SCORCHING...
Photography Erik Lee Snyder Fashion Aryeh Lappin
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Stephen Gan Managing Editor / Production Director Melissa Scragg Editorial Consultant Owen Myers Deputy Editor Gautam Balasundar Photo Director Goran Macura Editor, Entertainment Greg Krelenstein Editor / Sales & Distribution Director Czar Van Gaal Office Manager / Editorial Assistant Nicholas Puglia Contributing Editor-at-Large Derek Blasberg Copy & Research Editor Lynda Szpiro
ADVERTISING/FINANCE
Associate Publisher / Advertising Director Nicola Bernardini de Pace nico@vmagazine.com Advertising Office, Italy and Switzerland, Magazine International luciano@bernardini.it Managing Director Todd Kamelhar Distribution David Renard
ART/FASHION
Associate Art Director Shibo Chen Consulting Creative / Design Greg Foley Lettering Design David Mascha Contributing Fashion Director Gro Curtis Fashion & Market Editor Aryeh Lappin Assistant Market Editor Sam Knoll Contributing Fashion Editors Paul Cavaco Nicola Formichetti Anna Trevelyan Jacob K Amanda Harlech Joe McKenna Melanie Ward Jane How Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele Panos Yiapanis Beauty Editor Stella Pak
DIGITAL
Digital Director Mathias Rosenzweig mathias@vmagazine.com Digital Editor Dania Curvy dania@vmagazine.com Social Media Manager Kevin Ponce kevin@vmagazine.com Weibo Editor Meng Ji Consulting Digital Editor Ian David Monroe ian@vmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Mario Sorrenti George Cortina Nathaniel Goldberg Zoey Grossman Max Papendieck Marie Tomanova Erik Lee Snyder Naguel Rivero Jérôme André Chloe Chippendale Miso Dam Diego Vourakis Brittany Layton Alejandro Sonoro Nirave
SPECIAL THANKS
Art Partner Candice Marks Exposure NY Stacy Fisher Audrey Greene Megan Tully DNA Akeem Rasool Craig Lock Valerie Bullen NEXT Kyle Hagler The Society Christopher Michael IMG Luiz Mattos Derek Walker The Lions Ali Kavoussi Clayd Yila Storm Management Trent Axelson SN37 Skylar Pittman The Lindsay Thompson Company De Facto Michelle Marana Society MGMT Stephane Gerbier Faster Faster Jonathan Biebl Una Simone Harris CLM Jasmine Kharbanda Gino Puntonio Julian Watson Agency Caitlin Thomas Home Agency Billy Vong Streeters Jillian Graham The Wall Group Christopher Ridley Amanda Murray Alexia Efstathiou Amy Sabel R3 Management Cristian Banks SEE Management Leigh Sikorski A-Frame Margaret Park Art Department Giselle Keller Marjolein Sopjes Bryant Artists Romain Romieu Atelier Management Dina Gregg Tomilson Management Group Kelly Tomillson ArtList Paris Matthieu Bourdet Webber Eoin O’Riordan Wise & Talented Camille Ferrand Milk Studio Cale Harrison Dtouch Creative Spring Studios Interns: Sam Tracy Arianne Zhang Yoon Ji Yang Carlos Chinn Jesse Leonard Madison Martin Carly Gallagher Talyr Hill Sarah Whitten Kaylah Bryan Aila Teja Emma Walpole Bailey Bujnosek Margaux Bang Trishna Rikhy
PRESS & EVENTS
Purple PR Andrew Lister andrew.lister@purplepr.com Amy Choi amy.choi@purplepr.com Dylan Hunt dylan.hunt@purplepr.com
Gucci Gucci Beloved small chain shoulder bag in green leather (GG Marmont) ($2,390, available at Gucci boutiques nationwide and Gucci.com) The #GucciBeloved collection connects tradition with contemporary details. Taking his cues from precious stones, creative director Alessandro Michele reimagines the Italian luxury house’s staple handbags like the GG Marmont—now polished into a new expression, referencing emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. DANIA CURVY
NEW + IMPROVED: FORMULA. PACKAGING. SHADES.
CRUELTY-FREE. PARABEN-FREE. VEGAN. SILICONE-FREE. GLUTEN-FREE.
ONLY AT SEPHORA
V Magazine is a registered trademark of V Magazine LLC. Copyright © 2021 V Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. V Magazine is published bi-monthly by V Magazine LLC.
SIZZLING... IN THIS ISSUE: 22. HEROES 24. V GIRLS 26. THE MAJESTY OF MILENA 27. GUESS FINDS A NEW GROOVE 28. DAPPER DENIM 30. V IS FOR VENENO 32. SUPERNOVA SUMMER 48. COUTURE GETS REAL 58. ALL EYES ON PRE-FALL 66. MCQUEEN’S NEW MOMENT 72. OPEN MIC 80. WHAT V WANT
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
CHANEL CHANEL Wakeboard Coco Beach de CHANEL 2021 ($8,500, available at CHANEL boutiques nationwide) Surf’s Up! Get ready to catch some waves with Chanel’s new Coco Beach wakeboard! Decked out in the maison’s signature Parisian flair with the interlocking “C” logo and floral motif, the new board gets constructed from PVC and glass fiber—making it the perfect accessory for those looking to add a touch of high fashion to their summer beach days. Chic enough to make even The Beach Boys jealous. KEVIN PONCE
Capsule collection designed by María Escoté. Modelled by Milena Smit
Photo assistant Matt Shrier Retouching Kenan Atmaca
SUBLIME...
BANG! It’s a summer supernova at V, and just like that the sun is back, fashion is back, and the supers are back. Anok, Imaan, Kendall, and Naomi have ramped up the heat index with their tantalizing covers by Mario Sorrenti, and if that doesn’t kick you into summer gear, nothing will. But there’s a lot more to come beyond those foldouts, and it’s everything exciting about the season. We’re back outdoors with summer fashion, finally shedding our bulky (though chic) coats in favor of some much-needed attitude: showstopping dresses, fierce prints, and of course the sexiest swimsuits. That folds into pre-fall, which is giving us the outfits we’re dying to dress up in, a return to fashion’s most playful form. We’ve brought together some of the world’s top models along with the buzziest names in culture to jump-start a season with a replenished zest for life. MR.V
Fendi Fendi Basket ($690-$890, available at Fendi.com) Silvia Venturini’s Fendi is bringing back the popular ‘80s beach bag, with an elevated and sustainable twist! Available in two sizes with an effervescent selection of summer hues, the Fendi Basket bag is taking an eco-friendly approach to must-have carryalls—as the bag is entirely crafted in recycled PVC! KP
On the covers Cover 1 Anok wears Bikini Celine by Hedi Slimane Boots vintage Alaïa Necklace Cartier New York Tradition Cover 2 Imaan wears top Takahiromiyashita The Soloist Bikini Chanel, shoes Devious Ring Cartier [Sur]Naturel High Jewelry
Cover 3 Kendall wears bikini Matteau Jacket Balenciaga Boots Givenchy Necklace (as belly chain) Reflection de Cartier High Jewelry Cover 4 Naomi wears Coat and boots Burberry Bikini Tom Ford Necklace and ring Pluie de Cartier High Jewelry Ring (left hand) Cartier High Jewelry Ring (right hand) her own
Louis Vuitton Paseo Flat Comfort Sandal ($1,290, available at Louisvuitton.com) Caution! Weather experts are reporting another “Hot Girl Summer” and Louis Vuitton wants to help you look the part. Whether you prefer hitting the sandy beaches of Miami or strutting through the streets of New York, kick it into high gear in the Paseo Flat Comfort Sandal–the high voltage, summer footwear essential of the season. DC
BULGARI Mary Katrantzou x BULGARI - Serpenti Metamorphosis handle bag ($3,250, available at Bulgari.com) As part of the Roman jeweler’s ongoing “Serpenti Through the Eyes of” series, the Bulgari Serpenti enters a new chapter in collaboration with fashion designer Mary Katrantzou. The Serpenti Metamorphosis handle bag comes to life through the playful imagination of Katrantzou with a nod to haute couture craftsmanship. KP
IT’S THE SUMMER OF V!
