Who:
Aiysha Siddiqui — @aiysha.siddiqui — Pakistani from Rotterdam, The Netherlands — born February 5th — 175 cm / 5’9″ — she/her.

Where:
Mouna Models (Amsterdam – mother agency), The Hive Management (London), Tigers Management (Munich)

— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
That I am the oldest of 9 siblings!

— What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
So I come from a religious family, but ever since I was a kid, I’ve always felt like the black sheep. I never fit in the way they wanted me to be. I was creative, wasn’t good at school, and wanted to travel. Which sounds like it should be possible for anyone, but for me, being the oldest woman in my family, I had to set a good example to the rest of the family and not bring shame in any way. When I first started modeling, I did it in secret. I knew it wouldn’t be accepted. But they eventually found out and didn’t want me to do it anymore, and I said that I wouldn’t. Then I got the amazing opportunity to do a cover story for L’Officiel Levant in Beirut, and I knew they would never give me permission to go, so I just went. I was away for 4-5 days, and when I came back, they were mad and wanted me out of their house. I could’ve said sorry and promised not to do it again, but I was so tired of living a double life. I wanted to choose myself and find out who I am. So when I left, I stayed gone with nothing in my pockets and built a life for myself. And honestly, it was, to this day, the best decision I ever made. I am the first woman in my family to do what I am doing. Living on my own, not compelled to be married, I get to choose what I want to do in my life. So the scariest thing I’ve ever done is the greatest thing I’ve done, too.

— Share a bit about your background and upbringing.
I was born in Pakistan; when I was 3, we moved to England, lived there for 10 years, and then moved back to Pakistan for 3.5 years. We moved to Holland when I was nearly 17, and it’s been 14 years living here. I’ve been traveling a lot since a baby, and I think because of that, I have this itch in me when I’m sitting too long in one place.

Who:
Alexi Athanasiadis — @alexandrosathanasiadis_ — Australian from Adelaide, Australia — born July 2nd — 187 cm / 6’1.5″ — he/him.

Where:
FiveTwenty Model Management (Sydney), Kult Stockholm (mother agency), Special Management (Milan)

— Share a bit about your background and upbringing.
I was born in Adelaide, and I have lived here my whole life. My mum is Serbian, and my dad is Greek, and they have always argued whether I look more Greek or Slavic. I have always been very active, playing both soccer and tennis when I was younger.

— If you were to choose a song that symbolizes this current phase of your life, what would it be and why?
Where This Flowers Blooms by Tyler, The Creator. This song is about self-discovery and growth. I find that I am at a point in life where I am always changing, learning about myself, and trying to become someone I am happy to be.

— Tell us about your hometown.
My home town is Adelaide, South Australia, one of the smaller cities in Australia. Being a small city, it can get quite boring. Our nightlife isn’t great, and most of our shops are closed by about 5 pm. We do have good food and coffee, and our wine is even better. Our beaches are some of the best in Australia, and our hills are also very scenic.

Who:
Ayush Sharma — @ayushh.sharrmaa — Indian from Mumbai, India — born May 27th — 187 cm / 6’1.5″ — he/him.

Where:
Anon Models (Mumbai – mother agency), Premium Models (Paris), I Love Models Management (Milan)

— What’s a story your family/friends like to tell about you?
My family likes to tell the one story about everyone: how I got separated from the crowd during a festival and was found after hours playing with cats. It was a memory for a lifetime!

— Tell us about your hometown.
My hometown is Varanasi, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The best thing about it is the cultural richness. It makes me feel close to nature.

— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
I have a profound interest in astronomy. Learning more about the universe is one thing which I am always open to.

Who:
Fia Pawlinska — @zosiasophia — Polish from Warsaw, Poland — born October 13th — 177 cm / 5’9.5″ — she/her.

Where:
The Face (Paris), AS MANAGEMENT (Warsaw – mother agency), Independent Model Management (Milan), Muse Management (New York)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. I’m a painter and jewelry maker.
2. I’m also a tattoo artist.
3. My dream is to make movies in the future!

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
One of my favorite movies is Paris, Texas, by Wim Wenders. This film is very unconventional. It presents a story that seems absurd at first glance, but as the action unfolds, it turns out to be very universal. It is a story about love, about the human psyche, and about parenthood. Beautiful scenes, great acting, and a great soundtrack. There’s much more to speak about.

— What’s a story your family/friends like to tell about you?
My friends and family know that I always have to twist the words in various sayings and metaphors. Once someone figures out what I mean, it creates funny new aphorisms that we later joke with.

Who:
Ikko Ohira — @__ikko15 — Japanese from Tokyo, Japan — born January 30th — 186 cm / 6’1″ — he/him.

Where:
BE NATURAL (Tokyo – mother agency)

— How did you become a model?
I sent an email to an agency, went for an interview, and got signed. That’s how I became a model—no freelance stuff or anything like that. I heard that being scouted was the best way to become a model, so I walked around Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for hours, hoping to get noticed, but it didn’t work at all.

— The most interesting thing about your family:
After I became a model, I found out that my dad also did a little modeling back in the day, which was a total shock.

— If money wasn’t an obstacle, what would you be doing with your life?
I’d eat Haagen-Dazs every day.

Who:
Tong Pen — @ — Chinese from Chengdu, China — born May 3rd — 177 cm / 5’9.5″ — she/her.

Where:
BON Model Management (mother agency)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. When I’m drunk, I love singing Justin Bieber songs.
2. I really enjoy eating, and I used to never wake up before noon. Now, I get up early just so I can eat three meals a day.
3. Watching a lot of anime has made me pick up some Japanese catchphrases.

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
The British show Skins. It captures the chaotic, dramatic confusion of youth. It’s all about searching for meaning, trying to stand out, and then suddenly becoming an adult as if none of it ever happened. The second season finale, where pink fireworks explode during Chris’ funeral, is so romantic to me, especially as someone who values friendship above everything.

— What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
I threw firecrackers into a septic tank.