one that<br />
resonates? or should resonate? with all of<br />
us. Team Level21 is simply excited to help<br />
him tell it.<br />
Starting a career wasn?t Foster?s only goal<br />
when he decided to move away from<br />
home. ?I honestly moved here to build my<br />
self-esteem up, build my confidence up,<br />
and learn to love myself. As conceited as<br />
that sounds, it?s key.? From his initial<br />
decision to move, throw away all the<br />
boundaries separating himself from what<br />
he wants, to the learning curves he?s faced<br />
so far, each and every experience has<br />
helped him along the way.?I was a<br />
freelance model, honestly,? he said when<br />
prompted for a reminder of where he was<br />
in his journey the last time he spoke with<br />
Level21. ?I had just starred in my first little<br />
fashion show during Fashion Week. I mean<br />
it was amazing that I even found it. It was<br />
exhilarating, this feeling that ?Hey, I moved<br />
here and look what I?m doing. I?m doing<br />
something. I?m taking the first steps. ?<br />
"All you need is<br />
twenty seconds<br />
of insane courage"
Those first steps have since opened a<br />
handful of doors and, while Foster,<br />
understandably, can?t disclose specifics,<br />
but he has a few other magazine<br />
features in the works? all of which<br />
you?ll be able to follow on his Instagram<br />
account once its reconstruction is<br />
finished:@dyligent lem an, currently;<br />
his username is subject to change.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se opportunities are more than<br />
what he started with, though they may<br />
not seem like huge breaks in such a<br />
large and competitive industry. That?s a<br />
thought that, if dwelled upon too much,<br />
can bring about feelings of insecurity:<br />
?<strong>The</strong>re?s always going to be somebody<br />
prettier than you, there?s always going<br />
to be somebody that you think is better<br />
looking than you, there?s always<br />
somebody that?s better at it than you,<br />
whether they?re better looking or not.<br />
But you can?t let that get to you, you<br />
know? All of us have those moments of<br />
insecurity.? What matters and makes<br />
the difference, Foster believes, is how<br />
you deal with it.<br />
So, how does he deal with it?<br />
?I think that I have the drive to push<br />
past my boundaries and go for my<br />
dreams no matter what. I think that no<br />
dreams no matter what. I think that no<br />
matter my situation, I believe that I can<br />
make it no matter the type of conflict<br />
I?m in. <strong>The</strong> best thing is that I?ve got a<br />
story. Everybody?s got their story, but I<br />
have a story: the story of how I started<br />
believing in myself.? And in today?s<br />
world full of the highlight reels and<br />
depictions of constant, unrealistic<br />
perfection provided by a social media<br />
server near you, the acknowledgement<br />
of various struggles and journeys to<br />
gained self-esteem and confidence is a<br />
tale that can?t be told enough.<br />
Foster?s story and his journey thus far<br />
come with a message he?s excited to<br />
send back down south to us. ?It?s so<br />
funny that I moved to North Carolina,<br />
came to New York, and then met these<br />
people from North Carolina. <strong>The</strong>y?re<br />
going to be the first people to see that<br />
I?m doing okay, and I want that! I want<br />
everybody down there to pick up what<br />
they?re doing and do what they want;<br />
don?t stay in their little shells, don?t rot<br />
away. This generation might be<br />
whatever they say it is, but that doesn?t<br />
mean that there can?t be true dreamers,<br />
there can?t be people who aspire to be<br />
greater, that there can still be golden<br />
people.?<br />
His message is verified. He?s living proof<br />
?<strong>The</strong>re?s always<br />
going to be<br />
somebody<br />
prettier than<br />
you"<br />
that, while it?s hard work, actively<br />
pursuing your dreams and goals<br />
does work. After all, Benjamin<br />
Mee?s full quote goes like this: ?You<br />
know, sometimes all you need is 20<br />
seconds of insane courage. Just<br />
literally twenty seconds of just<br />
embarrassing bravery. And I<br />
promise you, something great will<br />
come of it.? So, take twenty<br />
seconds and decide to buy your<br />
(figurative) plane ticket because we<br />
think Dylan?s doing pretty great.<br />
"But you<br />
can?t let<br />
that get to<br />
you"
Photographer: Laurence Logan<br />
Creative Director: Michael Lopez
Fuzion Force<br />
Dance Studio<br />
'<strong>The</strong> Editorial'<br />
Location:6233 Old Sugar Creek Rd, Charlot t e, NC 28269<br />
Photographer:<br />
Pierre Walker<br />
Designers:<br />
Shukura Oni<br />
Maurice Brown<br />
Ecru Fashion<br />
<strong>Model</strong>s:<br />
Jinna Kim<br />
Abigal Allen<br />
Tara Nichole<br />
Bre Shay Trotter<br />
Alexis Foley<br />
Fiona Rose<br />
Danny William s<br />
Assane Diem e<br />
Jordan Mit zel<br />
40.