Tony Viramontes and Mike Hill Courtesy of Tony Viramontes Studio Archive
TWO ICONIC ARTISTS ARE BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT, SHOWCASING THE ETERNAL APPEAL OF REBELLIOUS CREATIVITY
TONY VIRAMONTES BOUNDARY-BUSTING ILLUSTRATOR Tony Viramontes thrived on hubbub. In the ‘80s, the artist’s Manhattan studio was always filled with music, packed with people and scattered with sketches. Viramontes would fire off a few drawings a minute of what he saw—according to close friends, he simply threw those that no longer served him to the floor. “It is essential to capture the image; not a detail, not a garment or an expression, but an impression,” Viramontes once said. His illustrations, characterized by dynamic figures with flashing eyes and red lips, distilled his subjects’ essence with a few slashing strokes of his charcoal pencil. It may seem like the last place an artist would be inspired, but the MexicanAmerican fashion illustrator started piecing together his artistic perceptions at bullfights. Many art critics attribute the vigorous energy that pulsates throughout his work to this early exposure; each stroke is full of power and attack, almost mimicking the swift movements of the toros. Enamored by the matadors’ bright garments, the young Viramontes also developed an intense appreciation for elegant, yet brash masculinity. Viramontes’ work blurred the boundaries of gender and sexuality: his work freed men from their traditional, functional uniforms and transformed them into more delicate, sensuous figures. And thus, his images ushered a new dialogue in fashion imagery, one that offered a new, softer take on how men were shown. In a few quick strokes, Viramontes could teleport you into the realm of high fashion. At a time where other illustrators capitalized on classic elegance, Viramontes’s practice (complete with jagged lines, punchy colors and 22
penetrating gazes) broke the rules and pushed the concept of what fashion illustration should be. In 1984, a decade after he started working, the fashion world caught on. After an introduction by fashion editor Franca Sozzani, Viramontes’ work became a regular feature in the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Tatler. Viramontes extended his creativity to music albums as well, including Arcadia’s So Red the Rose, Donna Summer’s All Systems Go, and Janet Jackson’s Control. The latter emerged as one of the most iconic album sleeves ever, evoking a sense of movement and fluidity that mirrored Jackson’s militaristic dancing. “He was very creative, and I believe one day his work will be iconic,” said Jackson in 2013. While he created some of pop culture’s most indelible imagery, Viramontes was quite an underwritten figure. While he was alive, he was often omitted from anthologies and retrospectives and after his death in 1988, which was caused due to complications with HIV, he and his work slipped from view entirely. “No history of 20th-century fashion illustration can be complete without recognizing the achievements of Tony Viramontes,” art journalist Dean Rhys Morgan told Forbes in 2013. Only recently has his life and work resurfaced, thanks to Morgan’s book Bold, Beautiful and Damned: The World of 1980s Fashion Illustrator Tony Viramontes. “I want to bring out and express a mood,” Viramontes said on depicting unconventional beauty. “I want to convey my inner world through a medium controlled by my own hand.” And the world is richer for him sharing it. KALA HERH
Makeup Phoebe Seligman (Atelier Management) Hair Amber Duarte (Atelier Management) Photo assistant Bryce Anderson Location Pepper Studio
heroes
SHIRLEY MANSON GARBAGE FRONTWOMAN BLAZES BACK Photography Chloe Chippendale Fashion Miso Dam “There are a million and one things I’m enraged by,” Shirley Manson says over the phone from Los Angeles. This isn’t a surprise. The Scottish frontwoman of the ‘90s-established rock band Garbage has always been unrelenting and unapologetic about her views during her career, from LGBTQA+ rights to slut-shaming, and even the music industry itself. That career has garnered Manson and her bandmates seven Grammy nominations over the years, perhaps most memorably for their feminist, hard-hitting, no-bullshit anthem “Stupid Girl,” in 1995. Manson is calling on March 29, which marked the start of Derek Chauvin’s trial for the murder of George Floyd. “On the day that the policeman murdered him...that phone taping will never leave me, ever,” she says. Manson’s outrage over anti-Black racism in America inspired the emotional song “Waiting for God” off of the band’s triumphant seventh album, No Gods No Masters. Her renewed political fire stems not only from what she’s seen while living in the U.S., but human rights atrocities the world over. During a trip to Santiago a few years back, she was shocked by the Chilean government’s violent treatment of its own people. Visiting Poland, she heard painful stories of “women being prosecuted and put in jail for having miscarriages,” she recalls. “[It] sent me off into the stratosphere.” On No Gods No Masters, “it felt good to voice my rejection of the status quo,” Manson says. “I don’t want to be a part of ‘that’ system. I am offended by
Shirley wears vest MM6 Maison Margiela Necklace and earrings Chrome Hearts Bra stylist’s own
it. It’s at odds with my morality. It’s at odds with how I was raised as a child. It’s at odds with every fiber of my being.” That said, Manson’s tone is far from monotonous anger. The phone call is punctuated with moments of her boisterous laugh, which is as infectious and appealing as her words of disdain. The new album also has tracks like the introspective “Uncomfortably Me,” a more personal and vulnerable look at being cramped in one’s own skin, or “Anonymous XXX,” which explores the highs and lows of casual sex with strangers. There’s even “The Creeps,” which recounts a true story about Manson driving through Los Angeles after getting dropped by an old record label and seeing a poster of herself being sold on the street at a garage sale “for something like 15 bucks.” Despite the album’s take-no-prisoners tone, Manson also feels a certain sense of optimism about the future, and particularly today’s youth. “I do find it thrilling to see what young people have done with their phones,” she says with genuine awe. “Culture is still evolving, no matter what. Despite everything, the human will continue to evolve. I think that’s an incredibly encouraging concept.” When asked if she found herself to be adaptable amidst the wreckage of 2020, Manson summons yet again her hearty laugh. “No, I’ve not been,” she says. “But we did get the record finished, so I guess we did something right...It feels like a bit of a miracle.” MATHIAS ROSENZWEIG No Gods No Masters is out on June 11. 23
Makeup Karina Moore (Art Department) Hair Clayton Hawkins (A-Frame Agency) Photo assistant Bryce Anderson Stylist assistant Alyssa Cancilla
V GIRLS
THE SEASON’S MOST EXCITING ACTING TALENTS ARE TAKING ON AMBITIOUS PROJECTS THAT ARE AS SHARP AS HEDI SLIMANE’S EXQUISITE PRE-FALL CELINE COLLECTION Photography Chloe Chippendale Fashion Miso Dam
