London Runway Issue 77 - The Heat Issue

HOUSE OF GUCCI . FACE OF LONDON RUNWAY WINNERS . QUEER FASHION HISTORY . DUA LIPA . AGENCY TIPS

SOBOYE . LA DAMA LINGERIE . SILK ROAD FASHION . PURE LONDON . 7 BEAUTY AND FASHION EDITORIALS

ISSUE 77 27TH AUGUST 2022

THE HEAT ISSUE

RRP £12.99

LONDON RUNWAY

CONTRIBUTORS Chief Editor: Rhiannon D'Averc - editor@londonrunway.co.uk Editorial Assistant: Candice Wu - info@londonrunway.co.uk Publishing Assistant: Amber Johnson - amber@londonrunway.co.uk Lead Photographer: Fil Mazzarino Staff Photographers: Ian Clark, Mrityunjoy 'MJ' Mitra Lead Graphic Designer: Alex Panek Staff Graphic Designers: Lauren Rowley, Tongxin Li (Diana)

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

each issue, we let you meet one of our team members

Staff Writers: Ruth Croft, Emily Poncia Advertising enquiries - amber@londonrunway.co.uk Submissions - londonrunway.co.uk/submit Contributors: Bruno Jorge, Louis Cleary, Amrit Virdi, Kwabena Gyane, Anastasiia Kondra, Yana Tait, Alona Makarenko, Alana Mauri , Sebastián Gonzalez, Camila Cainero at lomanagement, Lisa Zecchinato, Fátima Portocarrero Prieto, Lily Winfield, Lyric Reid, Holly Alexander, Ryaan Ali at Model Team Scotland, Nikole Migl, Eva K. Merritt, Eliza Beecroft, Shakeela, Naveena Vinodthini , Selva, Galina Shichenko, Yelvari Belle Love, Edan Aweno, Sequoia Lens, Judo Visuals, Claudia, Alena Pokoptseva at Fenton, Anny Marin, Neha Studios at Elizabeth Kline Murphy, Vira Lilium, Elena, Larissa Mariano, Aarati Kakar, Harikrishnan, Gerald Hill, Cristiana Bodnariuc, Aerie, Kylie Green, Louise Hopkins, Alexie Kalenga, Mihaela Grigore, Jessie Wang, Jerri Nagel, Nell Anne

Special thanks to Silk Road Fashion, Pure London, and Hemercia Quintas

Interested in working with us?

We currently have internships available in the following positions: Staff Writers Staff Illustrator Send your CV and covering letter to info@londonrunway.co.uk

© 2022, London Runway Ltd and contributors Printed by Mixam and distributed in-house by London Runway Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without permission from the publisher. The views expressed in London Runway are those of the respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff.

Face of London Runway 2021 ambassador is Robert Keene.

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My name is Louis Cleary and I am super happy to have joined London Runway as an Intern.

Currently a student, I completed my undergraduate degree in Product Design last year and continue to study Advanced Design & Manufacturing MSc at the University Of Northampton. I would definitely label myself as a creative, and In my spare time I am attempting to improve my design know-how to hopefully enable me to peruse a career as a freelance designer. I am very excited to have the opportunity to put my skills into practice as a Graphic Design intern at London Runway!

CONTENTS

67 VISUALS

105 WORDS

Face of London Runway 2022: The Semi-Final

10

London Runway Virtual Festival 2022 - The Highlights

4

Soboye

13

5

Earth Magic (Editorial)

23

Face of London Runway 2022: The Winners!

28

A Look into the Closet: Queer Fashion History

19

Crashed Femininity (Editorial) New Faces

34

Fashion House Histories: Gucci

50

Portfolio Piece: Galina Shichenko

39

New Business: Hemercia Quintas

66

Probably True (Editorial)

41

Interview: Samanta Bullock

79

La Dama Lingerie

54

How to Land a Modelling Agent

88

Silk Road Fashion

57

Your Style Horoscope

101

Style (Conscious) Guide: Light and Airy

65

Come As You Are: New Yorkers Speak on Fashion and Freedom

115

Central Park (Cover Editorial)

67

The Big Question

118

Summer with Aarati (Editorial)

82

Summertime Joys (Editorial)

85

Pure London

91

Skin Deep (Editorial)

105

s ' r o t i d E ter t e l It’s been a busy month again here at London Runway HQ! We’ve been up to A LOT behind the scenes. Two of the events we’ve been working on this month will be things you know about, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, as they’ve been splashed all over both social media and our previous issues.

The Face of London Runway comes to a thrilling conclusion this issue as we finally get to announce the winners for this year. It’s been a long journey but a rewarding one, as we met so many amazing models and individuals from all walks of life. Now we’ve finally got our ambassadors for the year ahead, and we can’t wait to start sharing the work that we’ll do with them!

The other big event this month, of course, was the London Runway Virtual Festival. No idea what I’m talking about?

Don’t worry – you can still catch the whole show on our social media channels. Instagram has all of the

excitement @londonrunwaymag saved as videos on our feed, so you can go back and watch all of them at your leisure. I won’t go on about it too much as there’s a recap on the next pages which will give you all the information you need, but we had an excellent time and hope that you did too if you joined us.

That’s not the end of our events calendar for the year – far from it! Next issue we’re bringing you the coverage from September’s edition of Fashion Week in London as well as a brand new competition for photographers. You’re not going to want to miss out on that one, so stay tuned!

We have some stunning editorials this month as well, gathered around the theme of ‘heat’. Don’t forget to check out our galleries from some of the latest trends – including designers from Kazakhstan, Soboye’s latest showcase, and all of the fun of Pure London including the trend forecast catwalk.

We’ll see you next month with the editorial from the London Runway Virtual Festival as well as lots of other goodies you won’t want to miss out on!

Enjoy -

In this issue, meanwhile, look out for discussions on how queer fashion history has been erased, and profiles on the house of Gucci plus Samanta Bullock. Models, you’ll also want to pay special attention to our article about how to get yourself an agent.

RHIANNON D'AVERC

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LONDON RUNWAY VIRTUAL FESTIVAL 2022 - THE HIGHLIGHTS Sponsored by House of iKons Did you miss our Virtual Festival this year, or were you glued to your phone watching us live? Either way, you can catch all of the action again in a few places!

Meanwhile,we conducted an interview on the topic of diversity in fashion with graduate designer Hemercia Quintas, and you will want to catch that for sure.

