BEYOND THE RING | LEAH VAN DALE

It's always great to reconnect with our faves and see how they continue to blaze new trails as they navigate the intersectionality of their lives. We first met Leah Van Dale back in 2019 for her SEP ISSUE #45 with us at the Mondrian Park Avenue Hotel. In this month's issue, she talks about her routine to the ring in WWE as Carmella who always knows how to bring the drama and athleticism, the importance of self-care, her recent marriage to Matt Polinsky/WWE's Corey Graves and her approach to fashion as she's always rocking amazing looks unapologetically.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s so good to re-connect with you again and to catch up! To connect all of our readers at Athleisure Mag, what have you been up to, what are you looking forward to in terms of this year as you navigate your upcoming matches in the WWE?

LEAH VAN DALE: Yeah, I just had my first match back in about 7 months on Feb 6th! That was really exciting to be able to be back in the ring with a new look and back to my Moonwalking, trash talking, Princess of Staten Island character! It’s been a minute since I have been able to do that. I’m really enjoying that. I just really want to be able to focus on being the best version of me that I can and to have a lot of fun. That’s really my goal this year, to have a lot of fun and to not put too much pressure on myself.

AM: That’s great! In terms of the WWE, are there any events that you’re looking forward to that we should mark our calendars for?

LVD: Absolutely on the 18th, we have the Elimination Chamber, a Premium Live Event. I’m going to be in the chamber, there will be 6 of us, we’ll all be facing each other. The winner will face Bianca Belair at WrestleMania for the Raw Women’s Championship. I have never held the Raw Championship. I have been Smackdown Champion, I’ve been Tag Team Champion, but I have never held the Raw Title so I’m really hoping that I can win that match and go up against Bianca Belair for that match at WrestleMania.

AM: Obviously, we hope that you do! When you know that you will be heading into the ring, are there routines that you do before and after the matches so that you can prepare for the fight and do you have things that you do when you’re coming down after exerting all of that energy?

LVD: Oh yeah! I have a huge stretch routine. I have to stretch! I was a dancer in the first part of my life and I feel like I lost my flexibility because of the regimen that I do, being in the ring and the injuries that I have gone through. So because I feel like I lost a lot of my flexibility, stretching has been something that I have been focusing on a lot more lately. So I do a huge stretch before the match and then I really like to listen to Megan Thee Stallion. I put my headphones on and I just get in the zone and remind myself of what a bad B that I am and try to channel my inner Megan Thee Stallion and just get into character. Because Carmella is a lot different then Leah so I feel like I have to really remind myself of who I am and what I’m going out there to do.

After my match, something that I have learned through acupuncture because of my acupuncturist is that with WWE, it’s just go, go, go all the time, so it's to be more in the moment. It’s on to the next thing, hurry up and get to the airport, hurry up and land and get your rental car, hurry up and get to the hotel, hurry up and try to get some sleep, try to go to the gym. It’s always go, go, go, so I feel like I want to try to focus more on being in the moment. After that match and coming down from being on that high and adrenaline that took place out there which is running through my veins like that, I want to come down from that and just take a few minutes backstage by myself, unwind, recognize what I just did, being out there and performing in front of all of these people and then come back and just kind of take a minute and breathe! It's just about recognizing what I did, to be present and then to be able to move on to the next thing without being in such a blur.

AM: You’re clearly a fit person and especially in what you do. We have a great mild winter that has been taking place here in NY, which makes us think of the Spring and the Summer. What are 3 workouts that you do that we should consider adding into our own routines?

LVD: Ooo that’s a good question! I’m a huge advocate for [solidcore]. It’s basically Pilates I suppose, but Pilates to the 100th degree! It is insane and I’m really huge on that. So, I used to lift heavy for most of my career and most of my life, and I found that doing Pilates and doing [solidcore] has really transformed my body as it’s more resistance-based training as opposed to lifting heavy. It’s been so good on my muscles and my joints and I just feel like a new person. I feel strong and prepared when I do [solidcore]. So, I would definitely say that!