MELISSA BARRERA AN ACTRESS’ CINEMATIC NEW HEIGHT Melissa Barrera used to attend every open call for Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’s Tony-winning musical In The Heights. Studying at NYU, she’d regularly wake up at 5 am, get in the casting line along 43rd street and sing eight bars in hopes of getting a callback—but somehow the casting team overlooked the budding actress. Now, almost ten years later, she has the last laugh: her dream becomes a reality as she stars in the all-singing, all-dancing film adaption. The whole thing is a surreal, full-circle moment for the actress, who’s been a fan of the musical since she saw it during a high school field trip. “Seeing In the Heights on Broadway gave me that final push that I needed,” Barrera said in a light-hearted Zoom call this March from her home in L.A. “It [led me] to think, ‘I can do this, there’s a place for me in this industry.’” When Barrera discovered musical theater, she was 15, living in Monterrey, Mexico. Despite being an athletic, motorcycle-riding teenager, she was shy when it came to acting and was initially afraid to audition because the casting agents were her teachers. Fast forward almost a decade and Barrera has racked up numerous acting credits, starring in countless telenovelas and most recently, Vida, a cult-favorite dramedy about Latinx life. Premiering June 11 in theaters and on HBO Max, In the Heights is about “dreams and how every person’s dream is valid and important,” says Barrera, who plays Vanessa—a hairstylist who aspires 24
Melissa wears all clothing and accessories Celine by Hedi Slimane
to be a downtown fashion designer. “And that’s not even about being Latinx or not, that’s as a human.” The film musical tells the story of a block that’s disappearing as gentrification begins to take hold of a predominantly Latinx neighborhood of New York City’s Washington Heights. Directed by Jon M. Chu, who also directed the 2018 blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians, the film relied heavily on a collaborative, community approach. “I feel like, because [Jon’s] not Latino there were no confines in his imagination for this story at all,” says Barrera. It’s hard to pick a standout day of filming (“every day felt like we were making cinematic history,” according to Barrera), but a particularly memorable one involved nailing a technically challenging dance sequence where Vanessa woos the whole club with her salsa skills. After a brief bathroom tear session, Barrera pulled herself out of her mental block and let her body take over. And just like that, they had the shot they needed. “We’ve all dealt with loss in this past year, and I think it’s important to go back to the theaters,” Barrera said. And after a period characterized by grief and trauma, we could all use a hefty dose of serotonin—and that’s just what this film provides. Expect explosive salsa numbers, infectious songs, and young gushy love. KALA HERH
v girls
THUSO MBEDU THE BREAKOUT STAR LOOKING TO MAKE HISTORY
Makeup Karina Moore (Art Department) Hair Ted Gibson (Tomlinson Management Group) Photo assistant Bryce Anderson Stylist assistant Alyssa Cancilla
To win her breakout role in Moonlight director Barry Jenkins’ new series The Underground Railroad, South African actress Thuso Mbedu risked it all. Mbedu saved up for months to fly from her home in the country’s eastern city Pietermaritzburg to LA for an audition during 2018’s pilot season, where she had little to no preparation—and only one shot to dazzle a room of casting directors and studio executives. “I didn’t have a fall back plan,” she explains, “If I failed at this, then there [was] nothing to fall back on.” Set in the 19th century on a Georgian slave plantation, The Underground Railroad is a harrowing tale with an imaginative twist that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Portraying the series’ heroine Cora, a fiercely resilient slave who devises a plan to escape the shackles of slavery, Mbedu faced the challenge of diving into a realm so dark that its echos haunt the nation to this day. Before filming began, Mbedu began Southern dialect lessons, extensively researched America’s 400-year-long entanglement with slavery, and immersed herself in the life of enslaved people through written and audio accounts. “I would get so deep into research and because of the dark and heavy nature, I constantly had to tell myself to step away and take a break,” says Mbedu. Raised by her grandmother, Mbedu was surrounded by an overwhelming sense of community—one that took pride in tradition and the musicality of their native tongue, IsiZulu. With traditions that emphasized the importance of education, Mbedu had her life mapped out with aspirations to become a
Thuso wears all clothing Celine by Hedi Slimane
dermatologist. But when selecting courses for her sophomore year in high school, Mbedu was inclined to offset the mathematics and science courses with a drama class. She starred in productions like the multilingual South African theater classic Curl Up and Dye, and later composed her own play as a part of her final exam. Her hobby of acting, originally intended to be an escape from number crunching and memorizing compounds on the periodic table, became her life’s purpose. “I saw the power that [performing] had to heal audiences. I saw how it could provide an escape to audiences. After that, I could not imagine myself in a lab coat or sitting behind a desk for the rest of my life.” says Mbedu. Mbedu brings Cora to life through a transcendent performance, and immersed herself so deeply in the role that, during filming, the lines between herself and her character began to blur. “I was feeling really low and having depressive episodes,” she says. “But I’d be like, ‘That’s not me’—it would take me a moment to realize that it’s the residue from the character’s mental and emotional state.” Therapy sessions, she said, were crucial for her to re-center after The Underground Railroad’s filming wrapped. Now, she’s vowed to continue using her gift to uplift her community and tell the stories worth telling. “Everything I aspire to do is with the understanding that I want to be able to give back to my community and tell their stories.” says Mbedu. “I won’t just do anything for the sake of being on television; it has to add value to my people.” CZAR VAN GAAL The Underground Railroad premieres May 14 on Amazon Prime
Art Direction Roman Lata Makeup Marie Dausell Hair Fer Martinez
THE MAJESTY OF MILENA THE BREAKOUT STAR OF SPANISH CINEMA IS ABOUT TO GO GLOBAL WITH THE NETFLIX SERIES ALMA AND PEDRO ALMODÓVAR’S UPCOMING FILM MADRES PARALELAS Photography Alejandro Sonoro Fashion Nirave Text Gautam Balasundar
“Before filming No Matarás,” Milena Smit begins, “I had never considered working professionally as an actress.” It’s a surprising revelation from the budding Spanish star considering that, when we speak in April, she’s shooting her starring role in Pedro Almodóvar’s next feature film, Madres paralelas. She was still working as a hotel receptionist when the feature drama No Matarás came along, and her career has since erupted, adding the Netflix series Alma and now Almodóvar’s highly anticipated new film to her credits. With a distinct style befitting the cultural renaissance in Spain, Smit is poised to be the 26
country’s next big star, but the only thing on her mind is to learn the ins and outs of filmmaking. “[I’m] absorbing as much information as possible from any department such as art, costume, sound, camera,” she says. “These people always have something to teach you and in reality, you become an authentic expert of cinema.” Still, at such an early and, promising stage in her career, acting itself is an education—one she’s ready to embrace. “There is something very magical about working as an actor; that somehow we get to live so many lives, that you always learn something from each one of them.”
