Catwalk Diaries Issue 11 is here! Discover the models, designers and photographers featured in the latest premium fashion magazine celebrating published talent and creative achievement.

The wait is over! Catwalk Diaries Issue 11 is officially out now, showcasing an exciting collection of fashion talent and creative vision in a premium, professionally produced magazine.

This latest edition celebrates the individuals making their mark in the fashion industry, from emerging models building their portfolios to designers and creative teams bringing bold ideas to life.

Meet the Talent Featured in Issue 11

Issue 11 features an impressive line-up of models, including Victoria Ferreira, Lauren Smith, Cerise Aaliyah, Gerda Bankauskaite and Raquel Marmello.

The edition also shines a spotlight on DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE, designer Brovarna, and Marse Academy of Fashion & Arts, highlighting the creativity and diversity that make the fashion world so exciting.

Special recognition goes to spotlight models Eunice Lo and Kezia Knights, alongside the exciting FLAME INTERNATIONAL 2026 event, adding another highlight to this celebratory edition.

From Aspiring Model to Published Talent

One of the most exciting aspects of Catwalk Diaries Issue 11 is what publication represents for the models involved.

Every model featured in this issue is now a published model.

Having work featured in a professionally produced magazine is a milestone worth celebrating. It gives models a tangible achievement to share, a publication to showcase and an additional feature to consider including in their modelling portfolios.

For aspiring models, publication can be an exciting step in their creative journey. For established talent, it is another opportunity to celebrate their work and expand their professional presence.

At Catwalk Diaries, every page is an opportunity to recognise the people, passion and creativity shaping the next generation of fashion.

Celebrating the Photographers Behind the Lens

Behind every striking fashion image is a creative eye that helps bring the vision to life. We would like to extend a special thank you to the talented photographers whose work contributes to this edition.

Our photography credits include:

• @TheCreativeFoxPhotos
• Gabriel Riccieri — @griccieriph
• Aravind Mohan — @aravind._.mohan
• Vanjovanz — Vanjovanz Photography (@vanjovanz)
• @red_bird_photos
• Calvin CC — @cal_the_pixel

Your creativity, dedication and talent help transform fashion concepts into compelling visual stories. Thank you for being part of the Catwalk Diaries journey.

A Premium Fashion Magazine Experience

Issue 11 has been created to offer more than just beautiful imagery. With stunning full-gloss covers and premium 115gsm silk-coated paper, this edition brings a polished, high-quality finish to the pages and the talent within them.

Whether you’re a featured model, an aspiring creative, a fashion enthusiast or simply someone who loves discovering fresh talent, Catwalk Diaries Issue 11 offers an opportunity to explore the people and ideas contributing to today’s fashion landscape.

Get Your Copy of Catwalk Diaries Issue 11

Don’t miss the opportunity to own this limited-edition release and celebrate the incredible talent featured inside.

Catwalk Diaries Issue 11

• Price: £18.99 + postage and packaging
• Format: Premium printed magazine
• Availability: Limited-edition release

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By Sanj Saigal

Blending Tudor history with a futuristic set, the production sees Bekker portray a powerful Empress haunted by echoes of her past life as Bloody Mary Tudor. 

Let’s set the scene: The Water Rats, Camden, next to King’s Cross – where better to see a show about a future galactic Empress? From Malcolm Roding (Your Melody, a musical performed for the Camden Fringe), comes a supremely self-confident Queen haunted by the mistakes she made in her infamous past life.

But let’s hear it from Josée Bekker, the star. In her latest role in Empress Bloody Mary, Josée dives headfirst into the tortured mind of a galactic Empress driven by memories of her long ago incarnation. Yes, it’s as complex as it is juicy.

Josée Bekker – Becoming the Queen

Josée Bekker is performing her first solo show. She’s got to bounce between authority, cruelty, heartbreak, and all the messy stuff in between, bringing a character to life who’s as tormented as she is powerful. The play is 8000 words and four songs, not to mention the challenge of holding an audience entirely by herself for over an hour. A challenge for sure, but nothing is too big.

Physical Storytelling

Being a triple threat across acting, mezzo-soprano vocals and dance, Josée communicates the Empress’ bloody yet reflective mind across a range of classical music pieces with new, expressive lyrics. And she takes on the physicality of the role with gusto.

What really stands out about Empress Bloody Mary is the storytelling. A single person speaking to the audience for an hour might not sound the most captivating way to spend Sunday night, but the writing and Josée’s range pull it off. Fans of Fleabag, Prima Facie, and other acclaimed one-person shows will experience the familiar yet excitingly original in her portrayal.

