By Nila Do Simon
Photography by Eniko Szucs
Styled by Newheart Ohanian
Though fiercely proud of her South African roots, Charlbi Dean doesn’t shy away from the recent attention that global audiences have been showering her. American viewers might recognize the soft-spoken brunette with Mena Suvari-meets-Jordana Brewster looks from her sinister role as the villain Syonide in the “Black Lightning” TV show, based off DC Comics’ groundbreaking superhero. “I had no idea I could play someone so evil,” Dean says of Syonide, a trained assassin who’s considered an expert marksman.
Audiences will soon get a larger dose of Dean, who will begin filming a movie in early 2020. While details are still under wraps, she says it’s a trying role that tests her boundaries. With more than 64,000 followers on Instagram, Dean no doubt has already created a ubiquitous persona that most anyone can relate to thanks to her often-satirical posts dotted with dark and witty humor. “It’s part of the rebellion,” Dean says. “People expect models and actresses to be part of this cliche of being cute and perfect, but I want to show we’re not all built the same. We can have an edge to us.” If that’s the case, rebel away.
Michael Kors blouse, vest, jacket, pants and gloves, available at Aventura Mall.
Gucci blouse, pants, jacket, shoes and purse, available at Bal Harbour Shops.
Chanel top, pants and bandana, available at Bal Harbour Shops; Dolce & Gabbana headpiece, available at Bal Harbour Shops.
Alexander Mcqueen dress, belt, boots and earrings, available at Bal Harbour Shops.
Sacai vest and skirt, available at The Webster Bal Harbour; Valentino boots and purse, available at Bal Harbour Shops.
Valentino dress and jacket, available at Bal Harbour Shops; Dr. Martens boots, available at Bloomingdale’s at Aventura Mall.
Salvatore Ferragamo jacket, available at Bal Harbour Shops.
Marc Jacobs blouse, skirt and jacket, available at Saks Fifth Avenue at Bal Harbour Shops.
Versace dress, hair clip and purse, available at Bal Harbour Shops; Alexander McQueen boots, available at Bal Harbour Shops.
Michael Kors bodysuit, cardigan, skirt, headband, gloves and handbag, available at Aventura Mall; Dr. Martens boots, available at Bloomingdale’s at Aventura Mall.
Photographer and casting: Eniko Szucs
Stylist: Newheart Ohanian
Hair: Ledora using Oribe
Makeup: Mark Williamson/The Only Agency using Mac Cosmetics, Sigma Beauty and Artis Brush
Stylist assistants: Dinniah Bartholomew and Marissa Nanarone
Model: Charlbi Dean/Next Management LA
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2019 Issue.
