Photographed by Kate Owen

Fashion

Red Hot: Meet Six New Models You’re About To See Everywhere

The new kids on the block

by Jenna Igneri, Sam Shannon and Kate Owen

It can be hard standing out in today's fashion industry, especially as a fresh-faced model. That's why today's up-and-coming models are straying farther and farther from old-fashioned beauty ideals. These newcomers are quirky and perfectly imperfect; they challenge the idea of what it means to be beautiful. Most of all, they’re the epitome of cool.

We chatted with six young models that prove just this. Check out the video and editorial below, and read about what fashion’s future muses have to say about who they are and the world they live in.

Photographer: Kate OwenDirector: Sam ShannonDP: Arthur WooStylist: Sheyna ImmMakeup: Caitlin WootersHair: Akihisa Yamaguchi using bumble & BumbleStylist Assistant: Kacey HirschbergModels: Gustavo at Fusion; Thom at Major; Dani, Yancarlos, Kristijan, and Frankie at Re:Quest

Makeup: M.A.C Cosmetics

GUSTAVOWere you well-behaved growing up?Growing up, I was influenced by my cousin Lincoln, who wasn't such a good influence. There was this time that my cousin told me to flip everyone off as we walked throughout the beach. Being a four-year-old with no knowledge, I indeed started flipping everyone at the beach in Brazil. Needless to say, my mom was not happy with the outcome.

How do you stay cool in the summer?I don’t, I stay hot ;)

Tell us something we wouldn’t guess about you.I used to volunteer as a junior firefighter back in my high school days. I collected over 900 hours of community service, and it was one hell of an experience working with the guys at Delran Fire Department.

Gustavo wears jacket and pants by TH II, shirt by Chapter, belt by Chinemachine Paris, shoes by ETQ.

Gustavo wears jacket and pants by TH II, shirt by CHAPTER, belt by Chinemachine Paris, shoes by ETQ.

DANIWhat would you be in an alternate life?I would be a veterinarian—my love for animals is endless!

What does being independent mean to you?In my eyes, it means you are not influenced or controlled by others. You are true to yourself, as well what you stand for.

How would you describe your look?I enjoy keeping things pretty casual. I love a good pair of jeans, a leather jacket, and a cute tennis shoe.

Dani wears top by Need, tee by Chinemachine Paris, pants by Chapter, choker OV US NYC, sunglasses by Crap Eyewear, boots by Dr. Martens.

Dani wears top by Need, tee by Chinemachine Paris, pants by CHAPTER, choker OV US NYC, stylist's own ring. Frankie wears a top by Apiece Apart, jacket by Sandy Liang, pants by Dama.

FRANKIEWhat clothes make you feel really good?I usually put a scent to whatever clothing I wear, such as an essential oil like lavender or some type of lemony scent. It all depends on the outfit. If I'm wearing something really bright, I'll probably pair a lemon scent with it, which makes me feel extra good.

What's something you can’t live without?My skateboard. I get this rush of adrenaline when I ride, especially if I'm skating really fast while upset with my headphones, blasting some sort of loud music.

What color would your aura be?Rainbow. Auras are affected by people’s moods. In this very moment and the state I'm usually in, I would first be yellow and then blue. Yellow because I'm overall pretty bubbly all the time and just happy, always trying to find a positive outlook to even the worst situation. Next would be blue because it's a nurturing and loving color. I teach swimming and have three younger siblings so my motherly instincts come out and I feel like that's what gives me a blue aura.

Frankie wears a top by Apiece Apart, jacket by Sandy Liang, pants by Dama, boots by Acne, earrings and body harness by L. Jardim Jewelry. Dani wears top by Need, tee by Chinemachine Paris, pants by Chapter, choker OV US NYC, sunglasses by Crap Eyewear, boots by Dr. Martens.

Thom wears top by Opening Ceremony, pants by I Waited For You..., belt by Chinemachine. Gustavo wears jacket and pants by TH II, shirt by CHAPTER, belt by Chinemachine Paris.

ThomYou’re a bit of an old soul; you write poems and enjoy jazz. What draws you to these in particular?I love that writing connects emotions of strangers. I also like that there isn’t a limitation on what I can create with words. Jazz is sweet and raw; it's an enchanting story of the soul. Jazz tells all my favorite secrets of love in the most magical way.

What do you think about social media and staying true to yourself?I think social media helps others see us through the lens we would like others to see, but not who we are completely.

What would you be or do in an alternate life?A panther.

Thom wears top by Opening Ceremony, pants by I Waited For You..., shoes by Vans, belt by Chinemachine Paris.

Yancarlos wears top and bottom by 3.1 Phillip Lim, shoes by Dr. Martens. Dani wears top by Need, tee by Chinemachine Paris, choker OV US NYC.

YANCARLOSAre you a lover or fighter?I'm a lover, not a fighter. I do not condone violence, I just rap about it.

Do a rap for us.A rap for you? It’s like not safe for work, though. I don't want to get too crazy because I’m from the hood. It's very trappy and melodic. I just love melodies.

What's your spring/summer look? Any go-to pieces now that the weather is warm?My spring/summer look would be a lot of skinny jeans and a lot of sleeveless shirts. I love showing my skinny arms, I’m proud of them.

Yancarlos wears top and bottom by 3.1 Phillip Lim, shoes by Dr. Martens, choker by OV US NYC.

Gustavo wears jacket by TH II, shirt by Chapter. Dani wears top by Need, tee by Chinemachine Paris choker by OV US NYC, sunglasses by Crap Eyewear. Thom wears top by Opening Ceremony, pants by I Waited For You..., stylist's own earrings.

KRISTIJANWho or what would you be in an alternate life?A hawk so I can fly, or Drake. He's got our whole generation in his palm.

Can you do a rap for us? Do a rap? I have one that’s called “Pen Pal.” You guys know what a pen pal is, right? So it goes, “Is she my pen pal?/ Instead of ink it’s on the phone/ She texted me late night when I was home all alone/ She said she got my number from my boy that she’s known/ We chatted for a while then she asked to hear my tone.”

Have you ever been in a fight?One time, I got punched in the forehead. I’ve never really been in a fight, though. Definitely not a full brawl. I don’t really fight, I’m a lover.

What’s your favorite color?Gray, because there are 50 shades of it.

Kristijan wears top by Chapter, pants by Kenzo, sunglasses by Thierry Lasry, shoes by adidas.

Kristijan wears top by Chapter, pants by Kenzo, sunglasses by Thierry Lasry, shoes by adidas.