Behind the Scenes with Hilary Rhoda

The Fall/Winter issue of Bal Harbour Magazine has arrived. To celebrate the launch, we go behind the scenes with our cover star Hilary Rhoda who sat down with stylist Djuna Bel to discuss self-care routines, uniform-dressing and the retro fashion that makes her cringe.

Photography by Thomas Whiteside

DJUNA BEL: Seeing as we’re best friends now, tell me a bit more about yourself. Did you imagine yourself modeling when you were younger?

HILARY RHODA: We had so much fun on our shoot! I grew up in a suburb of Maryland right outside DC. I was super athletic and when I was younger, I dreamt of playing in the WNBA. But once I got to high school, I discovered fashion. I started modeling when I was a sophomore and knew that that was the career path I wanted to pursue. Growing up in a place where virtually everyone went to college, my path was kind of scary and unknown. But once I graduated high school, I moved to New York City. I didn’t even tell my friends about it until after I had arrived.

I have never seen anyone move like you before; can you tell me about your dance background?
In addition to playing every sport under the sun, I also did ballet! It really gave me that foundation for knowing how to move my body for my job. Ballet and sports taught me the discipline needed to have longevity in this career.

You started working in this industry when you were so young, I’m sure you’ve seen many trends come and go. Is there a recent trend you’re seeing resurface that makes you cringe?
Anything low-waisted. I can handle all these other 90s/early-2000s trends coming back, but not that one.

What’s your off-duty uniform? What brands are you loving these days?
I wake up and put on my workout clothes, which is a mix of Splits59, Spiritual Gangster, Alo and Beach Riot. Since having my son, I spend my days chasing him around, jumping over and crawling under things at the playground, etc., so I really need to dress accordingly. It’s mostly jeans and a t-shirt for day-to-day. I love RE/Done and Closed Denim, ATM and Toteme tees and La Ligne sweaters. I have this closet full of clothes, but only wear the same six pieces over and over. That might also be my Catholic school uniform upbringing, though.

Some funny things happen on set. On a scale from 1 to 10, please rate jumping with two right boots on?
Ha! Weirder things have happened but I would give that a solid 7.

I’m a sucker for wellness and self-care; what is one product you can’t live without?
I love your Beauty Q+As on IG. I love trying new products so I’m always screenshotting and taking notes from your page! I’m obsessed with Furtuna skin oil. It absorbs so well, plumps up and fills in any fine lines and just makes my skin come alive.

You’re in amazing shape. Tell me about your fitness routine.
Thank you! I am a Tracy Anderson Method die-hard and I do it every single day. I also like to throw some spin classes into the mix. I like to push myself at the gym and actually enjoy the pain of a tough workout. I need to be dripping sweat and gasping for air!

Are you a sweet or savory person? What’s your on-set snack guilty pleasure?
I have a major sweet tooth. I pack my own bag of chocolate snacks when I travel and when I’m on set. I like milk chocolate peanut butter cups, specifically the ones from Trader Joe’s. Oh my god, they’re so good.

Photographer: Thomas Whiteside/ Eiger Agency
Stylist: Djuna Bel
Styling Assistant: Regina Doland
Producer: Sammy Bass
Hair: Rob Talty/Forward Artists using BondiBoost
Makeup: Kate Synnott using Róen Beauty
Nail Technician: Natalie Minerva
Casting Director: Tasha Tongpreecha
Model: Hilary Rhoda/Ford Models