Ivy wears Skirt and Shirt McQueen. Necklace Hermès. Shoes Stylist’s Own.
Dara snaps fashion’s hottest new looks on its hottest new girls.
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JANOU, 18, THE NETHERLANDS
Janou wears Bra, Sweater (worn on waist), Pants, Bag, and Socks Versace.
How did you get started?
“I was scouted while shopping with my friends.”
What does it feel like when you look at a photograph and don’t recognize yourself?
“Like seeing a character in a play. I don’t see myself, I see the story that has been created.”
Coat, Jumpsuit, Bag, Socks, and Shoes Chloé.
What else are you interested in?
“I love reading and I volunteer at my local Scouts group, which means the world to me.”
Have you ever cried at work?
“Only once, but as a natural reaction from looking into the sun.”
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KHADIJAT, 22, NIGERIA
Khadijat wears Jacket, Shirt, Sweater, Pants, Sunglasses, Gloves, and Shoes Celine.
How did you get started?
“When I was 11, I used to watch America’s Next Top Model, and one day I said, “I would like to be a model someday.” Then in 2022, while traveling from Ado-Ekiti to Lagos, I was sitting beside Rt. Hon. Fortunate Oloruntimilehin, who is now the deputy speaker of Ekiti State Youth Parliament. She asked me if I was a model, because she used to be a model herself, and told me she could introduce me to her mother agency. She took some Polaroids of me, and after completing my education last year, I told them I was ready.”
Have you ever cried at work?
“Not on set, but because of work, yes. There were days when I questioned myself after another rejection, but I’ve learned this industry rewards resilience as much as talent.”
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ZIQI, 19, CHINA
Ziqi wears Dress, Hat, Earrings, and Shoes Bottega Veneta.
How did you get started?
“I participated in competitions organized by Chinese modeling agencies.”
Have you ever cried at work?
“When my shoes didn’t fit and my feet were worn out, I cried because I was so anxious. I worried about making mistakes on the runway.”
What’s your favorite city for fashion week?
“Paris, because I like its slow pace.”
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FAITH, 26, NIGERIA
Faith wears Dress, Bra, Scarf, Bag, and Shoes Prada.
How did you get started?
“A scout who attended my church saw me while I was running errands for my mum and told me he thought I should model. Then he said, ‘I’ve watched you grow,’ which honestly creeped me out a little.”
What do you think the most common misconceptions about models are?
“That models have no personality, that we’re not smart, or that we should all act the same.”
Coat, Skirt, and Shoes Matières Fécales.
Best job so far?
“My Celine campaign. Hopefully, when I’m rich one day, I’ll be dressed in Celine all the time.”
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SOPHIE, 18, PARIS
Sophie wears Dress Valentino.
How did you get started?
“I got scouted on a street in Paris. It was pure luck, or rather, fate, when I think about it.”
What does it feel like when you look at a photograph and don’t recognize yourself?
“It feels a bit weird, not gonna lie. I’d only ever seen personal pictures of myself, not in a professional context where you constantly look at yourself. But it’s another way to get to know yourself. Now I like seeing myself, every single time.”
Heels or flats for a casting?
“Heels are not natural for me, so I’d rather choose flats. Walking in heels requires a lot of commitment and mastering your body. With flats, you just focus on having a cool look—it’s less complicated.”
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JOSEPHEN, 22, AUSTRALIA
Josephen wears Jacket, Top, Jumpsuit, and Shoes Loewe.
How did you get started?
“I was recommended to my mother agency through someone I knew. We took digis and sent them in. The rest has been a dream.”
Have you ever cried at work?
“Happy tears, yes. Never sad tears.”
What serves models better? Having a big personality or being a blank slate?
“A big personality. In this life, you should never change for anyone. Regardless of how big or small your personality is, the right people will always appreciate you for who you are.”
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YUTING, 25, CHINA
Yuting wears Jacket, Skirt, and Shoes Dior.