Head to our Instagram @londonrunwaymag to watch clips like our music performances from Candice Wu and Emily Poncia, and the live interviews we conducted with feminist author Virginia Mendez and photographer Ian Clark.

All of this is available not just on our Instagram page, but in a few other spots as well. For the very first time, this year, we streamed everything live on Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram all at once. You can catch the full session on our Twitch page, saved as highlight clips once the full session disappeared by the end of the week.

There’s also the livestream in which our former Face of London Runway, Hannah Lewis, interviewed this year’s finalists to find out a bit more about them. Even though voting is over and the contest is finished, you can still learn more about these budding models on our Instagram.

On Sunday, we had a full day of live events taking place from a studio in London. Don't miss out on all of the action from the day, as there was so much to take in! We had a set building demo showing you how to turn a normal-looking studio into something really exotic, and a demonstration from a fantastic professional makeup artist who transformed our model from beautiful into even more stunning. The live shoot itself followed that, and you will want to stick around next issue to see the results of the shoot when we publish them on our cover!

BATE NATE H BATE NATE H BATE NATE H BATE NATE H BATE NATE H

We're also uploading everything to YouTube, so there are no lack of places in which you can find this content again and again in the future. Heard something interesting? Don't forget to bookmark it, so that you can come back to it as a reference point in the future.

Many thanks as always to our sponsors. House of iKons sponsored the whole event, while we also heard from By Elleven, Lina Urbeliene, and Postcode Fashion.

We're proud to say the Virtual Festival was a great success, and we're looking forward to doing it all again next year - when you can join us for more of the same!

A young rap star/fashion icon hailing from East London.

This shoot is with long time friends of BATE NATE H, YOUNG STONER LIFE RECORDS aka YSL, the owner is rap star YOUNG THUG. This isn’t a new relationship. They've been connected est2014 and BATE NATE has made many songs with various artists on the label.

LONDON RUNWAY

FACE OF LONDON RUNWAY 2022: THE WINNERS! It’s finally here: we can now announce our two amazing winners for the Face of London Runway 2022!

It’s been such an exciting journey, starting with more than 800 applicants who came to us from all around the world. They were as far apart as Canada, Australia, the USA, and Nigeria, with plenty of homegrown talent from here in the UK too. We’ve been through Zoom rounds, video challenges, and a special shooting day at Maad in Wood Green that allowed us to put all of the contestants through their paces – and you can read all about that in previous issues as well as on our website.

Now, though, we’ve come through the final round. Your voting scores on social media were combined with the scores our judges have been accumulating throughout every round, after carefully observing each of the participants and looking at their behaviour, their potential, and their video and image results.

When you were called on to vote, vote you did! We’ve had hundreds of likes flooding in on our Instagram page, where each of the contestants’ images were shared for official voting, as well as on Facebook. Meanwhile, our head judges – Chief Editor Rhiannon D’Averc and model coach Maxine Griffiths – had a lot to discuss, putting their heads together to provide the final results.

And now, we’re pleased to say we can announce our winners and runners-up for 2022!

WOMENSWEAR WINNER: Pippa Winn Runners-up: Rhiannon Barber and Rosanna Wild

MENSWEAR WINNER: Flinn Andreae Runners-up: Pemmy Opeaye and Sainey Kanteh

You’ll be able to catch both our menswear and womenswear victors on their own individual issue covers over the coming months, and we’ll be providing support and training to all six winners and runners-up over the course of the next year. Look out for them on our podcast, London Runway Style, as well as hopefully a catwalk or three during coming seasons...

And, one last note: if you’re feeling left out and thinking you might have been able to be a winner yourself, don’t fret!

Watch out next spring or early summer for our 2023 Face of London Runway contest. You can ensure you won’t miss out by signing up to our mailing list at londonrunway.co.uk Keep reading over the next few pages for a selection of images including all of our semi-finalists who didn't quite make it, such as the preview to the right!

Images by Mrityunjoy Mitra

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WOMENSWEAR WINNER

Pippa Winn

LONDON RUNWAY

RUNNERS-UP

Rhiannon Barber

Rosanna WIld

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MENSWEAR WINNER

Flinn Andreae

LONDON RUNWAY

RUNNERS-UP

Pemmy Opeaye

Sainey Kanteh

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A LOOK INTO THE CLOSET:

QUEER FASHION HISTORY PAGE 19

LONDON RUNWAY

Em Poncia dives into queer history from a fashion perspective.

There is little debate about the capacity of fashion to portray, and even form, identity. Whether this is on an individual level or pertaining to group status, what you wear serves as an immediate indicator of who you are, or who you want to be perceived as.

To this extent, queerness has historically often been shown through style of dress, sometimes being codified so that only those in the know would recognise it, and sometimes overt and intended as a statement of brazen queerness in the face of a heteronormative society.

Equally, fashion as we think of it is queered inherently because of its connotations. For example, being regarded as an inherently feminine pursuit in the modern day, a man who shows an interest in fashion is automatically queered in the eyes of society.

And yet, it is an industry where most of the biggest players have historically been (lauded) men.

A NOTE ON TERMINOLOGY Discussing ‘queerness’ in relation to historical fashion requires an examination of our terminological norms. To be ‘queer’ has been reclaimed, having previously been used as a slur that points out difference from the heterosexual norm.

‘Queerness’ has taken on broader meanings, and to ‘queer’ can be considered as a transgression of boundaries, or an upset in the normative world order. Thus, using the word ‘queer’ to describe nonnormative identity should be understood to be facilitated by modern use of language, and not something that people would have self-identified with historically.

Furthermore, fashion often queers - transgresses - the accepted boundaries of clothing.

Flamboyance and material excess have become visual synonyms for avant-garde fashion, but also for queerness.

Bringing into focus previously ignored queer history, therefore, helps us to understand fashion as means to create and adopt identities, and also how fashion itself can be considered queer to its very core.

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LONDON RUNWAY

CODIFIED QUEERNESS An aspect of understanding queer visibility in fashion history is recognising codes that signify belonging to or alliance with a sub-cultural group. The creation of such codes is not uniquely queer, often also occurring amongst left-wing political movements, or movements where operations have to be belowradar.

In L.A. in the 1980s, punks used laces on their trademark Doc Marten boots to signify alliance with a cause in such a way that only their compatriots could recognise. With the area having significant ties to racist organisations like the KKK, it was important to know who was for and against the cause for racial equality, and this was done by using certain lace colours and styles. Purple laces were a declaration of homosexuality, and it allowed young people to show their sexual orientation to their peers without fear of judgement from people outside of the code.

