NAOMI CAMPBELL FACES OFF IN DOLCE&GABBANA AND DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY
PHOTOGRAPHED BY SØLVE SUNDSBØ STYLED BY GRO CURTIS
CONSTELLATION 28 MM
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The new Constellation Collection. Like the star at six o’clock that sends a ripple of light across the dial. Its brilliance fnds its muse in Kaia Gerber who embodies the watch in luminous Moonshine™ Gold. Two stars in play in a balance of light and shadow, precision and beauty.
CLAWS OUT
While calendars are often laced with stress— meetings, deadlines, logistics—they offer one inherent gift: renewal.
From the first snowflake’s fall, a sense of one year’s end and the next’s beginning is palpable in the winter air. Soon, a white blanket of powder covers the ground and offers a clean slate. The end of the year is a time to reflect on what was and meditate on what’s to come. And amen for that.
For our last issue of 2024, V are highlighting the beauty in our capacity for renewal. Who better to grace the cover of V151 than Naomi Campbell, one of (if not the) most prolific supermodels of all time, whose knack for reinvention has kept her atop the cultural and style zeitgeist for decades. Next, with the USA’s presidential election taking place just after we hit newsstands, our continuation of the VOTE series with Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin is a reminder that each individual’s voice has the power to reshape (and potentially renew) an entire nation’s future. Having previously been the vessel through which Taylor Swift announced her Joe Biden endorsement, this chapter of the VOTE series sees fashion designers like Marc Jacobs and Batsheva Hay express their personal connection to voting and advocate for the most important of all patriotic sentiments: democracy is a team sport. Elsewhere in the issue, powerhouses (and household names) like punk-pop fixture Avril Lavigne or the incomparable Lucy Liu—the cover star of the latest V China issue—continue to prove that being “iconic” as we often say, does not mean having to stay in the past.
Lastly, stories with some of V’s favorites— both old and new—include pop sensation Katseye’s first-ever magazine editorial, a fun and flirty photoshoot with the one and only Aubrey Plaza, and the continuation of our V Girls series, this time featuring internet icons Ms Nina and Isabella Lovestory.
For the holiday season, we’ve also created a collector’s edition of this issue with an authentic Dolce&Gabbana veil above Campbell’s face—a special treat and gift to our dedicated readers.
For everyone who allows for V Magazine’s own renewal each year, we are eternally grateful, and feel eternally inspired to continue creating. MR. V
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Heroes, 28
V News, 34
V Girls, 36
Layer Up, 38
I Heart Lucy, 40
Katseye, 44
VOTE, 46
If You Don’t Naomi by Now, 64 Go See, 74 Center Stage, 90
Under Aubrey’s Spell, 102
Paint the Town Red, 110
Guests of the Gala, 118
Nine to Five, 124
What V Want, 128
BUILT FROM SCRATCH
HEROES
PRINCESS PLAYS HER TOP HITS
As a teen during the early 2000s, you might remember the ride home after picking up Avril Lavigne’s debut album, Let Go, from the store. Staring long and hard at the cover—where a young Lavigne stands, arms crossed and pouting at the intersection of Canal and Broadway, wearing a wistful yet stern mug, evoking the feeling that you and her were in it together. That feeling was made ever more palpable by the emotions brought to surface by songs like “Complicated.” Yup, you know the one. It introduced you to Heartbreak before you knew Heartbreak’s eye color.
Lavigne did not remain solely dark and moody forever. Her career later saw injections of pink—in photos, in her hair, and in many ways, her music. Songs like “Girlfriend” and “What the Hell” created a space for girlish rage in pop punk music, a thematic soundscape and tradition carried on by artists like Paramore, Olivia Rodrigo, and her most recent tourmate, Royal & the Serpent.
This past summer, nearly 22 years since her debut, a now quite grown-up Lavigne released her first Greatest Hits album. It covers the non-basic basics, reintroducing fan favorites and deep cuts from her storied career. The singer’s North American tour brought those songs to life again, reimagined for a crowd of both OG and newbie fans. Wondering what it must feel like for a mainstay artist to compile decades of internationally beloved work, and then take it on the road, we went straight to the Sk8er Girl herself.
KATHERINE MARIA ROJAS
V MAGAZINE: How did it feel hearing and compiling all of your greatest hits into one album for the first time?
AVRIL LAVIGNE: I have always wanted to release a greatest hits album. Going through the process of choosing was a trip down memory lane. These songs are such a big part of who I am and my life and career. I am looking forward to going back in the studio now. Feeling very inspired to get into the creative process for the new album.
V: What feels special about performing these songs in front of fans in 2024?
AL: It is so special hearing the crowd sing the songs back to me, everyone’s individual voice unified as this massive force. I look out and I see young kids with their parents, best friends, and couples all singing along and feeling the same emotions.
V: Sometimes artists are hesitant to revisit their older work, but fans practically demand it. How much do you value nostalgia vs. looking forward and innovating? What feels special about looking back on your long standing career? AL: I have and always will love my older songs. They are the reason I am here and get to do this for as long as I have. I love working on new material, but the older songs have a special place in my heart just like everyone else’s.
V: Simple Plan, All Time Low, Royal & the Serpent, girlfriends—how were they all selected as acts on this tour?
AL: For this tour, I knew I wanted to tour with my friends, to make it not only fun onstage but also offstage. [With Simple
Plan]…our careers have withstood the changing times and trends. There’s something really special about being able to share that, and it’s incredibly serendipitous that our paths have been able to cross like this. All Time Low are some of the most fun guys to be around and an incredible live band, so having them on felt like a perfect fit.
I recently met Royal and saw how fun of a performer she is. It was really important to me to have a badass younger artist up onstage for this tour, so it wasn’t just about the nostalgia. Girlfriends came out with me on the Europe/UK portion of my Love Sux tour in 2023. We had so many fun after-show hangs and they put on a great show.
V: I would imagine lots of parents who brought their kids to this tour were once kids at your early shows. Has your fanbase changed since you first started out? Any standout or new tour locations with an energy that surprised you this time around?
AL: I always kind of knew it, but it’s definitely pretty wild to SEE it. This tour has shown me how wide reaching the songs are. I see people who are my age and see young kids who are at their first concert with their parents. It’s really special to me that my music can be shared between families.
V: Your style has always been authentically you and easily identifiable. What was the style direction for this tour? Who did you work with to achieve it? What’s exciting or unique about the outfits chosen?
AL: I worked with Ashton Michael to create custom pieces with patchwork that paid homage to all of my albums. We did mini skirts with mesh hoodies, and oversized jerseys that all worked into the set. He’s such an incredible genius when it comes to making these things, and it’s one of the more fun parts of getting ready for a tour.
Photography SKYLER BARBERIO
MARY ELLEN MATTHEWS
HEROES
Photography MARY ELLEN MATTHEWS for SNL
If you’re a fan of the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, then you’ve probably noticed the splashy host and musical guest portraits coming up between commercial breaks. Usually, they’re playful and purposefully iconic—Maya Rudolph portraying Faye Dunaway’s unforgettable no-wire-hangers meltdown in Mommie Dearest for SNL’s Mother’s Day episode last year, for example. For the past almost 25 years there’s been one woman behind the camera: Mary Ellen Matthews.
access to New York’s underground scene. “Seeing small bands all over the East Village, that was my favorite thing to do; Continental Club, CBGBs, all of that,” Matthew says.
EDITORIAL BRAINSTORMING
TALENT : TBC
The day she left TVT—Matthews can’t remember if she quit or got fired—she called her answering machine from a payphone and got a message from her friend Leslie saying that she had just left her position as Baskin’s assistant and would Matthews want to take over her role? “Amazing synchronicity,” Matthews recalls. “I just went in, interviewed, and started working.” This was during SNL’s 19th season which, for context, was Sarah Silverman’s only season and Adam Sandler’s first as a main player. Wayne’s World had just come out and both Mike Myers and Dana Carvey were still cast members. “I just couldn’t believe that I was there. It took a while to get my head around the fact that I was on 8H; it was Chris Farley and Phil Hartman, it was huge.”
PHOTOGRAPHER: TBC FASHION: TBC
DATE: TBC
LOCATION: TBC
Matthews’ first shoot for SNL was with Matt Damon, but in her time at 30 Rockefeller she has photographed everyone from GEN V cover star Tate McRae to rock god Mick Jagger (and the entire cast and crew of the show), taking a personalized approach to each. “I try to come in with more ideas than we need,” she says. Matthews’ time with the musical guest and host takes place the Thursday leading up to the show. “Photo shoots aren’t the most favorite thing for people to indulge in. So, I make it really fun and I try to shoot fast,” she says. “My thing is keeping the joy at the front.”
