I got the chance to interview Lydia Hearst today.
It's one of things I enjoy most about working on Genlux. Everyone has a story and it's fun to dig into our cover girl's lives to find out about them. You know, their fears, happy moments, passions, charities, who they're dating (the subject they universally avoid), favorite pizza toppings. Important stuff.
Lydia's story is pretty deep. Beginning with parents who united through the unfortunate circumstances of a kidnapping, murder, trial, conviction, prison and more. That scene was in 1974, when her mother, Patricia (Patty) Hearst, was held captive by the Symbionese Liberation Army. Initially fueled by Patricia's lineage into the Hearst family fortune, things went awry.
Patty's bodyguard was Bernard Shaw, who she went on to marry. Nobody thought it would last, including her own parents, who, call it spite, gave them a vacuum cleaner for a wedding present. The marriage lasted 34-years, until this past December with the passing of Bernard Shaw.
Lydia Hearst at the On Rodeo Bistro at the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive wearing fashion from Revolve. She's happy and in love with one Kevin Connolly—the man who gave her that Bvlgari bracelet for their one year anniversary. Ring to follow? She wouldn't even tell me what she got him. Can you imagine? A Bentley maybe?
Fast forward through Lydia's entire life to today and she's upbeat, happy and in love. She found her new love by friending him on Facebook. He sent a message. They met. And the two have been inseparable ever since. If all of life could be so easy.
The boy in her life is Kevin Connolly, better known as "E" from the hit television show Entourage. It was refreshing to hear her talk openly about her love for the guy. I couldn't place him at first but I went online to find his photo. He's the agent that's friends with the boys in the show. Not the older one with the raspy voice who swears all the time. "E" is the one who looks like he just got his driver's license. I was shocked to learn on Wikipedia that he's actually 40.
Her new show is The Face and its episode airs this week. If it gets picked up, she heads back to New York. When I ask about Naomi Campbell: The Diva. She's quick to defend her colleague, saying, she's a workaholic, hard-working, determined woman. Oh, please. Naomi Campbell and no drama? Clearly they're not understanding the four pillars of good reality tv: drama, fighting, stupidity, and, um, what was the other?
Lydia talked a lot about her charity, Operation Smile. She's been on missions to Cairo and elsewhere around the world, and, If it wasn't for fashion or entertainment, Lydia swears it's life-changing and where she'd spend her time.
Getting ready for our event next Monday at the Luxe Hotel on Sunset Blvd. It's a bridal affair we're teaming up with wedding expert-extraordinaire Renée Strauss. She's amazing.