At the time, same-sex marriage was not legal in the US. Because lace culture has died down, and very few people use the code anymore, this mode of identifying, recognising, and protecting queer people is not well known. Serving as a valuable tool for its contemporaries, it has disappeared in the modern day, its ephemerality continuing the anonymous force it exercised.

It could also be argued that the “camp” aesthetic is a form of queer coding. Sharing some elements with kitsch, “camp” is a term used to describe an extravagant, flamboyant, and often effeminate aesthetic. It is highly stylised, and fashion is one of the main ways that it manifests.

However, camp is codified in a far less secretive sense. Because of its flamboyancy, it is a ‘queer’ aesthetic in the sense that it goes beyond normative taste towards artifice. It is also synonymous with ‘queerness’ in that those who use the aesthetic are assumed not to subscribe to heteronormativity.

Here, the code is well-known, and rather than serving to assimilate queerness into the every day, it markedly separates queer and mainstream aesthetics. It is a code that marks out members of a group, but it does so in a way that is not afraid of recognition, even welcoming acknowledgement However, the influence that the camp sensibility has had on fashion since its inception often goes uncredited.

LONDON RUNWAY FORGOTTEN QUEERNESS Within fashion history, queerness has both slipped under the radar as we have seen with queer coding, but it has also been swept under the rug in deliberate attempts to brush over, and even eclipse entirely, queer history.

A poignant example of this is the ‘Dancing Marquess’ of Angelsey, a queer patron of the arts whose legacy was entirely washed over by an ashamed family after his death. Having burned through his immense fortune, Edwardian Marquess Henry Cyril Paget died in March 1905. He had lived incredibly lavishly, commissioning suits made entirely of real emeralds, costumes for pantomimes he put on encrusted with real jewels, and gutted the chapel in his family home to make room for a 150-seat theatre.

FINAL THOUGHTS The case of the ‘Dancing Marquess’ is a classic one of queer invisibility and erasure.

After his death, the theatre was reconverted into a chapel, the family estate was renamed its traditional Welsh name, and most traces of his presence in the house were removed. There was nothing left of the ‘Dancing Marquess’.

The story serves to show how queer people throughout history have been subject not only to discrimination but to actual historical deletion.

Paget’s story is one that has resurfaced, but there are undoubtedly many others whose entire lives and careers have been scrubbed from the annals of time, or who were not able to live their true identity because of social restraints.

What has drawn modern attention to Paget’s extraordinary lifestyle is the selling of an extravagant tiara that belonged to his estate. Its expected buying cost is six figures or more, and it features over 100 carats of European and mine-cut diamonds.

Paget is considered by historians to have been queer because his marriage was estranged, even nearly being annulled on grounds of lack of consummation. His love for the theatre, extravagance, and eccentricity align with more modern considerations of the camp aesthetic, and his lack of contact with family members suggest his being an outcast, which would have been common at the time for not aligning with societal heteronormativity.

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Fashion owes much of its visual culture to queer history, relying on queer figures to break boundaries and reveal new cultures to the mainstream.

Much of high fashion follows queer trends, and it is queer people that often design some of the most cult items. Deleting the queer influence from fashion history makes for a less than full understanding of fashion today, as well as robbing people of their due when it comes to making and influencing design history.

You can read more of Em’s work on her twitter @emponcia Images via Wikimedia Commons, Canva, and film stills from Paris is Burning

CRASHED FEMININITY This is a call to action that women are not toys – being wrapped for somebody to play with. AS A THING.

We exposed the fragility of women with paper to underline that when you show your sexuality you become vulnerable.

Photographer/Retoucher: Sebastián Gonzalez @sebastiangefoto Model: Camila Cainero at lomanagement @camcainero Stylist/Creative Director/Art Director: Lisa Zecchinato @lisazecchinato Styling assistant: Alana Mauri @thatisalana Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Fátima Portocarrero Prieto @neeuroticroses Wardrobe: Maison Margiela, Romina Monserrat

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NEW FACE: LYRIC Name: Lyric Reid Age: 19 years old Location: Birmingham, UK Agency: Currently Freelance

How long have you been modelling for?

6 months Where are you from originally?

Birmingham, UK

What would surprise people to know about you?

I am anime crazy!

What are your modelling ambitions?

I would like to reach great highs and bring tattoos and piercings more into the fashion and mainstream modelling world. Lots of grunge and dark attitude concepts for tattoos, but I am angelic with a twist of attitude and spice, wearing my tattoos with pride.

Do you have an unusual talent or party trick?

Great with accents!

Makeup Artist: Lily Winfield @lilywinfieldmua Model: Lyric Reid @lyric._.reid Photographer: Holly Alexander @hollyalexanderphotographer

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NEW FACE: RYAAN Name: Ryaan Ali Age: 23 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Agency: Model Team

What would surprise people to know about you?

I participate in professional kite flying competitions!

Where are you from originally?

My ethnic background is BritishPakistani

What are your modelling ambitions?

To give brown people a face in the modelling industry.

Do you have unusual talent or party trick?

Very good at doing animal noises such as dogs, cats, horses, and many more…

Model: Ryaan Ali at Model Team Scotland @officialryprinzeali Makeup Artist: Nikole Migl @nikolemigl Photographer: Eva K. Merritt @evakmerritt Wardrobe Stylist: Eliza Beecroft @eliza_l_beecroft

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NEW FACE: NAVEENA Name: Naveena Vinodthini Age: 27 Location: Singapore Agency: Freelance How long have you been modelling for?

Since 21 when I won my first National crown as Miss Queen of Bollywood 2016.

Where are you from originally?

Singapore What would surprise people to know about you?

I'm a pre-school teacher and Indian classical dancer. My passion for teaching is something I had since a teenager. To nurture and educate the younger generation for greater good has always been my motto. Being a classical dancer, which is known as 'Bharatanatyam', a major form of

Indian classical dance that originated in Tamil Nadu, is something that has been a part of me since 8 years old. I have performed in many main stages/events and took part in competitions.

Somehow I believe dancing contributes in loving your own body and leaving you feeling confident about yourself.

What are your modelling ambitions?

Modelling was an accidental career/passion. Started out as a pageantry model and went on being a runway model. It has moulded me into the woman I would have imagined today. My ambition as a model is to keep thriving, soaring and reaching heights. It could be anything: being a face for a product, getting featured in a magazine, or becoming a cover model as the sky is the limit.

