BELLE FEMME ISSUE 7
MAGAZINE
WHATS MY AGE AGAIN?
QUITE DECENT
have you met sarah dugue?
INTO THE WILD WITH ROCHELLE BRODIN ROOF TOP COLAB ANNA JADE NGUYEN WELL, HELLO! ELLY BROWN
THE DESIGNS, STYLE AND LOOK OF
CJ FRANCO
BELLE FEMME issue 6 / winter 2018
18 CJ FRANCO
THE DESIGNS AND STYLE OF A innovator
26 into the wild
THE photography WORKS OF ROCHELLE BRODIN
10 HELLO, ELLY BROWN
ACTRESS, MODEL AND ADVENTURER
48 SARAH DUGUS
A FEATURED MODEL WE SHOULD ALL KNOW.
38 ANNA JADE NGUYEN
A ROOF TOP collaboration
56 Whats my age again?
some in site to a seasoned millennial
BELLE FEMME ROBERT WHITE EDITOR IN CHIEF
Content Writers robert white quite decent layout specialist
robert white
graphic design artist robert white photographers alya croft andriy isayez rj alvarade keidy moreno rochelle brodin gordon connell models cj franco (cover) elly brown anna jade nguyen sarah dugue eugenia kuzmina
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THE EDITOR IN CHIEF What is the biggest change you have seen in the fashion industry so far? there are a ton of changes happening in the industry. i have seen new and creative designers coming up in the ranks, seen traditional designers taking more risk and the models that are in the spotlight are more and more different from the norm. The fashion shows are taking over small cities all over america and pushing there designers and boutiques into the spot light to shine with nyfw and others. what is the meaning of belle femme? belle femme is french for beautiful women. the simple word beautiful means so much to us that we build a magazine around the strong women in our network and in the fashion world. we also love to feature the beautiful women of the fashion world to help expose them to and their dreams and aspirations. consider us a platform for the fashion based women of the world to have a voice and be featured.
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Whats is on the schedule for belle femme in 2018.? We are working on a lot of new things. not only are we ready to hit nyfw again but this time with access to larger designers and more unique access. we want to expand on a youtube channel and get more interviews and video out into the internet world. also we want to get an amazing contest launched that will bring one lucky model to the runway in nyc for a major designer. more info will get released as time goes by so stay tuned and find us on facebook and youtube to see the big changes. what does the future hold for belle femme? belle femme is so small but when it comes to making its mark in the fashion industry as a trusted source like vogue and others have become we are coming on strong. our growth in nyfw is the goal as well as touching base with other international fashion weeks like Paris, Los Angeles, and Miami. we want to be the leading source for these shows and continue to work with amazing producers, models, and photographers that create the groundwork of the house the designers live in. does the editor in chief of a magazine get any perks? it really depends on your definition of the word perks. haha Yes, i have gotten access to things for free but I'm hardly recognized on the streets of New York City or my own hometown where the magazine is created. I do see things happening for the publication industry that I think lots of editor in chiefs can benefit from. for example, cosmopolitan is now a reality tv show. that platform has opened people's eyes to the industry a bit more.
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well, hello there
B
elly brown
photography by: andriy isayez (olena z films)
elle femme since its deception has met so many stunning fashion and editorial models and elly brown is no exception. a all American girl from las Vegas but with Irish roots. with a ton of personality, you'll see what we are talking about in this interview. (wink) What made you first become a model? When I was a pre-teen, I was more like the ugly duckling. Glasses, braces, total band geek. Then when I was seventeen the braces came off... and I got contacts...and it was like the movie She’s All That, where she takes off her glasses and people are like, ‘Oh, hold up, you’re actually kinda pretty’. How did you feel when you did your first ever fashion show or photo shoot? My first photo shoot was back in my hometown for a senior photo portrait studio. I’d never done a real photo shoot with a talented photographer, so when I saw the finished product it made me feel very confident that modeling was something I could develop as a skill. Who was your role model as a child and how did that help in being a model? My role models back then were all the Broadway performers I admired. As a singer, modeling didn’t occur to me early on, but then when I discovered it I realized it all boils down to confidence--just like my favorite singers exuded.