v news
GUESS’ COLLABORATIVE FRIENDSWITHYOU CAPSULE PERKS UP THE WARDROBE STAPLES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR DOWNTOWN DAYS
GUESS FINDS A NEW GROOVE
Makeup Akiko Owada using Chanel Beauty Hair Gonn Kinoshita (The Wall Group) using Amika Models Kristen Coffey (IMG), Sharon Osterbind Shoes (worn throughout) Dr. Martens
Photography Marie Tomanova Fashion Aryeh Lappin
From left to right: Kristen wears top GUESS x FWY, slip dress GUESS, Sharon wears top GUESS
Kristen wears top GUESS x FWY, shorts GUESS, Sharon wears top and pants GUESS x FWY
Kristen wears top and skirt GUESS, Sharon wears top and pants GUESS x FWY
Kristen wears top GUESS x FWY, top (worn under) GUESS, Sharon wears top GUESS x FWY
When GUESS was thinking about its next creative endeavor, it had one thing in mind: cultivating a sense of fun creativity. And its latest artistic alliance with the L.A.-based art collaborative FriendsWithYou nails it. The eye-popping capsule is a kaleidoscope of color, with an 81-piece lineup of colorful silhouettes. (Snap up the rainbow-striped cropped polo, an imaginative combination of an ‘80s color palette and ‘90s golfer chic—it’s sure to be an instant sellout.) In a collision of combined aesthetics, FriendsWithYou lends its spirited trademark doodle, Little Cloud, as the collection’s keystone, symbolizing light
and serenity in tune with the artist duo’s motto of “Magic, Luck, and Friendship” “We want our clothes to provoke a sense of celebration,” says GUESS Brand Partnerships Director, Nicolai Marciano. GUESS x FriendsWithYou reinvents genderless closet staples in a rainbow fusion of reds, oranges, and blues. We’re talking tees, form-fitting terry cloth shorts, and cozy hoodies. Naturally, GUESS’ quintessentially cool matching denim sets come in brand-new styles—perfect for daytime chilling and after-dark escapades. SAM TRACY 27
Photography Erik Lee Snyder Fashion Aryeh Lappin
Makeup Juliette Perreux (The Wall Group) Hair Gonn Kinoshita (The Wall Group) using Amika Model Aube Jolicoeur (The Lions) Manicure Nori (SEE Management) Photo assistant Matt Shrier Location Liberty Studio
DAPPER DENIM
THIS SUMMER, WE’RE TRADING IN DAD JEANS FOR GIORGIO ARMANI’S REFINED CAPSULE COLLECTION OF TAILORED DENIM LOOKS
Avant-garde craftsmanship has long been Giorgio Armani’s stock in trade. And the storied fashion house’s latest drop fuses its characteristic elegance with an unconventional approach to the standard blue canvas. The result? A dapper denim line for luxurious leisure. Strip all of the modern details away and you’ll find a unisex line of sartorial timelessness. Innovative renditions of tried-and-true classics take form in this wide-ranging collection which features bomber jackets, hooded sweatshirts, collared shirts, casual tees, and trousers with elasticated waists—perfect for work 28
from home or a night out. Think: a dark overcoat with contrasting seams, or a cropped jacket worn over wide-leg trousers. Denim—Americana’s most timeless fabric—is recreated in rich cashmere and cotton, featured in the tempting tones of blue and gray. It’s sleek. It’s sophisticated. It’s luxury sans unnecessary excessiveness, striking a perfect balance that’s often sought yet difficult to pull off. True to form, Giorgio Armani retains its clever design and pioneer status in the ever-evolving world of luxury wear. SAM TRACY
v news “Denim stands up to time and changing styles. It’s practical and can be sophisticated, it’s a canvas on which each one can write their own story, and it lasts forever.” — Mr. Armani
This spread Aube wears all clothing and accessories Giorgio Armani 29
V IS FOR AHEAD OF OUR SPECIAL DIGITAL FEATURE, THE CAST OF VENENO COMES TOGETHER AS WE LOOK AT THE CONTINUED IMPACT OF THE GROUNDBREAKING SERIES Photography Gorka Postigo Fashion Nono Vázquez Text Kevin Ponce
It’s been a few months since the international premiere of Veneno, the HBO Max series that chronicles the life and death of Spanish trans icon Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez (aka “La Veneno”), but the queer world is still enamored by its impact on the community. Through the thought-provoking lens of La Veneno’s unabashed persona, the show takes viewers through the hardships trans individuals still face to this day, and the societal upheaval that stemmed from her refusal to be anyone other than herself. In capturing her essential qualities—the same many trans people have to adopt today in the pursuit of acceptance— director duo Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo have raised awareness of the community and produced one of the most-talked-about queer shows in recent history. With a tour de force of performances depicting the many beings involved in La Veneno’s life, Ambrossi and Calvo have created new global queer icons in pop culture, including stars like Lola Rodriguez, Daniela Santiago, Jedet, and Isabel Torres (just to name a few!) Created with trans writer, Valeria Vegas and her biography ¡Digo! Ni Puta Ni Santa: Las Memorias de La Veneno, based on her real-life experiences with La Veneno herself, Ambrossi and Calvo balanced laughter and lightness with a gritty depth to the character of La Veneno, conveying the inescapable darkness that existed in her life. It’s that raw side to La Veneno’s persona, one that makes a viewer either love her or 30
hate her or both that resonates deeply with queer folks the most. Along with portraying a protagonist that the audience roots for despite her shortcomings, Veneno champions a new hero that the community didn’t know it needed. With the resurfacing of La Veneno’s iconic looks, interviews, and performances across all social media platforms, and the Western world’s newfound interest in the biography of her life, it’s inevitable that queer individuals look back at their elders’ lives and thank them for laying down the road on which they walk. “We read [the book] and burst into tears,” Calvo explains “We said, ‘Why don’t we know this story? Why don’t we know the story of the people who came before us? Why don’t we know our history? Why don’t we know our LGBTQIA+ elders?’’’ As La Veneno and the talented beings that help tell her story go into the spotlight, the world is seemingly picking up on a rising movement happening in the country. With a modern-day rendition of La Movida Madrileña, the countercultural movement that originated in Madrid, the Spanish scene is now characterized by a renewed spirit of freedom and expression in various forms of media. Thanks to the new wave of multi-talented Spanish artists who are claiming their spot on the world stage, while embodying that same ethos and impact that originated the movement all those decades ago, Veneno is truly a story that redefines a generation.
vip Clockwise from center top: Lara Martorell wears swimsuit Desigual Paca la Piraña wear dress Desigual Daniela Santiago wears top Desigual briefs vintage stylist’s own Alex Saint wears bikini vintage stylist’s own Jedet wears coat vintage stylist’s own Candela Santiago wears jacket Desigual All tights (worn throughout) stylist’s own
Hair and Makeup Vicent Guijarro, Lucas Margarit, Sergio Serpiente Set design Sofia Alazraki Production Director Martí Resta (CAP Dept.) Production Manager Natalia Serrano (CAP Dept.) Digital technician Orlando Gutierrez Lighting technician Fede Delibes Photo assistant Enrique Escandell Stylist assistant Alfred Vives Set design assistants Beatriz Aviles, Isabel Mattioni, Irene Martinez, Marina Chiappara, Emile Maisseu Production assistants Jorge Sierra, Fernando March
SUPERNOVA SUMMER WE GET TO KNOW FOUR OF THE MOST STUNNING WOMEN IN THE WORLD—EACH DRIVING THE FUTURE OF MODELING FORWARD IN THEIR OWN UNIQUE WAYS—AND CAPTURE THEM IN CARTIER JEWELRY AND SEASON-READY SWIMWEAR Photography Mario Sorrenti Fashion George Cortina Interview Iman Abdulmajid
The word “legend” is overused in this industry, yet Iman Abdulmajid truly deserves that title. Raised in Somalia and first scouted in Nairobi in 1975, Iman became one of the faces that defined fashion for the next five decades, bringing a stately elegance to every runway and closely collaborating with Yves Saint Laurent and Thierry Mugler. As her star rose, she never lost sight of her sense of justice. Upon finding out that her pay packets were slimmer than those of her white peers, she became the first Black model to refuse to work for a lower wage. And, frustrated by the lack of makeup options available for women of color, she started Iman Cosmetics in 1994, which paved the way for today’s more inclusive beauty industry. Forty years after Iman’s rise, the career of supermodel Anok Yai is also defined by firsts. Discovered on Instagram after being snapped at Howard University’s homecoming, in 2017 she became the first Black woman to open a Prada show in more than two decades. She’s racked up countless magazine covers, luxury campaigns and followed in Iman’s footsteps to help expand the world’s definition of beauty. This April, the pioneering pair hopped on the phone to speak about Yai’s start in fashion, diversity in fashion, and the importance of breaking boundaries. Iman Abdulmajid: I am beyond honored to be interviewing you. Anok Yai: I am so excited that you’re interviewing me. I’ve always looked up to you and take so much inspiration from you and the women of your time, so I want to thank you for paving the way for us younger Black models. IA: So, you go from a young girl that has been discovered on social media, and all of a sudden you are up front. You open for Prada within months. What was that transition like? And how long did it take for you to feel comfortable, entirely, in this new world? AY: Yeah. So, I remember actually, backstage at the lineup, I had a panic attack. The stylist, Olivier, he came up to me and was like, “Are you ready?” And I was like, “No, no, I can’t. I don’t know.” And I was so nervous that I actually forgot what the runway looked like. I had been preparing to walk this show. So, at the last minute, I just went out. Right when you get on, all the nerves rush away. It’s just you and the runway and the lights. It felt amazing. I mean, it took a while for me to get comfortable, because it was so different from being a student. Jumping into the high-fashion world, [everything] is so different. You have to navigate it, basically alone, because you’re a teenage girl travelling from job 32
to job. No one can be there to hold your hand. But I’ve learned a lot from the industry, and I’ve learned a lot about myself. Luckily, I have girls on my side so that I can build a community with other Black girls backstage. Make it less of a strange place, you know? IA: So what does it feel like when modeling, now, in a digitally-driven world? Because you’re a young girl who is now at the height of Instagram. Does Instagram mean a lot in fashion now, especially for models? AY: I have so much control of my image and how I choose to present myself to the world. With modeling, you’re given these characters, and you have to become that character for whatever photoshoot or runway that you’re doing. With how the world is today, I’m able curate and decide my imagery through the power of social media. I’m very meticulous about what I do, how I present myself, and how much access I give the world. I’m a perfectionist. I need to have control of everything going on around me. IA: What kind of a career do you want to have? AY: I just want to share my art. For the past few years I’ve been quietly expanding myself as a model, an entrepreneur, and artist. At the moment, I’m working on a few things. I’m currently keeping them under wraps, but once I have everything perfected then I’ll release it. But I will say, I have some paintings that I’m working on, and I’m hoping to release them by the end of this year. IA: Social media has brought a reckoning, and a way to put a light in the dark sides and shadows of our industry. How do you feel? Because you are in the forefront, you young models. You’re the foot soldiers at the front of the line. What do you think is happening? AY: I feel like a lot of the progress in the industry was a result of social media. People are holding brands and creatives accountable to their word. So much power comes behind having such a social media presence. If your voice is strong enough you can change anything. For example, during the protests, I was very active. I posted the photo of me at a protest to support [the movement] after the killing of George Floyd. I remember there being so much pushback from some creatives and brands trying to force me to take down the post because of how controversial it was. I got pressure from all sides. It’s just one of those things where you have to stand your ground regardless of who’s against you. Head to Vmagazine.com to read the extended interview.