Makeup Artist: Shakeela @shakeelacreations Model: Naveena Vinodthini @naveenavinodthini_ Photographer: Selva @the_realexperience

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My name is Galina Shichenko. I am a photographer from Uzbekistan, Tashkent.

I am shooting since I became 17. Firstly, taking pictures was my hobby, but, now, photography is my life. I spent several years on portrait photography and I really love it.

PORTFOLIO Photographer: Galina Shichenko @shichenko.art

Also, the photos of architecture are another favourite.

I think that photography helps to save the most amazing moments in our life. Emotions and our feelings are invaluable and photographers should catch it and save it forever.

PIECE

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LONDON RUNWAY

LA DAMA LINGERIE Photography by Fil Mazzarino @filmazzarino

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LONDON RUNWAY

LONDON RUNWAY

SILK ROAD FASHION

Designers: Aydana Omarova - @aydana_omarova_couture Assel Kenzhetayeva - @asselkenzhe_art Nurdos Aliaskarov - @nurdos_jewellery Anelya Tolegen - @anelya_mareno Madi Sypatayev - @marino_madi Zhadyragul Jiyengazieva - @_zhadyra_patchwork_ Meruyert Shakerbayeva - @shakerbay.design

Photography by Mrityunjoy Mitra @the_mj_studio

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STYLE (CONSCIOUS) GUIDE ethical and sustainable style guide selected by Rhiannon D'Averc

Judy Wu High-Low Maxi Chiffon Skirt In White £535.00

Khu Khu Summer Hand-Fan £45.00

Aggi Margo Night Fall Skirt £270.00 Supernormal People Magnetic Pink Frame £72.00

Not Just Pajama Liberty-Designer Silk Dress £169.00

Olivia Darcy Sheer Circle Top Champagne £105.00

Yoroshiku 4649 Organic Manga Cotton Tee Mothersea In Sand £35.00

Quillattire Boujee Blue Sky Cupid Printed Boxy Shirt £185.00

Quod New York Equinox Tulle Dress £570.00 Stephanie Grace Jewellery Dreamer Necklace £395.00

Studio Pia Aretha Kaftan £800.00 Anarela Purgatorio Silk Kimono £344.00

Fyodor Golan Psychadelic Negligee Dress £360.00

Aggi Alta Blanc De Blanc dress £225.00

Monika Dimova Genevieve Asymmetrical Silk Skirt £299.00

LIGHT AND AIRY PAGE 65

NEW BUSINESS HEMERCIA QUINTAS PName of company : Hemercia Quintas Type of business : Menswear brand Location : London-based.

How long has the company been running?

The company has been running for 8 months.

Where did the idea come from?

I wanted to speak with people through clothing and creating this brand was an open door to it.

What are your company values?

Hemercia values the black community, loyalty and unity.

Currently, how many people work for the business?

Currently I am the only person, as a creative director.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a business?

The first step is to stop overthinking, you can take baby steps every day and that will make your brand grow even if you don’t see it immediately.

Where do you hope the company will be in 5 years' time?

I hope to have a couple of stockist in the UK and abroad as well as taking part in London Fashion Week.

All images via Hemercia Quintas

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Central Park

Models: Claudia @cloonyforbes; Alena Pokoptseva at Fenton @alenavaslena Hair Stylist: Anny Marin @makeup.artist.anny Photographer: Neha Studios at Elizabeth Kline Murphy @nehastudios Wardrobe Stylist/Fashion Designer: Vira Lilium @vira_lilium Makeup Artist: Elena @elena_makeup_artist

LONDON RUNWAY

INTERVIEW: SAMANTA BULLOCK Larissa Mariano sits down with Samanta Bullock to discuss inclusive fashion and how the journey towards fashion for everyone continues.

to bring knowledge and education, and to normalise it. We also have a fashion show called London Represents that happens during London Fashion Week, where we promote diversity, sustainability, and inclusion LARISSA: How did you bring your own experience to create your shop?

LARISSA: Samanta, to start this conversation, you currently have several titles: from sport with wheelchair tennis to the fashion world, how would you define yourself? Who is Samanta Bullock?

SAMANTA: I took on many roles: in sport, as a wheelchair tennis player, I’m a doubles silver medallist at the 2007 ParaPanAm Games and competed in three world championships for Brazil.

As a model, I have done fashion shows in some of the main fashion weeks in the world: London Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week.

I can also define myself as a speaker. But my whole history, career in sport, and the return to fashion brings me a new definition: my name is Samanta Bullock, I am Brazilian and I live in London. I am the founder and owner of SB Shop, an inclusive fashion shop with a vision to see the lack of knowledge related to inclusion and to work to change that,

SAMANTA: I didn't have a specific moment when that happened. It was a path. I started with my own experience, with what I went through in my routine and, at some point, it was stronger than me, it started to move. And I knew that, until then, there was no fashion that thought about the pieces I needed. To make items easier to wear, a jacket a little shorter to make it easier in the wheelchair. But tennis gave me a bigger view of it: it was when I started competing in world championships, living with so many people with other disabilities that I started to understand other needs - and they range from someone who uses orthotics, crutches, or someone who spends a lot of time in bed. Fashion is a tool that needs to work for everyone - and we believe in education for that to happen, whether through representativeness or the pieces we create, which are always guided by universal design.

LARISSA: Talking about the pieces: what is the creation process?

SAMANTA: The whole process always takes place in a very organic way. At the beginning, there were eight designers, all friends, and we sat down to talk.

Once again, everything is very much based on experience as we still have a lack of data on people with disabilities, so we need to experiment, because it is different for each need. And working with each designer is also like this; diverse. We need to immerse ourselves, get to know what each of them is already doing in their work and think about how we can make this inclusive.

We have many validation steps too, always looking at it as a laboratory for learning and experimenting: we already had, during a photo session, just a pilot piece of a jumpsuit that has a zipper (it

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separates top and pants), but that, positioned behind, one of our models could not open. So, we moved to the side and, even so, we are always testing to reach the final result.

LARISSA: What is London Represents, and how does it complement the SB Shop?

SAMANTA: London Represents Fashion Show is a fashion show that takes place during London Fashion Week and has its ethos in sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We know that together with the creating of the pieces we also need to invest in representation and it is one of the main goals of the event. Our diverse runway has been recognised worldwide and was referred to in the Daily Mail as “the pivotal moment” of Fashion Week.