What did your parent first think of you being a model and where they supportive? My parents were and are incredibly supportive of my journey as an artist. Modeling was a natural extension of my other talents, and I think I surprised both my parents and myself with how far I could take it and how beautifully it fit into my career. How do you feel about the controversy of the size 0 debate in the industry? Sizing is an important measuring tool, but it also has connotations that can certainly affect our subconscious in a negative way. The biggest thing is to not get wrapped up in it or take it too seriously. Every body is different and there is no one magic number or measurement that will ever indicate a right or wrong size. If you were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead? I’m so lucky to say that I do work in my “other” profession--as a singer in my a capella group, The Sound Collage. We create all of our music live using a vocal looper, incorporating beat boxing and sweet harmonics. I’m truly living the dream! What are guilty pleasures food wise? I absolutely love cheese and chocolate. And I never deprive myself. How do you cope under the pressures of being a model? I don’t feel pressured about modeling.
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happiness, and I cannot do that if I’m constantly worried about saying no to “bad” things. Being alive is a blessing, food is a gift, and we get one turn on this crazy merry-go-round called Earth. May as well get a good swig from the cup of Life. What beauty tips do you swear by? Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, baby. If a young girl/boy wanted to be a model what would your advice for them be? Practice being a good businessperson first. It’s not all cameras and glamour--you have to learn to protect yourself, learn to create great content, and learn collaboration. It’s very hard to do anything of value completely alone, and learning teamwork is a priority. When it comes to men what gets your attention?
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Smarts and a sense of humor. Show me a guy with a book in his hand, ready to crack a joke. And if he still has his stuffed teddy bear from when he was a baby, that pretty much makes my heart burst. Best pick up line you ever got? What was the worst? I’ve never gotten a really good, memorable pick up line that stuck with me. But one day a guy walked up to me and bumped hips with me, saying, “Happy Hump Day”. Pro tip, guys: don’t ever do that. What are some things or places on your bucket list? I love exploring the world. My next big trip is Paris, and I’m going to watch all the showgirls high-kicking in feathers and fishnets at The Lido. After that, I’m down for anything. My favorite city is Hong Kong and always ready to go back there!
Name three things you use every day? My Bose noise-canceling headphones. The quality is sick! Facebook--it’s the best way to work and network. And I can’t sleep without a fancy, soft sleep mask that blocks out the light. Craziest thing you have ever done? Once I took off all of my clothes and ran around naked on the top floor of a major Las Vegas hotel. I can’t tell you which one because I’d really like to be able to go there and not get kicked out, haha. What charities do you support or want to? Threesquare.org here in Southern Nevada. There are so many children who are food insecure, and just a little bit of money can buy so many meals! In terms of your charitable dollar going a long way, I think Threesquare is just about as good as it gets. Where do you want to be in 5 years? What about in 10? I don’t like to think of my journey as linear, but I do hope that I’m shooting for the same outcomes as I am now: doing the best possible work with the best collaborators, and always, always learning something. Do you have a political stance? Who did you vote for and why? I lean very liberal and I voted for Clinton. While she wasn’t a perfect candidate, I appreciated that she was leaps and bounds more qualified. Intellectually, I relate to some conservative ideas. But until the party can ditch the stigmas of racism, misogyny, gay-bashing and oppression in the name of religion, I’ll be over here on team blue. Do you follow or play any sports? Nope.
