QP DECEMBER 2021 VOL 1

L
aunching a line of NFT’s is by no
means an easy challenge, how did
you get into that world, and can
you share with us a bit about them
and why yours are so unique?
B I had been hearing about NFT’s for the past few
months and found that whole world fascinating. It is
still so new, and you can be very creative and build
whole worlds, not just a piece of art. Then I partnered
up with ‘DIGITFULLY’ a platform that does a lot of
NFT campaigns, I created a whole around my alter ego,
a superhero that fights for injustices around the world.
What is unique about my NFT’s is that they will be used
to help causes and raise money for different charities.
You will be playing a game and giving back to society.
Given what you are doing with
NFT’s, charity is clearly a large
part of your make-up, was this
something you were taught
growing up in your family? This
also naturally brings us onto
the school you opened in West
Africa, how did this come
about and how are the children
benefitting?
I think fighting for the
underdog was always a very
present theme while I was
growing up. Be it through
my grandfather’s films or
simply knowing that I was
lucky to be born where I was
born, and that being kind and
compassionate is a must. Over
the years I had met many different charities but
when I met Waris Dirie, founder of Desert Flower
Foundation, it really hit a nerve. She started her
foundation to fight against FGM (female genital
mutilation) and being a big supporter of woman
empowerment, I couldn’t think of anything more
barbaric and messed up to do to a young girl. We
had a long discussion about how to fight this in the
long run and education is the best way. So, I joined
forces and we have started building schools. We chose
Sierra Leone to start as 70% of the population there
cannot read or write. And there for the cycle of poverty
is never ending, and girls will continue to be married
off young without any choice.
“I think
I got my
love for
fashion
from my
grandmother
Oona.”
Let’s talk about business and fashion, you have
partnered with countless fashion labels, having
created a sneaker, watch and scarf line all of which
are available globally. As a businesswoman you must
wear multiple hats to get something like this off the
ground, please give us some insight into what it takes?
After working as a model for 20 years you
develop a lot of contacts. I believe it’s about finding
the right partners. Also, it’s about not being shy to
ask for what you want. If you have a concept, don’t
be afraid to reach out and ask people if they want to
collaborate. What’s the worst that can happen? Like
my acting teacher used to tell me: “relax, you’re not a
neurosurgeon. No one is going to die if you mess up.”
I try to use that philosophy to everything that I do.
of her?
It’s been a while since you have
been back in LA due to COVID,
which stores will you be hitting
up and what’s on your shopping
list?
Funnily enough I just went to get
some See’s Candies and a Coffee
Bean Vanilla Soy Latte … I want
to check out Fred Segal, Beverly
Hills and Robertson Blvd.
Your grandparents were known
for throwing incredible dinner
parties to Hollywood
A-Listers at their house, and your
grandmother Oona was quite
the style icon. Did you get your
style and love of fashion from her
and please share some memories
Yes, I think I got my love for fashion from her. She
always looked so glamorous in pictures and even when
I would see her at home, she had a relaxed style, but it
was still chic and unique. She also had a lot of beauty
creams that I loved to try, as well as her shoes.
Ok, confession time, what’s been your biggest splurge
on your closet, and we also want to know about your
biggest fashion mistake, we’ve all been there!
Fashion mistakes, unfortunately I can see many when
I look at my old red carpet pics LOL! From racoon
make-up to ugly dresses … as for my biggest splurge, it
would probably be in bags or jewelry. But to be honest
45
QP