Basically, London Represents is here to disrupt the fashion industry. For many years we tried to implement this change, talking with brands, universities, and show organisers without success, so we decided to take action ourselves. We believe we are the change, we are creating it, a space of connection, of belonging and reality.

Fashion is a vehicle for this dream, a previously impossible, unachievable thing to achieve. That we want to make real; perfection is imperfection.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite for the event on the 17th September. It will take place at the National Liberal Club. A whole day of fashion and celebration.

LARISSA: What do you think are the main changes, in order to have a more inclusive fashion?

LARISSA: We are talking about fashion with purpose. How does it connect to what you do?

SAMANTA: If we don't have a product and it is necessary, we will need to invent it. And we will need to live together for that to actually happen, to have the good result that we hope for.

We cannot create what we do not know, it is very necessary to understand these needs that the consumer or the fashion sector itself has. And it is in this space that representativeness is so important currently, we have data that only 0.1% of people with disabilities are represented in fashion. We know that several related actions have already taken place, but they need to be constant, frequent, and very natural. A good example that we can move forward is the quarantine period we have been through: as several people had to adapt to the home office, spend even more time sitting, we saw that we need more comfortable clothes for this position; this is inclusive fashion. That is why we need to be seen to exist in this sector, even to be considered as a consumer, even though the economic power of people with disabilities generates three trillion dollars. I believe that representation is the starting point for all this change that needs to happen. Fashion is a tool for social transformation: and the entire industry needs to understand this — that's why we believe so much in education.

SAMANTA: The purpose is what makes me see that what I do is much bigger than me. Wherever you go, you don't see anyone without clothes. Fashion reaches 100% of people, including any minority, from the elderly to the disabled. And I believe that fashion cannot be selective: it needs to work globally. That is what we are talking about when we say that inclusion is one of the pillars of sustainability, that we are always within a purpose where we all want to change, to create a better planet. And to do this, as I said before, using social tools.

We want to make sure that diversity and inclusion are natural in this process; this comes from the beginning of everything with me; in the team we are a family that believes in the same things and this is reflected in each of the projects we create.

LARISSA: And, what are these projects?

SAMANTA: With London Represents we support the social projects that we believe align with us. We have Bullock Inclusion, a CIC (Community Interest Company), which brings together all the social projects we do. We started with the SB Challenge, which came from the idea of expanding the Vogue Challenge.

I thought why not see all the diversity on the magazine covers? We invited people with disabilities (or who supported the cause of diversity) to put themselves on their favourite magazine covers and, when publishing on social media, use #SBChallenge, to be able to bring this together. And we had incredible testimonials, from people who started to accept their disabilities more from that challenge, or who had never taken a photo using orthotics, crutches and, from that moment on, had the courage to be who they really were.

London Runway also embraced the challenge – they gave us loads of visibility and the most beautiful cover magazine on their Gold edition. We had over one million impressions. We have now transformed it into an eBook, which is free to download on our website with stories, reports, and photos from everyone that was part of it. This is the main purpose: to educate about perceptions about diversity. It was also based on this that, during London Fashion Week, which reinvented itself to happen online, we decided to create a film with our models, who are real people, with the most diverse differences and create our own fashion week: SB Fashion Week.

We called the film I’mperfection and launched the first version last year, with each model telling a little about their realities, perceptions, and provoking this reflection: why not think differently about it? In September, we brought the fashion movie version: everyone on the catwalk, to literally show diversity on the catwalk, with the vibrant sound of Dragon, by Lachi.

This February ‘22 we had a project called #Irepresent, that we launched with London Represents. With this one, we created an Instagram filter with a catwalk and invited people to be part of our show, and we displayed the whole videos as part of our runway on the day.

LARISSA: And how does this cycle continue? What do we need to pay more attention to from now on?

SAMANTA: Always keep information.

We need to research: and this research is something very human, in contact with each other, to live together, talk and, in the middle of this talk, understand: what are the needs? What can we do to evolve to include more people?

SUMMER WITH AARATI Model: Aarati Kakar @aaratikakar Photographer/Retoucher: Harikrishnan @xpathphotography

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SUMMERTIME JOYS Photographer: Gerald Hill @bad_girl_photography Model: Cristiana Bodnariuc @cristianamodel Wardrobe: Aerie

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HOW TO LAND A MODELLING AGENT This week, Kwabena Gyane discusses how novice models can get signed to a modelling agency.

Runways, catwalks, photoshoots; these are among the few activities laypeople list when asked about the modelling profession. Most people do not know what models do; they have an idea of what they do.

The modelling industry is a multifaceted machine, with numerous niches, several styles, and a multitude of modelling types.

If this topic has caught your attention, chances are you are either a novice model, someone who has just recently dipped their toes into the pools of photographed poses, or you have started to take an interest in the industry, its workings and how to step into it. This could be whether someone said you should take up modelling or you recently looked into the mirror and realised your face had a place in the business.

The first and one of the most vital steps one takes when getting into modelling is the portfolio. Before you even dream about bookings, a portfolio needs to exist. Portfolios should have a variety of pictures, with the two essential images being your headshot and body shot, this applies to every model’s portfolio no matter their level of experience.

Unlike the numerous professions out there, modelling is a visual-based vocation, your curriculum vitae is your portfolio. It is what agencies usually look through before you get called in for a casting (an interview), it is what they send over to brands, designers, and stylists to get you bookings - so they must always work in your favour. For new models a portfolio does not necessarily need professional pictures in it. The images do, however, have to be of good quality, although professional shots can increase one’s chances in getting signed.

Your portfolio creates your narrative, how you present yourself in your images can elevate how you present yourself in-person, so make sure it does it well.

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but what is an agency? An agency and specifically a modelling agency is a business that represents models, providing brands, photographers, stylists, and several other professionals in the industry with models that meet their specific requirements. Agencies can also get models work not limited to the fashion world, it can be in various other industries.

Before we continue, it is important to note that you should never pay any modelling agency a membership or joining fee. No legitimate agency will ever ask you to do so, this is not how they operate. An agency runs on a commission basis, they take a percentage of the model’s earnings once they have secured work and have been paid. Agencies aid in your contracts, your payment, and several other details, making your modelling career behind the scenes as easy as possible.

Have certain unique features? Flaunt these in the shots you have in your portfolio, use everything to your advantage. Agencies want models they can book: show them that you are one of those models Once you have a portfolio, you must continuously update it, for the sole reason of change. You will change in terms of appearance, modelling style, confidence level, and experience. Your portfolio should always reflect who you are and the changes that come along with being you.

