interview

Name:
Brionka Halbert

Agency:
Next New York (New York)

Age:
17

Height:
5’10”

Instagram:
@brionkahalbert

Place of Origin:
Peach born (Georgia) and Paradise bred (British Virgin Islands).

Ethnic Origin:
West Indian

Birthsign:
Capricorn

How discovered:
On my journey to seek more opportunities I attended high school in Florida where I was scouted by a security guard named “Lysa.” She said that I shouldn’t be playing basketball and insisted that I meet a lady at the front desk who dealt with mother agencies. From there I got signed with NEXT Miami and wanted more out of my newly found DREAM. As a new graduate my mom and I left on the next flight to NY. On the day we landed I got signed by NEXT, which was on the top of my list of agencies.

Favorite things:
Music is the essence of life to me so I don’t think I could ever live without it, it’s what I use to wake me up in the morning and go to sleep at night. I enjoy spending time with my family. When everyone’s in one place, that’s when I’m the happiest.

What are you listening to at the moment?
The poetic excellence of Tupac has always inspired me, from the way he presented himself to his intelligence of different problems that he faced in the black community. That’s why he’ll always be my favorite artist of all time. The “young bulls” – Kodak Black, Lil Uzi, Lil Yachty, Chloe X Hollie, 21 Savage, playboicarti, Stormzy, Desiigner etc. And of course the greats – Beyonce, Kanye, Chance the Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Future, Young Thug, Popcaan, Travis Scott, etc.

Favorite movie, tv show:
The basketball romance shared between Quincy McCall and Monica Wright always softens my heart every time I watch it.

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang are two of my favorite shows because they always pick the most edgy/cool girls. Chanel and Marc Jacobs are my favorite fragrances; I’ve finished many of their latest bottles. I use St. Ives scrub before I go to bed to make sure that I have a clean face from running around the city all day. To create my signature look with my Bantu knots I use Au Naturale or Miss Jessie’s and Edge Control.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
I was never known to be an academic junky, but I still got good grades in school. I think I would like to have a career that I wouldn’t dread having to go to everyday. I have a passionate love affair with FOOD so logically thinking I would probably be a chef.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
Food Network interests me if I’m not watching Netflix or Hulu.

Favorite modeling experience so far?
I try to leave an impression on every photographer or client I work with to make every shoot memorable in it’s own way.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
Nature’s Little Secrets are known to have the best beaches throughout the world. I’m from Tortola but I love spending time in Virgin Gorda at “The Baths.” Our culture and vibe as a people makes me proud to be from the British Virgin Islands.

Which brand would you really love to model for?
I admire veterans like Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Prada, and Coach as well as young talented designers such as Off-White. My feet live in Fenty creepers, I swear I have every pair. My “island gyal” Rihanna is a huge inspiration to me and I also find her prices to be my type of style.

Place you would love to visit:
Dubai is definitely on my bucket list. I’ve always wanted to go skydiving there or Africa to help kids in need.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
I currently can’t wait for Sunday to see the new episode of “Power” after binge watching Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, the Boondocks, Rick and Morty and Bob’s Burgers.