She’s blonde and beautiful, has appeared in several movies, is otherwise accomplished, degreed, well-spoken, well-travelled and makes it a habit of hobnobbing with the rich and famous (we mean RICH AND FAMOUS) in Hollywood. Did we mention single? And loving it? Lee-Anne makes for a great gsport Style Star as 2009 winds down. With all the doom and gloom seemingly coming to an end, she’s the perfect pick-me-up to get down the dirty with, and into gear up for this season’s must-haves.

Not that she’s not interested in tackling issues close to her heart. This actress’ message to SA is to “Respect Women and Fight Crime!”, and considers it a significant honour to have represented South Africa at the Swedish Film Festival last year, and is keen to beat global warming (she’s not averse to some help there). But you would be cautioned against only seeing the high-gloss in this down-to-earth girl. When she’s not on the red carpet, she fondly remembers being able to “ice cream and chips without a care in the world,” and when she’s got some rare down-time, her favourite pastime are relax and cook dinner at home for friends, before escaping to the bush to watch the animals. gsport is honoured to present a real home-grown star, the November 2009 Style Star; Lee-Anne Summers!

Hi Lee-Anne, thank for talking to gsport! Where were you born, and where do you live now?

I was born in Port Elizabeth and have journeyed from there through Cape Town, Joburg, Australia and New York, currently residing in both Jozi and Cape Town. Although I must admit, I still feel like the Cape is more my home.

Lee-Anne, what makes you a proud South African?

The people of South Africa, and our incredible love for our country. When you travel the way that I do, you get to experience many forms of patriotism. A lot of other very proud nations are patriotic in an inherently cerebral way. For us though, it comes from our hearts despite all the challenges we face, and that more than anything makes me so proud to be South African.

What is the greatest thing that happened to you this year?

I was lucky enough to get invited to a private cocktail function for the Golden Globe nominees at the Beverly Hills hotel in January. To stand in a room with actors like Kristin Scott Thomas and Leonardo di Caprio was absolutely surreal.

I turned around at one point, and almost knocked straight into Harvey Weinstein, which could have possibly been a career limited mistake! My whole trip to LA was extremely inspiring, to see the level of professionalism and drive that the American actors have is highly motivating.

What has 2009 taught you?

2009 has taught me that good things come to those who persevere, and that with all good comes a certain amount of bad. It’s how you deal with the bad that will determine your success.

Considering your accomplishments, what career highlight that you can pick out, that gives you the most pride?

I don’t really take too much time out to reflect on which career highlights make me most proud, I am normally barreling towards the next job so this is a tough one.

One of them was certainly a phone call that I received from Catriona Andrew after she had seen a performance of mine, she was very complimentary about my acting, and to hear that from a fellow artist is always amazing!

You’re well accustomed to being in the public eye: How do you get away for those special private moments, when they’re needed?

If I’m not at a function, then I’m not really in the public eye. I like to relax and cook dinner at home for friends, and I love escaping to the bush to watch the animals.

It’s not really a problem to find private time, it’s not like I’m Kim Kardashian, I don’t have paparazzi following me around all day. I’m too boring, I wear underwear all the time and I have no intentions of shaving my head.

What are your main projects at the moment?

I have shot three movies this year, and have just wrapped doing a short stint on one of the local soaps, so my main project at the moment is getting ready for some R&R over the festive season! I plan on giving an Oscar-winning performance as a South African tourist on an exotic holiday.

When you’ve got an important date, work or private, what simple rules do you use to decide on an appropriate outfit?

Well, if it’s a big function then Shimansky is kind enough to loan me jewelry, in which case I coordinate my outfit around the bling. Otherwise, my number-one rule is that I feel comfortable and sexy in the outfit.

There is nothing worse than not feeling good in an ensemble, it just kills your confidence and that is never a good look. I also follow this rule: Either boobs or legs, never both. Too much skin is not attractive.

How have you dealt with challenges that have come your way?

Sometimes with an even temperament, sometimes with maniacal madness (laughs)! Challenges are great for me because I work well under pressure, and I don’t like to sit still for more than 3-7 minutes at a time. I am also no longer as afraid to fail as I used to be, and this helps put every challenge into perspective. If I make a mistake, no one is going to die and, on set, I can always ask for a second take, so I don’t have anything to lose. It makes my work better and my life a little more interesting.

What is the best advice you have received?

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars …

AND

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded!