Josée Bekker – Interview

Josée Bekker talks to Networking Magazine about stepping into the world of Empress Bloody Mary and the powerful themes she hopes will resonate with audiences.

First Reaction

Taking on a role of this scale requires enormous stamina and commitment. What was your first reaction when you were offered the part of the Empress, and what made you want to take on such a demanding one-woman show?

My agent sent me the script and a brief synopsis. The language and the depth of the character is what drew me in. It’s a whole different universe which was interesting to me.

I sent in a self-tape then discussed it with Malcolm over a long chat about how I see the character and where I wanted to take the role. It’s a bigger demand than I’ve put myself through before, but what’s life if you’re not growing and challenging yourself?

Past Life

The character is haunted by echoes of her past life as Bloody Mary Tudor, while also existing in this completely futuristic, galactic world. How did you approach bringing those two very different worlds together in your performance?

Every person has two sides to them, so you have to imagine that the character of the Empress being so deeply wounded as she is, had two very contrasting sides to her. I imagine in her mind she’s constantly battling with them both and in the end neither of the good or bad win… or do they? I won’t say.

Contrast

There’s a fascinating contrast between the Empress’s power and the vulnerability beneath it. How do you balance portraying her as a commanding, sometimes cruel figure with still allowing the audience to connect with her emotional side?

Yes, that’s what drew me to her the most. You’ll see her in her robes and crown, sitting majestically on her throne, ordering millions more soldiers to the war she’s launched, very confident and Queen-like.

And then that’s stripped away – she’s physically and emotionally totally exposed, totally vulnerable.

Josée Bekker – Disciplines

Your background spans musical theatre, acting and contemporary dance, giving you a particularly broad performance toolkit. How have those disciplines shaped your approach to a character who relies so heavily on voice, movement, and physical storytelling?

So I haven’t always been so out there. I was actually quite shy; my mum sent me to theatre lessons precisely to get me out of my shell. And I loved it, I really learnt to let go!

I’ve done film work too and that’s a more naturalistic approach. In the theatre, there’s people on the balcony straining to see. So you’ve got to really beam your words and your body must transmit meaning to them. But there’s something unique about humans being their most expressive selves. It’s quite freeing.

Footlights, LAMDA and UCLan

Coming from Manchester and later establishing yourself in London, you’ve trained with Footlights, LAMDA and UCLan. Looking back, which experiences or mentors have had the biggest impact on the performer you’ve become?

Honestly I’d say what helped me the most is just the experiences from life. Training as an actor is great fun, but truly learning to live as most authentically and wildly as possible is what gives you the ability to tap into any emotion within yourself. Live in full colours! Connect with people, see other people – their lives and stories, you’ll learn from it.

Nowhere To Hide

A one-woman show leaves you with nowhere to hide—you’re responsible for carrying the story, creating the world and holding the audience’s attention throughout. What has been the biggest challenge of performing Empress Bloody Mary alone, and what have you discovered about yourself as an actor through that experience?

This is the first kind of role I’ve done where it is just me completely alone, I have no one to bounce off, there’s no other human on stage to help me so as an actor, it’s really helped me conquer the fear of being alone with a character completely! And doing it justice, because it’s scary to not have any co-star on stage also portraying a character doing a dance with you, this time I’m dancing alone. And it feels quite different and very vulnerable in itself.

Dark Romance, Horror, History and Science Fiction

The play boldly mixes dark romance, horror, history and science fiction. What do you hope audiences take away from Empress Bloody Mary, and what would you love them to be talking about after they leave the theatre?

There’s so many levels. On an intellectual level, it’s ambiguous as to how reliable of a narrator she is and how much of what we’re seeing is truly happening.

So that’s a great discussion to have, I love art with multiple levels of meaning.

But the character, her ultimate self-belief and confidence is unwavering. She fights, she doesn’t win all her fights, but she won’t surrender or give up who she is. Kind of admirable but also sad in a way. Come join her galaxy! You’ll see what I mean.

Credits

Play: @empressbloodymary

Featured Actor: @joseebekker

Stills credit (Including website cover): @caminada.thomas

Writer / Producer: Malcolm Roding @malcolmroding

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Flame International 2026 brought fashion, art, opera, ballet, live music and celebrity glamour during London Fashion Week, transforming St Marylebone Parish Church into a spectacular celebration of international creativity, style and charity.