I’m huge into yoga I’m a big yogi. I really enjoy what it does for my body and my mind, both inside and out, huge fan of yoga. I think that honestly, I live in the city of Pittsburgh and I do a lot of walking. I think it’s pretty underrated. I love to go out for a nice walk, I bring my dog with me and I just walk all over the place. I walk to get coffee, I walk to go to the store. Anywhere I go, to get lunch, to get a juice – it’s so underrated, go outside, take a walk and get going! The steps add up.

AM: Oh yeah when you’re with your dog or your friends, it’s a nice thing to do. Totally agree with you.

As an entrepreneur, what do you look for when it comes to brands you’re thinking of launching or even partnering with others?

LVD: Great question! I feel that it has to be something that is super authentic to you. Anyone can go out and try to make a business out of something. But if you don’t love it and you’re not passionate about it, it’s going to feel like work, it’s gong to be work no matter what – but you’re going to notice how hard it is and how difficult it is if you don’t love it. I even look at it that way with the WWE. There’s no way that just anyone can walk off the street and do what we do. Not only because of the physical toll that it takes on you in the ring, but the travel! It’s so demanding! If you don’t love it, there’s no way that you’re going to last.

AM: I couldn’t agree with you more! I have to say that I have such a respect for you and the other WWE people. When we’ve shot with you, Nattie, Trinity and Danielle Moinet, when you guys came to set you’d share that you just drove 3 hours to get there, you had a fight the day before, a fight later on that same day after our shoot and the amount of schedules that you guys juggle and yet to see how happy you are and how you still interact with fans is insane!

LVD: It is a lot, but I think that you have to have great time management skills and like I said, if you love it, it doesn’t feel as difficult because you’re doing something that you’re enjoying. So you get an instant gratification from that.

AM: Are there ventures that you’re exploring that you’re able to share? Something that you’ve done which is really great, is that in addition to us knowing you as an athlete, you cover other areas in business because you’re truly an entrepreneur.

LVD: Well, I actually have something in the works that I can’t say just yet. When we’re able to announce it, it will be exciting! I’m really trying to focus on fashion right now and explore it. It’s something that I’m passionate about, I love it and I enjoy it. I’ve always loved clothes since I was a kid. I just think that it’s fun to be able to express yourself and to show who you are by what you’re wearing. I think that that is something that I will really try to focus on this year. I would love to have an athleisure line and to get more into that realm. I’m putting that out into the universe because it’s something that I really want to be able to do and to dive into.

AM: I could see you doing that as your IG always shows you killing a range of looks!

You recently got married to Matt! How is it juggling your busy lives with both of you part of WWE, working, traveling and your family? It’s so exciting.

LVD: It is so exciting! I think that we have really found our way into the groove. We both have such demanding and crazy schedules! Luckily, we’re both on Raw, so we’re on the same show; however, we both have separate commitments outside of just Raw. I have live events, he has currently been working with NXT talent. So we’re just kind of all over the place. FaceTime is great, we’re always communicating via text, all day every day. It just makes our time when we’re together, that much better because we get to be in the moment and present and enjoy each other. We have things that we can catch up on, but if we’re together all day every day, we already know everything happening in each other’s lives. It’s great to have a little bit of separation because then we can come together and chat about the things that we have going on with each other.

AM: It’s always fun to see you guys on IG or when you were doing your podcast show together, are there other projects that the two of you will do together that you’re able to share?

LVD: There’s actually nothing in the works right now. We love working together. It’s funny because we truly complement each other so well. We are truly opposite from each other. He’s more quiet and you know, a little mysterious, whereas I’m more kind of like obnoxious, annoying and just in your face. It’s funny the way that we compliment each other. We are thinking about bringing our podcast back. We had to take a break with getting married, then work was just insane and then life just got in the way. But our fans are really asking for it so I think that when the time is right, we will eventually go back to the podcast. There’s so much to update everyone on.

