Sneak Peek: Exclusive Interview With Zuri McDaniels
In an exclusive conversation, Vintage NYC Magazine sat down with the beautiful and always stylish, Zuri McDaniels. Zuri is a role model for other women and encourages others to just be themselves. Her belief that true beauty comes from within is what makes this issue’s cover model shine bright!
You have been married to legendary hip hop artist, Darryl McDaniels, for 22 years; how did the two of you first meet?
I was 17 years old, walking down Broadway in NYC with a girlfriend when I saw Darryl. He was with his friend, Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), who also was part of Run DMC, and they were just hanging out. My girlfriend was friends with Jay and we stopped for a little while; they started talking while Darryl and I made small talk, nothing major, but my girlfriend made sure to pass my number along before we left. To make a long story short, Darryl will tell you at that meeting he knew right then and there that I would be his wife! It took me a little while longer to come around, but 23 years later and one incredible son, we are living a very happy life!
Vintage Magazine strives to showcase fashion and looks from the past with a modern twist. What are your thoughts on taking vintage styles and pairing them with current trends?
As far as I’m concerned, a vintage look will always be in style. I love the way women dressed in the 1950’s and 1960’s; it was a period in fashion where women made sure they were dressed up all of the time. They cared about their appearance whenever they were stepping out. Watching old Hollywood movies, I’m reminded of what being a lady is all about and I’m inspired to dress up, no matter what my day looks like. If I meet friends for lunch, I dress up; when my husband and I are having a “date night” I take it up a notch to look sexy and glamorous for him. Different styles seem to have a way of coming back; they come in waves and what was once "in" will usually find its way back, even if it’s many years later. To create a unique “vintage look” depends on the person and how they blend the two together. It’s all about incorporating your own “modern” twist.
What advice do you have for someone looking to find their own inner “fashionista”?
I would say being comfortable in your own skin and knowing what works for you. Know your body type, what makes you feel beautiful and sexy. Not every trend is right for everyone so just know which is right for you.
My own style has changed a lot as I’ve gotten older. When I was younger, I would look up to my favorite actresses for inspiration and would try every trend that was out there. The glamour of the 50‘s intrigued me and I still take that notion of a lady dressing like a lady into my style today. Now as a grown woman and having experimented with many different looks and styles, I know what works best for me.
You are beautiful inside and out; can you share some of your beauty secrets?
My best piece of advice came from my father; it’s something he instilled in me from the time I was a little girl that beauty is skin deep. If you have an open and kind heart and treat others with respect, you will resonate beauty from within!
Please read the rest of Zuri McDaniels interview in the next issue of Vintage New York City Magazine that is soon to be released.
Interview by: Alexandra Anastasio
Hair Styled by: Kristine Murillo
Makeup by: Victoria Torres
Photos by: Joshua Paull
Zuri's personal Chanel jewelry collection enhanced with more pearls from the Mina D. Couture line
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