Designer: @empress_of_the_empires

Organiser: @flamefashionfestival

Creative HMUA team :

@_c_makeup_artist @hairbybholi / @uniquehairandbeauty_ @elegancehairstyles @olgas_hair_stories_ @muabylondon2025 @elegancehairstyles

Models: @katia_valerievna / @empress_of_the_empires / @gerda.bankau

Flame International 2026 brought a whole new vibe to London Fashion Week, mixing fashion, art, live music, and serious star power at St Marylebone Parish Church. With models, artists, celebrities, and an epic charity auction, the night was packed with energy and unforgettable moments—no wonder everyone’s still talking about it.

London Fashion Week always brings its fair share of glamour. But just when you think you’ve seen it all, Flame International turns up and raises the temperature.

Forget the usual fashion crowd. This was fashion with opera, ballet, live music, art, celebrities, VIPs and a charity auction — all unfolding beneath the spectacular arches of St Marylebone Parish Church.

And yes, it was every bit as dramatic as it sounds.

LIGHTS, CAMERA… FLAME!

For its special 2026 edition, Flame International Fashion & Art Festival and Awards transformed one of London’s most beautiful historic venues into a seriously stylish playground. 

Flame International – Guest List

The guest list was just as impressive. British government figures, international dignitaries, fashion personalities and press packed the venue, with VVIPs including MP Virendra Sharma, style icon Philip Sallon, Sir Matthew H Fraser Moat and Peter Scott. International guests included Chicago’s Atoc Guthree Bonnet, adding an extra dose of global glamour to an already starry evening.

This wasn’t your standard runway show.

One minute you were watching high fashion; the next, you were swept up in opera, ballet, or live music. It was theatrical, unpredictable and wonderfully over the top — exactly the sort of thing London does best.

Keeping the evening moving was singer Allis Allen, who proved the perfect host, while opera sensation Oxana Tereshchenko delivered a performance that stopped the room in its tracks.

Then came the wonderfully eclectic Double Twist Trio, joined by the elegant Angela Amann, bringing yet another musical twist to an evening that refused to sit neatly inside one box. And that’s the Flame formula.

“WE OPERATE ON OUR OWN WAVE.

Founder and Executive Producer Yana Flame isn’t interested in following the conventional fashion-event rulebook.

“London always overflows with creative energy during Fashion Week, and Flame International brought its own unique magic to the city,” she told me.

“We operate on our own independent wave — bringing together the most inspiring creative souls from across the globe.”

And you can certainly see that philosophy in action.

Flame International isn’t simply about clothes. It’s about people, performance, creativity and bringing different worlds together — with a healthy dose of glamour thrown in.

There was also a charity auction during the evening, adding a philanthropic edge to all the glitz and fabulousness.

Model: elena_vladyuk

Designer: @empress_of_the_empires

Organiser: @flamefashionfestival

Creative HMUA team:

@_c_makeup_artist @hairbybholi @uniquehairandbeauty_ @elegancehairstyles @olgas_hair_stories_ @muabylondon2025 @elegancehairstyles

BEHIND THE BEAUTY

Of course, when you’re putting on a production this big, the magic doesn’t happen by itself.

Backstage, an army of creatives was working overtime to make sure every look, every hairstyle and every entrance landed perfectly.

A particular mention must go to Ekaterina Mukhafizova, who somehow managed to be both one of the evening’s leading models and a key production coordinator. Alongside her partner and their iconic Black Bullet Boat, she helped navigate the enormous task of bringing the event together.

Then there was the beauty squad.

Liliana Camelia Chitu — @I_c_makeup_artist

Bholi Eugster — @hairbybholi

Elena Katsarova — @elegancehairstyles, responsible for a spectacular sculptural hair piece and creative hair design

Maryam Hameed — @muabylondon2025

Suzan Hamim — @uniquehairandbeauty_

Drisola Kamberi — @olgas_hair_stories_

Zaraha Zee — @Zhairlounge

Between them, they created the polished, camera-ready looks needed for a runway staged in one of London’s most atmospheric venues.

AND THEN CAME THE MODELS…

Let’s talk about the runway. Because whatever else was happening around them, the models had a job to do — and they absolutely delivered.

Confidence? Check.

Presence? In abundance.

International glamour? Absolutely.

They brought their own personalities and energy to the show, helping turn the historic church into an unexpectedly glamorous fashion stage.

And that’s when the evening really came alive.