AM: It was so fun to listen to and I love a whole peanut butter and jelly aspect!

A few minutes ago, we were talking about fashion. How do you approach your closet? You wear items that are sporty to those that are chic, you play with proportions. You can truly tell that you just embrace playing and seeing what works and just enjoying that. How do you approach your closet in terms of the looks for the day and events when you’re going out?

LVD: I think that if someone were to ask me how I would describe my style, I don’t have a specific style. I like anything and everything. When I’m just at home, I’m usually in sweats. But I like for it to be something cute like a matching set or just a big baggy sweatpants and a crop top. I feel like I really try to just do the most. I don’t care if the look might offend someone. I’m always in a crop top, even if it’s in the winter, I really don’t care. I’m going to do the most, I just want to do something that makes me feel good and to just make a statement. I think it’s important that when it comes to my closet, that I don’t spend a lot of money on trendy items. I like to spend my money on a classic piece and something that I can wear forever and something that will last forever and won’t go out of style. If I’m going to go for something that’s trendy, it’s going to be a lot cheaper. I like to pair something cheap, with something expensive. If I have a nice pair of Louis boots and then I wear it with my $20 Fashion Nova jeans, who cares?

AM: How do you take time for yourself in terms of self-care so that you can reset and be present for whatever it is that is on your agenda?

LVD: As I mentioned earlier in working with my acupuncturist, that’s something that I have really been focusing on for the last few months. I think that it’s so important to take time for yourself. It’s not selfish. It’s a great way I think to be able to reset and to just be present in your everyday life. If you’re taking time for yourself, then you’re going to be a better wife, a better daughter, a better friend and a better employee. That’s because you’re not all over the place. I think it’s important to stay in the moment. I really like to schedule appointments. So if I have an appointment for my yoga, for my acupuncture, for a stretch, PT or the chiropractor then I make that commitment and I have to go. If I say, “oh I will stretch out when I’m at home,” there’s no way that I am going to do it. I’m going to get wrapped up in work or a phone call that is going to distract me. So I feel, that for me, when I make appointments, I have scheduled something and I know that I will be paying for it. I have to commit and I have to do it!

AM: For sure! There’s nothing worse than seeing a charge for a no show fee because you weren’t there. You’re just cheating yourself.

LVD: That’s the worst, legitimately the worst!

AM: What do you want your legacy to be in terms of the sport and the world? What’s that mark that others can look to and say that they know that that was what Leah Van Dale did and/or contributed to?

LVD: Oh my gosh, that’s such a huge and crazy question to hear! I think that when it comes to that, I want women, especially young women in general just to be able to realize that you don’t have to be just one thing. I think for a long time I thought that I was just a WWE SuperStar or I’m just the girl that comes out and dresses sexy on TV or I’m the girl that was the last Draft Pick in 2016. I’m so much more than that and I don’t have to fit into just one box! As women, that’s sort of what we are taught in society and it’s made us think that we are just one thing. No, I have so many more things to me and different aspects and sides of me that I want to share and I don’t have to be just the girl that dresses sexy or the girl in WWE. I’m also a step mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend and there are so many other things that define me! I’m not just one thing. I think that if I can pass anything on to women and using my social media platform and my following, that’s what I want women to know. You don’t have to be that and your thing can change by the way! Who I was in 2017 is a hell of a lot different then who I am now and that’s so different from who I am going to be a year from now! It’s ok to change, evolve and grow.

AM: And sometimes, circling back!

LVD: For sure! Absolutely!

AM: There have been things that 8 years ago you did it and whatever and then last year you think about it and realize that you want to bring it back to the front burner again. Things are fluid and we shouldn’t be beating up on ourselves.

IG @carmellawwe

PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 40 - 47 + 9LIST STORI3S PG 48, 49 + 51 Leah Van Dale

Read the FEB ISSUE #86 of Athleisure Mag and see BEYOND THE RING | Leah Van Dale in mag.

