Façon Faces: A Snapshot of Isolation

During the lockdown period, the editorial team corresponded with each of our Façon Faces to see what their days in isolation looked like and how they kept busy. Façon hopes to create a sense of unity by taking a look back at how others have experienced their time in this snapshot of isolation.

Lily

Who are you isolating with?

I am isolating with my mum and her partner. We are mostly at home in Newcastle although we often take trips down to our house on the lake to change things up a bit.

How are you keeping busy?

LOTS of cooking! Baking and yummy dinners! I’ve been keeping active each day with workouts, walks and runs. And my mum and I have spent countless hours doing puzzles and watching movies!

What are you grateful for today?

I am so grateful that throughout this entire disastrous time all of my friends and family, in Australia and across the world, have stayed safe, happy and healthy. That’s all I wish for at the moment.

What do you miss most about life pre-COVID-19?

I have really been missing the sense of community that is known to Newcastle and the freedom of everyday life.

When life returns to some form of normality, what’s one thing you’ll change for the better?

I feel as though this time has been a great eye opener for so many people, it definitely has been for myself. I think this time has taught me not to take so many aspects of life for granted and to enjoy the smaller things more than I have in the past.

What changes do you think you’ll see in the modeling industry once this is over?

I think it will affect the way the industry operates for a while in relation to fashion shows, where and how shoots, shows and castings can take place and also what fashion is available to buy and sell. As for every industry I do hope the effects don’t persist!

Tallas

How are you keeping busy?

I’ve been in the middle of a house move, which has been pretty full-on – sorting through heaps of boxes and wiping the dust off some memories. The odd surf and coffee have been keeping me sane though!

What are you grateful for today?

Being held. The world is pretty chaotic at the moment, and we’re just in such a good position compared to some. I’ve been going through these weird cycles in response to all this COVID uncertainty: freaking out, getting pissed off, and then returning to a somewhat calm normality. My loved ones have been super tolerant of these mood swings. I’m grateful for that.

What do you miss most about life pre-COVID-19?

The pub. Being able to catch up with mates without feeling guilty about it.

When life returns to some form of normality, what’s one thing you’ll change for the better?

It’s like this whole quarantine thing has forced a lot of us to slow down all the production, schedules and lists of daily life. It’s funny because I’ve almost been subconsciously trying to fill my free time with more jobs and distractions. It’d be unreal to come out of this with a better ability to just stop and listen – being OK to dwell in stillness.

What changes do you think you’ll be seeing in the modelling industry once this is over?

Well, I’ve been wearing this one comfy shirt and pair of trackies for about a month now, haha. So maybe more of a focus on sustainable, stylish, multipurpose fashion rather than the whole ‘fast-fashion’ scene we’ve been feeding over the past decade.

Sophia

Who are you in isolation with?

I’m self-isolating with my mum right now, and having just the two of us in the house 24/7 has been… interesting! Luckily, we are also in lockdown with our two cats, and I can’t forget our dog, Fritz.

How are you keeping busy?

Well, I can easily say that by the end of this self-isolation period, my house (and freezer) will be filled with baked goodies! To keep myself physically active, I go on daily walks and runs while listening to some cool tunes. I’ve been keeping my mind pretty active as well. I have been dabbling in my love of fashion and crafts by going through our wardrobes.

What are you grateful for today?

I think this whole situation has made me realise how lucky we really are to have everything we have in our lives. We live in such an amazing city and country that is not only beautiful and fun to be a part of, but has responded so well to everything that has gone on.

When life returns to some form of normality, what’s one thing you’ll change for the better?

I have been doing a lot more physical activity since this started, and I’m not relying on going to the gym. There is a beautiful walking track right near my house that I didn’t even know about. I will definitely be keeping up this routine.

What changes do you think you’ll see in the modelling industry once this is over?

As more and more people are shopping online, I see that the modelling industry will further move to a digital platform in a more formal way. Some agencies are doing a lot more digitally to get their models work during this time. This may be a trend that will continue as the world enters this new ‘normal’.

Jack

Who are you in isolation with?

I’m currently at home with my dad, Peter, my step-mum, Sarah and my two dogs, Jock and Teddy.

How are you keeping busy?

Studying my nutrition course has been taking up a lot of my free time. I’ve also been trying to stay as active as possible, going for daily runs and doing a workout when I can!

What are you grateful for today?

The sun is out, good music is playing, and my family and friends are healthy.

What do you miss most about life pre-COVID-19?

I miss being able to see friends the most, sitting down at a café and going to the beach.

When life returns to some form of normality, what’s one thing you’ll change for the better?

Hopefully I’ll be able to go on my Europe trip as soon as I can, and I’ll definitely be more grateful for the freedom to go out with people.

What changes do you think you’ll see in the modelling industry once this is over?

I think there will be a more cautious approach to hygiene when working closely with each other.

Zahara

Who are you in isolation with?

I am in isolation with my aunty, Victoria. We rent together and are both busy with study and work online.

How are you keeping busy?

I am studying a Bachelor of Primary Education full time which is online for the foreseeable future. I am also keeping fit by going for runs most days around Newcastle’s beautiful beaches.

What are you grateful for today?

I am grateful for good health and to be surrounded with my beautiful friends and family.

What do you miss most about life pre-COVID-19?

I miss giving and receiving hugs! I also really miss holidays, eating in restaurants and going out for drinks.

When life returns to some form of normality, what’s one thing you’ll change for the better?

I will, and already am, so much more grateful for the little things in life. Giving hugs, visiting family and going out for dinner and drinks will be much more special than ever before.

What changes do you think you’ll see in the modelling industry once this is over?

Similar to the fashion industry, I believe some parts of the modelling industry will become digital. I am also sure hygiene practices will be carried out more carefully.

Irini

Who are you in isolation with?

I am in isolation with my parents.

How are you keeping busy?

I have been able to focus on my university studies and involvement with a variety of associations. I make sure to allocate time to research and meditate. Additionally, phone calls and video calls with friends and loves one have encouraged me to stay focused and sustain my aspirations.

What are you grateful for today?

Being able to spend quality time with my family members and being able to stay safe amidst the pandemic.

What do you miss most about life pre-COVID-19?

The ability to simply walk out without considering its importance. It is also the diminishing fear of assisting someone in public requiring aid. It is the physical connectivity amongst us as a community and the ability to care for others when one is struggling that will need to be restored immediately.

When life returns to some form of normality, what’s one thing you’ll change for the better?

I have recognised the importance of meditation to sustain a clear mind, which allows me to focus further with my studies and aspiration as well as conduct human connectivity on a variety of levels. The importance of family, care, compassion and love have been reinforced into my daily activities.

What changes do you think you’ll see in the modelling business once this is over?

The world of modelling is currently sustaining itself by creativity in order to stay positive due to the virus. Upon returning to normality, modelling will be stronger and further interconnected through visionaries’ aspirations whose work ethic has been sustained as such during isolation.

photographer - Paul Dear | makeup + model - Genevieve Lawson | hair - Alana Johansson | interview - Olga Scorer