Anok wears coat Hood By Air Bikini Celine by Hedi Slimane Boots vintage Alaïa Necklace Cartier New York Tradition On skin Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Anok wears bikini Celine by Hedi Slimane Boots vintage Alaïa Necklace Cartier New York Tradition On skin Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
“I feel like a lot of the progress in the industry was a result of social media. People are holding brands and creatives accountable to their word. So much power comes behind having such a social media presence. If your voice is strong enough you can change anything.” —Anok Yai
Photography Mario Sorrenti Fashion George Cortina Interview Derek Blasberg
Writer and supermodel-magnet Derek Blasberg catches up with Imaan Hammam about the qualities that matter most to her, her favorite moments in fashion, and her dreams for the summer season ahead. Derek Blasberg: Where are you right now this second? Imaan Hammam: Right now, I am back home in Amsterdam for Ramadan. DB: If you are listening to music, what song is playing? IH: The song I’m listening to the most right now is, “Brothers On the Slide” by Cymande. DB: This story was all about swimsuits. Are you a one-piece or a two-piece kind of girl? IH: I am BOTH! DB: Where is your favorite beach in the world? IH: My favorite beach is the Gouverneur Beach in Saint Barths. DB: Obviously, you’re genetically gifted. But do you have a secret for looking chic in a swimsuit? IH: Confidence. DB: Where were you born? IH: I was born in Amsterdam, my hometown. DB: What kind of child were you? IH: In a word, I would say I was a bold child. I was always chasing adventure; a tomboy that loved being outdoors and playing soccer with the big kids. DB: I know this is not your first magazine cover. What was? IH: My first cover was in 2014, for the September issue of American Vogue and was shot by Mario Testino. DB: How were you discovered? IH: I was discovered in Amsterdam Centraal Station in 2010. Then in 2013, I went to Paris for the first time for fashion week and I was given the special honor to work and to open the Givenchy show as an exclusive. DB: Have you had a fashion fairytale moment? If so, what was it?
IH: MANY!!! I am so grateful for everything that has happened in my career, and the people I was able to meet and work with. If I had to pick one moment, I would say [going to] the Met Gala with Zac Posen was pretty fairytale-like. DB: What qualities do you look for in a friend? IH: I’d say honesty and loyalty are good qualities in a friend. DB: What qualities do you look for in a romantic partner? IH: Again, honesty and loyalty are important to me, and so is respect. DB: What’s your idea of a perfect day? IH: I like to live simply—I would say waking up somewhere warm and going for a walk in the park. DB: What is one thing that you have with you at all times? IH: I always carry a picture of my mom or my sister with me. DB: What’s your number one beauty secret? IH: HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! DB: Apart from me, of course, who is your favorite writer? IH: My other favorite writers would have to be Kahlil Gibran or Rumi. DB: Who is your favorite fictional character from a book or a movie? IH: My favorite character is Almitra from Kahlil Gibran’s book The Prophet. DB: Who is your hero in real life? IH: All the strong women in my family are my heroes. DB: Have you had any mentors in the fashion industry? Who? IH: I have! Some of my mentors are Bethann Hardison, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, and Iman. DB: What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever gotten in fashion? IH: The best advice I was ever given was to keep my curls. DB: I used to love seeing you on the dance floor. When it’s safe to travel and be in groups again, what’s the first thing you want to do? IH: Obviously, I’d love to go dancing. But I’d also love to take my family on vacation!
