As prominently displayed annually by the Coachella music festival, there are few locations as appealing for destination seekers as the California Desert.
Graced with magical pink orange sunrises, crystal clear blue days, and slow on set magic hours, the Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage area has earned itself an iconic reputation for glamour and panorama.
In particular, the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage has become synonymous with the iconic spirit of Palm Springs. Perched atop a promontory, the elegant and spacious resort gracefully contours around a cliff-top that stretches over miles of pristine desert. Nestled between the cliff top crests, the resort boasts an array of swank amenities, from its state of the art spa to a kids and adult pool, putting green, panorama Jacuzzi, and fine dining restaurant The Edge
Due in part to its Instagrammable appeal, in years late the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage has become a major draw for Hollywood’s elite, in particular attracting today’s most in vogue upcoming models, actresses, and fashion bloggers.
We had the opportunity to visit the breathtaking venue and learn just who its star patrons were and why they chose the Ritz Carlton.
Lana’s flame
Photo by Hugo Aguilar
1. Where did you move to LA from and what was the reason?
Initially I was living in Azerbaijan but then moved to Istanbul, Turkey to study Film and Tv. At that time I also started my instagram blog which in a short amount of time became very successful, so I thought maybe it would make sense for me to move to LA. I was hoping to continue my bachelor in Cinema here and also maintain my blog, but my blog took over and became full time work for me, so I had to focus all my time on it.
2. How have you seen your career take off in LA?
Before I moved here, I’d say I did it more for fun, I never imaged that I could make living out of fashion blogging, but as soon as my foot stepped in Los Angeles I was lucky enough to meet really good people (my agency) who helped me to develop my hobby into business. In Los Angeles I was lucky enough to work with amazing brands that I would in the past promote just because I like them whereas now I get paid to do so, I traveled to many mesmerizing destinations as part of my work, met very inspiring and influential people and of course had more ability to express myself. This place is truly magical , it’s made for dreamers, so I’m happy that I made a decision to move here.
3. What are the projects you’re most excited about that are coming out this summer/fall?
As for now I’m very excited for the upcoming Fashion Week. Working with brands during Fashion Week seems very organic to me, because it’s that time of the year when everyone wants to learn what are the next big trends and how to wear/apply them in daily life. I’m also working on couple projects for my YouTube channels, but unfortunately can’t share much details about these yet!
4. What and with who is your favorite type of vacation retreat from the city?
Anywhere with my friends would be fun for me! I love to unplug and enjoy the nature. Doesn’t really matter, could be a beach, could be mountains or fields, I just like to be near untouched by humans beauty of earth.
This hotel is definitely one of the places I’d love to visit again. The location is just wonderful, I can’t even describe how much I enjoyed watching the sunset with glass of wine during the dinner. Also as a huge interior design lover I have to point out that the hotel is very stylish. All the ravishing paintings around the territory and huge glass windows made me fall in love even more!
Thoughts from the Valleys
Photo by Hugo Aguilar
Dallas Stephens, Fashion Model
Alive and Well
Photo by Hugo Aguilar
1. Where did you move to LA from and what was the reason?
I’m originally from a small town called Quincy, Illinois. I moved to Chicago in 2014 to pursue modeling and when I felt like my career had hit a stand still, I had to choose between LA, New York, or Miami to continue it. I had always wondered what living on the west coast was like so I chose LA! It was terrifying but exciting all at the same time!
2. How have you seen your career take off in LA?
The first year in LA was difficult, to say the least. I was signed with an agency that was not responding to my emails, sending me on castings, or setting up test shots with photographers. On top of that I was living in an unsafe apartment with no air conditioning, going through a break up, and at one point had $20 to my name. Talk about rock bottom! But, I refused to give up. I decided to take matters into my own hands and dropped that agency before the contract was up so I could find someone better suited for me. I met my mother agent, Renew Artists Hawaii, who set up several meetings with different agencies in LA and am now proudly signed with SLU Agency! I booked my first national commercial, shot for my first swim campaign in Hawaii, and worked with one of my dream clients: Adidas. LA has a pretty big market with so much opportunity for models of all kinds! This city has taught me how to brand myself, network, and avoid situations which might not be in my best interest. It helped me become a smarter business woman and stronger person.
3. What are the projects you’re most excited about that are coming out this summer/fall?
A huge project called Strive By Dallas will be released August 12th! I have been working on it for months..it’s my baby haha. Strive focuses on helping others find that love for fitness, health and wellness so they can use it as a tool to replace their unhealthy habits. I want to help girls (and guys) who struggle with self-esteem, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, depression, etc. Strive literally means to make strong efforts to obtain something, so that something is a consistent healthy lifestyle! It’s never easy and never a quick fix..you’re always working for it! So I want to use my knowledge knowledge and platform to help others find happiness and start loving their lives and more importantly, themselves.
On the modeling side, I’m heading to Hawaii at the end of the month to shoot a campaign with a new client I’m excited to work with! I’ll also be heading to San Francisco for the first time to work with a fitness brand.
4. What and with who is your favorite type of vacation retreat from the city?
Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE traveling. I have a special place in my heart for France. It was always a place I have dreamt of going and in 2018 I got to visit Paris and Lyon for a few days! I find that I learn the most about myself when I get to experience other people’s cultures.
My mom is hands down my favorite travel buddy! She hasn’t traveled much but loves experiencing new things, so to see her so excited really makes me happy. Also, she is hilarious when she drinks too much wine. And when she vacations...she drinks a lot of wine haha.
5. For a desert retreat, how does your experience at the Ritz stand out?
The Ritz was so amazing! The views of the desert while shooting were beautiful and the whole staff was accommodating. I usually stay at a house when I visit Palm Springs, but having everything at our fingertips was nice and convenient. True desert oasis.
Dancing in the dessert
Photo by Hugo Aguilar
Savanna Leigh James, Fashion Model
1. Where did you move to LA from and what was the reason?
I moved to LA from the small town of Prescott, Arizona to move forward with my dream of being not only a model but an inspiration to young woman to shoot for there dreams and never give up. My awesome mother agency ford RBA definitely helped me with my transition into the LA market and have mentored me throughout the process.
2. How have you seen your career take off in LA?
In the short period of time I’ve been in LA I have been exposed to so many brands, companies and wonderful people. My career has definitely transpiring since my move and I’ve been busy with many jobs and I know the possibilities now are endless with hard work and perseverance magic will happen.
3. What are the projects you’re most excited about that are coming out this summer/fall?
The most exciting coming up would be my meeting with some of the top Miami agents to get signed and looking forward to my first Miami Swim Week next year. Dream job will be Victoria Secret in my future!!
4. What and with who is your favorite type of vacation retreat from the city?
My favorite vacation is any vacation with my family! They are the life of the party and my biggest supporters. Family is everything but my favorite trip ever was Oahu last year!
5. For a desert retreat, how does your experience at the Ritz stand out?
For a desert retreat the Ritz Carlton was welcoming, beautiful and a very serene place to stay. The spa was definitely a bonus with so many options. Wonderful place to relax for sure!!
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