Quick 1 answer questions… Coke or Pepsi? Coke, duh. Wine or beer? I never met a wine I didn’t like. Country or city? City all the way! Trucks or cars? Cars. Boys or girls? Boys. Lights on or off? On! New York or Miami? NYC is the place to be. Steak or Salad? Salad with pieces of steak. Barbie’s or GI Joes? They need each other for maximum fun, don’t they? Best part of you according to you? According to others? (What gets the most compliments?) People remark on my eyes all the time, but the MVP according to me is my skin. Great skin often goes unnoticed, but it’s the workhorse that keeps you looking fresh and rested! What is your favorite season and why? Autumn. Growing up in PA it’s the best time of year--crunchy colorful leaves, Amish pies, and fields of yellow corn. Plus….sweater weather! What is biggest modeling goal? Besides being in this publication I think booking regular work is a fine goal. A lot of girls want this magazine cover or that runway show--I’m just over here like, I BOOKED SOMETHING YAY hahahaha. If you could have lunch with anyone dead or alive, who and why? My Grandma Elly, who I’m named after. She was an exceptional painter and sculptor and she studied in California with all of these progressive artists. She died when I was still too young to appreciate her background and her work.
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What is your definition of the word, Beauty? Beauty begins with kindness. It continues with confidence. And it pops with a little bit of lip color.
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fashion, style and confidence
cj franco photography by: alya croft
CJ Franco, when asked about her nationality simply said, "I’m Spanish, Creole ( french and black) and a little bit Phillipino." This blend of culture surely has created a beautiful women, with class, sex appeal and work ethic that has brought her to this point, launching her clothing brand. What made you first become a model? Gosh every girl wants to play dress up and be a model. I was living in LA and got the opportunity to model and I just ran with it. How did you feel when you did your first ever fashion show or photo shoot? The first runway show i did was terrifying,. who knew walking could be so difficult? But i didn't fall and thats what counts. What did your parent first think of you being a model and where they supportive? My dad was a model and he told told me that i wasn't going to be a model like him, i was gonna be smart like my mom.. Ha- I showed him! (joking) How do you feel about the controversy of the size 0 debate in the industry? I’m a size 0.. has someone been trash talking me? Ha I love curves, I think women are so beautiful, size is pretty irrelevant, I think women who look healthy and happy are the sexiest. If you were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead? A comedian! I just did my first stand up show at the world famous Comedy Store in LA. I love comedy but it’s hard to juggle open mics and stand up shows with the demanding schedule of doing photo shoots and traveling. What are guilty pleasures food wise? Potatoes.. I would do anything for any kind of potatoe, au gratin potoes, twice baked potaotes, french fry potatoes.. pasta, alfredo, spring vegetable, pesto, cavatelli ( i spend a lot of time writing food related yelp reviews) I love eating out BELLEFEMMEMAG.COM
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foods, before a photoshoot, during a photoshoot. I’m not the type of girl to count calories! How do you cope under the pressures of being a model? Modeling doesn't feel like work, I collaborate with dope creative people and try new looks. Escaping reality and playing a character who is playing dress up? this is every 6 years olds dream.
What beauty tips do you swear by? Botox. There i said it. If a young girl/boy wanted to be a model what would your advice for them be? Don’t get naked!! Lifestyle and commercial models have legitimate long lasting careers. Find a friend with a camera and practice, its the only way to become a great model. When it comes to men what gets your attention? I like guys that can make fun of themselves and treat others with respect. I’m pretty silly so i need someone i can be a fool with. What are some things or places on your bucket list? Havasu Falls, I’m dying to shoot there..The only way to get in is by helicopter or riding in on a donkey! Name three things you use every day? eutragina sesame body oil, viktor and rolf flowerbomb perfume, and cherry chapstick. Craziest thing you have ever done? Moving out of my apartment to travel the world is pretty crazy.. guess im living it What charities do you support or want to? Generosity water. In March I’m
