A little over a week ago, Black Hollywood turned out in record numbers to celebrate the Obamas' in Washington D.C at the 45th Presidential Inauguration and Inaugural festivities held throughout the D.C area. Notably absent was one of Obama’s staunchest supporters, Vivica .A. Fox. Surely, she wouldn’t have missed this for the world, so why wasn’t she seen out and about with her celeb colleagues schmoozing the town and enjoying the pomps and circumstance that is associated with these high society events? Your all around homegirl’ and favorite celebrity friend-in-your-head was working hard in Hollywood. When I spoke to Ms. Fox the weekend of the Inaugural festivities, she solemnly advised that her work obligations kept her in LA, but make no mistake, the renowned actress and producer stay tuned in to the events while juggling rehearsals for television shows and entrepreneurial duties as the new face of ‘RX for Brown Skin’ and her work behind her successful Hair brand, ‘Vivica Fox Hair’. You may recall how vocal and involved Ms. Fox was during the 2012 Obama re-election Campaign. From countless radio interviews, television appearances and rallies, Ms. Fox was one of the more notable celebs who publicly threw her support behind the cause to re-elect the president for a second term. I spoke to her about Mrs. Obama’s look for the Inauguration ceremony and she gave her high marks for the Thom Browne Coat Dress that created quite a stir around the world. That was the perfect precursor to chat some more about the star's fashion and style, as soon after our exchange on the First Lady’s looks, we got to talking a little more about Ms. Fox’s own personal style on and off the red carpet.
We all know that Fox’ throughout the years has developed this reputation of being a sex symbol for men, particularly black men around the globe. Her wallpapers and posters are plastered in college dorms and bachelor pads from Ghana and Jamaica, where she is beloved, to Washington and Wyoming in the United States. Let’s face it, Ms. Fox has some serious sex appeal and the down to earth Hollywood diva never disappoints at a public appearance either. Examiner recently spent some quality time with the star behind the scenes of her’ Vivica Fox Hairline’ shoot in Philadelphia, styled by famed publicist and stylist B.J Coleman and five time Emmy award winning Make Up artist Elena George. We got up close and personal for exclusive access with Ms. Fox’s and her glam squad. See what it takes to keep one of your favorite celebrities looking good and feeling good at all times.
When Examiner visited the ‘Vivica Fox Hair’ set, the location was being transformed into a vibrant beauty and fashion boutique with flashing lights and lots of action,complete with Ms. Fox’s favorite designer shoes, chic accessories and designer clothing picked out by her stylist BJ Coleman who also doubles as her publicist. BJ allowed us unprecedented access to Ms. Fox and her team for our interview.
Check out our Q & A with Vivica A. Fox
Examiner: What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Vivica:First thing I do in the morning, is give thanks to God for another day, and then turn to HLN News or ESPN to see what's going on in the world.
Examiner: What must you always have in your refrigerator?
Vivica: I must always have fresh Orange Juice, Alkaline Water and Hazelnut Creamer for my coffee.
Examiner: What is your favorite piece of furniture and why?
Vivica: My favorite piece of furniture is my bed, cause' it's fluffy and so comfortable!
Examiner: When not working on set, where are you most likely to be?
Vivica: If I'm not on set, most likely, I’m hanging out with my Godson Christian, and his mom, Jazsmin Lewis.
Examiner: How do you dress at home and in your everyday life? Jeans and heels or
Sweats and sneakers?
Vivica: I love chilling in a cute Sweatsuit and wedge sandals or sneakers.
Examiner: How do you usually spend the time with your friends?
Vivica: I usually go to a nice lunch or dinner with my friends, movies, or bowling.
Examiner: Spiritual or not? Are you in Yoga or Meditation?
Vivica: I’m very spiritual. Love to meditate and have quiet time.
Examiner: What’s your gym/exercise routine?
Vivica: I usually do light Cardio, by walking or hiking, and I love water aerobics.
Examiner: What keeps you motivated?
Vivica: I stay motivated by treasuring life; the pursuit of happiness and being positive.
Examiner: What gets you down?
Vivica: Negative people get me down. I do my best to stay away from them!
Examiner: What would make you smile all day?
Vivica: When my Godson Christian says "Hi Gigi", and gives me a big ‘ole smile and hug; that makes me smile all day for sure!
Examiner: Do you find time to read? What was the last book you read?
Vivica: Not much of a reader of books, because I'm always reading a lot of scripts, but my favorite author is Terry McMillan.
Examiner: Can you recall a time when you had an Aha moment?
Vivica: My Aha moment came, when I learned to love myself as a woman and not let others define who I am!