Your modelling style should also be an aspect you should have thought about.

What type of modelling are you planning to get into? Are you into fitness and have the physique? You can pursue fitness modelling. See yourself advertising products, events, and clothes that are affordable? Consider catalogue (also known as commercial) modelling. There are a variety of niches that you can investigate and several you can inhabit as a model, who says you cannot do fitness and high fashion, or glamour and editorial? If you meet the requirements, you can step into these niches and succeed.

The word ‘agency’ has been used in prior paragraphs and is the core topic,

Is it possible to get into modelling without an agency? It is, however going freelance especially as a novice is disadvantageous, agencies have the knowledge to secure bookings and know professionals in the industry and are trusted by them. Representing yourself can be exhausting and timeconsuming, it should not be a road you need to take if being signed to an agency is an option.

You can either get scouted by an agency scouter (who will approach you about modelling and with social media being such an effective tool, people can also be scouted online) or you can apply to an agency. A casting is then set and attended, to allow the agencies to see you in-person and assess whether they should sign you.

When going to a casting, make sure to wear clothes that flatter your figure, a simple white t-shirt and fitted jeans are enough. Underwear should at best be nude as they may ask you to try on clothes they provide. If they are required of you at some point, have heels with you and make sure you can do a catwalk before you get to your casting, the agencies will ask you to show them your walk.

There are several modelling agencies out there especially in London, from top agencies like Elite London and MiLK Model Management to smaller agencies such as Array Model Management. With this much choice, researching an agency before sending in an application is a requirement to ensure you are signed with one that meets your requirements and holds similar values as you.

Going through an agency’s website is one of the surest ways to decide which ones suit you, depending on your age,

ethnicity, gender, height, weight, body art and modelling style; look through their models or talent page. If most of the models share similar traits, chances are this agency may not be for you if you do not match these tacit standards.

Most agencies like PRM have strict height requirements, with males being at minimum 6’0 and females at minimum 5’8. If you don’t meet this first requirement, they are unlikely to sign you when you go for an open call (which they do on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm). Nevs is a top agency which represents a diverse range of models in terms of age and ethnicity, their open castings are on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10am to 12pm.

Always check to see the open calls of agencies you are interested in; it is an opportunity for agencies to see fresh faces and an opportunity for you to get a direct answer from them about being signed instead of waiting to hear back from them if you have applied. Having a modelling composite card or comp card (a model’s business card) at the ready when you enter open calls can also help with agents remembering who you are, and that is important in modelling.

Check how often models in the agencies you choose get bookings, what percentage is the agency’s commission fee and read their reviews. If you can, reach out to models who are represented or were represented by the agencies and ask about their experience.

This can help you get unfiltered opinions that you may not acquire anywhere else. It is important to note that you should have more than two agencies in mind when applying, treat this as if it were a job search (it is), applying to more places can increase your chances of you getting a casting and being signed.

After your casting, you may hear back from the agencies as to whether you were successful and have been signed or the dreaded rejection (if you are lucky, as some do not even send emails

at all, and their silence is the rejection).

However, if you do not hear back from an agency, it does not hurt to send a follow-up email. You could ask for an update on your application or for feedback on how you can improve at your next casting.

Rejection is common when trying to find an agency to represent you but that should not discourage anyone trying to get into the industry. If an agency says ‘No’ another agency could say ‘Yes’ and if you reapply a few months later, the agency could sign you this time around.

Confidence and preparedness are key to making sure you ace your casting when an agency calls you in. Be yourself, agencies want to see you for who you are, flaws and all.

Always read the contract before you sign anything including the fine print to ensure that you understand the terms of conditions you are agreeing to.

Once signed by an agency, you are officially represented and depending on your career goals you may want to be signed by different agencies in different countries to increase your exposure. If your contract has a nonexclusive agreement, you can sign with other agencies, if not then you cannot. If you can sign with others, it is best to inform your home agency about this as a form of formality so they are aware; not doing so can sometimes lead to models being dropped.

Getting signed is not always easy, some can get signed quickly while others get this opportunity after months of applying. You should always remember that it is not a sprint, but a marathon and that comparison is the thief of joy.

Your modelling journey is unique to you and you alone, and as with every journey, it will always move forward.

You can read more of Kwabena's work at clippings.me/users/kwabenagyane , whereifoundmyeyes.com and @whereifoundmyeyes on Instagram.

Images via Unsplash

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Photography by Mrityunjoy Mitra @the_mj_studio

Designers: Clemat Design SC Angela International SRL CIA Couture Anna Caroline Fashion Studio SRL SC Atelier Raluca Mihalceanu SRL Qivi Expert EC Demiuma Comimpex Melini Concept SRL Nissa Manufacture SRL SC Lynx Lynx Antonia Nae & Co SRL Boyari Design SRL Yolo Look Jayley Collection Sky Eagle Collective SRL Jomojo Ariana Bohling Alex Max One Point Five No More Bags Baby Alma En Pena Phat Kandi My Doris Luv Forever London Panapufa Natural World Bitte Kai Rand 1981 Brodie Toving the Label Epitome Collective Herman & Co Cindy Monteiro Humility Sonata Chic Mattu Brand Hy Blank Ubu Maruca Kalima Lotusfeet Incalpaca TPX Georgia Wang Love, Memory & Silver Kings Dino & Pelle Inga Valerie

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LONDON RUNWAY

What better way to distract from this sweltering heat wave than looking up cool, refreshing beauty masks and accessories? A nice way to cool and unwind from the day, these masks are all vegan and from sustainable and ethical beauty companies.

Aries March 21 - April 20

Vegan by Happy Skin - Dragon Fruit BHA Pink Clay Mask This multifaceted mask does it all! With its non-drying formula, it softens and smooths while exfoliating, purifying, and detoxifying.

Aries will love the addition of the dragon fruit extract and BHA salicylic acid, keeping their skin looking fire without the heat!

Taurus April 21 - May 21

Clock Face Beauty - Rhassoul Clay and Vetiver This clay mask is perfect for Tauruses looking to transform their skin naturally throughout this unbearable heatwave! Vetiver, a powerful antiageing ingredient, paired with Rhassoul Clay, has antiseptic properties to prevent future breakouts and increase cellular turnover.

Gemini May 22- June 21

Skin Proud - Frozen Over Geminis will adore this “gel-to-ice hydrator” that emulates their dual personalities. Used as a gel at room temperature or an icy boost of hydration straight from the freezer, this mask contains hyaluronic acid for dry and tired skin.