Generosity water. In March I’m traveling to South Africa to shoot as the face of their 2018 campaign, for every bottle of water purchased Generosity water gives clean water to two people for one month, how dope is that? Where do you want to be in 5 years? What about in 10? I’d love to book a beauty campaign, expand my clothing line Neon Beige maybe have a store front, I want to have a beautiful home with a yard for my dogs, Cuddled up on the couch talking to Diego- my boyfriend who started out as my pool boy.. yes he’s going to be much younger than me and so sexy. Do you have a political stance? Who did you vote for and why? I’m not political but I am very liberal Do you follow or play any sports? I have mastered ping pong.. how many people can say that? Quick 1 answer questions… Coke or Pepsi? COKE Wine or beer? WINE Country or city? Country ( i liked to see the stars) Trucks or cars? Trucks Boys or girls? Girls all day Lights on or off? ambient lighting I want to feel like im in a spa New York or Miami? OMG I’m in Miami now.. always Miami Steak or Salad? If i wasn't vegetarian I’d say Steak. Barbie’s or GI Joes? barbie Best part of you according to you? According to others? (What gets the most compliments?) I like my feet and so does the internet What is your favorite season and why? winter so i can cuddle with my love (my dogs, wer’re both cold) BELLEFEMMEMAG.COM
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What are some of your favorite designers or stores? OMG have you seen that amazing new athleisure line “Neon Beige” sexy yoga pants tailored geared for chilling or a girl on the go. Follow me on Instagram @itscjfranco @shopneonbeige www.shopneonbeige.com
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into the wild photography by
rochelle brodin model: eugenia kuzmina
Jacket by: Keiichiro Yuri, Necklaces: MARC BELLAY ORIGINAL , Boots: Christian Louboutin
Photography is a challenge for those who take it on as a way of life. What kind of impact does it make to be able to capture a special moment and freeze it in time? I agree with that statement regarding a “way of life.” Photography, for me, is my new profession. It’s different than being in front of the camera. But I love it and I’m pursuing photography because it’s my passion. Whether I’m shooting a job that’s tedious and stressful or hiking the canyons with my iPhone, if my eye catches a moment that is beautiful I need and want to capture it. It’s a part of my life. I love it! There was a year 2011 to 2012 where I took a photo every single day with my DSLR Camera. I always say, “I’m no brain surgeon”, but as a photographer I believe I can still have an impact—whether that’s sales of my photos or my work being viewed in editorials and on social media. When great artists pass on, their creative work leaves a legacy in print with us. I hope to have art exhibitions of my work and tie my photos into more charities. Who knows? Maybe my legacy of photos will leave an impact on others. With photo shoots, there needs to be a connection between the photographer and the talent, even just in that moment. What techniques do you use to ease those who aren't used to being in front of a camera? Making someone laugh is crucial in breaking the ice and keeping the energy of the shoot up! Putting people at ease comes very easy for me. I was a fashion model and commercial actress for 15 years and I know something about getting people out of their head and relaxing. I am very open and honest as a person. I feel like by the end of my shoots everyone is at ease and telling me
their life story or problems. I always leave people feeling better about themselves and happier. We always hug after every shoot. Technology advances fast. We went from analogue to digital in a span of 10 years during the 2000's. Where do you think the future of photography is going? I have a small confession. I’ve never shot with a film camera nor been in a dark room. I know, I know. But I have, however, been shot as a model with medium format film and used a loop and red wax pencil to choose my photos. I think the future of photography is going to happen in two parts. First, in moving photos and video clips. (for example: GIF files, cinemagraphs, plotographs, drone photography and lots of VR). Second, Polaroids will get better and some fashion photographers will go back to film and lots of photos will have that raw, analog edge to them. What are you most passionate about in your profession? What I am most passionate about in photography as a profession? I love directing! Directing makes me feel high! Controlling the environment on a shoot and directing talents to move to what you are asking them to do. When I get a great take or shot I literally laugh out loud! It makes my day. What has been your biggest challenge as a photographer? (shoots, putting them together, ideas, etc) My biggest challenge is not having enough time in a day to complete everything I want to do. So much of me wants to go out there and work more, yet the other half is at home trying BELLEFEMMEMAG.COM