MELLABRATION TIME WITH LEAH VAN DALE

This September, our cover is graced by Leah Van Dale who wrestles under the name Carmella as a WWE SuperStar who is also on E! Total Divas, which is back for its 9th season on Oct 1st! Our shoot took place during NYFW, which showcased SS20 collections that we can't wait to start rocking in a few months. Our shoot took place at The Mondrian Park Ave Hotel on the Mondrian Terrace as well as at their lower level lounge known as The Boogie Room.

As we showcased great transitional fall looks, we also got to know more about this athlete, whose career has included being a dancer for the New England Patriots as well as the LA Lakers as a Laker Girl and of course being a WWE SuperStar. In addition, she also launched her own wine label that embodies her mantra and how she sees the world as she continues to amass her empire.

ATHLEISURE MAG: You have had an amazing career, that has included cheerleading, dancing, modeling, wrestler and entrepreneur. When you were growing up, what was the moment that you realized that you wanted to be an entertainer?

LEAH VAN DALE: For as long as I can remember. I was dancing before I could even walk. It’s where I feel the most comfortable. I’ve always loved putting on a show!

AM: Earlier this year, our Feb cover included a few members of the Super Bowl Champions’ New England Patriots, what was your journey to becoming a cheerleader for this team for 3 seasons?

LVD: I danced my entire life. When I started college I knew I wanted to continue my passion for dancing. I found out about a try out to become a New England Patriots Cheerleader. I went to the try out and made it! The rest was really history.

AM: After 3 seasons with the New England Patriots, you became a Laker Girl for the Los Angeles Lakers for a season, what was that process like?

LVD: At the time, you could only cheer for the Patriots for three seasons. I had just graduated college in May of 2010 and I was ready for a change. I flew out to LA the day before the tryout. There were almost 700 girls there for the audition and only 6 spots open on the team. I felt so out of my element. I kept making it to the next round and after almost two months of tryouts and training I made the team! I picked up and moved to LA without knowing anyone or anything about the city, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it.

AM: As someone who was familiar with the WWE as your father Paul Van Dale is a mixed martial artist and worked with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in the 80s and 90s – when did you decide that you wanted to be in the WWE?

LVD: Honestly, I never thought I would end up in the WWE. I used to watch it when I was a kid, but it wasn’t something I aspired to do. I wanted to be a dancer. My dad would bring it up from time to time but I always shut the idea down. When I did everything I could with dance I found out about a tryout with WWE. The timing was perfect. All the stars aligned and my journey to become Women’s Champion began.

AM: Tell us about your journey for becoming a part of the WWE?

LVD: I moved to Orlando in 2013 when I was signed to WWE’s developmental brand NXT. I trained at the Performance Center for a little over two years; learned the basics in wrestling and created my Carmella character. In 2016, I was drafted to Smackdown Live and I’ve been moon walking and trashing all over TV since.

AM: Your ring name is Carmella, why did you choose that name and what is the persona of her when you're wrestling – how does this differ from you?

LVD: I wanted an Italian mob-wife character. I channeled my inner Carmella Soprano. I wore fur jackets and talked with an accent. We already had a girl on the roster billed from Boston (where I’m from) so they decided to bill me from Staten Island (which is my real life rival!! A New Englander pretending to be from New York?!?!) I did all the studying I could do to make sure I really gave off the Staten Island vibes and I pride myself on my character. She’s definitely more outspoken than Leah. But it’s essentially me with the volume turned up to 100!

AM: What is the process like when you are creating your ring persona and do you have input when it comes to the storylines that you are involved in?

LVD: I had all of the way in creating Carmella. She’s definitely evolved over the years, but I feel lucky that the first character I came up with is still what I’m doing today. Some people go years trying to create their on screen persona, so I’m very fortunate.