(this is an adaptation of a 1905 Bessie Stanley poem)

What are you most passionate about?

My friends and my family. Both bring with them love, and without love we are all hollow shells of the people we could be. Wow, I am sounding like a real sap right now.

Lee-Anne, how would you describe your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years?

For the most part, my style is quite laid back and ‘Californian.’ For going out though, my style is understated and sexy. Over time, my style has become a bit more refined, and I have learned the importance of a few well-chosen accessories.

What are your favourite colours for summer?

Whites and nudes because they looks so fresh when you have a tan (from a bottle, not from the sun.) For this season I am planning on wearing a lot more loose-fitting cottons or linens. I like the concept of Afro-chic femininity. Coral and green are also great for a more colorful look.

Where do you enjoy shopping for clothing?

I hate shopping; I can do it for about half an hour and then I get very bored. My mom actually helps me out here, because she loves it and she has great style.

She’s also honest with me when I try stuff on. I shop quite a lot at Fragoli in Melrose, because it’s not in a shopping centre and it’s a little more personal.

What are your favourite labels?

I have a current obsession with Imazine watches, which come in all different colors (I have them all), and they actually release negative ions, helping to balance your body and improve health. Fergie, Ashlee Simpson and Kirsten Dunst are also fans. They are about R150, so they are affordable as well as stylish and healthy. For everyday wear, my favorites are Abercrombie & Fitch and GAP.

Who are your favourite designers?

In terms of South African designers, Lalesso and Craig Jacobs (Fundudzi) are my favorites. Internationally, I love Diane Von Furstenberg, because her use of prints is genius. I’m a fan of Christian Louboutin and Azzedine Alaia shoes.

Who are your style icons?

Blake Lively from Gossip Girl is hitting all the right notes for me in the style department at the moment, and I have always been quite the fan of Victoria Beckham. For a more relaxed style, Jennifer Aniston has the California girl-next-door look down.

What is always in your handbag?

Keys, cards and Carmex lip balm are all a staple in my handbag. I also always carry Dermalogica sun wipes to ensure I never risk sunburn, and a small tube of Colgate toothpaste and a toothbrush for after lunch on set. Sounds weird, I know, but no one wants to do kissing scenes with someone who smells like onion.

What is your beauty routine?

I am pedantic about taking care of my skin because it is such an important part of my job. I use a lot of SKII, which is a skin care range that I get from London. They have the best eye cream in the world.

I also go for Environ facials, and I use Dermalogica Microfoliant at home everyday. Other than that, lots of sunblock and I always wash make up off at the end of the day.

gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity, and what role does it play in your life?

Femininity is everything that makes us women, from our soft and caring natures to our ability to create life. We should celebrate what sets us apart from the opposite sex by enjoying our bodies and owning all of our emotions.

I love being a woman! More than ever before, we have the world at our feet and I plan to take advantage of everything that comes my way.

What inspires you?

I try to find inspiration in the small things, the stranger on the plane that calms you when you get nervous or a beautiful sunset. Being inspired is a choice and once you make it, you’ll find inspiration everywhere, even in people you don’t like who you don’t want to emulate.

Who are your role models?

In terms of career and living your life in the public eye, Reese Witherspoon and Uma Thurman. They both juggle career and family so well and they seem to have balance and perspective in their lives.

I really look up to my parents when it comes to love and marriage, they have such an amazing and loving relationship.

Philanthropically speaking, George Clooney, Leonardo di Caprio and Angelina Jolie are all role models for me. The unbelievable people I have met at Joburg Child Welfare who work so hard with no recognition are the ultimate role models for me though.

What do you hope to be doing in 2010?

I have two movies lined up to shoot in 2010 and I would like to do a bit more local work. Really, all I can hope for is more opportunities to take on interesting roles, and some more time to spend with loved ones. I also hope to end Global warming, but I may need a little help with that one!

Comments

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Tessa Chamberlain  - You are an inspiration to everyone   |2010-07-23 12:36:42 Lee-Anne, you have accomplished so much in your life already! Well done and you just keep going! Lots of love Tess Reply 0   0

Ina Beamish   |2010-07-23 23:53:13 Hi Leanne, We're proud of you. You are definitely the Style Star for 2010!! Keep going and go for gold ..... you CAN do it!!! Holding thumbs for you all the way!! GOOD LUCK & ALL THE BEST!!!!!!! Love, Larry, Ina, Jason & Laura Reply 0   0

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