Though Matthews and her team of four full-timers and three to four interns do their homework leading up to their Thursday with the stars, when you’re shooting some of the world’s most dynamic artists and comedians, improvising is just part of the fun. “There are a lot of things that happen in the moment and I’ll be like, ‘Someone go run and find a red flying V guitar.’ Thank goodness that, number one, I have a complete A-team that works for me and, secondly, our props depart-
Those images are called “bumpers,” a word coined by Edie Baskin, who was the show’s main photographer from its inception in 1975 to 2000. “They’re called that because they bump up between commercials,” Matthews explains Zooming in from Italy, her vibrant energy felt even from thousands of miles away. In 1993, Matthews left her job as a music publicist at TVT Records, a job she enjoyed because it offered her ment is unparalleled.” It’s actually impossible to imagine prop and costume teams better than SNL’s considering that, in the show’s 50th season premiere this past September, they managed to transform Bowen Yang into JD Vance, a fully-bratted out Charli XCX, and Moo Deng, the Thai baby pygmy hippo that’s gone viral on TikTok. A standout spur-of-the-moment memory for Matthews was Season 36, Episode 10; Paul Rudd hosted and Paul McCartney was the musical guest. “First of all, someone of that legendary a status is earth-shattering to me,” she begins, “People like Paul McCartney or Mick Jagger, they’re your heroes.” When Matthews saw both Pauls, she thought, “Why don’t we make Paul Rudd into a young Paul McCartney? Mop-top Paul.” So she asked SNL’s Emmy Award-winning hair and makeup department, manned by Jodi Mancuso, and Emmy Award-winning costume department, headed by Tom Broecker, if they could make it happen. “Somebody was running around Manhattan to find a left-handed base that was specific to what Paul plays,” she says, echoing their commitment to getting the shot just right, but with a different Paul, which they did. “It’s really fun to redo a great masterpiece with a little SNL twist to it—did I send you Casey Affleck as the Caravaggio?” Matthews is but one of the hundreds of people that has contributed to the force that is Saturday Night Live. Her commitment to play is part of the magic that’s kept the show on air for 50 seasons, offering American society a reprieve from all the politics and grim news plaguing our feeds, and making us laugh about it. “SNL keeps their foot in it and helps us understand the world in a way that isn’t drudgery,” Matthews says, “It’s such a fun job.” SAVANNAH SOBREVILLA
Paul Rudd by Mary Ellen Matthews for SNL, Season 36, Episode 9
Maya Rudolph by Mary Ellen Matthews for SNL, Season 49, Episode 19
Tina Fey by Mary Ellen Matthews for SNL, Season 39, Episode 1
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GETTING TO THE CORE OF ISABELLA LOVESTORY
V connected with singer and songwriter Isabella Lovestory, née Isabella Rodriguez, during an accelerated cadence in her creative process. She had just wrapped the music video shoot for “Puchica,” her forthcoming playful single. “This is the type of funny, carefree song that my fans really want,” she says. After our call, next on her to-do list was to edit the video herself, just one of many creative tasks she’s taking on in her campaign of worldbuilding.
The musical enchantress, wearing the effortlessly cool Beats collaboration with Mowalola (“She sent me these!” the artist shares), describes her original drive uniquely, explaining how experiences in art school with painting, drawing, and multimedia production led her to the epiphany that these creative outlets could be combined under a singular banner: pop star.
“I enjoy doing so many things, from the artwork, to editing or directing—the visual details are so important to me,” she explains. A cocktail of hyperpop, reggaeton, sensuality, and
high-BPM combine to create an adrenaline-fueled signature sound. Her stage presence is seductive, playful, and sirenesque in its audience-forward allure and captivation. For watchful fans, her social media presence serves as a fabulous entrypoint to the technicolor, cheeky world of the artist. She dubs popular TikTok sounds, teases music video releases and tour dates, and posts cheeky clips of imaginative moments on set all in her signature brand of whimsy and breathlessly unapologetic spirit.
The cherry on top is the production done by her faithful peer Chicken, a producer who counts kindred New Yorkbased vocal sirens Miss Madeline and Ren G among their clientele, as well as music production for stylist Haley Wollens’ MYTH Magazine Rodriguez’s music and vision take her in countless directions, both creatively and geographically, generating a constant push and pull between her art and the places she calls home. “It’s hard for me to live in one place,” Rodriguez explains. Born and raised in her early years in Honduras, then later in Virginia, her current life is nomadic. She calls Montreal home, where she went to art school and where her closest friends and family reside. Her boyfriend, meanwhile, is firmly based in London, and the artist also finds herself in New York and beyond on a continued spate of international touring. Growing and evolving within a mix of distinct environments and cultures has resulted in a creative style that is as dynamic, multicultural, and constantly fresh as the artist’s lived experience.
An Easter egg of a post on her Instagram feed illustrates her aesthetic perfectly. It’s all rich visuals, stickers, snapshots, collages, and the snappy caption “LOVESTORYCORE” followed by a waterfall of eclectic emoticons. If that’s an assertion of her digital identity, then the video of her collaborative NTS Radio set (featuring producer-songwriter Metachok) only furthers the thesis in real-time. Rodriguez gracefully bounces around the space, hoodie on and fists up, fringed skirt flapping to the energy in a masterful display of her approach to creativity. It’s the authentic love and committed fervor she brings to music that keeps fans coming, and furthers her creative process. LOVESTORYCORE is meant to be in all caps, all the time—it’s a living, breathing expression of her every move, amplified through the worlds the singer builds with each song and video. This all-encompassing vision is what sets her apart: Rodriguez is not simply a pop artist, but a one-woman creative empire, merging music, art, internet humor, and breathtaking lust for life into a seamless universe.
Perreo is a sub-genre of music characterized by reggaeton-like beats and a lot of booty shaking. Here are the perreo princesses dominating our playlists and dropping it like it’s hot
DEVIN SNYDER
FALB
THE WORLD OF MS NINA EXPANDS
“I would much rather be stubborn than stepped on,” Ms Nina shares with a laugh, over Zoom from Madrid. This mantra exemplifies the world of the artist; a tenacious, vibrant place where individuality reigns and new work—in Ms Nina’s case, the forthcoming spirited and sweat-fueled new EP—CULONA EL MUNDO ES TUYO, is on the horizon. Coming out of a difficult contract and associated hiatus, Ms Nina, aka Jorgelina Andrea Torres, is back with her freedom, trademark style, and determination to inspire fans to be themselves and shake some ass while doing it.
Just tune into one of her earlier smash hits “Tu Sicaria,” a feisty, powerful reggaeton mix dripping with sass, the July release “Leche Rizá,” a beachy masterclass in seduction and hip-shaking beats, or any of the tracks from her last album Perreando PorFuera, Llorando PorDentro, which craft a sonic universe of alluring, high-octane beats primed for the dance floor.
An ambassador of reggaeton and perreo, her sound is equal parts dance-forward, spirited, euphoric, and full of attitude. “If you have that witchy, bruja feeling inside of you, that makes you feel good, then you have to follow it!” she says.
Growing up in the mountains of Argentina, her journey to stardom has been marked with resilience and commitment. She explored various paths—including traveling the world as a flight attendant and working as a photographer—before music came to the forefront.
Torres’ determined commitment to her artistry at every stage of her life has been key to her success. Fast forwarding to today, her accolades have allowed her to tour as far as Germany and Australia, and perform sets at Coachella and for Boiler Room. She credits a mixture of determination, positivity, and a strong sense of self with moving the needle forward.
“This is for all the little Jorgelinas who need someone to make a beat that’ll get them out of that shell and feel empowered,” she explains. Her commitment to empowering her fanbase is grounded in feminist acts and an innate rejection of machismo. The artist is not afraid to speak on the frustrations of gender imbalance in the music industry. She wants to use her platform to double down on her goals and invoke the respect that every artist deserves.
To be sure, the persona of Ms Nina is still just that, a persona. Torres struggles periodically as anyone might, whether it be through a break-up, moving cities, or otherwise. In fact, when she first started performing, she tells V, some detractors would call her names or belittle her music. Instead of backing down, she channeled those experiences into the development of Ms Nina, a process of creative digestion that turned into her trademark sound. “There’s no greater feeling than having your own voice,” she says. With CULONA EL MUNDO ES TUYO, the artist invites her fans into the next stage of her evolution, one that pushes the bounds of not only reggaeton, but that of selflove, individuality, and radical joy.
