The shining star of “The Little Mermaid“, Halle Bailey, graces the June 2023 cover of Glamour US, exhibiting an alluring blend of grace and style. Captured by the artistic lens of photography duo AB+DM (Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice), Bailey mesmerizes in a Marc Jacobs ensemble, complete with Alexis Bittar earrings and Jennifer Fisher rings that perfectly adorn the captivating cover image.
For the cover story, stylist Justin Hamilton curates an exquisite collection of outfits for Bailey. Showcasing her versatile aesthetic, Hamilton selects pieces from Givenchy, Gucci, Supriya Lele, LaQuan Smith, Hassidriss, Sergio Hudson and Miu Miu.
Halle Bailey, the 23-year-old singer and actress, is on the cusp of a transformative phase in her career. Known for her musical duo with her sister Chlöe, Chloe x Halle, Bailey is now stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist and actor in two high-profile remakes of beloved classics.
Bailey’s journey to stardom began when she was just a teenager. She and her sister formed Chloe x Halle when they were 13 and 11, respectively, and their cover of “Pretty Hurts” went viral in 2013. Two years later, they signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment, and by 2021, they had released two albums and earned four Grammy nominations.
However, Bailey’s career took a significant turn when she auditioned for the role of Ariel in the live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid“. She was initially paralyzed with fear, but with the support of her sister, she prepared for the audition, which included two scenes and a performance of the seminal song “Part of Your World“. After a series of callbacks and a screen test, Bailey was cast as Ariel, a role that catapulted her into a new world.
The casting of Bailey as Ariel is a significant moment in Hollywood, marking a shift towards more diverse representation in film. Bailey, who grew up idolizing Ariel, is aware of the profound impact her casting has had, especially on young Black girls who can now see themselves represented in a character they love. She hopes to bring a more nuanced portrayal of Ariel, emphasizing her vulnerability and drawing parallels with her own life.
In addition to “The Little Mermaid“, Bailey is also set to appear in the upcoming musical movie adaptation of the 1985 drama “The Color Purple“. She auditioned for the role of Nettie while still shooting “The Little Mermaid” and was thrilled to be part of a project that resonated with her musical roots and allowed her to work with legends like Fantasia and Taraji P. Henson.
Despite the pressures and criticisms that come with growing up in the public eye, Bailey remains grounded and focused on her craft. She is mindful of the impact she has on her audience and strives to be a positive role model. As she prepares for the release of “The Little Mermaid“, Bailey is excited about the next phase of her career and is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come her way.
In her own words, “When I watch the babies react and they’re proud of me, it almost heals something within me and my spirit. I get really emotional when I think about it and when I see the reactions. It’s just lovely“.
Hair: Tinisha Meeks
Make-up: Christiana Cassell
Manicure: Yoko Sakakura
Prop styling: Carlos Lopez
Production: Ilona Klaver
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