Who:
Ayla Elle — @aylaelle — American from Indiana, USA — born June 6th — 179 cm / 5’10.5″ — she/her.

Where:
Metropolitan / M Management / Makers (Paris)

— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
I have been a preschool teacher for 3 years! It wasn’t something I planned to do; after high school, I was looking for a job, and it kind of found me. Working with 4 and 5-year-olds is such a magical exchange. It’s amazing to see a human grow and begin to understand the world and understand themself.

— Tell us about your hometown.
I grew up right outside of Indianapolis, Indiana, in the US. I was a minority in every space in my hometown, including the home I was raised in. Being one of the first transgender people my high school had seen in person definitely drew a lot of attention I wasn’t ready for at 14. Thankfully I always had at least a small group of girls in my circle fully supporting and loving me. With my girls, I feel invincible.

— Can you tell us about your happiest childhood memory?
When I was 6 years old my mom bought me my first dress. I remember this gold sparkly dress with a big flower on the belt so clearly. This was the first piece of clothing that I truly fell in love with. I would wear the dress with shirts on my head to fulfill my princess fantasy. This is when I understood that fashion is more than just external. It can be a safe haven and a way to escape from a reality that can feel so unwell suited.

Who:
Ben Huggett — @b.enhuggett — British from Bexley, London, UK — born July 7th — 188 cm / 6’2″ — he/him.

Where:
Nevs (London – mother agency)

— If money wasn’t an obstacle, what would you be doing with your life?
As generic as it sounds, I’d love to become fluent in another language. I’ve always enjoyed learning languages, having studied both Russian and German throughout my time at school. I hope to pick these back up after my degree, as well as learning some other languages, possibly French.

— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
I’m currently in my first year of studying Engineering at Cambridge. I find it quite fun to get people to guess my degree when they ask what I study – so far, not one person has guessed correctly! (Allegedly, I look more like I study History or Law, which I’ll take as a compliment). Although I do enjoy the humanities/arts, I’ve always been more drawn to the problem-solving side of Physics and Maths.

— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
Music – I’ll always find time to listen to music at some point in the day, whether passively whilst walking or during my study breaks. I’ve been really into Fiona Apple and Ethel Cain over the last year, but I’m always looking for new artists to appreciate.

Who:
Francesca Armar — @chescadarcey — English/Ghanaian from London, UK — born May 12th — 180 cm / 5’11” — she/her.

Where:
Established Models (London – mother agency), LUV MANAGEMENT (Milan), Ace Models (Athens)

— How did you become a model?
I was scouted when I was 13 on Oxford Street with my sister. A scout chased us down as we were going into Boots with my mum. They wanted to sign both of us, and I remember being so excited. Over the years, I’ve been approached by scouts, usually running to catch me, and it’s always very unexpected for me when I’m walking around or shopping somewhere in London. It always catches me off guard because, deep down, I think I still don’t see myself as a typical model. I sometimes feel tall and a bit awkward inside or a little goofy, but it’s definitely a confidence booster, and I’m very grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way, especially when I hadn’t seen them coming!

— The most interesting thing about your family:
Probably that we are all very musical. My parents were both in bands when they were younger, and they passed down the musical gene to me and my sister. I can play piano and violin. My sister is a singer and guitarist who writes her own songs. I think she’s going to be a big star! I also enjoy singing, but I’m not sure people would enjoy listening.

— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
I’m very creative! I’ve been accepted into Cordwainers LCF to study bag and accessories design starting this September. I’m determined to become a designer, which is why I take modeling seriously. I pay attention to all the details around set design and how things work within the industry. Seeing designers and those in charge gives me a unique perspective on fashion that not many people have access to, and it motivates me to achieve that for myself one day. Art has always been a part of my life and feels like an extension of myself. I love taking inspiration from the fashion world and adding my own twist. Modeling keeps me in the loop with the latest trends, helping me discover my own style. I also look at how shows and shoots are created, learning how to photograph products in the best way, how to accessorize, etc. These lessons are invaluable and help me grow both as a model and, hopefully, as a future designer.

Who:
Jie Gao — @jiegao0809 — Chinese from Shandong, China — born August 9th — 174 cm / 5’8.5″ — she/her.

Where:
Paras Talent Management (Shanghai – mother agency)

— What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
I think what is indispensable in my daily work is iced Americano. It gives me enough energy to work.

— Tell us about your hometown.
I came from Qingdao, Shandong, China. It’s a beautiful coastal city in the east of China. Its greatest advantage is its extensive coastline and beautiful scenery, while its drawback is that it is too humid.

— How did you become a model?
My agency organized the casting in my school. I attended the casting. That’s how I became a model.

Who:
Victoria Reath — @victoriareath_ — South Sudanese-American from Omaha, Nebraska, USA — born March 6th — 177 cm / 5’9.5″ — she/her.

Where:
JAG Models (New York), Principle Thing (mother agency)

— An issue or cause you are passionate about:
One thing I’m very passionate about is community, specifically helping others realize their potential. I love speaking words of encouragement to others. I don’t necessarily enjoy small talk; let’s get personal. I connect with others best by finding out what THEY are truly passionate about by what makes their heartbeat and their eyes light up. I believe everyone is placed on this planet for a reason, big or small. Everyone’s role is important.

— One thing people may be surprised to find out about you:
I’m in the process of looking for a new instrument. People are often surprised to learn that I grew up playing the violin and clarinet in school and the piano in my childhood home.

— How did you become a model?
During my senior year, I was considering joining the modeling industry. Not too long after my graduation, my mother’s agent hit me up on Instagram. The stars aligned, and later that year, I flew to New York and got signed.

Who:
Waël Makki — @waelmakki — Swiss from Lausanne, Switzerland — born June 17th — 188 cm / 6’2″ — he/him.

Where:
Rock Men (Paris), Storm Management (London), The Fashion Composers (Amsterdam)

— What are 3 interesting facts about you?
1. I lost all my stuff in Mexico City and got stranded for a week – it accidentally turned into the best vacation of my life, filled with spontaneous adventures and kindness from strangers. Highly recommend losing everything!
2. I was the only boy at my ballet school – picture a tiny seven year old twirling among 200 girls. Honestly, I was living life.
3. I once booked a flight just to go on a Hinge date. Some would say it’s a desperate move, I call it dedication.

— The most interesting thing about your family:
I have 6 aunts, 5 uncles, and 23 cousins – and somehow, I’m the only queer in the family. Statistically suspicious, if you ask me…

— What is your biggest irrational fear?
For some reason, I have this completely inexplicable fear of French singers who died tragically. Don’t even try to make sense of it; I can’t either. Claude François haunts my dreams – and showers have never felt fully safe to me.