Ms Nina wears
LAYER UP
I HEART LUCY
As one of few Asian faces on TV and in film, Hollywood initially doubted Lucy Liu’s marketability. But with her star-making role in the late 90s David E. Kelley super-soap Ally McBeal, followed by the juggernaut that was 2000’s Charlie’s Angels, the actress established herself as a force to be reckoned with.
In the twenty years since, despite the odds, she built an impressive portfolio, starring in numerous acclaimed productions, including a second Charlie’s Angels, two Kill Bill films, seven seasons of Elementary, and the phenomenally popular TV series WhyWomen Kill In 2019, Hollywood honored Lucy Liu with a star on the Walk of Fame, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the arts. She became the second Asian actress to receive this honor, following Anna May Wong, who received her star in 1960.
Despite the twelve-hour time difference between V China and Liu, she is right on time for our video call. She takes a moment to read out the names of our staff members—greeting them and expressing her gratitude and excitement for the collaboration—before moving on to a thoughtful discussion of her life and work.
In 2022, Liu was in Atlanta filming Red One, a family-friendly Christmas film about a global expedition to save Santa Claus, based on an original story by Hiram Garcia. After more than a year in production, the film is set to premiere this November. Suitable for all ages, this is the first time Liu has taken her son, Rockwell, to see one of her action films. “He just turned nine, and last year’s Shazam! Fury of the Gods was not suitable for him to watch,” Liu says, her expression brightening.
“This time, as soon as the film ended, he said he wanted to watch it again. I was very happy.”
Liu tells V she had a delightful time with the Red One crew and her co-stars, Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans. “Being an actor means doing the same thing over and over to achieve the best shot, and having excellent partners makes the whole experience incredibly rewarding,” Liu says. “They’ve both starred in action films and have a great sense of humor, especially Chris. It was hard to keep a straight face while working with him.” She chuckles. “I’m looking forward to promoting the film with them after its release – it will be a lot of fun!”
During our conversation, we couldn’t help but notice all the beautiful art in Liu’s home. Since she was a teenager, painting has been an important and consistent part of her creative life. To ensure her acting career did not influence the reception of her visual artwork, Liu chose to release and sell her paintings under her Chinese name, Yu Ling, rather than Lucy Liu. Nonetheless, her artworks sold for tens of thousands of dollars, a testament to the work itself.
Though she started creating art at a very young age, it wasn’t until she seriously pursued painting and sculpture that she truly experienced the joys and struggles of artistic creation. “Painting brings me joy, but it can also be heartbreaking at times because it’s so challenging. I used to think my painting skills weren’t strong enough to express myself, but when I finally achieve a satisfying result, it’s like a thought or feeling has finally been released from my soul,” she says. “Painting has brought a sense of completion and fulfillment to my life.” A few years ago, Liu exhibited a found object series titled, One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other. Though it was incredibly well received, accepting praise has never been easy for the artist.
“I used to think I didn’t have this strength because my mother would always comment on my skin, my freckles… always some kind of criticism,” she reflects. “I used to feel like I couldn’t fit in because I didn’t look perfect— my skin wasn’t fair enough, my eyes were too small. I felt like I was in a black hole, and once I fell, I would keep falling. But then I realized, there were so many people supporting me. I feel very fortunate to have this support—it means a lot to me.”
HEAD TO VMAGAZINE.COM TO READ THE EXTENDED STORY
KATSEYE
Imagine seeing an online casting call for a new girl group being formed by HYBE Entertainment and Geffen Records. Now imagine being selected as one of the six applicants who will lead the group from an entry pool of over 100,000 applications from around the world. Sounds like the making of a TV show, right? When it comes to Katseye, it was. As a new global girl group based in Los Angeles, the early beginnings of what is to be the next big thing in music came in the form of a reality competition show called DreamAcademy, attracting worldwide viewers (and securing the group’s loyal fanbase at the same time). Since the show’s debut in 2023, the world has gotten to know Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, Yoonchae Jeong, Megan Skiendiel, Daniela Avanzini, and Manon Bannerman who were the lucky six finalists in the competition selected to form Katseye. After training under the K-Pop star blueprint for a year (and having the makings of their first hit single and debut EP SIS documented in the Netflix series Pop StarAcademy: Katseye), the newest kittens of the global sonic scene are ready to leave their claw marks on stages around the world.
V MAGAZINE: You guys made such a splash at New York Fashion Week, especially at the Coach show on the Highline. Was this your first collective fashion week experience?
DANIELA: Yes, it was amazing! We met so many people, and the show itself was beautiful; the clothes, the shoes, everything about it was so cool. Being in New York was so fun.
MANON: We also met Anna Wintour, which was just crazy. She liked our outfits!
V: That’s all you need, really! You’ve all been bouncing from country to country since Fashion Week, right? Are you all exhausted, yet excited? What’s going on where you are in the world right now?
DANIELA: It’s like a mix of everything. Right now, we’re in the Philippines. We arrived from Korea literally just a few hours ago this morning. Our sleep schedules are all over the place. So we’re trying to find our groove with the time changes, and
how much sleep we need, and when we can sleep. This is the life now, and it’s really exciting.
LARA: I think something that’s been helping is just the excitement of everything, especially performances. We’re just all so grateful to be here. It’s been keeping us going.
V: It’s the life of a rock star, and you’ll get used to it in no time. How are you all prepping for these shows? Are there vocal exercises you guys do pre-show or any specific things you need on your riders?
LARA: Tea is a must! We do a lot of vocal warm-ups together and with our performance directors, and we always do this thing we saw on TikTok to get into the groove. Should we do it? Let’s do it!
ALL: [chanting in unison] 12345678! 2345678! 345678! 45678! 5678! 678! 78! 8!
V: Whoa! I love this!
LARA: We also like to hold each other’s hands and give each other energy, especially when it’s exhausting.
MANON: We like to hype each other up too. Sophia, literally the other day, looked at me, and she was like [whispers] “You’re a pop star.”
V: [laughs] Amazing. You need that boost in life sometimes!
LARA: Another thing we all love to do is just drink coffee all the time. Coffee, matcha, anything we can get our hands on.
V: Wait, what’s everyone’s coffee order?
DANIELA: My go-to is an iced vanilla latte with oat milk.
MANON, MEGAN, YOONCHAE: Same!
LARA: I like it with whole milk!
SOPHIA: I like a caramel macchiato too, though.
MANON: With like an extra shot of espresso.
LARA: Or like a cold brew with cold foam.
Sophia! Manon! Daniela! Lara! Megan! Yoonchae! Get to know the girls of Katseye, music’s newest sextet making a name for itself, one viral track at a time
Photography ALVARO BEAMUD CORTÉS
Fashion LIV VITALE
Text KEVIN PONCE
ALL: Oooo!
V: Love all of it but whole milk is wild! But we’ll move on.
ALL: [gasp] What!
LARA: No whole milk slander allowed here!
V: Alongside all the pep talks you guys give each other, which are so sweet, it’s been a whirlwind year for you all since the show and the EP dropped, and your viral single “Touch” is literally on everyone’s for you page on TikTok. How has that experience from zero to 100 been for all of you, from being relatively normal girls to now being pop stars and just living out your dreams?
DANIELA: It’s such a surreal experience that our single is on everyone’s For You page, and we see all these posts, all these comments, and all these fans and “Eyekons” supporting us. It’s so unbelievably crazy. I’m so grateful, and we wouldn’t be anywhere without our Eyekons. It’s a pinch-me moment every day.
MANON: I feel like a lot of the time we’ll look at each other and just be like, “What the heck! Wow.” Literally today, we got to the airport and people were waiting and taking photos of us at the airport, which was just like, wow.
SOPHIA: Sometimes in the moment while I’m signing something, I’ll look at Lara and I’ll be thinking, “Wow, we’re signing our album right now.” The little girl comes out in all of us, where we’re all living our Hannah Montana and Britney Spears dreams—especially since we dance with those Britney headsets.
V: Oh yeah, I would feel like such a bad bitch.
MANON: For all of us, collectively, we always knew that this was going to be our life. Back in the day, when other people would call us delusional for having these dreams, I can now say that this is our reality, and it’s really happening.
