Taking the Lead with Berite Labelle
She was the regal spotlight-stealing talent from the scenic mountainous country of Switzerland. Known for its alluring cities, natural vistas, opulent branded watches and deliciously milky chocolates, it is also the original home of now Californian model and Hollywood heavyweight Berite Labelle. Representing some of Europe’s most luxurious brands, this trained dancer and writer is debuting her latest hyphenate — actress — as she is producing her first short film, Time is Eternal.
Emerging from one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, international model and actress, Berite Labelle, is no stranger to the power and enrichment that comes from culture, immersion in knowledge and an ever-changing curriculum vitae. “The country, being in the center of Europe, by itself has four languages,” begins Labelle, “German, French, Italian and Romache. I am from Geneva, the French part of Switzerland. I simply speak French.” Living near to France, the model was first engrossed in the French culture through her studies in private boarding schools. Finishing her education in Switzerland, the curious and motivated leading lady added one of the country’s second national languages, Italian, to her repertoire. “I had so much love for these languages that today I am autodidact and I continue to learn languages,” shares Labelle. “I improve the languages I already know and today, I can add to the list, Greek, Arabic and German. I dream about one day learning Chinese, Hebrew and Sanskrit.”
Always the inquisitive mind, “I still need to improve my English and there is so much to do to appreciate the language,” admires the model. “The United states is also cosmopolitan, and I feel like I could spend my entire life here and still learn every day, it is really exiting. I feel like Dora the Explorer,” laughs Labelle, “and the beautiful landscape of the United States make me happy! Fashion and Beauty has always been art and I suggest to every woman in the world to be curious, to learn, to be confident, to be happy and to express herself!” As every day offers an experience to learn something new, the beginning of all wisdom stems from the men and women who came before us. Being an avid scholar and explorer herself, this stunning Swiss student was the perfect fit to tell the story of two of histories most influential women in her debut short film, Time is Eternal. “Yes, I am producing my first short film!” reveals Labelle. “It is about two strong women in history — Cleopatra VII, the one that we all know, and Mary Wollstonecraft. They both have 2000 years of difference in history, they also are different ‘types’ of women, but they are not so different. They meet through time, in paradise, to have a discussion. Their souls are similar enough to make this happen in TV.” And that is just a small taste at what we have to look forward to with the release of this cannot miss short film.
Returning to the present, and embracing the inconsistent schedule that comes with her chosen career path, Labelle walks us through what one day might look like for the thriving, multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. “Well for example, today I woke up at 4 am to do my homework about the vocabulary of scripted TV sitcoms. I already spent 50 minutes catching up on emails with my coffee with oat milk earlier; I still must finish my studies before a test at 4 today and I hope I will have a nap before I go to class,” smiles Labelle, rocking her go-to look of classic jeans, a relaxed tee and staple blazer. “I ate a homemade salad with avocado, cucumber, shallots, apple, salt, lemon, olive oil, sesame oil, two types of vinegar and a pomegranate on the side.” We will make sure to add this meal to our recipe books. “And I am now having this conversation with you.” As the day concludes, you can find the model decompressing with a night of beauty rest, “around 9 pm. Hopefully!” For those times we require a much needed “take 5”, Labelle shares with us a few of her favorite things to do when off-screen. “I usually like to be in the city to wander around and go shopping,” shares the actress, “but I decided to spend less money and time doing that. Instead, I go hike and I also rest, meditate and cook. These days I like to stay home and read books, watch films or simply dance. I also hired a stylist for my addiction to fashion moments,” beams the model, “so I will also organize shoots to create content for my Instagram page — @berite_labelle — and that is how I have fun!”
As every day offers a chance to learn and immerse yourself in the never-ending wonders of the world, it also presents us with opportunities for self growth, appreciation and reflection. Labelle is beautiful proof that there is always time to focus on our personal journeys and professional achievements, with respect to every culture and country that you encounter. As important as it is to enrich the mind, it is just as essential to stay true to you. “I wish I would have been unapologetic about being me and expressing my feelings in some situations in the past,” concludes Labelle. “But I am getting better at it and TODAY, I want to say that I am unapologetic for being who I am.” As for what’s to come next for Beritte Labelle, well you will just have to wait and see. “Wish me LUCK!”