How did you get started?
“I was discovered through modeling opportunities and gradually built my career through castings, e-commerce, and fashion shows.”
What does it feel like when you look at a photograph and don’t recognize yourself?
“Sometimes it’s surprising, because styling, makeup, and lighting can completely transform you. I see it as part of the creative process, rather than losing myself.”
What serves models better? Having a big personality or being a blank slate?
“Authenticity matters most. Having personality helps people remember you, but being adaptable is also an important part of the job.”
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PELAGEYA, 21, RUSSIA
Pelageya wears Shirt, Jeans, Bag, and Shoes Fendi.
How did you get started?
“I was caught by my scout at the Bolshoi Theatre when I was watching ballet. She saw me from afar and asked me to become a model during intermission.”
What do you think are the most common misconceptions about models?
“That modeling is an easy job with easy money. In fact, this work costs a lot and takes a lot of effort and nerves.”
What else are you interested in?
“I dance ballet professionally and I love sewing. I like to design clothes at home.”
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YITING, 21, CHINA
Yiting wears Dress and Shoes Alaïa.
How did you get started?
“I used to work at a clothing store by West Lake in Hangzhou. Chanel happened to be having a show right there and my current agent was shopping in the area. She saw me and invited me to a casting for Chanel. Luckily, I got it.”
Have you ever cried at work?
“Only once, at the beginning of my career. I went the wrong way on the runway. It was just a small mistake at the corner, but I felt so guilty.”
Doomscrolling or a book on set?
“A book, I’d say. Most of my downtime on set, I’m reading novels.”
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WENDY, 20, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Wendy wears Dress, Belt, and Shoes Balenciaga.
How did you get started?
“I started modeling when I was little, wearing my mother’s high heels. Later, I was discovered on Instagram.”
What serves models better? Having a big personality or being a blank slate?
“Having a strong personality sets you apart from the rest, but being a blank canvas allows you to mold yourself to fit any field, not just one.”
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AUDREY, 19, AUSTRALIA
Audrey wears Top, Skirt, and Shoes Courrèges.
How did you get started?
“My mum’s friend suggested she take pictures of me and got me signed to my mother agency back home.”
Heels or flats for a casting?
“Heels. I love to trot and it’s easier to glide in a pair of stilettos.”
Coat, T-shirt, Jeans, and Shoes Conner Ives.
What do you think you are known for?
“Always having a pack of Uno cards on me.”
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IVY, 19, SCOTLAND
Skirt and Shirt McQueen. Necklace Hermès. Shoes Stylist’s Own.
How did you get started?
“Before I transitioned, I was a depressed 13-year-old gay kid in a small town. I hated myself. Then my mum made me take digitals to send to my now mother agency. IMG found me and the rest is history.”
Best job so far?
“I just did this insane cover, but it’s not out yet so I can’t tell you ;)”
What do you hope to be known for in 10 years?
“I definitely want to start a band and get really into it. Being a rock star would be amazing.”
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Models: Faith, Yiting, Wendy, Pelageya, Ziqi, and Janou at Women Management, Khadijat at The French Management, Josephine at Oui Management, Sophie at Women360, Audrey at Next Paris, Yuting at Elite Paris and Ivy at IMG.
Hair: Anne Sofie Begtrup using Oribe Hair Care at Wise & Talented.
Makeup: Cécile Paravina at Bryant Artists.
Nails: Christine Pho using Byredo at Saint Vincent Management.
Photo Assistant: Kurt Lavastida.
Styling Assistant: Mona Antabli and Agustina Lema.
Hair Assistant: Line Jensen.
Makeup Assistant: Sarah Carlier.
Production Director: Alexandra Weiss.
Photo Producer: Georgia Ford.
On-set Producer: Clara Perrotte.
Casting by Piergiorgio Del Moro, Evagria Sergeeva at DM Casting.
Production Assistant: Levy Byron.