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LONDON RUNWAY

Cancer June 22- July 22 Skinceuticals - Phyto Corrective Masque Calming, cooling, and sensitive-skin friendly, this Phyto Corrective Masque is perfect for the emotionally tuned-in Cancers for beating this summer heat! Feel the irritation wash away after just 10-15 minutes of using this mask.

Leo July 23- August 21 Evolve Organic Beauty - Bio-Retinol Gold Face Mask This gold face mask provides the benefits of retinol without the adjustment or irritation period. Infused with sustainably sourced Mica, the shimmering gold will make a Leo look and feel fabulous after a sweaty day!

Virgo August 22- September 23 Liz Earle - Balancing Gel Mask Lightweight and revitalising, this gel mask contains a blend of elderflower, meadowsweet, and lime flower to “balance and restore harmony”. This is just what Virgos need after a long, sweaty day of productivity!

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LONDON RUNWAY

Libra September 24- October 23

Aesop - Hair & Scalp Moisturising Masque A luxurious hair and scalp treatment in a Libra’s birth flower? Yes, please! This conditioning, silky treatment paired with a massaging conditioner comb will thoroughly relax and revitalise Libras in just 20 minutes.

Scorpio

October 24- November 22

UpCircle - Kaolin Clay Face Mask A penetrating mask is needed for the stoic Scorpio to really let go, and this Kaolin Clay Face Mask is perfect for just that! Olive powder, coconut powder, and white kaolin clay are just a few of the natural, benefitpacked ingredients in this powerhouse detoxifying mask.

Sagittarius November 23- December 22 Moo & Yoo - Miracle Mask Despite the heat, you know Sagittarius will still be out and about all day, every day.

With this hair mask, the marula oil and Icelandic moss help protect hair from UV exposure and environmental pollutants both refreshing and protecting this outdoorsy sign!

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Capricorn December 23- January 20 Garnier - Fresh Mix Face Hyaluronic acid Shot Mask This DIY shot mask contains a dry-algae tissue mask and a shot of hyaluronic acid for the ultimate facial plumping, giving Capricorns complete control during the process and maximum results. Pop this in the fridge before use for the best cooling results!

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

Pai Skincare - Resurrection Girl A one-of-a-kind mask for a one-of-akind sign, this mask is powered by the Resurrection Plant for the most intense hydration and skin-renewing experience.

This “rich, silky, ocean-blue” mask is a gellike consistency, perfect for chilling in the fridge before use as well!

Pisces February 20 - March 20 Skin Proud - Sleep Defence For this forgetful, dreamy sign, this overnight kombucha mask will aid in a Piscean’s nighttime routine. They’ll wake up energised and refreshed after washing off this hydrating mask.

You can see more of Candice's work on Instagram by following @Candice_x9.

Zodiac illustrations by Lauren Rowley

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All images via respective retailers.

SKIN

DEEP Makeup Artist: Kylie Green @kyliemakeuphair, Louise Hopkins @louisehopkinsmakeup Model: Alexie Kalenga @alexie_kalenga, Mihaela Grigore @mihaelafoxy, Jessie Wang @jessie_19970307 Photographer: Jerri Nagel @jerrinagelphotography

LONDON RUNWAY

COME AS YOU ARE: NEW YORKERS SPEAK ON FASHION AND FREEDOM I arrived in New York on the 4th of July at nighttime, flying over a glittering city lit up by fireworks. I landed too late to participate in any of the celebrations that I’d witnessed from the plane, but had I planned better, I am unsure whether I would have joined in.

Alex is 25 lives in Crown Heights, Brooklyn and works as a graphic designer.

What does New York style mean to you, and how would you define it?

I recently moved here about a month ago. Oversized business casual is the largest trend that I’ve been seeing, especially in a heatwave. Big dress shirts with bike shorts.

As an outsider, it felt wrong to recognise a holiday surrounding freedom and independence of a country that had recently overturned Roe vs Wade, severing rights to bodily autonomy and devastating people across the country.

This year, even the all-American Kardashians had declared the day ‘cancelled’.

It was for this reason that I was taken aback by the positive responses from the strangers I interviewed. Every person mentioned freedom in their answers. Admittedly, the subject matter was light, I was looking to find out what New York style meant to them, what they knew about fashion in London, and about a sentimental item of clothing they owned. However, like most topics, discussions led to politics, some subtle, some not so, about the freedom they felt to express themselves through their clothing choices.

If I’d gone elsewhere in the States, I might have come away with a more sombre picture, but it seems that New Yorkers still view their city as a place that offers freedom to be exactly who they are. After hearing the responses, I was reminded of my first glimpse of the city from the plane. It wasn’t the showy Independence Day celebrations that struck me but the little explosions of light, colour, and hopefulness that came from almost every back garden and street, puncturing the darkness.

Do you know much about London style or British style?

Yeah, I do. I’ve spent a lot of time in London visiting friends. I would say that it's definitely a lot more edgy and expressive. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of influence of London’s style in New York over the last couple of years. People have become a lot more expressive and experimental. I feel like many British fashion designers and even street style plays with crazier silhouettes and meshing of styles that I’ve seen more of in the States.

Nate is 21, he lives in Brooklyn and is a stylist and has just been accepted to a fashion school in California.

What does New York style mean to you?

I feel like New York style means a lot to me in terms of diversity. Everyone is different; you can’t walk down the street and see two people wearing the same thing. Everyone has their own unique style and that’s what I love about it.

Have you ever been to Europe?

I haven’t.

Do you know much about the style in London and how it compares?

Not too much, I’m always looking to learn more about different areas. I know the runway scene out there; there’s a lot of inspiration, but street fashion, not too much.

What about your most sentimental item of clothing, could you tell me about something that means a lot to you?

I guess things that I made or sewed myself. I make unique custom tapestry pieces. I feel like they have a special place in my heart. These garments, I’ve put my love into them.

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And finally, what’s your most sentimental item of clothing?

That’s hard. I feel like it changes pretty frequently. I did just get this secondhand pair of Issey Miyake Pleats Please pants from Tokyo Seven in Manhattan.

They have a lot of [Vivienne] Westwood, which in London is like $1000 for a t-shirt. Here, it's a lot cheaper.

So, they’re sentimental to you because they’re a great find?

Yeah, a great find.

How long do you reckon they’ll be your most sentimental item?

