The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey takes the cover story of V Magazine‘s Summer 2023 edition lensed by fashion photographer Rob Rusling. In charge of styling was Anna Trevelyan, with creative direction from Stephen Gan, and set design by Olivia Giles. Beauty is work of hair stylist Tinisha Meeks, makeup artist Christiana Cassell, and manicurist Thuy Nguyen. AI artist Nik Gundersen.
Melissa McCarthy came to join me on (The Little Mermaid) set and it was so cool to witness her work. First of all, she’s such a wonderful human being. She’s so naturally funny, but she’s also just such a boss – she knows her shit! She was just so commanding – her and Javier [Bardem] – she was not afraid to speak up. I just remember looking at her and being like, “You can do that, too!” I just had this epiphany moment, and slowly started coming out of my own shell. I started owning my power and knowing that I, as a woman, have that is a really beautiful thing. And I remember seeing that from her. – Halle Bailey
Photography © Rob Rusling for V Magazine, read more at vmagazine.com