Imaan wears top Takahiromiyashita TheSoloist Bikini Chanel Shoes Devious Ring Cartier [Sur]Naturel High Jewelry Necklace Cartier (vintage) from FD Gallery On skin Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Hydrating Multi-Protection Mist On hair Oribe Trés set structure spray
Imaan wears top Takahiromiyashita TheSoloist Bikini Chanel Shoes Devious Ring Cartier [Sur]Naturel High Jewelry On skin Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Hydrating Multi-Protection Mist On hair Oribe Trés set structure spray
“I was discovered in Amsterdam Centraal Station in 2010. Then in 2013, I went to Paris for the first time for Fashion Week and I was given the special honor to work and to open the Givenchy show as an exclusive.” —Imaan Hammam
Photography Mario Sorrenti Fashion George Cortina Text Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne reflects on her friendship with Kendall Jenner, from their introduction at Paris Fashion Week to the eventful nights out together that would ensue. The first time I met Kendall was 2014 at her first fashion week, but I really got to know her when we shared a car from a Chanel show in Paris. It was on the way to a Love shoot, and it was then that I realized how much more there was behind the girl that was sitting next to me. I was so curious to get to know her and make her feel comfortable because I know firsthand that it’s sometimes hard to really connect to people and feel safe in that world, especially in the beginning. Kendall was shy and reserved, but now I see it as an understandably guarded sensibility. As the day went on and she saw I was also shy, but in a different way. I always acted goofy and made people laugh and her walls came down. The night after the shoot is when I honestly knew I loved that girl and would always have her back. It was one of the best nights of my life. We were staying at the same hotel, and we came up with a plan to escape as there were paparazzi surrounding it. I wanted to take her to my favorite places. We started at Crazy Horse and then ran around the Eiffel Tower, dancing and exploring. We went into a park and I played guitar with some people on a bench. We then walked into a random street and somehow ended up at a restaurant. We were invited downstairs where they were doing a lock-in. A load of French people singing and playing piano. I just remember feeling so free and comfortable. Smiling ear to ear and seeing that
she never had been able to experience something like that. I really got to see how special and truly magical she is when she was able to feel, I guess, like everyone else. Not being watched or judged. She had so much on her plate for someone so young and that night we both forgot about all of that stuff. Just two young women on an adventure. The best part about my relationship with Kendall is that no matter how much time has passed since we last saw each other, we pick up as if we’re still together on an incredible adventure—like that night in Paris. She’s fiercely loyal and incredibly strong (both physically and emotionally). The last thing we texted about was a recent dream I had about her—we were back in Paris, and I was being chased by an ex and she kind of rescued me. There was another night I had where I took her to a strip club but we dressed as a woolly mammoth—yes, you read that correctly. She was in the front and I was the back! These are stories about funny adventures, but we have shared some truly wonderful and also emotional times together. I know I can always count on her to be there and never judge me, and that goes both ways. It’s not that easy to find those friendships in life, so I am truly grateful to have her in my life. I am so proud of the woman [Kendall] has become and cannot wait to continue our “CaKe world tour,” because no matter where we are, we always seem to have some sort of adventure. Good, bad, or ugly, she is the perfect partner that will problem solve any situation. I could honestly go on forever, but I will keep this short! I love you, Kenny forever and always. x
Kendall wears bikini Matteau Jacket Balenciaga Boots Givenchy Bracelet (worn as choker) Cartier Paris Tradition Necklace Cartier Paris Tradition On Body Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil
Kendall wears bikini Matteau Jacket Balenciaga Boots Givenchy Necklace (worn as belly chain) Reflection de Cartier High Jewelry On Body Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil
“I am so proud of the woman [Kendall] has become and cannot wait to continue our ‘CaKe world tour,’ because no matter where we are, we always seem to have some sort of adventure.” —Cara Delevingne
Photography Mario Sorrenti Fashion George Cortina Interview Czar Van Gaal & Stephen Gan
In the 35 years since Naomi Campbell first took the industry by storm, the British supermodel’s legacy has transcended beyond covering countless fashion magazines, sashaying down catwalks, and serving as a muse to premier fashion houses. Yet her most history-making feat has been to continue the work of her own heroes like Bethann Hardison and Iman to proudly celebrate Black beauty and diversity. Ultimately, she has irrevocably altered the face of fashion. At 50 years old, and showing no signs of slowing down, the icon continues to pave the way for models across the world as she pushes for a more inclusive and equitable fashion future. V: First, I would love to start by just stating how breathtaking the photos are! Absolutely stunning! Naomi Campbell: Aww, I had such a nice time [on set]. My first shoot in New York since last year. V: Wow, was it really? NC: Yeah! It was nice. I hadn’t seen Mario [Sorrenti] in years. V: What was it like reconnecting with Mario for this shoot? NC: It was like old times. Overall, for me, it was just a really lovely afternoon. But I am always nervous to work with the people that I’ve known for so long. And Mario I knew as a friend first, and then he became this huge photographer. I always get nervous with [thinking] how are they going to view you? How are they going to see you? Mario and I have [taken] such great pictures over the years together, so it was like, “How are we going to top that now?” But [when shooting] I just go on trust. It actually [throws] me off if I look at the monitor. So, I just trust...I trust you, I trust Mario, I trust the vibe and that’s how I work: on trust. V: That’s definitely something that comes through in the photos, and it’s honestly what helps to create the magic behind Mario’s work. Speaking of magic, over the years you’ve managed to maintain this level of supermodeldom, you’ve defied the industry’s expiration date for models, all while aging gracefully. I think it’s safe to say that as you’ve aged you’ve only reached new heights. To celebrate that notion we’ve titled your cover line “Next Level Naomi.” NC: It’s very kind of you to think that and to say that. Two days ago, on April 14, was my 35-year anniversary, but it doesn’t seem like 35 years to me at all. I think when you love what you do, you are really blessed. I get to work with all these incredible new creatives in our [industry] along with the ones that I’ve known for so long. And I always get a kick out of the whole creative process of how it’s going to turn out and how I’m going to look. I get a kick out of that [reinvention]. It’s a challenge, and I like to be challenged.
V: It’s amazing to hear that you embrace the new guards of fashion while also staying in touch with the people you started out in the industry with. It’s also ironic that you touched on this element of embracing the new but still having that appreciation for veterans because, with this particular issue of V, your cover is one in a series of four that also features three new-age supermodels: Anok, Imaan, and Kendall. NC: I mean, to be with the young ones is always a little scary because I’m 50 [years old]. But ultimately, for me, it’s about being comfortable in my own skin. I think Imaan Hammam is fantastic. Anok, I absolutely adore. I love seeing all of this diversity now; it makes me happy. We’ve still got a lot of things we’ve got to fix but it’s nice to see that it’s becoming a normality. And of course, you know how much I love Bethann Hardison and Iman who have also fought for the diversity that we are now seeing. V: I couldn’t agree with you more on the fact that there is still some work to do in the industry on the diversity front. What does that new inclusive and diverse fashion landscape look like to you? NC: Just this year alone, I’ve seen the way that people have had to recreate and do things in a different way. This last year has forced people to build from the ground up with a new way of thinking and it has pushed some forward. But it doesn’t stop there, we have to keep striving to push the [industry] forward. There needs to be an extra injection into our [industry] of “How can we do things differently? How can we grow?” I think there’s a big change coming in fashion, and it’s very exciting to be here and witness it. V: Times are changing and I think for the better; 2020 was just the tip of the iceberg. As a veteran and an icon in this industry, is there any advice you could offer to some of the girls who are just starting out? NC: The most important advice I could ever offer is to do [everything] with passion. It’s not about fame, because I don’t believe in it. I believe that if you do something, you do it your best. I feel like the girls [today] are creative, they’re risk-takers, and they’re clear in what they want in their careers. But what I want to see in our business is that we models have a little bit more ownership [because] we have none. With this whole new way of content [creation], that has to change so that we [have ownership] as well. I think it can be done. It’s not impossible. We’ve seen it done with music and art; we can do it with fashion. If there is one thing that I do leave in this business, it’s that I would like to be a part of that change in making sure that these young ones have that. Head to Vmagazine.com to read the extended interview.
Naomi wears Coat and boots Burberry Bikini Tom Ford Necklace Pluie de Cartier High Jewelry On Body Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion
“There needs to be an extra injection into our [industry] of ‘How can we do things differently? How can we grow?’ I think there’s a big change coming in fashion and it’s very exciting to be here and witness it.” —Naomi Campbell
Naomi wears Coat Burberry Bikini Tom Ford Necklace Pluie de Cartier High Jewelry Ring her own On Body Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion
Makeup Diane Kendal (Julian Watson Agency) Hair (Anok, Imaan, Kendall) Bob Recine (The Wall Group) Hair (Naomi) Lucas Wilson (Home Agency) Models Anok Yai (Next), Imaan Hammam (DNA), Kendall Jenner (The Society), Naomi Campbell (DNA) Manicure Honey (Exposure NY) Prop stylist Jack Flanagan (The Wall Group) Producer Katie Fash Production coordinator Layla Néméjanski On-set producer Steve Sutton Digital technician Johnny Vicari Photo assistants Kotaro Kawashima, Javier Villegas Stylist assistants Moses Moreno, Mary Reinehr Gigler, Umi Jiang, Jesse Leonard Makeup assistant Jamal Scott Hair assistant (Anok, Imaan, Kendall) Kazuhide Katahira Hair assistant (Naomi) Sergio Estrada Set design assistant Peter Davis Production assistant William Cipos Retouching Arc Lab
COUTURE GETS REAL THE NEXT GEN’S ULTIMATE COOL GIRL, QUINN MORA BRINGS A DOWNTOWN EDGE TO OUR FAVORITE COUTURE LOOKS OF THE SEASON
Photography Nathaniel Goldberg Fashion Gro Curtis
48
Quinn wears dress Chanel Haute Couture Hat stylist’s own On skin Chanel Beauty Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Dress Iris van Herpen Couture Top Gaijin Boots Jimmy Choo
Coat Valentino Haute Couture
Dress Azzaro Couture Necklace model’s own
Top and jewelry Dior Haute Couture On Eyes Dior Beauty Mono Couleur Couture Beige Mitzah On Lips Dior Addict Lip Glow
All clothing Viktor & Rolf Haute Couture Necklace model’s own
Dress Giambattista Valli Haute Couture
All clothing Armani Privé Necklace model’s own On lips Armani Beauty Ecstasy Lacquer Lip Gloss
Dress Fendi Couture Boots vintage On Hair IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray
Makeup Karim Rahman (Bryant Artists) Hair Yann Turchi (Bryant Artists) Model Quinn Mora (DNA) Manicure Brenda Abrial (Wise & Talented) Producer Michaël Lacomblez (Louis2) Casting Director Daniel Rodriguez Van Der Graf Digital technician Rebecca Lièvre (Imagin) Photo assistants Corinne Mutrelle, Bastien Santanoceto Stylist assistant Marie Poulmarch Makeup assistant Lauren Bos Hair assistant Sibel Production assistants Marie Oudghiri, Lisa Gautreau (Louis2) Location La Factory
All clothing Schiaparelli
MIX, MATCH, AND MUDDLE MAXIMALIST PRINTS FOR A LOOK THAT SCREAMS INDIVIDUALITY Photography Max Papendieck Fashion Aryeh Lappin 58
RETROMANIA Pair McQueen’s statement eyewear with Versace’s Y2K logos to boomerang back to the future.