V: Do you guys remember what it was like when you joined to be part of this journey? I read somewhere that there were over 100,000 people who applied, and it came down to six, which is crazy.
MEGAN: It’s been a long journey and it’s really cool to see, especially with the PopStarAcademy documentary that came out. Watching it back over, and seeing the journey with all of us… it’s just so cool to see the growth that we’ve all gone through and that we’ve worked on for these years.
MEGAN: We’ve been working up to this for so many years, and to see it finally happening and finally being able to put music out there, and having people support us online is crazy.
Creative director Humberto Leon Makeup Charlotte Willer (Home Agency) Hair Shin Arima (Home Agency) Production viewfinders Digital technician Christopher Glover Lighting director Simone Triacca Fashion coordinator Liv Vitale
Photo assistant Héctor Adalid Styling assistants Alice Almeida, Angelina Khachaturyan Location Untitled NYC
VOTE UNITED STATE OF FASHION
The potential impact of this year’s presidential election has made it so that staying silent is no longer an option, or in style. Continuing our V is for Vote series from 2020, V returns with its latest edition as photography duo Inez & Vinoodh gathered 17 of the boldest American designers from our fashion community to tell us why voting to preserve democracy is the absolute most important thing you can do this season. Throw on that cerulean sweater and get ready, because V are hitting the polls!
Photography INEZ & VINOODH
Text
SAVANNAH SOBREVILLA / KEVIN PONCE
MARC JACOBS
“Voting is a privilege and it’s my responsibility. I am voting because no government should have legislature over a woman’s body. No government should tell me I can’t wear a dress. No government should erase one’s gender identity. No government should tell me what I can or can’t read. No government should tell me who I can love. VOTE.”
GABRIELA HEARST
“I was emotional the first time I voted. I actually cried. It’s a right that one shouldn’t take for granted. I was born in a period in Uruguay where you couldn’t vote for ten years because it was under a dictatorship. Democracy is something very sacred; allowing you to have a voice in the government of your life. I’m voting in the 2024 election for three things: climate change, women’s rights, and democracy. And that’s what we should all be voting for. I also think that the end of a rhetoric of fear could be a great outcome as well. Plus, a woman of color as president in my lifetime is exciting.”
MICHAEL KORS
“My first time voting was when I was 18 and had just moved to Manhattan to attend FIT. I thought that voting was fashionable then, and I think it is fashionable today. I have voted in every election since then. It is our privilege in the United States to vote, and I believe that people who don’t vote give up their voice. For me, what will always be paramount is making sure that people’s rights are not taken away from them. Remember that when you vote, you are not just voting for yourself. You are voting for your family and your friends, and for the future, both short-term and long-term, for all Americans. I have voted in many elections and seen many different outcomes throughout my life. I still believe that, regardless of your views or how dark things may seem, we are all in this together and that ultimately people will choose the right course to move forward.”
EDDIE BORGO
“We all vote for different reasons I suppose. Collectively, to preserve democracy and remind ourselves every four years that we can, in fact, create change. We can lead the nation (and hopefully the world) to a better place. I vote because America itself is made up of each of us, we are each important and we each have a voice that matters and is significant. My first time voting was intimidating. I began by researching all of the different candidates—and came to understand the significance of the primary elections and why it is so important to remain knowledgeable of all the candidates; gubernatorial, mayoral, local congressmen, etc. I researched the bills, proposals, propositions, and laws that were included in the ballot so that I could better understand who I was voting for and why. The more you know, the better you can contribute as a voter. I do not take my voting privilege for granted. There are liberties that have been taken from us, and some we are at risk of losing. The major issues at stake in this election are issues at the core of our democracy. Preserving and maintaining women’s rights, ensuring that we do all that we can to preserve and protect the planet and its resources, ensuring that our LGBTQIA+ community feels protected and supported, ensuring that the NRA is held accountable for the loose laws surrounding gun ownership, and that each of us has access to health care. For me, these are issues that speak to the grace and humanity of the nation. An election sets the tone for the future. I want the future to look bright and to be positive for everyone. We have been living in divisive times and need a leader who understands how to get closer to uniting the nation and guiding the American citizens towards a better sense of understanding, empathy, inclusion, and respect. ”
LISA EISNER
“If you don’t vote, then I don’t think you have the right to complain about the results. I’ve voted in every presidential election since I turned 18. This election feels so much more urgent than any other in modern history. On the one hand, you have a convicted felon who is actively trying to dismantle the systems of our democracy and on the other you have the first Black woman candidate. When you look at it like that, it’s really hard not to see the clear choice. The far right has taken us back decades in terms of reproductive rights. The Supreme Court is loaded with Trump appointees who are doing their best to personally profit off their positions while overturning settled rules of law like Roe v. Wade. I could go on and on. But I’ll just say this: I do not want to live in a world where the aforementioned convicted felon is allowed to do as he pleases because he’s been granted immunity by his little friends in black robes. To all first time voters: You are so lucky to get to make history! Make sure to research all of the other elections—your Congress people, your senators, your governors, hell, even your school board members. I always ask people I know who are more informed than I am what they know about any propositions that are on the ballot. When you’re as old as I am, it’s hard to believe that we are still fighting for abortion rights. We already did this. And we won. Now to be doing the entire thing all over again feels like déjà vu in the worst possible way. Every day there is another mass shooting in this country and we are so immune to them now, we can’t even remember them all. That is just insanity. No other country on earth has this problem. And finally, we have been destroying our planet for so long, and now it’s all catching up to us. And if we aren’t careful we won’t have a planet to even live on, never mind vote for president on.”
LAQUAN SMITH
“As a designer, I understand the power of influence, and voting is one of the most significant ways we can influence the direction our nation takes. I’m voting in the 2024 presidential election because our voices matter, especially in shaping the future of our country. It’s about standing up for what we believe in and ensuring that the issues that affect us and our communities are addressed. As someone in the women’s fashion industry, I believe in and support women’s empowerment and rights. I see firsthand the importance of sustainable practices, and the policies we vote for today will impact not only our environment but the future of the industry as well. That, and ensuring that everyone has the right to express themselves freely and access the health care they need are the issues close to my heart. I’m excited about the possibility of a future where equality, sustainability, and creativity are prioritized. To those voting for the first time, congratulations! This is such an empowering moment, and your vote does truly count. When I voted for the first time, it felt like I was stepping into a new level of responsibility and making my voice heard on a larger scale. Don’t take this opportunity lightly, use it to push for the change you want to see. Every vote contributes to the bigger picture, so be proud of this milestone and make it count! This election has the potential to bring about policies that support innovation and protect our rights. I’m hopeful that the outcome will reflect a collective desire for progress and that we’ll move closer to a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
HILLARY TAYMOUR
“This election is especially important because it will shape the future on critical issues such as climate change, social justice, and economic stability. The stakes are higher than ever, and every vote has the power to influence the direction of policies that affect our daily lives. With the possibility of having a woman president, this election also offers a unique opportunity to break new ground in leadership and representation. To those who are newly registered to vote, I’d say congratulations on taking an important step in making your voice heard! Your vote is your opportunity to influence the direction of your community, state, and country. It’s important to research the issues and candidates so you can make informed decisions that align with your values and priorities. Every vote counts, and by participating, you’re helping change the future. My first time voting was Obama’s second term. It felt important, but not as important as other elections. This election is critical for our country and the idea of having a woman in power is so exciting.”
BRANDON MAXWELL
“I vote because I care about the future of our country. I think it’s important that we leave this place better than we found it, and taking part in the election is one small but massively important way I can play a part in that. I was so proud to vote for the first time, and I still feel proud of myself when I vote. Since college, I’ve been politically involved in any way I felt could be helpful. Through phone banking and volunteering, I’ve met some wonderful people, and I believe everyone can really learn something by getting involved with not only national politics but local politics, too. It’s a great way to find community and to also learn more about the issues that affect your daily life and those around you, and I encourage everyone to get involved where they can. Certainly, LGBTQ rights are at the top of my list of priorities, as those laws, both federally and at the state level, directly affect me and the people I love. But I, of course, feel strongly about women’s health policies and the right to health care for all, too. It’s also incredibly important for me that children be able to go to school safely and not have to learn in fear, and that we leave them a healthier planet for their future. I’m excited for all the young people who have a chance to participate in the election process for the first time. They can make a difference in the outcome, hold our elected officials accountable, and affect change.”
