Brooks Nader

Photographer: Manny Roman Model: Brooks Nader with Women360 Makeup: Keita Moore with The Only Agency Hair: Adam Maclay with SEE Management Stylist: Danielle Temperley Associate Stylist: Vera Gorlacheva Shot on site at The CENTRALE New York City Jumpsuit: Nana Jacqueline

iven Nader’s heavy hitting curriculum vitae, it would be reasonable to believe that she has been a part of the modeling industry for decades. But the 24-year-old brunette moved from Baton Rouge to bustling New York City to pursue her G modeling career only four short years ago. “The fashion industry certainly wasn’t always in the cards for me,” begins the model. “I initially intended to work in finance and went to Tulane University.” However, fate would have wildly different plans for this bubbly cover girl. After completing her Freshman year at Tulane, Nader was interning in New

York City when she was approached by a modeling scout. In a New

York minute, her life changed.

Despite her stunning smile, captivating doe brown eyes and radiant glow, entering into the modeling industry was not an easy journey for Nader. She left a full-ride scholarship to Tulane to pursue her dreams of working for some of the biggest name brands in the world. Once in New York, Nader personified the word “grit” and proceeded to overcome obstacle after obstacle. “I remember my first test shoot,” recalls Nader.

“The photographer that I was working with told me that he would be surprised if any of the agencies I was meeting with would take me and he’d be even more surprised if

I did anything other than that test shoot!”

Although it was later in her career when she received the freeing advice from 80s and 90s supermodel icon, Cindy Crawford, “to be professional and kind in every situation”, Nader already embodied those characteristics and refused to let his words deter her. Turning that hurt into motivation, Nader now flashes a cheeky grin whenever she spots that same photographer’s “like” on her photos for Sport

Illustrated Swimsuit and Pat McGrath on Instagram. The model’s tenacity and ambition has served her well as her notable repertoire includes campaigns for some of the world’s most recognizable brands like Cover Girl and Donna Karen New York.

so kind and the traditions they have are so meaningful,” heartens the world class public figure. “There were restrictions on things there that we could do in America due to their religious beliefs, which I thought was very sacred and beautiful.” While the idyllic beaches of Bali have Nader’s heart, it is the concrete jungle of New York that has her soul. Feeling a kinship to New Yorkers, it is their resilience that draws her connection. The city helped to teach her how to persevere. A particularly memorable moment in experience in New York was the COVID-19 pandemic. She loved hearing the daily cheers for the healthcare workers. “New Yorkers of every race and religion were cheering for our health care heroes out of their windows,” beams the model. “New Yorkers really banned together during that tough time and I think that is something truly unique to New York.” Camaraderie aside, it is also the inspiration that the city breathes into her that further fuels her love for her latest home. From the fashion to personas to food, Nader never tires of the city and for that she is forever grateful. “I know from experience that in a world of While her online community and fellow industry friends may be used to Nader’s glitz Instagram, filters and and glam, her hometown friends and family photoshop, it is easy to are used to the cowboy boot, ATV riding girl they have watched grow up. Nader’s compare yourself to relatively relatable approach to her personal style and beauty routine are evidence that others and it can be the renowned swimsuit model is also still the totally consuming.” girl next door. Never leaving home without her Aquaphor and a chic pair of shades, it is about genuine authenticity when it comes to her style, accentuating the features we have come to love. “Aquaphor is so simple, but I use it on my lashes, lips, eyebrows, and even as highlighter,” shares Nader. “I also love sunglasses and think they immediately given you the ‘cool’ factor — even when in your sweats.” When the streets of SoHo are not providing the spark for her daily look, she turns to Instagram and Pinterest to help guide her fashion tastes. However, her go-to ensemble would work just as well on 5th Avenue in New York as it would on Canal Street in New Orleans. Nader’s simple “model off duty” look consists of jeans, heels, and a tee-shirt paired with hydrated skin, a swipe of mascara Although modeling was not a path originally sought after, Nader and a slight tint on the lip. believes that the destination is more than fitting. Her fast-paced career constantly keeps her on her toes and running from one project to the Natural as Nader can be in her casual wear, she is just as comfortable next. Taking each day as it comes, the model is always ready for the in full glam. One of her favorite pieces to wear was her sheer dress next project or moment where inspiration flashes. Beyond landing ensemble debuted at the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year major campaigns, this bayou bombshell turned New York supermodel Awards in 2019. Nader is unapologetic for donning the show stoploves to spend her time traveling across the world. Being an interna- ping, fully sheer, asymmetrical, mini dress adorned with rhinestone tionally recognized model helps to fuel her jet-setting lifestyle, landing beading. “I got so much backlash for that and people wanted me to her all over Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Nader’s favorite retract that look or to apologize, but I felt amazing,” shares Nader. destination thus far is the pristine paradise of Bali. “The locals were

“The message to my audience is to always hope I can inspire the younger generation of It is that ownership to her authentic self, that deems her so much admiration in her inner circle as well as her online community. “The message to be yourself, take chances, and lift others up.” girls to do so.” Up next for the model is to continue pursuing her goals and empowering the next generation my audience is to always be yourself, take though her formidable presence in the industry. chances, and lift others up,” heartens the model. “I know from expe- A secret she has kept well under wraps, until now, is she is slated for her rience that in a world of Instagram, filters and photoshop, it is easy third year for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, “which is going to be major!” to compare yourself to others and it can be totally consuming. I try On top of that Nader has many exciting projects and partnerships in and set an example to my audience and younger generation that the pipeline. It will be exciting, to say the least, to see what this bayou you can be whoever and whatever you want to be in the world and I bombshell will do next.

STYLE

Summer Shades of the SHORE

As warmer days roll in, the sweet sound of freedom encircles ahead and with that our desire to dress up. Leaning into color, lightweight fabrics and pastel palettes, this season’s wardrobe will strike the perfect balance of effervescence and fresh! And with it, a nod to a season that will be different than the last.