Photography Andoni & Arantxa – Fashion Editor Virginia Ray – Model Amelia Rose Castle at Silent Models Paris – Grooming by Rika Bitton using Violette FR – Interview by Melania Musci // Total Look Carven // Coat Proenza Schouler // Jacket and Shorts Sacai – Socks Wolford – Shoes Carven
Total Look Acne Studios // Coat Quira – Blouse The Frankie Shop – Shoes Proenza Schouler – Belt Stylist’ Own – Socks Wolford
What’s your earliest fashion-related memory?
One of my earliest fashion memories is sneaking into my mum’s closet to try on her clothes. Growing up in rural Colorado, she wasn’t a fashionista, but as a mixed-media artist, she had a keen eye for materials and colours. Her vintage dresses, especially a black and white abstract silk one, were my favourites. I often begged her to allow me to wear it to school.
How’d you describe your personal style? Do you believe it’s influenced by your work?
I don’t really think of my personal style in terms of labels. I tend to focus more on finding unique, timeless pieces. Most of my clothes are vintage or thrifted. Recently, I’ve been drawn to mixing things that’re classy and elegant with dark, grungier elements. My style is absolutely influenced by my work. In particular, watching stylist Olivier Rizzo build characters and stories with clothing and accessories profoundly influenced me. He showed me how even minute details can dramatically change the vibe of an outfit.
Dress Helmut Lang – Shoes Carven // Total Look A.P.C.
There’s a growing interest in sustainable fashion and ‘conscious dressing’. As someone involved in the industry, do you think there’s a real change happening within it?
While I believe that there are many people who care about making the industry more sustainable, I’m not sure whether these efforts are always genuine or not. Unfortunately, sustainability is often just another marketing strategy used by brands to make consumers feel good about their purchases. Fast fashion and clothes that’re made to fall apart can never be sustainable. However, I’m very excited by things like WYP (Waste Yarn Project), which uses yarn scraps to create eccentric knitwear. I hope to see more projects like that, reusing waste material in creative ways.
In what ways has your modelling career transformed your life? Can you share both positive and negative aspects?
Modelling has impacted my life tremendously. It’s developed my passion for fashion and styling. Modelling has given me amazing opportunities to travel, learn new languages, and experience new cultures across the world. As an artist, modelling has inspired and introduced me to other creative people. On the other hand, modelling can be difficult, because it takes a lot of energy to always be available and live with so much uncertainty on a daily basis. The past 3 years I’ve also been a full-time art history student at Columbia University and, at times, it’s been extremely stressful to balance modelling with my other commitments.
Blazer and Skirts Zomer Paris – Shoes Carven // Coat Quira – Blouse The Frankie Shop – Shoes Proenza Schouler – Belt Stylist’ Own – Socks Wolford
What do you consider to be the most significant turning point in your career so far?
One of the most significant points in my career was walking the Celine show last summer at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. Since my teenage years, I’ve been captivated by Hedi Slimane’s work, particularly his Saint Laurent shows. These shows introduced me to inspiring figures who I’m now photographing for a personal project. This experience ignited my love for Paris and even motivated me to learn French.
What’re your passions, and how do you pursue them outside of work?
I have many interests outside of modelling. I’m very passionate about art, history and cinema. I love film photography and am currently working on a project that involves taking portraits of fellow models including myself and incorporates poetic reflections on our experiences. I also love to draw and paint when I have time. Recently, I started playing music again and have been experimenting with analogue synthesizers. I also have a new job at a contemporary art gallery in Paris!
Total Look Acne Studios // Total Look Rokh
Your Instagram profile showcases a very distinct aesthetic. Are there any artists, or individuals, who particularly inspire you?
As someone who’s constantly creating art and taking pictures I actually find it quite hard to post on Instagram without overthinking. Usually, it’s a split second to share something. I’m always inspired by film aesthetics (Eric Rohmer, Béla Tarr, Leos Carax, Wim Wenders, etc.). My recent obsession is a photographer named Sergey Chilkov, who created these beautiful ethereal film photos of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century. My biggest inspiration will always be my crazy, beautiful, artistic friends. They constantly teach me so much about life and are my muses.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt from your experiences in the fashion industry?
You can learn so much from the people around you. The fashion industry is special because it brings together people from different backgrounds. Having conversations with people who have perspectives and experiences so different from my own has taught me so much about the world and about myself.
Coat and Trousers Victoria Beckham // Top and Skirt Gauchere – Shoes Proenza Schouler
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self before your first runway show?
If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself to just be present and enjoy it. I have always tried to balance toomodellingngs while modelling like university, creating my own art, working. I’d remind myself that I don’t need to do everything at once and there’s no rush. It’s important to appreciate where you are right now, and every opportunity can lead to special, unexpected places.
What do you envision for your future? Does modelling continue to be a significant part of your long-term goals?
In the future, I see myself doing something artistic that allows me to express myself creatively. I do believe modelling will continue to be a significant part of my life. However, I hope to eventually start working more collaboratively with clients and other creatives in the industry. Thinking too far ahead stresses me out, but for now I’m excited about my upcoming art projects and to see where modelling takes me!
Coat and Trousers Victoria Beckham – Shoes Carven // Total Look Carven