AM: You have had a number of amazing wins in your career at the WWE, what are 3 of your favorite storylines that you have been involved in?

LVD: I loved my story with Nikki Bella when I first debuted on Smackdown Live. It was my first feud and it was super high profile. I was so nervous to work with her, but she was incredible. She always had my back. I loved when I became Miss Money in the Bank. I made history in the first ever women’s MITB ladder match. I got to carry that contract and be so incredibly obnoxious about it. Of course my final favorite is when I cashed in on Charlotte Flair the Smackdown after Wrestlemania 34. I was an over the top champion with these ridiculous Mellabrations. It was so fun.

AM: Who do you consider as members of your squad within the WWE?

LVD: I have a good group of girls I’m close with. Bayley is one of my best friends. We got super close during our time in NXT and we’ve remained that way despite being on different brands the last few years. Natalya is my girl. We text literally every single day. She’s so funny. I love Sonya and Mandy as well. We all lived in Fort Lauderdale for the last year and they’re just super fun.

AM: As an athlete in the WWE, what does it mean to you to be in this organization as well as being apart of a number of the amazing things taking place within the women’s matches that take place there?

LVD: This is the best time to be a lady wrestler. I feel so fortunate to be a part of so many historical moments. These are the times everyone will be talking about when it comes to the Women’s Evolution.

AM: Fitness has been a key component of your career and you have even been in videos with Bob Harper, why is it so integral to you?

LVD: Fitness has been an important part of my life since I was a kid. My parents have always instilled that into my sister and me. When I’m active and eating healthy is when I feel my best. Of course we all fall off the wagon every now and then, but I always get back to it.

AM: What is a typical day like for you when you’re working out?

LVD: When I’m at home (which is RARE!) I train with my trainer or I do yoga. On the road I do empty stomach cardio in the morning, either 30 min on the stationary bike or walk on the treadmill on a high incline. Then I do some weight training. I alternate upper and lower body workouts.

AM: You were wrestling at Madison Square Garden earlier this month, what is your day like going into a day like that?

LVD: Usually it’s a workout in the morning then I just head to the arena for 2pm. Just to walk into MSG is mind blowing, nevermind knowing I get to perform there. It’s every entertainer's dream. This was my third time there. It never gets old!

AM: You’re constantly on the move, what is the average week like for you between taping shows, being in the ring and more?

LVD: It varies from week to week, but typically something like this:

Saturday fly from home to the first city, have the show, the drive to the next town. Have a show on Sunday, then drive to the next town. After our show on Monday, I drive to wherever we have our live tv show Smackdown Live that week. Of course the gym and finding healthy spots to eat inbetween all of that. When we’re filming for Total Divas, I would fly to wherever we are filming that Wednesday morning after TV. We film Wednesday-Friday then fly to the next set of shows on Saturday. When we aren’t filming, I sometimes get to go home Wednesday-Friday, in between show loops.

AM: Season 9 of E! Total Divas premiers on Oct 2nd – why do you like being a part of this show and how important is it to be involved so that we can know more about you as well as your character?

LVD: I was on the show for season 7, but I didn’t get the opportunity to really open up and show my truth. I’m excited to do that this time around.

Nothing is off-limits, which scares me a little. It’s very nerve-wracking to put your entire personal life out there for everyone to judge, but I’m ready!

AM: What can you tell us about your upcoming season?

LVD: It’s all about our sisterhood. There’s six of us: Ronda Rousey, Nattie, Sonya Deville, Trinity and Nia Jax. You’ll get to see my relationship with my boyfriend Corey Graves and of course there’s a little drama with the girls.

AM: Tell us about Capo Cagna Wine – how did this opportunity come about, how long were you in development, what is the meaning behind the name and where can people get it?

LVD: It’s been in the works for well over a year now. It’s been such a long process with a lot of ups and downs. I wanted to start a brand and have it mean something. I want everyone to feel like a Boss Bitch when they’re drinking it, which is was Capo Cagna means in Italian.