WILLY CHAVARRIA
“Vote with your heart and vote with your studied intelligence. My first time voting was for Barack Obama. It was the first time I felt overwhelming pride to be an American citizen. I’ve followed politics ever since. I see the fragility of democracy. I’m voting to protect women’s rights to own their own bodies. I’m voting to build the middle class. I’m voting for the freedom to drink clean water. I’m voting for the freedom to love my husband and not be criminalized for it. I’m voting to make the wealthy pay fair taxes. I’m voting for Medicare for all—so we don’t have anymore family or friends dying from not having healthcare coverage. I’m voting to fight global warming and save farmworkers who are working in 118-degree weather harvesting our food. I’m voting for gun laws to stop the disgusting school shootings and public mass murders that have become a signature of this country. I’m voting for the freedom to live a decent and prosperous life. I’m voting because I enjoy the rights I have as a brown, queer, married man with women in my life. I’m voting because our future is at stake, and I’ve seen what hate and destruction can do through a dictatorship, and I want us to win the fight for human freedom. I don’t want to live in a country led by hate and White Supremacy. So quite simply, I am voting for Kamala. If she doesn’t win, we are truly fucked. It’s a very black and white situation. If Trump wins, we can say goodbye to the idea of America as we have been taught to know it. It is the end so to speak. This is not in any way an exaggeration. Simply look into what he stands for. If Kamala takes the lead, the country has a future to continue the incredible path for progress that we have made, even over the past 50 years!”
TODD SNYDER
“Voting is a very big deal! It is one of the most powerful ways to make our voices heard; it’s the cornerstone of democracy and the essential duty of every citizen. Take your time, do your research, and make informed decisions. Your voice matters, and it’s an honor to be part of something so important. This election will influence key issues that affect all of us—from the economy to social justice, climate change to reproductive rights, and more. I’m voting to ensure that my values are represented in the leadership and policies that guide our nation and create the best future for my children. This election is critical for many reasons, but the issues that resonate most with me are climate change, social justice, reproductive rights, and gun violence. We must strive to create an America that safeguards the well-being of future generations—our colleagues, families, friends, and everyone we care about. At the end of the day, I’m not just a designer and the leader of a company, but I’m also the father of three daughters, and I want them to come of age in a country that is safe, civil, and full of opportunities for all. There is a reenergized spirit to this election and I’m excited about the potential for a renewed sense of unity and progress. This election offers an opportunity to address some of the most pressing challenges we face as a nation. I’m hopeful that we can elect strong, thoughtful leaders who will bring fresh ideas and a commitment to positive change, ensuring a brighter future for everyone.”
BATSHEVA HAY
“Voting is always so important. It is such a privilege and you should do it as often as possible, but especially now. My first time voting was for Obama and I remember how exciting it felt. I’m excited at the possibility of a bright future and keeping America a democracy rather than having it be ruled by a tyrant. I’m voting in this upcoming presidential election because almost everything is on the ballot; abortion rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, gun control. I’m a woman and a mother and I can’t let my kids live in a world where they are not protected. Freedom is on the line.”
WES GORDON
“First time voters are correct to be excited. Voting is an exciting thing. It is one of our greatest privileges and responsibilities as Americans. With this election cycle in particular, there are so many important issues at stake and it’s imperative that everyone make his or her voice heard. You are making a real impact on the future of this country and the world. My first time voting was in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Bush vs. Kerry election twenty years ago. I remember it like it was yesterday. Now, as a father of two young children, I am enormously concerned about climate change and the impacts of global warming. I want to do everything I can to ensure a bright and healthy future for the next generation. Following what will undoubtedly be a contentious and divided election season, I am hopeful for a return to unity and camaraderie across the country.”
ALEXIS BITTAR
“I didn’t vote until later in life. Our country’s politics always overwhelmed me. There’s so much wrong with our political system, it was easy for me to feel it was futile to vote. Eventually, I came to realize the alternative was scarier because even if I feel empowered by saying, “Fuck it, I am not voting,” I am basically making myself helpless against the political machine. The 2024 presidential election is one of the most important elections in our country’s history. This is truly a fight to keep democracy alive and from moving towards a fascist state. As a gay married man with three kids, I am terrified to think that my kids would be exposed to another Trump leadership. I worry they will go back and redefine “family” in the “traditional” sense. It’s surreal and scary how the Evangelical Christian movement and Republicans have united and meticulously reshaped the country. I am concerned that, with the Supreme Court behind them, the Republicans will reshape our country into an even more dystopian “traditional world” with more gun rights and usage. Having Kamala Harris on the ticket is the most exciting thing right now. It felt like we were drowning. I feel we have a serious shot but we cannot be complacent right now.”
RACHEL ANTONOFF
“I truly believe democracy is at stake. There are so many vital issues on the ballot this election including reproductive rights, gun control, and climate change. I believe this election will be a true turning point for this country and the world. Reproductive freedom, LGBTQIA+ rights, climate change; all of these issues impact all of us on a day-to-day basis, even though it may not always feel like it. Reproductive rights are so much more than just abortion—which is, in itself, a vital right. All people need access to reproductive healthcare. All people deserve to not live in fear that they might be killed going to a concert or the supermarket. I’m excited to once again prove that there are more of us who insist upon equality and kindness than not in this country. I feel we are all so deserving of a future where we can live in safety and equality on a planet that will be here for a long time.”
BROOKE GARBER
“Voting is our greatest privilege as Americans. For me, not voting would be as unimaginable as going without water or air (or bracelets). How lucky are we to live in a country where your vote matters! Celebrate this moment. Get dressed up, bring your friends, bring your child, take a photo, wear your sticker. Make this an occasion. We need every young person to see this election as the way to make change happen. From the first moment I could vote, I became very political. I truly believed that my generation could change the world. In 1969, when I was home on break from college, I went to the trial of the Chicago Seven every day. After I spoke at a Student Strike Conference in 1969, someone from Bella Abzug’s congressional campaign asked me to volunteer. All I did was pass out flyers and lick envelopes, but I was so excited to be part of positive action. I haven’t stopped since. This election, I’m voting to defend our democracy, restore reproductive rights, tackle corporate greed, advocate for bold gun safety measures, and fight for working families. I’m voting against authoritarianism and for the fundamental principle that all people are created equal. The only way to make this country equal, strong, and fair is to elect representatives who believe in equality, strength, and fairness. I want my grandchildren to experience hope and see justice as our reality. That’s the way to change the world.”
NILI LOTAN
“Elections provide the best possible opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard, that our concerns are addressed, and that our contributions guarantee a democracy for the future generation. Women have fought hard for the right to vote, and I believe they will play a pivotal role in the outcome of this election. I am excited for women to come together, like never before, working alongside men and all genders, to work toward a future that is fully inclusive. Your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power.”
“I say always vote for the principles and values you hold dear. I am voting in the 2024 presidential election to maintain American democracy and a woman’s right to her own body. That, and the Supreme Court are the most important issues to me this election. What has me most excited about the election’s potential outcome is the appointment of a calm President who looks out for all Americans.”
VICTOR GLEMAUD
(Eddie Borgo Lisa Eisner Laquan Smith Hillary Taymour Wes Gordon Brandon Maxwell Todd Snyder Alexis Bittar Brooke Garber Batsheva Hay Rachel Antonoff Victor Glemaud Gabriela Hearst Marc Jacobs) Production VLM Productions Lighting director Jodokus Driessen Digital technician Brian Anderson Location Pier59 Studios
IF YOU DON’T NAOMI BY NOW
NAOMI CAMPBELL IS NOT ONE TO HIDE. WITH A FACE LIKE THAT, WHY WOULD SHE? (AND HOW COULD SHE?) OF COURSE, A HINT OF MAKEUP HERE AND THERE NEVER HURTS—BUT FOR THE SUPERMODEL AND FASHION ICON, IT’S ALWAYS BEEN MORE FUN TO REVEAL THAN TO CONCEAL.
WHILE WE MIGHT THINK OF MAKEUP AS A WAY TO COVER IMPERFECTIONS, DOESN’T IT ALSO SHOWCASE OUR MIND’S INNER WORKINGS, OUR CREATIVE VISIONS, AND OUR DESIRE TO EXPERIMENT WITH NEW LOOKS? PERHAPS MAKEUP IS A WAY TO SHOW OUR INNER BEAUTY ON AN EXTERNAL CANVAS. OF COURSE, FEW CANVASES ARE AS COVETED AS THAT OF NAOMI’S VISAGE, WHICH HAS LED TO HER BEING A LONG TIME MUSE FOR DOLCE&GABBANA.
THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE DEFINITION OF “BEAUTY” WAS MUCH BROADER. ACCORDING TO MERRIAM -WEBSTER, BEAUTY IS “THE QUALITY OR GROUP OF QUALITIES IN A PERSON OR THING THAT GIVES PLEASURE TO THE SENSES OR THE MIND—OFTEN, SPECIFICALLY: THE QUALITY OF BEING PHYSICALLY ATTRACTIVE.”
THROUGHOUT THE 2000S AND 2010S, THE COSMETICS INDUSTRY BEGAN USING THE WORD IN PLACE OF “MAKEUP,” EFFECTIVELY ALLOWING CONSUMERS TO BUY “BEAUTY” AT THEIR LOCAL MAKEUP OUTLET. AND AS A RESULT, THE BEAUTY MARKET EXPLODED, AND ONE’S INDIVIDUAL RIGHT TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL—AS WELL AS AN INFINITE AMOUNT OF TUTORIALS ON HOW TO GET THERE—BECAME UNIVERSAL.
OF COURSE, THE WORD “BEAUTY” CAN JUST AS EASILY BE APPLIED TO NATURE, INTERIOR DESIGN, ART, OR FASHION, THE LAST OF WHICH HAS ONLY BEEN MASTERED BY A SELECT FEW, INCLUDING DOMENICO DOLCE AND STEFANO GABBANA. AND SO, WITH THEIR BRAND’S RECENT RELAUNCH AND EXPANSION OF THEIR QUINTESSENTIAL BEAUTY LINE, THERE WAS ONLY ONE MUSE AND CANVAS WORTHY OF ITS CELEBRATION WITH V—THAT OF THE NAOMI CAMPBELL. THERE ARE SO MANY VARIETIES OF GORGEOUSNESS IN THE WORLD. THE POINT HERE IS NOT TO GET CAUGHT UP IN SEMANTICS. MAYBE BEAUTY IS SIMPLY ANYTHING THAT PULLS AT OUR HEARTSTRINGS, WHETHER IT’S INTERNAL, EXTERNAL, OR WITHIN A TUBE OF LIPSTICK. OUR GOAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO “GET TO KNOW” BEAUTY, TO CELEBRATE IT, AND SOMETIMES REDISCOVER IT WITH THE HELP OF SOME FRIENDS, LIKE THE ONE AND ONLY NAOMI (AND MAYBE A LITTLE BLUSH).
Naomi wears velvet tuxedo, mesh pussy bow blouse, lace and tulle triangle bra, velvet flat cap with veil, short silk satin gloves DOLCE&GABBANA
On eyes
DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY Face&Eyes Match Lasting Bronzer & Eyeshadow Powder in Medium
Naomi wears silk satin flat cap with veil, lace lingerie top, lace and tulle triangle bra, short silk satin gloves, silk chiffon skirt with belt
DOLCE&GABBANA
Naomi wears long silk chiffon dress with ostrich feather details, lace and tulle triangle bra, fishnet veil, short silk satin gloves, pointed pumps DOLCE&GABBANA
Makeup Angloma using DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY Hair Rio Sreedharan Model Naomi Campbell (Women) Manicure Michelle Class (LMC) Production Paula Ekenger Digital technician Lucie Rowan Photo assistants Michael O Williams, Matt Davies, Hristo Hristov Styling assistant Marta Jimeno, Rachel Doku Hair assistant Mary Weah Production assistant Giulia Brescianini Retouching Studio RM
Naomi wears long silk chiffon dress with ostrich feather details, lace and tulle triangle bra, fishnet veil, short silk satin gloves, silk chiffon skirt with belt DOLCE&GABBANA
On cheeks
DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY Cheek&Eyes Lasting Blush & Eyeshadow Powder in #02 Joyful Peach
GO SEE
From left to right:
“I love the unpredictability of modeling. When I’m standing in front of a camera, I think about how to best convey the shoot’s idea through my poses and facial expressions. I also hum random songs and dance frequently.”
—LINA EMELIANOVA
Lina wears suit jacket, pointed-collar shirt, suit shorts, boot MCQUEEN by Seán McGirr Trinity and Juste un Clou rings CARTIER
“My
Quinn wears shearling vest, Triomphe Fair Isle cashmere sweater, dark union wash jeans, zebra print Triomphe sunglasses CELINE by Hedi Slimane
favorite thing about modeling is being able to combine my love for performing while wearing incredible pieces of clothing. It’s amazing to learn the history of the industry from the people around me and have the opportunity to make a small mark on it.”
—QUINN ELIN MORA
“My favorite thing about modeling is walking. I love the energy and excitement you feel when you step onto the runway. I keep my practice up by looking through magazines and studying all ofthe covers, advertisements, and editorials—it is the best source of inspiration!”
—JIAHUI ZHANG
Jiahui wears leather jacket with lace collar and mini skirt DIOR
“As an artist, I tryto understand what the photographer is envisioning and turn that into a reality. I think about angles, composition, and how my posture can bring balance into a shot. For castings, do your research. Know the brand, the designer, or the photographer’s work ahead of time. And, overall, walkin being confident, positive, and elegant.”
—LUNA
From left to right: Lottie wears silk twill mini dress CELINE by Hedi Slimane Luna wears lambskin aviator jacket, cotton logo hoodie and light wash denim jeans
CELINE by Hedi Slimane
“I try to tap into my feelings and become as present as I can in that moment by fostering a relationship with the camera. There is often a wall I have to dismantle before shooting so I can let myself go mentally. Knowing all eyes are on me can be very vulnerable for someone like myself, who likes to internalize everything. Even though there’s a lot to consider on a set, like being very in tune with your body and surroundings, you have to find a place of pure presence amongst it all.”
—MAHALIA CELESTE
“My favorite thing about modeling is getting to travel all around the world. My favorite shoots of all time have included multiple-day road trips through the desert or hiking through the jungle. Not only do the photos come out amazing but the time spent with the team is so special.”
—LIZ KENNEDY
“My casting advice is: Stay true to yourself! It’s important to not change or try to fit into what you think is “right” because fashion is forever evolving. My mantra is ‘take me as I am or don’t take me at all.’”
—LOTTIE AARON
From left to right: Lottie wears skirt set VALENTINO Quinn wears ruffled mini dress and pearl necklace VALENTINO
On eyes (both) VALENTINO BEAUTY Colorgraph Eyeliner in Rockstud Noir
“When I’m in front of the camera, I think about a couple of things, depending on the shoot. Sometimes I’m acting a little and sometimes I’m just living in the moment. I like to think that the photographer/camera is my “real life” friend and we are just enjoying the day together.”
—DENYSE TUMUKUNDE
From left to right:
Mahalia wears broderie anglaise blouse and jacquard poplin skirt CHANEL Denyse wears wool crepe jacket CHANEL
On eyes (both)
CHANEL BEAUTY
Stylo Ombre et Contour Eyeshadow Liner in #08 Rouge Noir
Casting Shaun Beyen (Plus Three Two) Makeup Frank B (Home Agency) Hair Ward Stegerhoek (Home Agency) Models Liz Kennedy, Luna, Lottie Aaron, Quinn Mora, Mahalia Celeste (DNA), Jiahui Zhang (ELITE), Denyse Tumukunde (MUSE), Lina Emelianova (WOMEN) Manicure Jeanine Robinson Production Enya Cirillo (Serlin Artist Management) Fashion coordinator Liv Vitale Photo assistants Philippa Serlin, Danill Zaikin Styling assistants AJ Grove, Hannah Roose Makeup assistant Natsuka Hirabayashi
Location Untitled Studio NYC
CENTER STAGE
Sheila wears off-the-shoulder, balloon sleeve, silk mini dress and plaid pumps
HAUTE COUTURE
Sheila wears one-gesture organza rectangle dress
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER HAUTE COUTURE by Nicolas Di Felice
Viscrepe beanie and headband set SAINT LAURENT by Anthony Vaccarello
Sheila wears turkey feather coat, viscose bodysuit and skirt, viscrepe beanie and headband set, cabochon and pyramid earrings, leather belt, tights, La Scandale patent leather wedges SAINT LAURENT by Anthony Vaccarello
Casting director Anita Bitton Makeup Petros Petrohilos (Streeters) Hair Stéphane Lancien (Callisté) Models Maty Fall (IMG), Sheila Bawar (Premier London) Manicure Christina Conrad (Callisté) Executive producer Michaël Lacomblez (Louis2) Production manager Ambre Silvestre (Louis2) Digital technician Rebecca Lièvre (Imagin) Photo assistants Bastien Santanoceto, Nicolas Moreno Production assistants Houda Bemmassour, Inès Diarassouba Makeup assistant Sun Leo Hair assistant Julian Sapin, Sonia Messaoudi Fashion assistant Jorge Garcia Valero Location Espace Lumière
UNDER AUBREY’S SPELL
those
dare
for
She’s known
eviscerating
who
interview her, but V couldn’t resist sparring with the chameleonic Aubrey Plaza as she celebrates the success of her most recent projects
“The Judy Garland fascination started for me pretty young. I was probably twelve when most of my friends were getting into grunge and I was just really into old Hollywood.”
