CONVERSATIONS // LERA PENTELUTE

CONVERSATIONS //
LERA PENTELUTE

Photographer, model and artist, Lera Pentelute is an all round creative.

Lera perfectly embodies the essence of the brand, particularly the intricacy, energy and inspirations of Eres Mi Sol, our latest High Summer collection. Through this series of imagery for the PORTAL, Lera conceptualises 90’s minimalism and modern romance, playing with different lighting against a number of contemporary interior settings, showcasing a curation of her favourite B+B styles.

Lera's effortless style, creative eye and ethereal beauty caught our attention, and we wanted to know more about her. See our conversation with Lera on harnessing creativity, her Ukranian heritage and suggestions for hotspots in LA.

An all round creative, you practice modeling, content creation, photography and art. How do you split your time between these roles? Which of these is your favourite creative activity?

Modeling and content creation takes up most of my time, but photography is my favorite. I’m very precious about it and always treat it as an art practice rather than work. I also draw and write music, but both have unfortunately been on the backburner as of late. As far as splitting time, it’s a frenzy.

An all round creative, you practice modeling, content creation, photography and art. How do you split your time between these roles? Which of these is your favourite creative activity?

Modeling and content creation takes up most of my time, but photography is my favorite. I’m very precious about it and always treat it as an art practice rather than work. I also draw and write music, but both have unfortunately been on the backburner as of late. As far as splitting time, it’s a frenzy.

Where and how do you feel your most creative self coming out?

I feel creative ideas come to me most when walking. People who know me know I’ll take a walk over a car ride whenever possible. I get into a bit of a rhythmic trance, which helps me tune out daily stressors and get in my head in a good way.

Where do you look for inspiration in your creative roles?

I’m infinitely inspired by light! The way it plays with objects, shapes faces, informs color, refracts through mediums and casts shadows. It plays an integral part in anything visual I create.

Where and how do you feel your most creative self coming out?

I feel creative ideas come to me most when walking. People who know me know I’ll take a walk over a car ride whenever possible. I get into a bit of a rhythmic trance, which helps me tune out daily stressors and get in my head in a good way.

How would you describe your personal style?

It feels funny to say this of myself, but I would describe my style as effortless, quite literally. The looks I throw together when running out the door, or pulling from a limited suitcase when traveling, are usually my favorite. When I overthink an outfit, I don’t relate to it as much; it doesn’t feel very “me.” I like to be playful and lean into different vibes, like menswear and vintage from the ‘60s to ‘90s. I fancy myself a bit of a collector, i.e. hoarder, of vintage.

Our High Summer collection, Eres Mi Sol meaning you are my sun in Spanish is inspired by the 90's era, artworks of Matisse and Picasso and the Spanish architecture and coast lines. Where would you wear this collection and why?

As soon as I saw this collection, my mind immediately went to tropical vacation. Enjoying sunsets and dancing on moonlit beaches.

What are your favourite pieces from the BEC + BRIDGE High Summer collection?

There are so many dreamy pieces, so it’s hard to choose. I love the silks, prints, and cut out shapes, like the Nadia Dress and Ruby Mini. And I definitely see the Claude Pant being a regular in my rotation. It’s equal parts cool, flattering, and comfortable, which is rare come by.

Now that we can travel overseas, where is first on your list and why?

Ukraine, where I grew up, is always first on my travel list. I always miss my grandmother, but it’s quite a journey from Los Angeles, where I live. I would highly recommend Kiev and Odessa for anyone traveling Europe--the cities have come a long way since my childhood and have such an amazing new energy coupled with unique culture and architecture.

Where do you look for inspiration in your creative roles?

I’m infinitely inspired by light! The way it plays with objects, shapes faces, informs color, refracts through mediums and casts shadows. It plays an integral part in anything visual I create.

How would you describe your personal style?

It feels funny to say this of myself, but I would describe my style as effortless, quite literally. The looks I throw together when running out the door, or pulling from a limited suitcase when traveling, are usually my favorite. When I overthink an outfit, I don’t relate to it as much; it doesn’t feel very “me.” I like to be playful and lean into different vibes, like menswear and vintage from the ‘60s to ‘90s. I fancy myself a bit of a collector, i.e. hoarder, of vintage.

Our High Summer collection, Eres Mi Sol meaning you are my sun in Spanish is inspired by the 90's era, artworks of Matisse and Picasso and the Spanish architecture and coast lines. Where would you wear this collection and why?

As soon as I saw this collection, my mind immediately went to tropical vacation. Enjoying sunsets and dancing on moonlit beaches.

What are your favourite pieces from the BEC + BRIDGE High Summer collection?

There are so many dreamy pieces, so it’s hard to choose. I love the silks, prints, and cut out shapes, like the Nadia Dress and Ruby Mini. And I definitely see the Claude Pant being a regular in my rotation. It’s equal parts cool, flattering, and comfortable, which is rare come by.

Now that we can travel overseas, where is first on your list and why?

Ukraine, where I grew up, is always first on my travel list. I always miss my grandmother, but it’s quite a journey from Los Angeles, where I live. I would highly recommend Kiev and Odessa for anyone traveling Europe--the cities have come a long way since my childhood and have such an amazing new energy coupled with unique culture and architecture.

How will you be celebrating the holiday season this year?

I’ll be slowing down and relaxing, reconnecting with my guitar, then probably skipping town for New Year’s. Location TBD.

What are your favourite spots in LA for:

Breakfast: Little Dom’s for a classic staple, Nick’s Cafe for an old school dinner, Gjusta for rustic bites, Sqirl for artisanal bowls and turmeric lattes, Manuella for brunch, Figaro Bistro for people watching.

Diner date: Cafe Stella, Damian, Atrium, Oriel. The Garden at Petit Hermitage with a room booking for a special night.

View: Yamashiro overlooking Hollywood, Bonavista Revolving Lounge for 360 views of Downtown, Moonshadows in Malibu for crashing waves.

Entertainment: Dan Tana’s, Escuela Taqueria, The Dresden, El Cayote, Horses.