[Laughs] Hopefully not that long, I love finding my new favourite child!

Kimberly is 36, from Brooklyn, New York and works as a chef.

Francesca is a fashion schoolteacher and travel writer from Milan but visits New York frequently to gain inspiration and improve her English.

What kind of food do you make?

I work in a luxury bar; it’s called Goldy’s Tavern which opened up in April.

Getting your advertising in there, I like it!

[Laughs] Yeah, exactly.

I wanted to know what New York style means to you.

I mean, it’s different. Like, you see I’m just walking my dog, so I just got on Givenchy slides, sweats, and a t-shirt.

But, if I was going out on a typical hot day, I’d put on a crop top, Zara jeans, and some converse or something like that. Even if you’re going somewhere luxurious, you don’t have to dress up if you don’t want to. Come as who you are.

Do you know much about London style?

No, but I watch a lot of UK YouTubers, like from the beginning [I’ve watched} Jennie Jenkins and Nikki’s Secret.

How do they dress; do you like it?

Oh my gosh! Yeah! It’s different; I mean, the thing that I like in the wintertime is the puffy coats. It’s not like how New Yorkers do puffy coats. It’s like oversized. To me, [Londoner’s] puffer coats are way better than New Yorkers.

Like the North Face style ones?

Yeah. Sometimes it can be off brand, but it looks so luxurious and chic.

Cindy is living in New York studying piano performance and works at a bubble tea shop, part-time.

How long have you lived in New York?

5 years. I love it! It’s really crowded but fun. Before, I lived in Shenyang, China.

What does New York style mean to you?

For me, it [means] freedom. It’s so flexible and more comfortable.

Do you dress differently in China?

Yes; In China, it's more like a uniform.

Here, it’s more freestyle, like t-shirts and jeans.

Do you know much about the style in London?

They always wear hats! Pretty hats, with skirts and trousers. [I would say it’s] much more formal.

Could you describe a sentimental item of clothing that you own?

For me, it’s about the fabric. I love anything made with cotton as it’s really comfortable. [Points to the dress she is wearing] I own a lot of dresses in this style.

I’m surprised. It gets way colder here, so surely your coats would be bigger!

Exactly! So that’s why we’re colder.

Do you have a sentimental item of clothing, something that means a lot to you?

Sneakers. I have sneakers that I have from high school that don’t fit me.

What kind of sneakers are they?

Jordan’s, the Retro’s, the 8’s the 9’s the 10’s - all those.

Why do you keep them?

It’s like a time capsule and memories of good times in high school when I was rebellious.

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What does New York style mean to you?

I’m in love with New York City; it’s the symbol of the melting pot. I find all the elements for my work, and I feel at home as I come here every summer.

There is no one ‘New York style’, but there is always eccentricity. People want to be noticed, but within that, there are a lot of different styles.

How do you think that differs from other regions?

If you compare it to Paris or Milan, you will see more uniformity. In New York, you will see no uniformity, other than everyone wants to be looked at!

What do you think of the London style?

I’ve been to London many times. I love London; maybe it’s the European New York. I love the style in Brixton, particularly the African influence of the style there. It’s my favourite place in the city.

Could you describe an item of clothing or jewellery that is important to you?

Probably earrings. I feel naked without them. My favourite pair have big eyes on them, and I love them. In terms of clothing, comfy long dresses like this are important to me. Being stylish is important but you have to be comfortable.

Taj (left) and Xavier (right) Taj is 22 and he lives in Downtown Brooklyn. Xavier is 20 and he lives in Williamsburg.

What does New York style mean to both of you?

X: New York style means freedom to me, you see so many different styles here, it’s not like there is just one.

Everybody is very unique.

T: To me, in New York versus being back home, I just feel more comfortable and genuine. I wear what I wanna wear.

I don’t look at other people and judge because I want other people to do the same for me. I don’t have to like your outfit, but as long as you’re comfortable, I respect it. You’re dressing true to yourself.

So, everyone is just doing their own thing?

X: Exactly.

Do you know much about the style in London?

X: I don’t really know much about it.

T: I’m thinking about Bridgerton!

X: Or The Crown on Netflix, I dunno what the style currently is.

T: I think we just have a concept of it— what we see on the screen, shows set in different eras.I wish we all dressed like we were in Bridgerton!

Could you both talk about an item of clothing that is sentimental to you?

T: Everything that my father has given me. I dunno what it is. Hand me downs are very common, but something about the things I’ve taken from my father’s closet, I hold them very dear. No matter how much it costs, I would never sell them.

Do you have a favourite piece?

T: It’s a hoodie and it's covered in Swarovski crystals. This jacket is older than me, but it fits my style to this day and I still wear it.

X: I don’t know if I own anything sentimental. I feel something that represents who I am now are crop tops.

It represents me being in New York, just the freedom. I will wear a crop top every day, every night, winter or summer, it doesn’t matter.

T: It shows his comfortability.

X: Where I’m from, I might not be able to do that.

Where are you both from originally?

X: Baltimore, Maryland.

T: Atlanta, Georgia.

Back home, you wouldn’t feel comfortable dressing the way you do here?

T: I do. Trust me I’ll wear whatever the

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hell I want. But, it’s just the reaction that throws me off guard. Being here in New York, I almost feel invisible but in the best way possible.

To see more of what Nell RichmondTanner has written, visit @nelllanne on Instagram.

Q A THE BIG QUESTION We asked, you answered

WHAT'S YOUR TOP TIP FOR STAYING COOL IN THE HEAT?

&

"Wet hair.

Keeps your head cooler at least" - Kyle Cattell, model

"ENJOYING SWIMMING THIS SUMMER" - Divya Ram, model

"Set up two fans facing you at slight angles to one another to create your own wind tunnel!

Really helps when the air is so still and warm and you need to create wind flow. Pop a bowl of ice in front to really cool down the air as well"

"Buying a dog cooling mat and hoping no one judges you" - Rhiannon Barber, model

"At home, open all the windows but keep down your venetian blinds to keep your house cool and fresh - top tip: if you don't have venetian blinds installed now is the time to invest on it rather than buying an AC. Save the planet!!!"

- Fil Mazzarino, Photographer

- Rhiannon D'Averc, Chief Editor

Get in on the action - follow @londonrunwaymag on Instagram to spot next issue's question

NEXT: THE LFW ISSUE THE HEAT ISSUE

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BACKSTAGE AT SOBOYE BY FIL MAZZARINO