Dhruv

Who:
Dhruv Makwana (@dhruvvvmakwana) — 186 cm / 6’1″ — Indian from Mumbai, India — born October 10th — he/him.

Where:
Anon Models (Mumbai – mother agency), Wonderwall Management (Milan), Fifth Models (Barcelona), PMA (Hamburg)

— An issue or cause you are passionate about:
I am passionate about mental health awareness. It’s important to create a society where people feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking help without fear of judgment.

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. I’m very extroverted and get along with everyone. People like to spend time with me because I’m funny, entertaining, and free-spirited.
2. I’m a huge fan of adventure sports. I have tried activities like bungee jumping, ziplining, and scuba diving, which have helped me conquer my fears.
3. My love for animals is beyond anything, especially stray animals that don’t get enough love and care. I believe everyone needs love and affection.

— How did you become a model?
I wanted to become a model since I was 15. I always used to see other models and learn a few things. One random day, my friend introduced me to Anon Models, so I was waiting for the right time, and I took the shot. That’s how I became a model.

Dominik

Who:
Dominik Datko (@datkodominik) — 188 cm / 6’2″ — Polish from Pszów, Poland — born July 25th — he/him.

Where:
Uncover Models (Warsaw), IMG New York, IMG Paris, IMG Milano, IMG London, View Management (Barcelona), MINT Artist Management (Berlin)

— If you were to choose a song that symbolizes this current phase of your life, what would it be and why?
The song that symbolizes my current phase of my life is “Linger” by The Cranberries. I think the song just talks about letting things go and to keep living your life.

— What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
The scariest thing I’ve ever done was definitely bungee jump.

— How did you become a model?
I get scouted by my agency one day on Instagram. At that time I thought it was a scam.

Fardowza

Who:
Fardowza Mohamed Aden (@adenfardowza) — 174 cm / 5’8.5″ — Belgian/Somali from Kortrijk, Belgium — born December 24th — she/her.

Where:
Dominique Models (Brussels – mother agency)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. I traveled for 6 months straight without a clue where I would go next.
2. I was on Belgium’s Next Top Model
3. I did a small internship in a tattoo shop and tattooed over 30 people.

— Share a bit about your background and upbringing.
I was born in Kortrijk, Belgium, but my ethnicity is Somali. I was raised in a Muslim household while also growing up in a Western culture. My mom taught us our mother language, Somali. She felt it was very important for us not to lose our ethnicity or religion. On the weekends, we would only talk in Somali and participate in Islamic classes. While in school, we would sing Christmas songs and talk Dutch. I’m grateful for learning both cultures and religions.

— If money wasn’t an obstacle, what would you be doing with your life?
I would live on a farm, have too many dogs, and swim and lay in the sun all day.

Volodymyr

Who:
Volodymyr Havryliuk (@vova _qm) — 187 cm / 6’1.5″ — Ukrainian from Tulchyn, Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine — born July 27th — he/him.

Where:
United for Models (Warsaw – mother agency)

— Tell us about your hometown.
I was born and lived in a small town in Ukraine where almost everyone knew everyone. Because of that, there was a lot of different gossip, and often, people judged each other. However, because the town was small, it was also very easy to find really good friends.

— What’s a story your family/friends like to tell about you?
My family always likes to tell the story of how, as a child, I would walk in my sleep, constantly try to go outside, and have to be put back in bed almost every night.

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
I have loved all the Harry Potter movies since childhood. I have watched the movies several times and reread the books many times. I like that when watching or reading, you get into an unforgettable magical world with an incredible atmosphere, and you can’t tear yourself away from this movie/book.

Wilda

Who:
Wilda Rubin (@wiildarubin) — 178 cm / 5’10” — Swedish from Barseback, Sweden — born June 19th — she/her.

Where:
Avenue Modeller (Gothenburg), ONE Management (New York), Tank Agency (Milan), ONE Management (Barcelona)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. I played handball in the European Championships last year.
2. I love tartar and eat it at least once a week, and the same with cold baths.
3. Always open to new adventures.

— Tell us about your hometown.
I live in a lovely small fishing village by the sea, Barseback Harbour. The best thing about it is, of course, the sea, the nature and the calmness. This is where I charge my batteries, and I love the serenity and connection with nature. The worst part is that everything is so far away; friends, the gym and grocery store. The only things here are a restaurant and an ice cream bar, and they are only open over the summer season.

— Can you tell us about your happiest childhood memory?
I have a pink camera that I got from my grandparents when I was 4 years old. I have since taken a lot of photos with it during my lifetime. I basically lost and found it with a 3-year timelapse. The last time I found it was in November, and on the same day, I went to Madrid to shoot ELLE Spain. The first picture in it is with my late grandparents (my BFFs). This is a childhood memory that is still in process, and that’s why it means the most to me.

Yunwei

Who:
Yunwei Zhang (@z.ywei) — 178 cm / 5’10” — Chinese from Chengdu, China — born July 5th — she/her.

Where:
Mostar Models (Shanghai – mother agency)

— How did you become a model?
I spent many years focusing on my studies, completing undergraduate and graduate degrees in finance and data analytics before moving straight into office work after graduation. However, I reached a point where I wanted to explore something new and different, to see what other possibilities life could offer. When you understand that everything in life is temporary, as I learned from Rinpoche’s teachings, you begin to let go of fear. This realization gave me the courage to try modeling and step away from the path I had originally planned, opening myself up to new experiences without being held back by worry.

— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
It’s hard to choose just one thing because everything in my life is interconnected. My family, my cat, my friends, nature, the Earth, and music are all equally important and vital to me. I believe that recognizing this interconnection allows me to embrace the whole, leading to greater freedom and fulfillment. Each element enriches my life and reminds me of the beauty in unity and balance.

— What’s a favorite book/movie/TV show, and why do you love it?
One of my favorite books is “The World is Theater” by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, a Buddhist teacher and filmmaker. The book explains how life is like a play where we take on roles and get attached to them, forgetting that these roles aren’t our true selves. Rinpoche shows how clinging to these roles creates suffering. This book has changed the way I see life. It helped me think differently about problems and challenges and taught me to accept that everything is temporary. It’s been a big source of inspiration for me, making me rethink how I live and understand life.