Designer: @empress_of_the_empires

Organiser: @flamefashionfestival

Creative HMUA team :

@_c_makeup_artist @hairbybholi

@uniquehairandbeauty_ @elegancehairstyles @olgas_hair_stories_ @muabylondon2025 @elegancehairstyles

THE FLAME EFFECT

There’s something rather refreshing about Flame International. In an industry that can sometimes become obsessed with labels, categories and who belongs where, this festival throws the doors wide open.

Fashion meets music.

Art meets performance.

International talent meets London.

And glamour meets charity.

It’s less about fitting into a particular stereotype and more about creating a room where creative people can collide, collaborate and celebrate what they do.

By the end of the night, one thing was clear: Flame International isn’t trying to be another fashion event. It’s building its own universe.

And judging by the buzz surrounding this year’s gala, plenty of people want in.

NEXT STOP: THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY

So, what’s next?

The 9th Anniversary Gala takes place on 21 November, and if this special 2026 edition is anything to go by, it’s one date the fashion crowd may want to circle in red. Because Flame International has already turned up the heat.

Now we’re waiting to see just how high the temperature can go.

“London, consider yourself warned. The Flame is still burning.

Yana Flame was clearly delighted with the calibre of talent taking to the runway, highlighting Gerda Bankauskaite from the UK, Jenna Andrea from the USA, and Estonian stars Tatiana Firsova, Milena Razumova and Sabina Merzojeva.

Atoc Guthree Monet – VIP Guest of Honour

Allis Allen – Singer and the host 

Ekaterina event coordinator and husband Dmytro –  Sponsors Boat

Black Bullet owners 

Yana Flame organiser and husband Gary Raikes

Gerda Bankauskaite- Lead model

Matthew H Fraser – VIP Guest of Honour

Yaldrem Majeed – VIP Guest of Honour

Peter Scott – VIP Guest of Honour

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Meet Brazilian model Raquel Marmello, from Rio de Janeiro to the UK, as she blends elegance, versatility and contemporary style across fashion, beauty and editorial modelling.

Originally from Rio de Janeiro and now calling the UK home, Raquel Marmello is the Brazilian model who effortlessly fuses elegance, femininity and a contemporary edge in every frame.

Her look? Distinctive, yes, but endlessly adaptable—making her the kind of model who simply refuses to be boxed in. Stereotypes may be a fashion cliché, but Raquel’s versatility sweeps past all that with ease.

Designers

Designers are quick to clock Raquel’s appeal: striking facial definition, poise in every glance, those balanced proportions and a versatility that lets the clothes—and the vision—take centre stage. 

Raquel’s route to the runway wasn’t your textbook tale. After a serious spell in marketing and data analytics, she swapped spreadsheets for spotlights and found her calling in fashion’s visual playground. This unique pivot is at the heart of her signature style—creativity grounded by discipline, a tireless work ethic and the sort of eagle-eyed attention to detail that photographers adore.

Raquel Marmello – Portfolio

Since her first booking, Raquel’s built an eclectic portfolio, gracing everything from dreamy bridal editorials to punchy beauty campaigns, chic lifestyle shoots to cutting-edge fashion features. Whatever the brief, she’s drawn to imagery that tells a story—whether it’s soft and classic or bold and boundary-pushing.

Team Effort

For Raquel, modelling is never just about striking a pose. It’s a  team effort—model, photographer, stylist, makeup artist, each adding their contribution to transform a concept into a visual story.

Next up? Raquel’s focused on editorials, pushing the limits of her portfolio and joining forces with creatives. We caught up with Raquel between shoots for a candid conversation about her professional journey, personal experiences and life beyond the camera.

Raquel Marmello – Career

You made the move from marketing and data analytics into modelling—what inspired you to take such a big career leap?

I wouldn’t say I completely moved away from marketing and data analytics, because it’s still a field I really enjoy and want to continue developing in. Modelling actually came into my life quite unexpectedly after I lost my job. It wasn’t something I had been actively pursuing at the time, but opportunities started appearing, and I decided to give it a chance.

Rio de Janeiro

Coming from Rio de Janeiro and now living in the UK, how have both places influenced your identity and personal style?

I would never deny my roots being from Rio de Janeiro is a huge part of who I am, and I think that warmth, confidence and expressive side of my personality will always stay with me. At the same time, living in the UK has influenced me a lot. It has exposed me to different cultures, styles and ways of thinking, which has made me see things from a much broader perspective.

I think my personal style reflects a mix of both places: the confidence and femininity I associate with Brazil, combined with a more diverse and experimental influence from living in the UK.

