Credit: Photographed by Gilbert King Wedding Dresses Magazine 2005 courtesty of Mercedes Scelba-Shorte

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Mercedes Scelba-Shorte (Our Favorite America's Next Top Model)
by Dana Turner

Mercedes, model and actress, is one star who is shooting straight to the top. Whether she's seen at the Vibe Awards with Tyra Banks, shopping in Milan, or acting in a movie, Mercedes is one woman of style whose greatest accessory is being her own fabulously free self.

She quickly became a front-runner and favorite on America's Next Top Model (Season Two), catapulting her to superstar status. Week after week her contagious smile and charm captured the hearts of thousands of viewers around the country. Beyond her stunning looks, it was her down-to-earth personality, bravery fighting Lupus (she's now a National Spokesperson for The Lupus Foundation of America), and human emotion that touched us all the most, making her the one to watch.

Today, she lives in Hollywood (signed by New Model Management in L.A.) , a place where the competition is something like sharks swimming in a small glass bowl. It's an industry where people are quick to turn at the drop of dime. But, despite the often callous behavior of the Hollywood shuffle, this girl has the class and panache to dominate over all the rest.

This fresh face is about being true to herself first. She's a shining star, and that kind of grace will never go out of style. Surely, if her escalating success and proven kindness is any indication of her bright future, this beauty will be here for decades to come.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: Describe your signature style.
MERCEDES SCELBA-SHORTE: Bohemian meets NY flair.

FM: Define the style in Hollywood.
MS-S: The city is filled with beautiful and very hungry people, and I’m not referring to food.  Everyone that lives in my city works or wants to work in the entertainment industry. Whether it be music, TV, film, commercial etc.  Usually it's hard to make friends because there is so much competition and not enough jobs to go around.

FM: What does global style mean to you?
MS-S: Global style is having a universal appeal of fashion no matter wear you are.

FM: Give us an inside look at your career.
MS-S: I have been keeping busy between commercials, photo shoots, movies, and acting school.

FM: What did you learn about style from America's Next Top Model?
MS-S: Not much! Just to be myself and be comfortable in my own skin.

FM: Which woman (past or present) has impeccable style and why? What women in which city worldwide have the best style?
MS-S: Gwen Stefani, Paris Hilton, Eve, Elizabeth Hurley, Jennifer Lopez are just a few examples.

FM: What is your biggest fashion vice?
MS-S: I don’t have a fashion vice. People wear things to stand out and make a statement. It is a form of expression, and I salute people who express themselves.

FM: What are your favorite shops worldwide?
MS-S: French connection, Roberto Cavalli, Arden B, Bloomingdales, Express, BCBG.

FM: What are your favorite places to travel? And, what are you always on the hunt for to add to your wardrobe when at a new destination?
MS-S: I just got back from Milan Italy, and they are the world's fashion leaders. So when I go there  I stock up on all sorts of belts, bags, and shoes.

FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought?  Is it something you just have?
MS-S: Style can never be bought because it is a form of expression that comes from your culture, your likes, your wants, your desires, and what makes you feel comfortable.  It is something that is innate with sometimes outside influences.

FM: What key fashion pieces do you always have in your wardrobe?
MS-S: purses

FM: What's a fashion no-no when attending special events, galas and more? Any tips for getting ready for an event?
MS-S: Getting ready for an event takes a least an hour for hair and make-up. However, I am very laid back and I don’t take that long to get ready unless someone else is doing my hair and make-up.  One tip: Have fun in what you wear.  It's not what you wear, but how you wear it.

FM: Do you have any style icons?
MS-S: Gwen Stefani, Coco Chanel

FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
MS-S: I am fascinated about Geology and I collect rocks.

FM: What are your own personal standards of beauty? And, what are your standards for style?
MS-S: There is no standard. Just be fun cool and free. Maybe some eye concealer and flavored lip gloss.

FM: What tips would you give women in general to be well rounded, balancing out life and a flourishing career?
MS-S: Im still trying to work on that myself.

FM: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
MS-S: Alive and kicking! I take one step at a time and make short term goals. I am in the process of studying acting intensively and hope to continue a career in the modeling and entertainment industry.

Credit: Interview by Dana Turner for Factio Magazine.