Fashion

In 2021’s West Side Story, Rachel Zegler Will Deliver a Maria for the Moment

We meet the actor on the brink of her biggest year yet….

TIMELINES tend to go askew for Rachel Zegler. “I remember sending an email to the head of admissions at Montclair State University saying, ‘I know this sounds like a lie, but this is what happened, and this is why I can’t attend.’ ”

“What happened” was that the 19-year-old singer and actor, then a musical theater–obsessed high school student, was cast as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s revision of West Side Story. A year earlier, in January 2018, Zegler’s friend Makena Reynolds had shared a casting-call tweet along with a “Thank me when you’re famous” quip. That night, Zegler submitted a homemade video of “I Feel Pretty”—or, as Zegler expressed it, “Me Siento Bonita.” Within weeks she was auditioning.

College has been put on hold, and so too has the film. The movie’s December 2020 release was pushed back a full year in hopes of a post-pandemic cinema debut, leaving Zegler, who wrapped production months ago, to take up some of the same lockdown pastimes as the rest of us: roller-skating, guitar-playing. Zegler, who was raised in Clifton, New Jersey, spent her youth traveling into Manhattan for Broadway shows, and so she’s also been consuming as much virtually accessible culture as possible. “It’s a horrible reality, not being able to have live theater,” she says, “but I really enjoy watching the way entertainment is adapting.” She’s also spending time with her Colombian-American family, which is immeasurably proud of her. In Zegler’s portrayal of Maria (opposite heartthrob Ansel Elgort as Tony), not only is she realizing her own Hollywood dreams but she’s a Latina playing a Puerto Rican migrant—a role famously whitewashed by an artificially bronzed Natalie Wood in the 1961 film adaption. Throughout our conversation, she carefully articulates: It’s “Mah-riya,” not the Anglo “Muh-riya.”

For Zegler, the film serves as “a beautiful display of Latin joy and the way that young Latin girls deserve to see themselves—dancing around in pretty dresses and singing about loving themselves. It’s something that’s mattered so much to me, being Latina—singing ‘I Feel Pretty’ and meaning it. I hope that young people everywhere will know that their features are gorgeous and their culture is beautiful. I think that’s what it’s meant to my family,” she continues. “They know that it’s going to happen.” Another surety? Makena absolutely deserves a thank-you.

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Artist Spotlight

Rare Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample Hits the Market

Sneaker culture is all about exclusivity, and sometimes, a truly special pair comes along that gets everyone excited. One such sneaker is the Nike Air Foamposite One Yankees Sample, a unique blend of basketball history and baseball style. With its striking look and connections to two famous sports worlds, this rare sneaker has just hit the resale market, and collectors are eager to get their hands on it. Originally created for basketball star Penny Hardaway, the Foamposite One became a staple of ’90s sneaker fashion. Its innovative design was groundbreaking at the time.

However, this special Yankees-themed version takes it a step further. It features a deep navy blue and bright white color scheme, resembling the classic pinstripes of the New York Yankees, one of the most celebrated teams in baseball. The unique wave design that runs across the upper part makes this sneaker stand out, giving it a dynamic look and feel. Unlike the regular versions sold in stores, this sample was never mass-produced, which adds to its appeal among collectors and passionate Yankees fans. Currently listed on Index PDX in size 9 for an impressive $3,500, the price reflects how rare it is.

However, what really matters is the story behind it. From basketball courts to everyday life, the Foamposite One has always been a symbol of performance and fashion. This Yankees edition connects two sports that have captured the hearts of fans for generations. For those lucky enough to own this sneaker, it’s a statement piece. It showcases Nike’s dedication to exploring and celebrating sports culture. Whether proudly displayed or worn to show off hometown pride, the Yankees Foamposite One serves as a reminder of the unforgettable moments shared between basketball and baseball.

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Artist Spotlight

Kim Kardashian’s Tesla Robot Photoshoot Sparks Social Media Firestorm

Kim Kardashian is no stranger to stirring up controversy, but her latest photoshoot has generated quite a surprising backlash. Recently, she shared a striking set of images for Perfect Magazine, where she posed alongside a humanoid robot from Tesla and sat on top of a shiny Cybertruck. The shoot was intended to playfully highlight her reputation as being “robotic,” something she feels has been used to describe her in the media. “I think the big joke about doing the shoot with the robot is that I feel like I’m so robotic,” she explained. However, not everyone found it amusing.

Many people online expressed their disapproval, and it wasn’t just about the futuristic look of the photos. Critics viewed the shoot as a nod of support for Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, who is currently a controversial figure facing boycotts. One commenter remarked, “She definitely picked a side,” while another harshly suggested that the Cybertruck could be iconic only if it were on fire! The discussion quickly expanded beyond fashion, with some linking the imagery to international conflicts. “Well, that’s a very clear side just picked, the same one that sides with Russia. Not great,” one user stated.

This incident highlights how public figures like Kardashian are closely watched for their choices and associations. Even what might seem like a fun photoshoot can carry significant meaning. While she intended the shoot to be lighthearted, the timing raised concerns for many fans, especially with Musk’s political connections currently under scrutiny and Tesla facing criticism. Despite the backlash, Kardashian has chosen to stay quiet and let the photos speak for themselves. As always, she is navigating between bold fashion choices and cultural debates, showing that whatever she does, people will have something to say about it. It remains to be seen if she will respond to the controversy or move on to her next big moment.

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