It would seem that only the coolest kids make it onto the books of New York Model Management, as photographer Eric White so clearly demonstrates in ‘You Can’t Sit With Us’. White shot seven of the Broadway-based agency’s hottest young models, while Schön! went behind the scenes to find out what makes them tick.
AMY GROVES
How would you describe your personal style?
All over the place! Sometimes I dress very bohemian and beach-y, whereas other times I’m in a grungy denim mood and feel like piling on the layers. I throw in a mix of bold prints, 90s trends, and some Tokyo influences as well.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
Old KISS, new Ke$ha, and tonnes of Lana Del Rey. I love upbeat music that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Describe your perfect weekend.
It would involve baking, old horror movies, a shopping trip to an area I’ve never been, and a big dance party with all my friends.
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
I’d love to live in the UK for a while, but Vancouver has a perfect balance of nature and urban environments. I can’t imagine settling down anywhere else.
The theme of Schön!’s latest issue is Cinema. Which film would you give the Oscar to this year and why?
I would love to see Les Misérables win an Oscar. I was cast in a production a few years ago, and that piece stays with you forever once you’re a part of it. It’s brilliant and powerful.
If you were to star in the biopic of someone’s life, whom would you play?
Well, I am the spitting image of Queen Latifah, so I’d definitely be the obvious choice for that!
KRISTY KAUROVA
How would you describe your personal style?
I like mixing futuristic pieces with ethnic, unusual tailoring and accessories that don’t blend in but stand out.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
Right now, I’m listening to the Vanessa Paradis’s song ‘Joe le taxi’. I have been feeling very nostalgic about Paris, and it boosts my French.
Describe your perfect weekend.
Having a late breakfast at this new place called Comebuy. They serve the best bubble tea, the same as in Taipei. Then, I would head uptown to Central Park and enjoy the amazing fall weather, do some squirrel and people watching. Maybe a quick shopping spree at Charlotte Olympia, BCBG or Helmut Lang on Madison Avenue. To finish the day, I would get a 30 minute massage at my favourite spa. On a Sunday it would be nice to rent a car and explore Connecticut or upstate New York.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Between New York, London and LA, depending on the season.
Which film would you give the Oscar to this year?
I think Life Of Pi has great potential to win the Oscar, because it’s quite unusual and a fascinating story about a young guy interacting with an exotic reality. It’s very unique and artistic.
If you were to star in the biopic of someone’s life, whom would you play?
Gia Carangi, an incredible supermodel of the 80s. She has a touching story; her sad life and her remarkable beauty really impress me.
ANASTASIJA K
How would you describe your personal style?
It’s quite casual, but I like to experiment with colours, like blue or red jeans, or maybe wear something shiny.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I’m really into house music at the moment. I got the Aeroplane album and just can’t stop listening.
Describe your perfect weekend.
I love activities, so if I’m not working, it would be going somewhere out of the city to enjoy nature.
If you were to star in the biopic of someone’s life, whom would you play?
Audrey Hepburn – she was the woman everyone wanted to be. She was beautiful, successful and smart and had an exciting life.
JOSEPH FERNS
How would you describe your personal style?
My personnel style is just quite scruffy. I pretty much just have loads of white t-shirts with prints I like.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I have been playing The Drums and Blizzards EP, but I’m looking forward to Kendrick Lamar’s album.
Describe your perfect weekend.
A lazy Saturday watching football with friends. Then going to a warehouse party that night and dancing until Sunday.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
New York City has been my favourite place I have stayed so far, so probably there.
Which film would you give the Oscar to this year?
I think Killing Me Softly or Lawless. Both are such good movies.
If you were to star in the biopic of someone’s life, whom would you play?
If I could choose it would have to be Noel Gallagher. It’s a shame I can’t sing like him, though!
CRIS URENA
How would you describe your personal style?
I have a pretty consistent wardrobe, but I go for comfort. It really just depends on my mood.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I love music. I’m listening to Frank Ocean, Emeli Sandé and Caribbean music at the moment.
Describe your perfect weekend.
Lying on the beach in the sun, listening to the waves crashing. Relaxation is what matters.
If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
New York City, of course. I haven’t found another place I can live yet.
Which film would you give the Oscar to this year?
I really need to catch up on films. All I watch are aeroplane movies.
If you were to star in the biopic of someone’s life, whom would you play?
Elizabeth Taylor, because of her beauty, grace and strength. She’s so fun, scandalous and glam in movies.
FRANZISKA FRANK
How would you describe your personal style?
In my free time I like wearing jeans and a comfy sweater, nothing spectacular. I think skinny jeans with a simple shirt and blazer work well for any occasion.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I like house and electronica music when I’m going out dancing or for a run. But I also listen to classical and music in the charts – a good mix of everything.
Describe your perfect weekend.
I like going running, so my perfect weekend is sunny. I’ll have a healthy breakfast and my boyfriend and I will take the dog for a walk in the park or in the woods. I like to relax and calm down away from modelling if I have some time off.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
I would live in Hamburg. It’s my home town where my heart will always be.
Which film would you give the Oscar to this year?
A Single Man by Tom Ford is my favourite film ever and definitely worthy of an Oscar.
If you were to star in the biopic of someone’s life, whom would you play?
I would play my grandmother. She had many ups and downs in her life, like when she was fleeing Germany and moving to Croatia during in the war. I think her life would make a gripping movie, and bring me much closer to her past.
SATOSHI TODA
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is simple. If I were to describe it as a colour, it could be black. Black doesn’t mix with other colours, and if it does, it still would stay black. It means that I keep my life very simple, like the colour black. I wouldn’t pretend to be somebody that inspires people. I just like to be myself.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I’m a fan of the Back Street Boys. It reminds me of my mother. I haven’t spent time with her since I left for the US, over eight years ago. I miss her, but she is always supportive of what I do. She always encourages me even when she is far away.
Describe your perfect weekend.
It would be taking Hip-Hop dance classes all day and then going to a hot spring and sauna to relax.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
California. I would love to live by the beach. I lived by the beach in Japan, and I miss it. I always go to the beach when I want to think about things in my life.
Which film would you give the Oscar to this year and why?
It would be The Dark Knight Rises. I had never really liked Batman, but I really started to like this series.
If you were to star in the biopic of someone’s life, whom would you play?
Any character in a movie who I would want to be? I would say Harry Potter. It’s my dream to be in a magical world!
Photographer / Eric White
Styling / Nick Alvarez
Creative Direction / Andre Landeros Michel
Hair & Makeup / Ingeborg @ Opus Beauty using Armani Cosmetics
Styling Assistant / Christian Cisneros
All talent courtesy of New York Model Management