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to keep up with my edits and invoicing. One day I hope I will have an agent who does that all for me and a trusted assistant. My goal is to primarily focus on my family, photography and editing. Most people don’t know I have a sixyear-old son. With that said, I juggle much more than the average female photographer. I never complain about putting him to bed at 8pm and starting my editing work. Being a single mother only pushes me harder and longer than most will go. He is my inspiration and the joy of my life! styling: Ivan Bitton
Jacket by: Keiichiro Yuri, Necklaces: MARC BELLAY ORIGINAL , Boots: Christian Louboutin
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Skirt by: Dan Richters, www.danrichters.com Hat: Vintag
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A ROOF TOP COLLABORATION
ANNA JADE NGUYEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RJ ALVARADE
What made you first become a model? Started at 13 in Vietnam , wedding shoot How did you feel when you did your first ever fashion show or photo shoot? Very uncomfortable until I seen how my images came out , it boosted my ego a bit more then expected Who was your role model as a child and how did that help in being a model? Trish Thuy Trang Vietnamese artist What did your parent first think of you being a model and where they supportive? Yes they were , mom brags about it How do you feel about the controversy of the size 0 debate in the industry? It’s none of my business If you were not a model, what other profession would you have been doing instead? Dental assistance What are guilty pleasures food wise? All Asian & pasta How do you cope under the pressures of being a model? Depends who I work with . Some photographers were a waste of time What beauty tips do you swear by? Coconut oil for everything ! If a young girl/boy wanted to be a model what would your advice for them be? Build an outstanding portfolio & PAY a good photographer unless you’re through an agency
Best pick up line you ever got? What was the worst? No good ones , “hey girl feel me sweater . You know what it’s made of ? Boyfriend material . What are some things or places on your bucket list? Going back to Vietnam Name three things you use every day? Hair tie , mascara & grinder Craziest thing you have ever done? Too many good ones so little time What charities do you support or want to? The less fortunate Where do you want to be in 5 years? What about in 10? A great author for erotic novels Do you have a political stance? Who did you vote for and why? Nope . Mind my business Do you follow or play any sports? Kickboxing didn’t even cut it Quick 1 answer questions… Coke or Pepsi? Coke Wine or beer? Wine Country or city? City Trucks or cars? Cars Boys or girls? Girls Lights on or off? Off New York or Miami? New York Steak or Salad? Steak Barbie’s or GI Joes? Barbie Best part of you according to you? According to others? (What gets the most compliments?) complexion , my eyes & lips according to others What is your favorite season and why? Spring more hot then cold
When it comes to men what gets your attention? BELLEFEMMEMAG.COM
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What is your definition of the word, Beauty? Personality How would you make this world a better place? Minding my business & provide cannabis to those in need What are some of your favorite designers or stores? Fashion nova , luxnoire , Windsor What are some of your beauty tips and tricks? MAC How do you maintain your figure? I don’t . . Eat right How do you handle people that don’t support you or hate on you? Ignore em
HAVE YOU MET
SARAH DUGUE?
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: KEIDY MORENO (SGG PUBLIC RELATIONS) Sarah, where do you live and work? CURRENTLY I live in LA. In 2016, I founded my own company, SDL Design which delivers expert consulting in interior design. But I'm also still working as a model. Also, I like to spend during a year some time in Europe. You’re a Venezuelan woman by birth and early life, what characteristics do you possess from those backgrounds which allow you to survive the modeling and business jungle? Mainly the family values that I always carried with me. Fashion in particular is a very cruel and shallow world. If a girl (model) doesn't have strong roots is very easy to fall into temptation or even have no selfesteem. As a business woman, I think the most important thing is to be a very strong person and be focus. I'm learning every day about my business. I always try to understand and learn from each situation. You are a world leading media personality, model, actress, an interior designer and entrepreneur. Introduce us to a day in your life. I lead a balanced and healthy life. I wake up early every day and exercise four to five times a week. During the day, I wear two hats as an interior designer and actress. I'm diligently studying acting and speech work with a private coach, Mary Claire Garcia. During the weekends, I like to enjoy cooking and spending time with my loved ones at home.