Polo bodysuit LACOSTE
“The Puerto Rican women in my family are sarcastic and funny. But for years and years and years, the stereotypes of Latina actresses or characters have been so one-dimensional. Like there’s one kind of Latina woman, which is just not true.”
Don’t take this the wrong way, but Aubrey Plaza is kind of a witch. Her ability to completely dominate her interviewers via deadpan aloofness, assorted accents, and myriad antics, leaves her targets completely spellbound, a little scared, and, well, charmed. And she’s always been like this. “I think that’s just how I move through the world, I’m always going for the joke,” Plaza tells V over Zoom. “I get nervous for interviews and the way I deal with that is by entertaining myself.”
In a now famous pre-Emmy red carpet interview in 2010, reporter Michael Ausiello asked Plaza if he could see her ring. With a perfected mockumentary-style look at the camera (refined over seven seasons of playing the sardonic April Ludgate on NBC’s Parks and Recreation), and a devilish smirk, she lifted up her middle finger.
Ausiello got a bit flustered—as it was clear that, in just two seconds, Plaza had taken control of his interview—and then he prudishly stated, “That’s actually kind of offensive.” To which Plaza replied with a put-on bimbo playfulness, smiling and chewing gum, “It’s just a finger, it’s the only one the ring fits on.” While Ausiello was still talking, she walked away, turned around to face the camera once more, and laughed.
It makes perfect sense, given her naturally wicked ways, that Plaza was just inducted into the Marvel Cinematic Universe via her portrayal of Rio Vidal, the Green Witch on Disney+’s Agatha All Along. The show’s titular character, Agatha Harkness, played by Kathryn Hahn, is Vidal’s rival, and their dynamic is complicated—in a gay way. “Kathryn and I are both very intense in our approach to acting, so I knew it was going to be really charged,” Plaza reveals, adding that it was a “dream come true” to play Hahn’s romantic counterpart. At one point in the series, Vidal slices Harkness’ hand open with a dagger and heals the open wound by licking it. Harkness calls her heartless. Vidal corrects her, noting that she does indeed have a heart, a black one, and it beats just for her.
If that doesn’t see a mass enrollment of women into the Marvel fanbase, nothing will. Agatha All Along also features Plaza’s ex-roommate, the one and only Patti LuPone. The pair shacked up last winter for the entire run of Plaza’s Broadway debut in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, and have remained twin flames ever since. (Apropos of that status, the two appeared on Hot Ones, the spicy wing webshow, this past September, and their rapport was sickeningly entertaining.) Though they had shared a space—LuPone even washed and folded Plaza’s undies—Agatha All Along was their first time having to act like professionals around each other. “She and I love doing dumb bits and stupid characters,” Plaza says, with the slightest hint of unexpected shyness in her voice. “We’re both, like, troublemakers.”
At the time of our interview, Plaza is in the thick of a demanding press storm. In just ten days’ time, she was on the Today Show twice—“Hoda was like, ‘You again?’” Plaza jokes. She also appeared on the Daily Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and was interviewed by the Times and NPR. Later that week, she did a six-hour shoot for V and a top-secret performance at Joe’s Pub that same evening. On top of Agatha All Along, Plaza starred in the coming-of-age comedy My Old Ass and Francis Ford Coppola’s epic Megalopolis; she attended all three premieres during this week-and-a-half period and, no, they were not on the same coast.
Naturally, Plaza is calling from her couch.
“Baby, I always wanted to be in movies,” she says in that zany Transatlantic affect she carries in her back pocket. “That was always the plan. But a Marvel TV show? I never thought I would do that. Fashion campaigns? I never thought that anyone would want me to do that. I mean, it blows my mind that I’m in a Coppola movie.” But scratching off bucket list items isn’t done for Plaza. As we chat, she’s already moving into her next project, the ultimate dream collaboration for anyone with a flair for morbid, campy humor: a John Waters movie.
“I can’t think of anything more crazy for myself than for that to happen,” Plaza says. “He’s in his mid-70s, but I actually think his films and his sensibility are so appropriate for this younger generation right now. I feel like they need a John Waters.” Totally, Gen Z needs another John Waters movie. But, we also need someone familiar to marry that irreverent old school humor with a more empathetic yet unserious je ne sais quoi. The perfect place for a witch of Plaza’s caliber to wield her powers.
Embellished fishnet tank, underwear, frilly socks, heeled trainers LACOSTE Knot earrings and ring TIFFANY & CO.
Makeup Kathy Jeung (Forward Artists) Hair Rheanne White (Tracey Mattingly) Manicure Pattie Yankee Digital technician Chris White Lighting director Corey Danieli Fashion coordinator Liv Vitale Styling assistants AJ Grove, Angelina Khachaturyan
PAINT THE TOWN RED
Leather sling shoulder bag MCQUEEN by Seán McGirr
For Seán McGirr’s second collection with McQueen, collars ascend past the shoulders of school uniforms and square-toed heels invoke a traditional silhouette texturally contorted into something unrecognizable to the past. The genderless collection alternates between boastful references to the clothing of red-blooded schoolyards and moments of more approachable wearability.
Diego Velázquez’s portrait of Pope Innocent X plasters asymmetrical garments, obscuring the painting’s subject to instead focus on Vélazquez’s attention paid to the religious leader’s robes and the saturated backdrop of his quarters. McGirr nods to Velázquez, painting his town a myriad of reds cascading from ruby to mahogany and back to blood.
The silhouettes of an aristocracy of old juxtaposed against a vibrant punkish red. A glance to the past with a keen eye for the present, the forms of tradition are reimagined with textures and colors representative of a more playful present. This is Seán McGirr’s world at the helm of McQueen. CHARLES KOLBRENER
Stevie wears crystal drop earring and necklace MCQUEEN by Seán McGirr
Makeup Marina Belfon-Rose Hair Liam Russell Models Stevie Sims (KMA), Max Mowle (Premier) Casting Director Monika Domarke Producer Philippe Rodrigues Neto Makeup assistant Roo Amelia Gehring Location Brick Studios
GUESTS OF THE GALA
Young actor Gala Zohar Martinucci stars in a fashion fête featuring an exclusive spring preview of some of London’s most exciting young designers Photography
In an issue all about renewal, V would be mistaken to focus only on the renewal of established fashion brands. Of course, renewal in any creative realm is most often spearheaded by its fresh faces, such as Gala Zohar Martinucci, a promising young actress and the star of the powerful new film Arsa, directed by Milanese duo Nicolò Massazza and Iacopo Bedogni, known together as MASBEDO. The story takes place on a small island (Stromboli), seemingly at the edge of the world, where a somewhat isolated 18-year-old Arsa must confront grief and the larger concept of loss after meeting a character named Andrea.
With a name like Gala, V couldn’t help but imagine a shoot with Martinucci playing the role of host to London’s most compelling, game-changing designers, culminating in a fashion frenzy starring pieces by Tolu Coker, Chopova Lowena, Ellie Misner, Robert Wun, Jawara Alleyne, Paolina Russo, and the already very-established Simone Rocha. To learn more about each one, head to our website.
V spoke with Martinucci about her role in Arsa, acting in front of Willem Dafoe, and her ambitions outside of acting.
“The studyofthis art—aswell as manyotherarts—is forlife.”
V MAGAZINE: Can you tell us a bit about your character in Arsa? How do you relate to her? How are you different from her?
