Splash Talk with Cicily Daniels!

As the Fashion Reverie Talks co-host, Cicily Daniels gears up for a fashion-filled Spring '22 schedule, we had the opportunity to interview her and find out exactly what makes her so awesome. She dishes about beauty routines, industry mentors and of course fashion. Cicily had us at Bridgerton, Champagne & SATC! So, if you're looking for a place to watch the latest fashion news, gossip and catch up on the industry scandals, you can miss Cicily and the gang on Fashion Reverie Talks!

Do you have a favorite character that you've played?

I would say Ursula in Disney's The Little Mermaid on Broadway.  She was glamorous, dramatic, funny and a fantastic villainess.  I also got to wear an elaborate wig/makeup and costume, and a gorgeous pair of knee high black boots which I did not get at the close of the production.  I imagine those gorgeous shoes wasting away in a huge Disney storage locker and it makes me sad, because I would have worn them every winter.

How did you meet Gooch and get involved with Fashion Reverie? 

I met Gooch in one of my earliest day jobs in NYC when I was temping at a law firm.  I wasn't in a show at the time, but we hit it off, bonding over the arts, fashion, and culture, and also laughing a lot.  Bill had the most amazing stories about his life in NYC, and we both had an interest in fashion.  With Fashion Reverie & Gooch, I attended my first runway shows, my first fashion week,  and met and interviewed designers and models. 

Is there a personal fashion moment in your career that stands out?

I think probably my red carpet for Disney's The Little Mermaid.  It was my first red carpet and I was so excited.

How has the fashion industry defined or affected your career?

I think that fashion gives you a way to find self-expression.  I learned that I love dresses, that I have a love for vintage and retro looks, that I love glamour but that I also appreciate the feel of luxury fabrics.  When you feel amazing in what you are wearing, you have more confidence.  A fabulous outfit is an essential part of my audition process.

Do you have a mentor or person who has helped guide you professionally that you can tell us about?

I haven't really had one mentor who has guided me.  There have been inspirational people to me and in my career.  When I did Ugly Betty, I was blown away by the graciousness of Vanessa Williams. When I did Boardwalk Empire, I had a fantastic conversation with the sadly deceased Michael K. Williams about his trajectory in the biz.  I've studied voice with an amazingly gifted teacher, Joan Lader, who gave me an opportunity to study and sing with Roberta Flack.  I was encouraged at a party at Jennifer Lewis' house by advice from her, and other Hollywood luminaries including the inimitable Loretta Devine.  All of these people encouraged me to stay on my path.

If you could give a piece of advice to someone that is just getting started in the entertainment industry, what would it be?

Figure out what you want to do, and then go for it with everything you have.  Otherwise, don't bother.  Also, take classes, learn and study.  If you want the gig, go in the room and give a performance on the par with a professional. 

How do you describe Fashion Reverie Talks to your friends?

A fun and informative roundtable about fashion and culture, with their friend and her co-hosts having a fabulous time, like a chat with friends, keeping you on trend, talking about the news, and gossiping about the scandals, with knowledge, wit and humor.

We love to include a few personal questions, too.

Now that travel restrictions are starting to go away, where do you want to go in 2022? Any bucket-list locations?

Vacation, somewhere warm with water and a pool and a fancy hotel and spa.  I'm feeling Turks & Caicos, Maui, Cannes.  I also have a daughter who is 4, and I want her to be able to start to see the world.  My husband and I went to Spain for our babymoon, and I've told her that while she was there in Mama's belly, it is not quite the same.  I want her to be able to see the world and I want her to develop an appreciation of different cultures and countries.

Since Covid had us all locked up for a while, did you binge anything that you absolutely loved and recommend?

I loved Yellowjackets.  I was surprised and intrigued, and I am so excited about the next season.  It's a really cool format, and I'm also curious when things take the turn when things are in the past.  I also am watching Ted Lasso & Servant on Apple TV.  My husband and I joked that if anyone is acting like any of the characters in Servant, that no matter what, I'm going to say that I'm sick and that's the signal that we have to leave immediately.  I think that Ted Lasso is fun and funny and good pandemic medicine.  I binged and really enjoyed Flack and Hacks, which sound similar but are  totally different shows.  In the world of reality TV, I've been watching Cheer on Netflix.  I also love a period drama, and Shondra Rimes, so of course I binged Bridgerton.  I think my next period show will be A Gilded Age, because I loved Downton Abbey.  I also know that I'm going to watch the SATC reboot.  I'm curious about the characters and the fashion, even though I already miss Samantha.

When it's time to relax at the end of the day, what's your go-to routine?

After a snuggle and book with my daughter, I sometimes have an adult beverage with my husband, my favorite being Veuve Clicquot champagne.  As Gooch knows, I prefer anything bubbly, but a girl has to have her favorite!  My husband and I have an adjustable bed, an after-wedding present from us to us, so we like to sit up in the bed and watch TV or a movie.

We have to know what your beauty routine is! You are gorgeous and I know these inquiring minds want to know how you do it!

OMG, first of all, thank you for the compliment.  During the pandemic, I haven't always had as much time to spend on beauty and self-care.   That's one of the reasons I love doing Fashion Reverie, is that it's a chance to get gussied up and kiki about fashion and culture.  I am definitely trying to get more fruits and vegetables and healthy options into my diet, for my health, and also to help me feel more protected against illness.  I've read a lot about gut health recently, so I've been trying to get my kefir, kombucha, kimchi and pickles in.  I also am getting back to the gym, since I am vaccinated, boosted, and still got covid.  It was recently, but overall, I survived unscathed, just a little tired.  Now, I am not worried about working out at the gym with others, at least for a couple of months, so that I can be ready for the dance when I get back in a show and to keep up with my daughter who has all of the energy.

In terms of skincare, I am a chameleon, and I love trying new products.  I use a gentle cleanser, currently Elemis SuperfoodElemis Superfood Cica Calm Cleansing Foam.  I use Oil of Olay Retinol Body Wash, always with a body pouf.  I try to do a face mask once a week, either to exfoliate or to give extra moisture.  I like to do a body scrub with Bliss Hot Salt Scrub, which I've loved for years.

I always moisturize, face and body immediately after showering.  I've been using Kate Somerville, NV Perricone, and Peter Thomas Roth for my face care.

With body care, I tend to have dry skin, so I like really moisturizing creams.  I like Carol's Daughter body butters, because they feel luxurious and smell delicious.

I also like SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate.  I like everything about SkinCeuticals because it is dermatologist recommended.  I do think that if you take care of your skin, you feel better, and it gives you confidence.

In haircare, I like Camille Rose, TGIN (Thank Goodness It's Natural), CurlDefinition and Design Essentials products.  I definitely take very good care of my hair, as it is very tightly curled and needs to be conditioned and well-maintained.  I sometimes wear protective styles, wigs or weaves, and sometimes my natural hair.

If you could tell your 25 year old self one piece of advice, what would that be?

Enjoy yourself more, and worry less.  It's all going to work out.   Maybe, also, sometimes, get a little more sleep and save a little more money.  You do NOT need room service every morning while you are on tour.   You CAN go down to the restaurant.  You ARE as fabulous as you think, so own it!