Joy

Joy Bryant was smart enough to get into Yale and smart enough to drop out to model. Now the self-proclaimed fashionista is carving out an acting career. She won acclaim with roles in “Antwone Fisher” in 2002, “Honey” the next year and “Get Rich or Die Tryin” in 2005. This fall, in Emilio Estevez’s “Bobby,” she’ll be a member of an ensemble cast that includes Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore and Sharon Stone. At 31, Bryant figures she’s on her way in Hollywood, but she still keeps busy in the fashion world, employing celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe for appearances and recently signing a contract with Cover Girl. Coming from a humble background in the Bronx, she regularly counts her blessings. “Everyone has obstacles and everyone experiences pain,” she says. “The question is, do you use it as an impetus or do you let it drag you down? I guess I’ve always been the person for whom the glass is half full.” On the following pages, Bryant wears designers’ plentiful visions for the fall season: fur jackets, capes, blousy tops paired with leggings and full pants. Crank up the volume.