AM: Wine is a beverage that a number of people enjoy or are just learning about, we love how you position your wine regardless of the sippers’ wine background – why is that your approach?

LVD: I think it’s important to feel confident. I want whoever grabs the bottle of wine to know they deserve to feel a little boujie, but it’s not going to break the bank. It’s all about being boujie on a budget. So if you’re a wine snob, this is not the wine for you! ;)

AM: Currently, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are available, will there be additional varietals that we should keep an eye out for?

LVD: Yes! We will have a Rosé launching for the summer of 2020.

AM: On average, how many times a year are you traveling?

LVD: 52 weeks a year. We don’t have an off season.

AM: As someone who travels quite frequently, what are 3 things that are in your carryon that make you feel like you’re at home?

LVD: I always keep one of my comfy sweaters in my backpack so I pull that out for the plane ride; my eye mask and my iPad so I can keep up on all of my favorite reality shows (Real Housewives is my guilty pleasure.)

AM: Do you have any philanthropies or charitable work that you are a part of that you can share with us?

LVD: With WWE we are always involved with so many charitable organizations. A few that I work closely with are The Boys and Girls Club, Be a Star (WWE's anti-bullying campaign) and UNICEF Kid Power.

AM: When you have downtime, what are 3 things that we could find you doing or eating when you’re taking time for yourself?

LVD: You will find me drinking wine on my couch, eating sushi or pizza and watching Netflix.

AM: In Ft. Lauderdale, where can we find you grabbing a drink/meal, working out and shopping?

LVD: When I’m home, I’m usually a homebody. But I do work with my trainer Danny Blanco at Top Notch Training. Other than that, I’m ordering Uber Eats and laying low!

AM: What are 3 brand/products that you’re loving within each of these three categories of - fitness, beauty and in style?

LVD: I’m all about skin care products. I love using rose water to spray on my face when I travel. Rosehip oil is essential. I’m always shopping on Revolve.com because they have free two day shipping, so my clothes are always there when I get home from the road.

IG @CarmellaWWE

Our cover shoot took place at The Mondrian Park Ave on the Terrace as well as the lower level lounge known as The Boogie Room which is managed by In Good Company Hospitality. We took a moment to chat with Chris Guidice, General Manager of IGC to find out about the spaces, what guests can enjoy and the hotel in general.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did The Boogie Room launch?

CHRIS GUIDICE: The Boogie Room opened a little over a year ago and recently relaunched with brand new art on the walls and throughout the space.

AM: What is the ethos of The Boogie room?

CG: The Boogie Room is a place where art, music, drinks, and culture bridge the gap between approachability and exclusivity. This edgy bar, with its combination of street art and retro furniture, is the perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of Park Avenue South. The dim lighting and intimate space give an air of elusiveness, while still maintaining the warm and welcoming atmosphere that is typical of all IGC Hospitality’s venues.

AM: We love that there are murals at this lower level hotspot, what’s the story behind them and how often do they change?

CG: The walls feature beautiful murals full of bright colors painted by local artists serving as an homage to ’80s and '90s NYC street art. A group of talented artists were brought together and given the direction to create a fun atmosphere that has cultural and historical relevance to this amazing city.

AM: What are 3 signature drinks that we should have the next time that we’re at The Boogie Room?

CG: The Boogie Room’s specialty cocktails are everything on our bottle menu! Of course, we have a full bar with beer, wine, and spirits, but the parade of sparklers and bottles represent the ethos of a Boogie night.

AM: What events are taking place at The Boogie Room this fall that we should mark our calendars?

CG: The Boogie Room takes on a life of its own on Friday and Saturday nights. This nightlife hotspot features some of NYC’s most sought after DJs from 11:30 pm - 2 am every weekend. Think dancing, flowing drinks and bumping music.... There’s always something going on here!

AM: We also shot at the Mondrian Terrace as well – tell us about this space and more about this vibe?