Kris wears top Versace Jewelry Bulgari Sunglasses Alexander McQueen On Eyes Milk Makeup Color Chalk On Skin Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30
SUIT UP Go Johnny Guitar on the ranch or giddy up in mean city streets with LV’s patterned two-piece.
Lisa wears Jacket, pants, bag Louis Vuitton Bacelet Tiffany & Co. On Eyes Pat McGrath Labs Dark Star 006 V2
Valentina wears Top and pants Loewe Necklace Tiffany & Co. On lips Maybelline New York Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT Loewe’s statement prints reach a new height with pre-fall’s bizarro botanical color bomb.
FLORAL EXPLOSION With utilitarian hardware and statement stitching, Riccardo Tisci’s toughened-up English rose looks have thorns.
Lisa and Valentina wear all clothing and accessories Burberry
Lisa and Valentina wear all clothing and accessories Valentino Jewelry Tiffany & Co. Tights (on left) Calzedonia Tights (on right) Emilio Cavallini
MAXI LEOPARD As Shania Twain taught us: more is always more when it comes to animal print.
CHECKERBOARD CHIC Hand it to Virginie Viard to come up with the season’s chicest way to shout your Queen’s Gambit fandom.
Kris wears all clothing, bag, jewelry Chanel Sunglasses Alexander McQueen
Kris wears all clothing Dior watch Cartier On Eyes Dior Beauty Mono Couleur Couture Beige Mitzah
Makeup Seong Hee Park (Julian Watson Agency) Hair Evanie Frausto (Streeters) Models Lisa Han, Valentina Sampaio, Kris Grikaite (The Lions) Manicure Nori (SEE Management) Production Felix Cadieu (Catalysme) Digital technician Kenyon Parks Photo assistants Dean Dodos, Taryn Anderson Stylist assistant Sam Knoll Makeup assistant Yuko Kawashima Hair assistant Tomoko Kuwamura Location Spring Studios
GRUNGE GETS GLAM Dress down the nu-disco trend with Cobain-esque baggy knitwear that smells like teen spirit.
MCQUEEN’S NEW MOMENT SARAH BURTON BLENDS STRUCTURED ACCESSORIES, VOLUMINOUS SHAPES, AND EYE-POPPING COLORS FOR A STREET-READY TAKE ON THE BRAND’S SIGNATURE ROMANTICISM Photography Naguel Rivero Fashion Jérôme André
All clothing and accessories (throughout) Alexander McQueen
66
Makeup Patrick Glatthaar (Total) Hair Gilles Degivry (Artlist Paris) Models Anita Pozzo (Premier), Sekhou Drame (Rock Men), Abdoulaye Diop (The Claw) Set design Olivia Aine Producer Zoé Martin Casting Director Affa Osman (Webber) Lighting technician Rémi Procureur Stylist assistant Yuan Qian Makeup assistant Isabelle Lefebvre Production assistant Ludovic Del Puerto Location Studio Hana
THE MOST EXCITING VOICES IN MUSIC TURN IT UP LOUDER IN GUCCI’S NEW COLLECTION Photography Zoey Grossman
Fashion Anna Trevelyan
All clothing and accessories (throughout) Gucci
SUZI ANALOGUE Miami-based beatmaker Suzi Analogue does a little bit of everything. The femme-identifying artist, producer, and label owner has made a name for herself in the electronic music world over the past decade, producing singular sonic experiences like the energy-infused SU CASA EP she released last year. It was only when she began touring that she witnessed firsthand the lack of diversity in the electronic music scene. “I started to notice: there’s me, there’s TOKi[MONSTA], but where are the other femme-identifying people? Where are the nonbinary people? Where are the queer people?” she recalls. This realization prompted her to start her own label, Never Normal Records, which has since played a significant role in platforming members of these communities. She encourages experimentation for artists signed to Never Normal. Her own genre-defying work proves she’s no stranger to that kind of experimentation herself. Analogue, who has synesthesia, crafts unique visuals in the form of music videos and artwork to enhance her audience’s listening experience. “I want you to see the colors I see, the shapes and the mood,” Analogue says of her visual components. “I want you to see it all.” BAILEY BUJNOSEK
72
CAROLESDAUGHTER Nobody epitomizes the indefinable vibe of Gen Z like 18-year-old Thea Taylor, better known as carolesdaughter. Her punk-rock image paired with an angelic voice is a contradiction, best captured by her hit single “Violent”, which popped off on TikTok for its sweet sound and edgy lyrics. Her music’s serious themes may come as a shock to some, but Taylor simply sings from personal experience. The rebellious songstress grew up the youngest of ten in a Mormon family and experienced multiple stints in rehab as a teenager. During treatment, she found refuge in music and plotted her post-rehab plan to “make music and blow up.” Check and check. Her moniker came as a suggestion by her roommate, Alice, who noted Taylor’s severe homesickness and longing for her beloved mother. “We’re so different but if I could be half as hard-working as her, half as kind as her, then I’m kinder than 90 percent of the population.” Now, after years of imposter syndrome and struggling to fit a picture-perfect image in her religious community, she has found her freedom to be unapologetically Thea. “I’ve learned to celebrate life [by] being as weird as possible and doing whatever I want.” SAM TRACY
On Face Gucci Beauty Fluide De Beauté Fini Naturel foundation
ALLISON PONTHIER You’re going to need to learn to pronounce this name because Allison Ponthier (Pon-tee-ay) is here to stay. Growing up in Allen, TX, the singer-songwriter felt like a fish out of water as she struggled to accept her queer identity. Ponthier desperately craved escape, finding freedom through film and music where she could finally put pen to paper of what she was feeling inside. “There’s something really sad and heartbreaking about feeling like you’re the only person on earth that feels a certain way.” At 20, Ponthier dropped out of college, packed her bags and fulfilled her childhood dream of relocating to the Big Apple in a move she thought “would solve all of [her] problems.” Plot twist: it didn’t. Alone in a new city, Ponthier was more pressed than ever to work through her most uncomfortable emotions and reconnect to her Southern roots by writing her first country-inspired song, “Cowboy.” It would go on to become a mega-hit, blowing up on social media for its honest exploration of feeling like a misfit. No longer running from herself, Ponthier provides to her fans the representation she so longed for as a young girl. Like all of her favorite films, this tale does have its happy ending after all. SAM TRACY
MARIA ISABEL Born and raised in Queens, L.A.-based singer Maria Isabel has come a long way since her childhood “stadium” performances for relatives in her living room and is ready for the world’s main stage. Serenading away our quarantine blues with her diary-esque debut EP Stuck in The Sky, the Dominican-American musician emerged when we needed her most. With slow-simmering lovelorn singles like “Distance” and “The 1” a project that was penned as an ode to a long-distance relationship, served a greater purpose—ultimately offering solace to those confined to their homes and apart from loved ones. “I was using the music to get closure,” she explains. “We ended up in a pandemic where many were separated and it became something that resonated with people.’’ Streamed over seven million times on Spotify, the sultry love letters disguised as songs lacquered with reggaeton flair have helped the 24-year-old industry newcomer find her rhythm. Now forging a full-fledged career as a musician, Isabel is zeroing in on her roots. “I’m figuring out how to combine my Latin sound with the R&B sound in a way that feels authentic to me.” With her daring twist on familiar styles, you’d be a fool to bet against her. CZAR VAN GAAL
