Trusting the journey and following her way, she's been a creative soul from the start. Believing her path forward is to bring out the beauty in the world around her, we travel to New York with our latest Aje Insider, Model and Artist, Bella Thomas. Captured by close friend Vicki Liang, find her favourite addresses in her home away from home, words of wisdom about the ultimate beauty routine, and what's up next for the girl on the rise.
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Bella Thomas | Artist
Bella Thomas
Artist
DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY
I chose to trust. I got to a place a couple years ago where I chose to lay down everything I wanted for my life and was content with letting it all go. I felt that I needed to do this because I was trying too hard to get what I thought I wanted. I really do believe that sacrifice opens up doors. A few months later a lot of these things I had wanted previously came to life... and they still are today... today is still the journey.
WHEN DID YOU REALISE A CREATIVE CAREER WOULD BE YOUR PATH
My mum is an oil painter so I grew up with art all around me - canvas’s finished and not laying against our walls. Its completely ingrained in my soul- I see it everywhere I go. So I always knew that my work would involve creativity at some level.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THIS PATH EVOLVE TO
I see this path taking me down a road that inspires and encourages people to see the beauty in the world around them.
DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU
As much as I’d like to be, I’m not a step by step process type of gal haha. My mind is everywhere- so before any project I have to organise my thoughts and I need a clean space around me. I’ve also started to allow my mind to go beyond boundaries- allowing myself explore ideas without measure.
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN AS A WOMAN IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
It’s honestly been the best! I know and look up to so many strong women in the industry. I do naturally have a more quiet personality and approach – so this has certainly been challenged. It’s important to have your convictions, know who you are and know your value.
YOUR BIGGEST CAREER HIGHLIGHT TO DATE
Shooting the Filippa K Spring/Summer campaign in Cape Town last year was incredible! It was such a whirlwind but I got to work with some super special humans that I look up to so much.
BEST ADDRESSES IN NEW YORK
I could spend hours and hours in second hand stores like Beacons Closet AND Buffalo Exchange, I just feel like I’m a kid looking for treasure. I’ve found some of my best pieces via seconds stores, you’ve got to be ready to rummage through a lot of blah stuff to find the gold.
Food wise, I always have dinner at Souen in the East Village.. r.i.p to their much loved Soho restaurant – make sure you get their Macro Plate and Green Tea Cookies!
Also I always get a slice of Joe’s Pizza on my first and last night – I dream about this regularly.
The Shell Cropped Blouse and Briar Midi Skirt
BEST ADDRESSES IN SYDNEY
The beach!
ANY SECRET TRAVEL TIPS
Don’t make too many plans, let life take you where it wants to. So many beautiful moments await.
YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE EVER TRAVELLED
Iceland! We spent a few days driving around the country and it is seriously unworldly. The northern lights put on a party for us on a couple of the nights, this must be on all of your bucket lists – creation in its fullest form!
DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
My personal style is usually quite classic and minimal, but I also enjoy a loud pop of colour or something a bit more surprising – depends how I feel day to day.
FAVOURITE PIECE OF ALL TIME IN YOUR WARDROBE
Ah! Would have to be some black Céline sandals I found second hand.
DOES ART INFLUENCE THE WAY YOU DRESS
YES!
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST
This is a very hard question! I love so many.
Some of my favourites are Brancusi, Gerhard Ritcher, Miro, Matisse and Picasso (all the classics!).
The Shell Cropped Blouse and Briar Midi Skirt
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HEALTH AND BEAUTY ROUTINES
Health wise I am present with my body and what it needs. I try not to look left and right.
At the moment I start everyday with a hot lemon and apple cider tea.
For beauty- consistency is key. Every morning I rub an ice cube over my face and then I always apply a serum or moisturizer with Vitamin C.. then sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING, WATCHING AND LISTENING TO
I’m always up to date with Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations.
I’ve been reading Hemingway and I’ve just finished Big Little Lies.
The Shell Cropped Blouse and Briar Midi Skirt
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU NEXT / ANY EXCITING PROJECTS YOU CAN SHARE WITH US
I’ve started to hand build with clay at home. Depending on how good good I get I may start selling some one off pieces!
Keep an eye out.
The Shell Cropped Blouse and Briar Midi Skirt
Aje Insider : Bella Thomas
Photographer : Vicki Liang
Shot in New York
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