GALA ZOHAR MARTINUCCI: To bring Arsa’s personality to life, I drew on parts of my own character. I tapped into a lot of my personal experiences. I wanted to give Arsa some of my rough edges, my rebellious streak, and my love for nature, extreme sports, silence, and the strength of the sea—all inspired by my life. Islands for me are very special places where you can detach from the rest of the world, and be one with nature. I spent a lot of time focusing on the island. Sometimes, I’d hike up the volcano alone, wearing my film costume, to connect with her solitude and lightness. It wasn’t always easy to slip in and out of the character, but I always felt very similar to her.
V: What was it like working with MASBEDO?
GZM: Working with Nicolò and Iacopo was an amazing experience. They complement each other so well. Nicolò mainly helped me with acting, but he also gave me the freedom to find my own way. He has this incredible ability to direct actors while still letting them be free. With Iacopo, we filmed some really tough scenes—just me, him, and a tech guy with a handheld camera. We climbed steep paths, met goats, cut through bushes, and Iacopo followed me with the camera, capturing everything.
By the end of the day, the sea got rough, and we barely made it back in the dinghy. We even lost our food to the waves! But we managed to save the equipment and came back from that wild day completely soaked. It was one of the best days I had in Stromboli.
V: The film is a very beautiful one. What does beauty mean to you? Do you think finding beauty in our world is important?
GZM: I believe that beauty is going to save the world. For me, beauty, in its highest and most spiritual sense, has the power to change the ugliness, hate, and pain of the world. In this film, I sensed the directors’ desire to not be afraid to show beauty, which is never just about aesthetics. I believe that beauty surrounds and nourishes us. It exists wherever we are able to see it—not only in a breathtaking sunset or a majestic tree but also in the loving gaze of someone speaking to you, in the goosebumps you get when hearing a song that makes you feel a certain way, or in the home that welcomes you when we come back tired or sad.
V: The character of Andrea forces Arsa out of her comfort zone and routine. Can you think of a time when a person, book, lesson, museum exhibit—any-
thing—pushed you and changed your life in this type of profound way?
GZM: I was lucky to grow up surrounded by a lot of music, books, films, and culture. My dad is an amazing director of photography, and from a very young age, I watched a lot of important films with him that really shaped me and continue to inspire me. My mom is a fashion designer and has also worked as a costume designer in cinema. Also, my grandmother was a costume designer. I grew up breathing in this world, so it feels like everything was in place for me to take different artistic paths.
Stepping out of my comfort zone is the only way for me to figure out how far I’m willing to push myself, and how much I’m ready to risk. I’m the kind of person who feels good only when I’m experimenting, when I take on challenges. There have been so many times when it would’ve been easier to just turn back.
One time I stepped out of my comfort zone was when I took a masterclass with Willem Dafoe. I was super excited to be accepted into his class, but as soon as I stood in front of his intense gaze and felt his energy, I was completely terrified. I had picked a dramatic monologue. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, focused, and dug deep into everything I had inside me. And I did it! In front of one of the greatest actors in the world, I broke through my fear and performed my piece.
That moment was a game-changer for me, solidifying my choice to pursue this career. And I know it’ll be like that many more times because fear and anxiety are always going to be there if you really love what you do.
“Sometimes, I’d hike up the volcano alone, wearing my film costume, to connect with her solitude and lightness.”
V: Where did you grow up? Can you describe yourself when you were a child?
GZM: I was born and raised in Rome and Ibiza. Yes, Ibiza. My mom decided to move to the island when I was small for a couple of years. I had a lot of mystical experiences there, met a lot of amazing people, and that island will have my heart forever. I still go there every summer. When I was little, I was very shy but also fearless! A real daredevil on a skateboard! I loved extreme sports and solitude. I always had a deep love for the sea—it’s been a huge part of my life since I was a kid. That deep blue of the Mediterranean, which I found again in this film, feels like a part of me.
V: How might you describe yourself as a person now?
GZM: It’s hard to describe myself because I’m always evolving and searching. I’m a very passionate person, sometimes too much, and can be called “intense,” but I live for that, I need to feel everything. I love challenges, and I think I’m pretty good at handling the tough blows life throws your way. I love traveling, partying, meditating, trying new sports, discovering new cultures, discovering new music, new books, new pieces of art, new cuisines, and diving into different physical and mental environments so that I can always adapt myself in different situations.
V: What is your approach to creativity?
GZM: To me, creativity is in everything we experience—whether it’s learning to free dive or building a beach hut out of reeds to escape the sun! I absolutely love visiting art exhibitions and museums. I love going to record shops and collecting music. Love to go to concerts and jazz clubs. Writing down my thoughts, my dreams. I need to be surrounded by creativity all the time or else I get dragged into a state of absolute depression.
V: Do you have any creative passions outside of acting?
GZM: One of my other passions for the past few years has also been music. I love every single genre of music though some time ago I bought some turntables because I wanted to learn how to mix records. You have to choose the right record for the right moment, you have to read the crowd all the time, be connected to them, have synergy. Growing up in Ibiza, the party island, I got closer to the clubbing culture when I was very young, and slowly arrived to discover the underground scene, especially when I came to London. The fact that a DJ, with just their vibe and music, can make hundreds and thousands of people dance for hours and hours, hypnotizing them, fascinated me very much. When I first started going to parties, and raves, I fell in love with the people, and the environment. Because we are all there for the same reason, to release tensions, have fun, make connections with other human beings, and to listen to amazing music. A lovely community. I can set aside all my thoughts and express myself by dancing till the sunrise.
Another passion I have is writing. As I am a very introspective person. I rarely say my thoughts out loud, my perspective on the world, on people. I love to observe. So one day I understood it was better to write them down somewhere and re-read them some time and now I do it daily because it makes me feel liberated. As I also have very lucid dreams, and can be very intense and twisted–I like to write them down and analyze them to try and understand my mind.
Mixed print drop waist maxi dress and long sleeve
shirt
PAOLINA RUSSO
High Jewelry earrings and Mediterranea High Jewelry necklace BVLGARI
“I believe that beauty is going to save the world. I believe that beauty surrounds and nourishes us.”
Jersey knit top and skirt set JAWARA ALLEYNE
High Jewelry Serpenti earrings, necklace, ring BVLGARI
Makeup Grace Sinott (CLM)
Photography JAMES BEE Fashion LIV VITALE
From left to right:
Makeup Mitch Yoshida Hair Jerome Cultrera (L’Atelier) Models Anden Scudder (DNA), Tari Eaton (The Society) Set design Lane Vineyard Photo assistants Toni Bakalli, Saúl Barrera
Styling assistant Angelina Khachaturyan Set design assistant Dani Turcios Production assistant Gabrielle Arriaga Location Splashlight Studios
WHAT V WANT
Brynn Wallner has her finger on the pulse of what’s trendy, yet classic. Her creation of Dimepiece, a femme-forward resource for anyone who might be into watches, has young women everywhere fiending for some arm candy of their own. “Wearing a high-end analog watch in 2024 is purely a luxury. When smartphones came around, their necessity dropped and, despite what watch people say, they’ve become an accessory,” according to Wallner. “Younger people want in—whether they’re trying to flex or something more symbolic (or both). Watches can be beautifully symbolic, whether it’s a piece passed down to you from family or something you bought yourself to commemorate something important.”
Making a name for herself as a New York-based internet It Girl, Wallner modeled the new Première Sound from CHANEL—a necklace featuring a watch and the unexpected, trendy choice of wired headphones. The original Première watch was created in ‘87 and has remained timeless. “I want to be a part of what is to come,” Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel once said. Her eponymous maison has done just that by marrying the aspirational luxury of a watch and the rise of wired headphones as a fashion statement.
I’ve been documenting the rise of hot girls wearing wired headphones as a chic accessory on my Instagram account @wireditgirls. Shining a spotlight on It Girls like Bella Hadid and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen who’ve been instrumental in reviving the humble wire, turning it into an “unbothered” statement. They wear The Row, meaning they can afford AirPods, yet they reach for classic wired headphones. Effortless, chic, on-the-go. For CHANEL, Lily-Rose Depp and Lana Del Rey were the obvious choices to be the first to wear the three-inone piece. “The fact that Lana got involved with this is a big deal... She doesn’t seem to subscribe to the branded nonsense that celebs of her caliber do,” Wallner says. “She wears, like, LoveShackFancy and shoes you can buy at Walmart. With CHANEL, though, she said yes to heaven.” SHELBY HULL
Two internet tastemakers, Brynn Wallner of Dimepiece and Shelby Hull of @wireditgirls, come together to discuss the CHANEL Première Sound that is especially relevant to their areas of expertise: watches and wires
Photography CHARLES BILLOT