PERFUME GENIUS Mike Hadreas, aka Perfume Genius, opens his latest album Set My Heart on Fire Immediately with a breath. It’s a release of sorts; the motion welcomes us into this journey of self-exploration and hunger for human connection, which, ironically, is something that’s been on hold for some time now. “I hope my music lets people live alongside all the fucked up competing energies and just be easier on themselves,” Hadreas says. Being easier on himself is a lesson Hadreas has come to learn along the way. Back in high school, Hadreas was bullied intensely for his sexuality, and then when he moved to NYC he began using drugs and alcohol to file his feelings away. Leaning heavily on the respite of art during this period, making music is how he would take a breath. Now, he’s trying to do the same for his fans, with his songs serving as a beacon of hope for those facing similar battles. It’s melodramatic, smart, but most of all painfully relatable. While his album does exhibit darker themes, it also has its tender moments, exhibiting the curative properties of love—which is something we could all use a little of right now. KALA HERH
On Lips Gucci Beauty 110 Marguerite Jade, Rouge à Lèvres Voile Lipstick
AUDREY NUNA Between her sonic excellence, lyrical whimsy, and uninhibited expression, Audrey Nuna is making music for the moment. The 22-yearold Korean-American artist creates a contemporary cross-section of R&B layered with rap, fusing unencumbered fluidity and grounded rawness with catchy hooks and mic-drop verses. While her music oozes with confidence, Nuna didn’t always embody that herself. “I grew up really shy,” she says. “I’m still introverted, but I grew up just not really expressing what I wanted.” Music changed that for her, forcing her to be demanding—or risk her vision. “When it comes to my work, when it comes to the video looking right, when it comes to the song being right, I don’t know how to compromise.” That attitude has manifested in her eclectic visuals, from dream-like music videos to her “NUNAHAUS” capsule with clothing brand BOBBLEHAUS. Her self-described aesthetic is “visual vomit”—a phrase that complements her unapologetic, unfiltered sound. With each new endeavor, Nuna is continuing to amplify her true self. “If I don’t express myself in some way, I feel suffocated. I don’t know how to make any other music than what feels 100 percent myself.” TRISHNA RIKHY
Makeup Holly Silius (R3 Mgmt) Hair Dennis Gots (The Wall Grup) Manicure Yoko Sakakura (A-Frame Agency) Set design Danielle Von Braun (Art Department) Producer Jordan Metz (Art Department) On-set producer Abby Gelsomino Digital technician Evan Strang Photo assistants Gregory Brouillette, Kenny Castro Stylist assistant Sam Knoll, Madison Martin Makeup assistant Bailee Wolfson Hair assistant Jessica Miller Production assistant Kelly Wundsam Retouching Dtouch Creative Location Milk Studio L.A.
RIKI Step into Riki’s world, where the free-spirit of L.A. and Berlin-era David Bowie merge in a way that will make you want to get asymmetrical bangs, wear zebra-print trousers, and dance until sunrise. A unique luminary who belongs in your record collection, Riki embodies the spirit of music’s most extravagant figures, having formed her ambitions early on. “You know how kids sometimes have this very clear idea of what they want to be and they get obsessed?” she recalls. “I wanted to be a rockstar.” If her bold features and contagious energy don’t make that obvious, her musical blend of electronic, disco, and pop, definitely will. Her sense of fashion is equally broad; from babydoll dresses to suspenders with chunky loafers, there isn’t a single look that doesn’t suit her. Much of her inspiration comes from the city of Los Angeles, where she takes the contrasts of nightlife, nature, celebrity, and art and translates them beautifully into her sound. “I am very lucky to have this way of expressing myself and there’s no better way for me to turn raw emotions and hardships into something tangible. It’s a beautiful metamorphosis.” MARGAUX BANG
On Face Milk Makeup Color Chalk
RAVEENA AURORA 26-year-old celestial singer Raveena Aurora packs a mighty punch and isn’t afraid to strike. Putting that ethos to the test daily, Aurora is determined to dismantle the misogynistic system by not only holding space for herself in this male-dominated industry, but also for other women of color as well. “In the [music] industry, women are told ‘just let the men handle it’ or that we shouldn’t have agency,” she says. “But now is the time for reclaiming that power.” Fresh off of the release of her psychedelic, ‘90s R&B-infused single “Tweety,” the L.A.-based lyrical innovator is cultivating a distinctive sound that synergizes the early influences of American R&B that she heard on the airwaves with the symphonic spiritual nature of the Bollywood music she was raised on. “[I am] experimenting with genres that I’ve always listened to but didn’t understand how to incorporate into my music yet,” Aurora explains. “Those R&B influences and also my Indian background, more and more, are starting to make their way into my music.” More in tune with her artistry than ever after utilizing the pandemic as a period for introspection, Aurora is ready to take the industry by storm...but all on her own terms. CZAR VAN GAAL
SKATEBOARDING HAS NEVER LOOKED BETTER WITH CHINQPINK RIDING DIOR’S NEW DECK IN THE PARKS AROUND VENICE BEACH Photography Diego Vourakis Fashion Brittany Layton
Chinqpink wears jacket, top, shorts Dior Shoes and socks stylist’s own Skateboard Dior Dioriviera skateboard (Price available upon request, available at Dior.com) 80
Makeup Lily Pollan Hair Amber Duarte (Atelier Management) Model Jaychelle Yamanoha (Storm) Producer Jonathan Biebl (Go Atticus) Production Manager Mike Moretti (Go Atticus) Photo assistant Keith Hedgecock Production assistant Christina Mitchell (Go Atticus)
WHAT V WANT
The escapist theme of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Dioriviera capsule collection wouldn’t be complete without a getaway vehicle. Enter the Dior skateboard. It’s the perfect embodiment of the carefree lifestyle in Switzerland’s Monte Verità artisti community that inspired the collection. The skateboard’s fresh design channels the grit and grace central to the sport—and whether you’re doing kickflips curbside or cruising by the beach, Dior’s board will help you shred in style. Skate park not your scene? Check out Dior’s takeover at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel in Montecito, California. Beginning May 27, the fashion house will rule the hotel’s pool, bungalows, and bocce court, decking each section out with Dior decor, from parasols and hammocks to beach games. If you can’t make it to Cali, don’t sweat it. The Montecito takeover is one of several exclusive Dioriviera activations worldwide. With events at seven Dior flagships and eleven pop-up boutiques there’s plenty of summer fun to go around. BAILEY BUJNOSEK Head to Vmagazine.com for more details.
V MAGAZINE PRESENTS
VA NEWWANNA KNOW PODCAST POWERED BY NOW STREAMING ON ALL PLATFORMS