MUA/Hair: Paul Mitchell <strong>The</strong> School Charlotte<br />
Donna Anderson<br />
Glow Glam<br />
Brittany Butler<br />
Adorned by the Queen
At only 17 years old ou r cover model, Abigale Allen found her passion. Now, four years into<br />
modeling, her dreams remain the same. Allen is determined to make these dreams reality<br />
with goals of traveling and exploring new ventures while working for brands like Victoria's<br />
Secret and Guess. But what drives Abigale Allen's passion for modeling? It's the opportunity<br />
to meet new people and explore different experiences. "It challenges you to become better<br />
and strive for something," said Allen when asked about what motivates her dreams of being<br />
a successful model.<br />
One of her most notable take-aways is to be inspired by the competition. From her previous<br />
experience as a model, Allen understands that its easy to get intimated and question<br />
yourself and your capabilities when compared to others. She encourages aspiring models<br />
to let that intimidation motivate you to be the best you can be because you can always<br />
learn from your competition.<br />
For booking : steve_allen35@aol.com<br />
Abigale Allen
Creative Director- Michael Lopez and Publisher-Tempestt Harris<br />
Videographer-Emmanuel Toussaint
E<br />
MAURICE BRO WN<br />
CLASS & STYLE<br />
B y Chr i stopher L ew i s<br />
veryone, this is not a drill! Be on alert because fashion stylist<br />
and designer Maurice Brown is coming on the scene with fresh<br />
looks that will stimulate your eyes and mind. He got his start in<br />
the industry back in 2015 modeling clothes and walking in<br />
fashion shows for other fashion designers. He would often get<br />
compliments for his unique style while doing shows, which then<br />
further prompted him to sell some of the pieces he would wear<br />
and give styling tips to other people. Brown?s style is influenced<br />
mainly by combining contemporary clothing trends with vintage<br />
styles.<br />
He grew up in the 80s, where he first recalls rocking a different<br />
style from most other people. Brown credits his individuality<br />
partially to his parents, who decided not to cut his afro in a time<br />
when high-top fades were all the rage. Later, though, he desired<br />
a high-top fade hairstyle himself to which he is thankful his<br />
parents did not object to the idea.<br />
W<br />
hen he is styling for a client, he likes to<br />
get into the client?s mind. He figures out what<br />
inspires them, as he doesn?t believe in forcing<br />
any particular style on someone. He wants<br />
everyone to explore their own unique style<br />
while he gives them tips that will help their<br />
individuality truly shine.<br />
In the future, he wants to continue working<br />
with and promoting the Classic Man Boutique,<br />
a business that he recently opened up. In<br />
November, he is collaborating with a fashion<br />
show producer named Sabre, who raises<br />
money and awareness for Graves?disease,<br />
where he will style 10 guys who are working<br />
with Lord & Taylor as part of an upcoming<br />
show.<br />
You can find Maurice Brown on Instagram<br />
@mauricemodel<br />
e-mail address mauricemodel@gmail.com,<br />
Facebook ?Maurice Brown.?<br />
Jerry Thompson(<strong>Model</strong>)#TeamLevel21<br />
Maurice Brown Fashion Show<br />
Thank you to Maurice Brown for sharing his<br />
story with us!<br />
46.
Photographer is Dae Howerton of DaeoftheKlasix<br />
Jacket: H&M<br />
Shirt: Armani Exchange<br />
Pants: Classic Man Boutique<br />
SHoes: Converse<br />
Sunglasses: Stevie Boi<br />
Hairstylist: Keisha Chalet<br />
Barber: Jermaine Johnson of Nogrease Barbershop Inc
UP NEXT:<br />
THE KIDS ISSUE<br />
w it h level21<br />
Contact us today<br />
t o feat ure your child!!<br />
info@level21m ag.com<br />
Photography:Miranda Rivers Sleek Style Fashion<br />
Photography<br />
New York<br />
Society Fashion Week<br />
Designer: Jaylani's Boutique<br />
48.
?I like my money<br />
right where I can see<br />
it: hanging in my<br />
closet.?? Carrie Bradshaw<br />
Photographer: Todd Youngblood <strong>Model</strong>:Shante Waiters
50.<br />
<strong>Model</strong> Lindsey D.<br />
Rondell Lane or Media Lane Photo &<br />
Video. Greensboro,NC<br />
MUA:DusktoDawnCosmetics<br />
(Dawn) Greensboro,NC
This shot is by photographer Paul Jensen from<br />
Shelby, NC ,Taken in the historic Dairy Queen<br />
located in Gastonia.<br />
<strong>Model</strong>: Fiona Rose @fifi_girl
52.<br />
Mo del Watch<br />
Bre'ShayTrotter<br />
@_breshyrelle
Photographer Laurence Ta'Ziyah Logan. Hair: Flair connoisseur. <strong>Model</strong> : Whitney Armstrong
54.
