Gold Dress by Taottao
Earrings + Ring by Nicole Amato

Samantha Lorraine is the action heroine we deserve. She stars in Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado as the titular Dora, and just like the character, Lorraine is driven, kind, and dedicated beyond the screen. Lorraine shares about her experience becoming the iconic character, her own adventures, the importance of being kind, and why sauces definitely belong on the side.

Emilia Cascade Mini Dress by Amur
Lourdes Heel by Steve Madden
Earrings + Rings + Bracelet by KEANE
Socks by FALKE
Belt by Stylist Own

Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado brings to life the adventurous teenage Dora. How did you approach becoming the embodiment of Dora Márquez?
Dora is such an iconic character, so it's a lot of responsibility to do her justice. That said, I felt very confident with the script and cast/crew, because the movie has so much respect for the characters and heightens the Dora-verse. Dora is such a positive and curious light for so many kids, so it was super important to all of us that we got that in the movie, so the challenge was accepted!

She is an icon with a bob (and bangs), and an instantly recognizable color scheme. Can you describe the first time you were in the complete Dora uniform?
It was such a magical feeling. I walked into the fitting room and there were racks upon racks of slightly different colored pink shirts and orange shorts. I knew it was going to be a long day, but it ended up going so fast because we had so much fun trying them all on and experimenting with the original outfit, plus new additions for our interpretation of this Dora. The shirt we settled on has this beautiful embroidery on the sleeves and our story is that Dora's abuela taught her how to sew up the purple scraps to her shirt. Adding little details like that make Dora feel like a real girl.

Rings by KEANE
Earrings by Nicole Amato
Campbell Linen Blazer by alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet
Conry Linen Cuffed Short by alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet
Mock Neck Top by Pence 1979
Belt by Stylist Own
Alwyn Heel By Dolce Vita

The movie exhibits influences of Indiana Jones, The Road to El Dorado, and even a bit of Steve Irwin. Are you a fan of adventure films with mystic elements?
Adventure films give a feeling like no other when you watch them. Our director, Alberto Belli, showed the cast and I Jurassic Park at our hotel in the jungle one day, and the feeling we all got while watching it inspired us to go to work the next day with this newfound sense of adrenaline. It was beyond exhilarating and that's exactly the feeling we tried to capture in Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado.

With the film being shot in Colombia, did you have your own adventures off set?
Oh, absolutely! When we were shooting in the actual jungle, Rio Claro, Antioquia, our hotel backyard was literally the jungle. I remember the days we’d have off set, Jacob, Mariana, and I would go real-life exploring the waterfalls and springs in the jungle right outside the hotel. We had a blast exploring, and every time we came back from our adventure, we felt so grounded and connected to nature. It was honestly so spiritually fulfilling. I wish we could go back all the time.

Besides Dora, who were your role models growing up?
I grew up playing a lot of video games so characters like Aloy from Horizon: Zero Dawn really showed me what it means to be a powerful, independent, woman in a realm where a lot of main characters are men. To see a character like Aloy go through so many trials and tribulations whilst persevering and becoming stronger in the end just motivates me to continue working hard.

Beret by Binata Millinery
Lacey Cotton Short by Amur
Top by ISABEL MARANT
Socks by FALKE
Shoes by Andrea Gomez

Your character, Lydia, is the You in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. Can you describe the experience of playing alongside Idina Menzel, Adam Sandler, and his daughters?
Shooting Bat Mitzvah was an absolute blast, it truly did feel like a party every day with a bunch of kids on a party set. The entire Sandler family are such a sweet and genuine bunch, and I really am grateful for how incredible they are. I was on set when I found out Idina was going to be Stacy's mom, and I’ve never screamed louder in my life. Since I’m a proud theater kid, seeing her on set was truly my starstrucked moment. So. Iconic.

This rendition of Dora’s story has her cousin, Diego, more involved. How important is Diego and Dora’s relationship?
Dora and Diego are truly cousins of the century. They grew up together, so they've had their entire life going on crazy wild adventures. Jacob Rodriguez and I knew how important it was to showcase their bond to the fans, so we knew our responsibilities. Thankfully, Jacob is exactly like Diego, so there wasn't much work for us there. He is so talented and I’m so very grateful to share the screen with him!

What was your first reaction to the final cut of the film and being able to see all of the characters of Dora the Explorer brought to life, including (finally), Swiper?
It was super emotional for me to see the final cut! The cast and I put so many hours of stunt training, rehearsals in the real jungle, practicing with real animals [for] this movie, so to see it all in action was super cathartic. Seeing Boots and Swiper, too, was insane because halfway through the movie I’d have to remind myself it was CGI! They look so real, they had me fooled

Beret by Binata Millinery
Lacey Cotton Short by Amur
Top by ISABEL MARANT
Earrings + Ring by Nicole Amato

What is your relationship with BEAT BPAN?
I was fortunate enough to work with the incredible Redick family on Night Comes and their beautiful daughter, Vivienne, who has been diagnosed with BPAN. It’s an incredibly debilitating neurodegenerative disease and it's absolutely heartbreaking to see such a giving and genuine family go through this tough journey. The least I can do for them is spread awareness and information to people who are unaware of BPAN and its lacking medical research facilities. We as humans should do what we can to help others, no matter how big or small.

Who or what has influenced you the most as you grow in your career? What is the best advice you have been given?
I’m thankful enough to have an incredible support system that encourages me to follow my dreams. My parents have absolutely been my #1 fans my whole life, whether that be with dance or acting. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today were it not for them. When it comes to advice I’ve been given, I really do think that whatever is meant to be yours in the universe- it will be yours when the time is right. Truly attract and don’t chase things that aren’t right for you. Also, for this industry, staying grounded and true to who you are is so important. Sometimes there can be people who forget what it’s like to be kind, empathetic, and humble when those are the most important aspects to a truly fulfilling life.

What brought you to the decision that sauces were meant to be on the side?
Listen, I’m not a hater IRL, PSA hating doesn’t make you cool BUT, I do have a personal vendetta against condiments. Mayo, ketchup, ranch, all of those make me so nauseous. My biggest pet peeve is when I’m out eating, and my food comes with pounds of sauce on it. On salads, burgers, honestly most types of food. It’s absurd. So, my one request is always if I can have the sauce on the side because restaurants really don't know how to appropriately dress food.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Samantha Lorraine
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Corey Tuttle for Exclusive Artists using Oribe Haircare
Makeup by J.Patrick at SEE Management using Dior Beauty
Fashion Stylist Intern: Flora Davis
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Seana Watson, Associate Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine

Samantha Lorraine is the Heroine We Deserve