CG: Mondrian Terrace is a year round terrace offering the best of both indoor and outdoor space. We are currently in the final month of our Rosé Terrace installation, a rosé lover’s paradise, and will soon be transitioning to a Fall-themed pop up. Our outdoor terrace overlooks the corner of Park Avenue South and East 30th Street. The indoor lounge is a canvas for seasonal soirees and NoMad nights.

AM: What are 3 signature bites that we should enjoy at Mondrian Terrace?

CG: We change the menu seasonally, but three of my current favorites are burrata with fig balsamic, beef short rib sliders, and the lamb meatballs with feta cheese and pine nuts. Each dish is perfect for snacking on as you sit and take in the great vistas of downtown Manhattan. If you’re feeling generous, they’re all very easy to share

AM: What events are taking place here that we should keep an eye out for as we continue into the fall?

CG: The Rosé Terrace at Mondrian Terrace is winding down and we’ll be debuting a new Fall/Winter pop up soon, so stay tuned! Our Beverage Manager Allie Klug and Executive Chef Todd Matthews are always working on incorporating seasonal ingredients into our menus, which means lots of specials to look forward to.

AM: For the Holiday season, is there anything taking place at The Boogie Room or the Mondrian Terrace that we should swing by?

CG: We’re planning our Halloween party at Mondrian Terrace. Guests can enjoy rooftop views, Halloween Cocktails, and a live DJ. Tickets for the event will be available soon, keep an eye out here for more details.

We also host a weekly Latin Night every Sunday. Of course, for those who really like to plan ahead, we have New Year’s Eve blowouts planned for all of the venues in Mondrian Park Avenue!

AM: With 3 venues at the Mondrian Park Avenue Hotel, what was the process behind coming up with spaces and concepts? You have definitely created different vibes that would fuel guests of the hotel, those that book an event, people who staycation and those who are in the neighborhood that ware interested in swinging by.

CG: The three spaces at the Mondrian have all been designed to have their own unique feel. Cleo is a beautiful Mediterranean restaurant which has American influences in the dishes and distinctly unique décor. Mondrian Terrace offers a relaxed atmosphere and seasonal delicacies, perfect for a first date or corporate party. The Boogie Room stands in stark contrast to the posh and sleek look of the Mondrian and surrounding Park Avenue, it is perfect celebrating birthdays, or just a place to dance the night away. All three spaces are inspired by the hotel’s namesake - Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. The Boogie Room is actually named after one of his paintings titled Broadway Boogie.

AM: Tell us about In Good Company and other locations do you have that we should keep on our radar?

CG: IGC has more than a dozen amazing venues. All super unique and hospitable. We’re excited to recently welcome Woodpecker by David Burke to the portfolio, as well as our second nightclub, Jewel Thief - opening next month! Whichever IGC Hospitality venue you choose to visit, I guarantee you will find the common thread of good food, good drinks, and great people.

IG @IGCHospitality

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Athleisure Mag's cover story was shot by Paul Farkas, using Canon Mark IV; and selected Canon lenses: EF 50 f/1.2 L, EF 24-70 f/2.8 L II, and EF 70-200 f/2.8 L II.

IG @PVFarkas

MAKEUP CREDITS

MUAH Jessica Bonilla used a number of products and tools to create the makeup that is in this cover editorial with WWE SuperStar and E! Total Divas' Leah Van Dale/Carmella.

LOOK I

To hydrate the face, EMBRYOLlSSE Moisturizing Face Cream was used.

Base Makeup: CINEMA SECRETS Foundation 300 Series. LAURA MERCIER Translucent Loose Setting Powder was used.

Bronzer: FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA in Sun Stalk'r (Caramel Cutie and Mocha Mami).

Highlight: First, TATCHA Luminous Dewy Skin Mist was sprayed to give a healthy natural glow and take away the powdery look. DOSE OF COLORS Highlight was applied on top in Mirame.