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What are your future plans for the company? When I lived in Milan, I started to work with a linen company as Director of Export. This was my beginning in the design industry. When I moved to the United States, I decided to start my own interior design company. I'm working right know on a large scale residential project. Thrilling! With each new project, I continue to hone my skills and improve as a businesswoman. What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine? I try maintain a consistent regimen. My routine consists of working out at the gym twice a week with a personal trainer. I also do Bikram Yoga twice a week, and Barre Yoga twice a week. You got the opportunity to work along the wonderful Julia Roberts in the international campaign of Lancome Cosmetics, Paris for the ‘La Vie Est Belle’ fragrance. Share with us your experience doing this campaign. It was a wonderful milestone dream come true to be directed by James Gray. The first time I arrived on set, I was super excited to work alongside Julia Roberts. She is one of my all-time favorite actresses. Her smile is absolutely unique. Julia was very kind, humble and professional. It was a honor to share that time with her. What is your favorite gift to give? Any detail that makes the other person know that you thought about him/her.
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MENS USA
whats my age again?
quite decent photography by: gordon connell
As much as the Blink 182 reference that is this article’s title reveals about the times that I grew up in, the fact that I can sing along to the closing theme song of Boku No Hero might throw some people off as most people my “age” don’t even know what that is. Why is that? Well, let’s look at the problem that we have with our current idea of aging, and the effects that it has in today’s world. The first problem comes with the oversimplification of one’s age in the form of a number. When asked how old you are, simply regurgitating a number is pretty much the same as giving the thumbs up emoji to someone who has asked you about what you thought of the last episode of Stranger Things. “[emoji]”… What the heck does that even mean? All of the nuances of human communication are tossed out the window because such a practice eliminates any chance of a dialogue around said topic to even exist. If that’s the case, putting a “dancing salsa girl” emoji candle on your next birthday cake would probably be just as accurate. Obviously there are significant differences between someone who is 15 years old and someone who’s 70, so the veil of meaning is perpetuated. However, there are also significant differences between your typical 15 year old in New York City, and your typical 15 year old out of a village in East Java, Indonesia. This brings us to the second problem. The second problem with how we think about age is that we fail to acknowledge that we aren’t all just carbon copies of each other. Many organizations/governments base what you can do/have access to as an individual on the number that represents your age, but you can easily see the flaws in this one-sizefits-all solution when you take different things into account such as culture, lifestyle, physical and PAGE 58 BELLEFEMMEMAG.COM
getting into a big argument with the staff at my local movie theater when I was 16 years old because they were denying me a ticket since it was a school day and I was supposed to be in school (despite me explaining that I actually attended a boarding school in New Hampshire whose schedule was different than the public schools in NYC; and I was home for winter break). I remember being annoyed that I even had to deal with all of that when I was literally trying to give them money for something that I could have simply downloaded off of KaZaA/ Morpheus. I felt like I was talking to a bunch of children, which brings us to the third and final problem. The third problem, and perhaps the most crucial, is that we don’t account for varying maturity levels. This is because maturity levels are connected to, you guessed it, the number of years someone has been alive, but not necessarily how savvy they are with specific things. I’ve seen some teenagers, who were too young to vote, have more insightful conversations about politics than many adults, simply because political science intrigued them. However, it’s the adult’s vote that will count, simply because they’ve been alive for more than 18 years. As humans, we currently entertain the notion that one reaches the final stage of maturity (adulthood) within the first quarter of our lives. We then go on to live that quarter three subsequent times while in this final stage; never graduating to a new/higher stage. In effect, as we have nothing new to aspire to mentally, or no one “above” us to keep us in order/push us to realize our potential, we end up no different than a bunch of old children, free to do as we please. The paradox that this creates is one where younger adults don’t respect older adults because they feel that the older adults are just stuck in their own ways. At the same time,
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adults don’t respect the younger adults because they’re still a bit “wet behind the ears” per se. So what do we do now? Do we simply accept that we’re all just doomed as technology/the internet is helping kids become adults much faster? Maybe relate it the human condition or something? Fortunately, there is a simple solution. As weird as it may sound, the way to get around the flaws of using the number system is to expand it by giving everyone more than one age. This allows for one to PHYSICALLY be 23, but 45 FINACIALLY/ POLITICALLY/ ADMINISTRATIVELY/etc. When age is decentralized, enabling one to be young and old at the same time, those will be the times where one will ask, “What’s my age again?” -The Seasoned Millennial