Examiner: What do you do in your alone time?
Vivica: My alone time is spent getting a good massage and treating myself to lunch, having a great salad, and a nice glass of wine.
Examiner: Are you ready to get back in the dating game?
Vivica: Sure would love to date again! Love is a beautiful thing, but with the right guy!
Examiner: What do you splurge on?
Vivica: I splurge on great shoes and diamonds!
Examiner: What was your most extravagant style purchase?
Vivica: OMG! I brought myself a diamond necklace that was in the 6-figure range! (No regrets).
Examiner: Who do you like to wear on the Red carpet?
Vivica: I love rocking a beautiful gown on the red carpet! So elegant and feel like a Princess (her face lights up) I love J Mendel, Naeem Kahn, Gucci, Cavalli, Marchesa, Phillip Lim, and Jason Wu.
Examiner: Who would you like to wear next?
Vivica: Would love to wear Balmain next! Rock star style for sure!
Examiner: What should be in your hotel room the moment you check in?
Vivica: Fresh roses and waters always make me happy when I check into my hotel room.
Examiner: What would be your dream role if you haven’t played it already?
Vivica: I’ve always wanted to do Whitney Houston’s story! I truly love and miss her and always admired her!
Examiner: What do you say to your critics who rush to judgment almost all the time?
Vivica: Critics have a job to do and they are entitled to their opinions! I just hope that they actually, SEE a project, before they pass judgment.
Examiner: What’s the best thing about being Vivica A. Fox the Celeb? What’s the worst?
Vivica: The best part of being Vivica Fox is when someone tells you how much they enjoy your work and say lines from your films, to you! And the worst part is when someone says something about you, and has not a CLUE about who you really are or what they’re talking about!
Examiner: How do you know who to trust in this business? Can you always trust your instincts?
Vivica:I trust my circle of business partners that I have been in business with for years! (Manager, Agent, Assistant, Publicist). I always trust my instincts! My favorite Granny always says! “Baby, follow your first mind.” ( She winks and chuckles)
Examiner: Who is your celebrity crush?
Vivica: My celeb crush is Hugh Jackman. He is a good man, an awesome father and husband, and can act and sing his tail off! Loved him in Les Miserables and as Wolverine!
We asked Ms. Fox’s favorite Face Designer, Multiple Emmy winning Make up Artist, Elena George to break down the mega star’s fave style on the red carpet. Elena was Ms. Fox’s face designer at our interview in Philadelphia where Ms. Fox was shooting 2013 looks for her ‘Vivica Fox Hair’ Brand. She is also one of Ms. Fox’s favorite go to make up gurus for a great look on the red carpet and some of her big events.
Examiner: What product was used to moisturize your face?
Elena: Vivica’s Red Carpet Regimen: She starts with a soft facial massage, and steam spa treatments, to prepare her skin.
Examiner: What makeup products did he/she use…which one does he/she recommend for your face and why?
Elena: Most Red Carpet looks are: SMASHBOX Photo Finish Moisturizer - BOBBI BROWN SKIN foundation, Smokey Eyes , A pair of great eyelashes, light rosy cheeks , IMAN gold highlighting facial, powder, LUST BY MAC fabulous nude pinky lip.
Examiner: What are the key aspects behind a particular look? The eyes, the cheeks, the brows, the lips, the contour etc.
Elena: Her look is based on the style and color of the gown. Some gowns’ allow me to be more creative and trendy, rather than fun.
Examiner: How long does it take you to get Ms. Fox ready usually?
Elena: For a Red Carpet look it takes about a good 2hrs, to prepare her. Of course we can do this quicker, but I don’t like to rush for carpet.
Examiner: I see here that you are putting curls in Ms. Fox’s hair a particular way that seems signature to her, is it important to maintain a certain look with your hair at all times?
Elena: The type of curls depends on the style whether she decides to go up or down. Vivica loves to wear her hair down with cascading full curls and a soft wave.
Examiner: How do you achieve those curls at home?
Elena: To achieve the full body curl, you can use a big barrel curling iron, and rap small sections around the barrel of the curling iron.
Examiner: What hair products did you just use to achieve this look?
Elena: Vivica loves Elnet Hairspray and Fabu-silk by Farouk so we used those.
Examiner: What is it about them that make them so great for her look?
Elena: These two products do not weigh the hair down. They add shine to the hair without making it oily, or making the hair look like it has a lot of hairspray. Not stiff.
To stay up to date with more of Ms Fox's fabulous red carpet looks, please visit her website here.
This interview was made possible by BJ Coleman of Coleman Entertainment Group.
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