Portrait Series<br />
Peak Performance<br />
in Digital Artistry &<br />
Branding<br />
Photographer:<br />
Laurence Logan<br />
www.thetzstudio.co/<br />
<strong>Model</strong>s:<br />
Left:Nupur<br />
Charyalu<br />
Right:Tina Duong
56.
www.ecrufashion.com<br />
Unisex<br />
appar el<br />
f o r t he<br />
mo der n<br />
mil l ennial .
58.
<strong>Model</strong>:Tiffany Froehlich<br />
Shot on location in <strong>The</strong> Gold District<br />
neighborhood of Historic South End, Charlotte.<br />
Upcycled fur vest by Fur Ever Fur exclusive<br />
collection available at Magnolia Emporium.<br />
"Discover what curated shopping is all about!" 307<br />
Lincoln St. Charlotte.
AMCONYC! A YEAR TO REMEMBER! #NYFW 2017<br />
TOfficial New York Fashion Week Level21 Coverage<br />
his was one of AMCONYC?S best years yet!!<br />
Metallics were in this year and lots of color blocking<br />
decorated the streets, while the selections showcased<br />
on the runways were creative, colorful, and edgy. First<br />
up for Team Level21 was AMCONYC. Sponsored by<br />
Sacha Cosmetics and Aveda, AMCONYC welcomed<br />
3,000 guests throughout their three-day event for<br />
emerging designers Maj Designs, Klad Apparel, Zula<br />
Studio, Bradelis New York, Nicole Bell, and Atelier<br />
Kate. ?Our vision is to nurture the future of fashion<br />
and foster emerging designers by offering the<br />
opportunity to reveal their unique designs and<br />
one-of-a-kind pieces,? AMCONYC founder, Adriana<br />
Marie, said in a press release. On the last day of their<br />
2017 run, AMCONYC teamed up with Variety the<br />
Children?s Charity of New York, <strong>The</strong> Door, and<br />
FabScrap to put on a special show which featured<br />
original and sustainable designs. We were able to<br />
catch Nicole Bell?s show, which featured intense pops<br />
of vibrant color we are sure to see all next spring<br />
2018!<br />
visit Amconyc?s website for more<br />
events!http://www.amconyc.com/<br />
Victoria Rose interviewing Designer Nicole Bell<br />
62.<br />
Photo Credit: Photo 1:Level21, Photo2:Badillo, Photo3:Mark Johnson, Photo4:Opia, Photo5:<strong>The</strong><br />
Runw ay Aut horit y
Nicole Bell Design
"no w is t he<br />
t ime to change<br />
o ur way o f<br />
t hinking"<br />
Natasha Erwin the motivational speaker teaching a<br />
stronger self inspiring way of thinking to small or large<br />
groups. With so much prejudice, discrimination,<br />
poverty and educational needs, now is the time to<br />
change our way of thinking."I Set the Standards"<br />
www.isetthestandards.com
Title: Destination, Desert<br />
Photographer: Hugo Fernando<br />
(@Hugofernando.m)<br />
Wardrobe: André Hammonds<br />
(@All_About_Andre)<br />
Hair/Makeup: Elise Flores (@eflores95)<br />
Location: Joshua Tree, California<br />
Dress: Antidote LA (@AntidoteLA) Jewelry: Charlene K<br />
(@Charlenekstore)<br />
66.
Antidote LA (@AntidoteLA) Jewelry: Charlene K Shoes: BCBG
MODEL WATCH<br />
Assane<br />
Dieme<br />
@P.ASSANE_DIEME<br />
68.
<strong>Model</strong> :Briannna Dedeaux IG: _bdedeaux<br />
Photography: Stacey La'Nor
w w w .Rezult scar pet cl eaning.co m<br />
Those old stains from years ago are still hindering the look of your interior. If you?re<br />
using rugs and furniture to cover up those embarrassing carpet stains, call Rezults<br />
Carpet Cleaning! We offer deep carpet cleaning services in Charlotte, NC and the<br />
surrounding metro area. Our specialists use high-quality equipment to lift those<br />
stains right out of your carpet and restore the look of your interior.<br />
We make our carpet cleaning services easy and convenient for all of our customers.<br />
You can trust our specialists to inspect your carpet, use the right pre-treatment<br />
chemicals and extract them using our amazing carpet cleaning equipment. Call<br />
Rezults Carpet Cleaning to start on your carpet cleaning service today.<br />
Get Rezults today!!
<strong>Model</strong> :CaMisha Yarbrough IG: Camisha.Tyana<br />
Photography: Stacey La'Nor
72.<br />
St art your m odeling Career w it h Level21<br />
We will connect you,critique you,publish you,<br />
and guide you. Work with the BEST! Contact us today!<br />
www.level21mag.com<br />
or level21model@gmail.com