Blush: BH COSMETICS Blush Palette.

Eyes: KKW BEAUTY KKW X MARIO 10 Pan in Eyeshadow Palette in Miami and Albania.

Lips: ANASTASIA BEVERYLY HILLS Lip Palette (mixed colors for the light pink look) and mixed FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Gloss Bomb in Diamond Milk for a satin finish.

LOOK II

KISS PRODUCTS lashes in Poise and smudged a little black lipstick from the ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Lip Palette for a more natural styled sultry eye. The lips are brighter for the sporty look with a pretty pop of peach with FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Diamond Milk over the top.

LOOK III

The lip for this look is FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Gloss Bomb in Universal for a beautiful sporty look.

LOOK IV

This look was kicked up a notch for this beautiful gold jumpsuit. We wanted a lot of color for the eyes. Jessica used MORPHE X JACLYN HILL Eyeshadow Palette in Bling Bling and the Metallic Purple Shade Gem in the crease. A light blue shade from NYX Petit Brights Pallette was used in the inner corner. For the outer corners, Jessica used colors Iri Ji (a pink shade) and Ofala (an orange shade) from the JUVIA’S PLACE Festival Palette with Odogwo (gold shade from the same palette) in the center, INGLOT COSMETICS' 77 Eyeliner and added more of FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Universal Gloss Bomb on the lips.

IG @Laniidoa_Cosmetics

HAIR CREDITS

Hairstylist Brooke Bogle used a number of products for the hairstyles in this cover editorial with WWE SuperStar and E! Total Divas' Leah Van Dale/Carmella.

LOOK I

Soft beach waves were created using a 1 inch iron. Prepped with CATWALK BY TIGI Haute Iron Spray.

Sprayed at the end as well for added shine.

LOOK II + III

Two side braids into a pony using BEDHEAD TIGI On the Rebound Curl Recall Cream for smoothness.

For added texture to the pony, fluffed and sprayed with TIGI COPYRIGHT Custom Complete Volume Finishing Spray.

LOOK IV

Funky waves with spontaneous braids with accent jewels and rings.

For texture and separation used CATWALK BY TIGI Texturizing Sea Salt Spray and re-scrunched gently. Sprayed CATWALK BY TIGI Haute Iron Spray for added shine.

IG @Brooke_Bogle

FASHION CREDITS

Athleisure Mag's Celeb Fashion Stylist, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director Kimmie Smith focused on looks that incorporate a number of pieces that will become go-to's in your closet with the onset of warm weather.

LOOK I

PG 36 | HANRO Nala Soft Cup Bralette | MAVI Tess Super Skinny in Black Snake Jeans | MAISON DE PAPILLON Velvet Blazer | LAGOS Black Caviar Diamond Necklace + Maya Circle Statement Ring |

LOOK II

FRONT/BACK COVERS + PG 19 - 29 | UMBRO Bodysuit | LAGOS JEWELRY Black Caviar Black Ceramic Diamond Earrings + Signature Caviar Diamond Pave Crossover Ring | ATHLETIC PROPULSIONS LABS Techloom Bliss White/Black/White Sneakers |

LOOK III

PG 16, 17, 31 | ALO YOGA Crop Cropped Short Sleeve Top in Caramel + High Waist Ripped Warrior Leggings in White | PARAJUMPERS Hybrids Olivia Puffer Jacket in White | ATHLETIC PROPULSION LABS Techloom Bliss White/Black/White Sneakers | LAGOS 18K Gold Caviar 12mm Ball on a Chain Necklace |

LOOK IV

PG 32 - 35 | YANDY Ms. Metallic Jumpsuit in Gold | LAGOS 18K Caviar Gold 2mm Width with 80mm Hoop Earrings + 18K Gold Caviar 12mm Ball on a Chain Necklace |

IG @Shes.Kimmie

Read the Sept Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Mellabration Time with Leah Van Dale in mag.