Carmella Rose’s Holiday Rules

Uptown Girl

Written by Aaron Royce

Carmella Rose @carmellarose
Photography: France & Jesse @france.and.jesse
Stylist: Brandon Nicholas @brvndo
Makeup: Katrina Klein @katrinakleinmakeup
Hair:  Graham Nation @grahamnation

There’s more to Carmella Rose than meets the eye. Best recognized for her magazine covers, you may be surprised to learn the budding young activist has much more going on *behind* the camera than in front of it. Rose has made it her life mission to use her platform for good.

A Unicef NextGen Ambassador for over three years now, Rose has headed a multitude of social campaigns. Her work with the organization has proven to be so enriching that she has dedicated her career to making the world a better place through social work, however possible.

We sat down with the model, activist and jet-setter for an inside to her hometown, Los Angeles. Known for modelling on fashion magazine covers, the influencer has a range of interests that the cameras don’t capture.

With a platform of almost 3-million followers, Rose understands that with great influence comes great responsibility. That’s why she’s incorporated activism into her day-to-day life, particularly as a Unicef NextGen Ambassador for three years (and counting). The 25-year-old has spearheaded a range of social campaigns to bring awareness to causes like emergency relief, education and equal rights that affect children worldwide. Rose’s work with the organization has enriched her so much that she’s dedicated her career to making the world a better place through social work.

“I used to think my main goal would be to become some huge model and live happily ever after…but as the years go on of me being in this industry, I realized my biggest goal is to inspire others,” says Rose. “Whether it’s empowering women, working towards a better environment or just being a better human, it is just something I want to always strive to accomplish for the rest of my life.”

Rose is usually based out of her hometown of Los Angeles, which she admires the most for its variety of cultures. “People live and visit from all over the world, each looking for opportunities of their own to fulfil their dreams,” says Rose. “I love connecting with others and sharing our stories. I think there’s something really beautiful about that.”

The influencer, naturally, has her go-to hotspots in the city. As an admirer of architecture, Rose’s favourite hotel is the Kelly Wearstler-designed Santa Monica Proper Hotel. She loves dining at Elephante and Crossroads. When it comes to beauty, Rose especially favours the deep tissue massage with hemp balm at Now Massage, which “leaves you feeling like you’re in the clouds.”

Fashion-wise, the jet-setter’s style is breezy and feminine. Rose shops often at Aritzia, Farfetch, and The RealReal for her ‘90s chic style. Her rotation usually features pieces like one-shouldered tops, slip dresses and loose blazers from labels like Are You Ami, Alo, and House of CB—plus edgy corset tops and leather trousers.

However, when it comes to dressing for travel, the model prefers to keep things casual. “I love to be cozy—usually sweatpants, a tank top and a hoodie with sneakers,” she says.

As a frequent jet-setter, Rose has honed her must-haves when far from home. The model always packs her headphones, chapstick, makeup and skincare, and advises others to roll their clothes when packing—according to her, it adds space in your luggage and reduces wrinkled clothes. When travelling, she prefers to stay fit using exercise bands and workout routines from her good friend Sami Clarke’s YouTube channel. “If I have access to a gym or somewhere to run, I make sure to get some 20-minute cardio in as well!” she adds.

Skincare is also essential when travelling, which Rose does not take lightly. “Hydrate! It’s so important,” she says. “Drink lots of water, and make sure you’re wearing lots of moisturizer and SPF!”

Onboard a long flight, Rose prefers clean skin. “I love to make sure my skin is thoroughly washed and moisturized right before I fly,” the model shares. “If it’s a long flight, I like to freshen up and redo my skincare routine again before landing at my destination.”

That destination often varies, as Rose has numerous favourites—including Tanzania, Greece, Egypt and Portofino. “I’m in love with everywhere I go,” she says, adding that Japan is on her bucket list to visit in the future.

However, for the time being, Rose is enjoying her time in Los Angeles—though that could change in an instant. “I just got back from the south of France and at this moment have no travel plans!” she exclaims. “But that can change very fast. Always ready for another adventure.”