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Portfolio

Your portfolio spans bridal, beauty, lifestyle and fashion editorials. What type of modelling or creative work feels most exciting to you right now?

I genuinely enjoy all of it, and that variety is actually one of the things I love most about modelling. Every type of shoot brings a different energy and allows me to show a different side of myself. It’s a challenge and a love challenge.

But if I had to choose what excites me most right now, I would probably say fashion and beauty. I really enjoy the creativity behind both  the styling, makeup, concepts and the way a whole team comes together to create a strong visual story. It feels very expressive, and I love seeing how different looks can completely transform the final image.

Vision

What do you think makes a great photograph, and how do you approach bringing a photographer or creative director’s vision to life?

For me, a great photograph comes from a combination of attention to detail, strong communication and creating the right atmosphere. I think it makes a huge difference when the photographer helps the model feel comfortable and relaxed, because that confidence naturally comes through in the images.

I also think understanding the concept is really important. I always try to listen carefully to the photographer or creative director, understand the mood they want to create, and then bring my own expression and movement into it without losing their vision. Small details like posture, facial expression, hands, angles and even the energy you bring can completely change an image.

Versatile

You’re known for being versatile in front of the camera. How do you transform your look and energy to suit completely different briefs?

I see every different brief as a challenge, and that is one of the things I enjoy most about modelling. I love seeing myself in completely different ways and discovering sides of my personality or appearance that I might not normally explore.

For me, adapting starts with understanding the mood, styling and story behind the shoot. I think about the kind of energy the concept needs, whether that is soft and elegant, strong and confident, playful or more dramatic, and then I adjust my expressions, posture and movement around that.

I also try not to be afraid of looking different. Sometimes the most interesting images come from stepping outside your usual comfort zone, so I really enjoy experimenting and allowing the creative team to transform me.

Raquel Marmello – Modelling

What have you learned about yourself since entering the modelling industry that you didn’t expect?

One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I’m much more confident than I thought I was. I’ve always been a very shy person, and I still am in many situations, but when I feel comfortable and I’m in front of the camera, something changes. It almost feels like I become a stronger version of myself. Modelling has taught me to trust myself more, to stop overthinking so much, and to believe that I can do things even when they initially feel outside my comfort zone. I think confidence doesn’t always mean being the loudest person in the room sometimes it’s simply believing in yourself enough to try. That has probably been the biggest surprise for me: discovering that I can be shy and still be expressive, confident and completely present in front of the camera.

Next Chapter

Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for the next chapter of your modelling career, and are there any designers, photographers or publications you would love to work with?

Looking ahead, I’d love to keep growing as a model, building a stronger portfolio and working on more fashion and beauty campaigns, editorials and creative projects.

There are definitely some dream names I would love to work with one day. Vogue would be an incredible publication to be featured in, and brands like Chanel, Prada and Ralph Lauren are huge inspirations for me in fashion. In beauty, I would also love the opportunity to work with a brand like Rare Beauty.

Of course, I know those are big ambitions, but I think it’s important to have goals that excite you. At the same time, I’m also very open to discovering new designers, photographers and creative teams along the way. For me, the next chapter is really about continuing to grow, challenge myself and see how far I can take this journey. But i would say the most important thing is enjoy the process in the meanwhile.

“Fashion lets us become a different version of ourselves for a moment.” – Raquel Marmello

Raquel’s journey from marketing and data analytics to modelling is a great example of how unexpected opportunities can lead to new creative directions. What stands out is her versatility and the thoughtful way she approaches each collaboration, balancing her own identity with the vision of the creative team. Her story of bringing together her Brazilian roots with her experience of living in the UK adds another interesting dimension to her work. Certainly a career to watch as she continues to explore fashion, beauty and editorial work.

Credits

Publication Catwalk Diaries edition 11

Model Raquel Marmello @raquelmarmello

Editorial photography by Steve Fox / @TheCreativeFoxPhotos

Back cover photography by: Aravind Mohan @aravind._.mohan

Makeup by: Makeup By Milena @makeup.by.milena

Guest Instagram: @raquelmarmello

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London Fashion Week captures the city’s rebellious spirit, where tradition meets cutting-edge style. Discover how British fashion’s originality continues to inspire the world.

London has always had a reputation for doing fashion its own way. From Savile Row tailoring to the punk scene, Carnaby Street and the King’s Road, British style has never been especially interested in playing by the rules. As a Londoner, I’ve always noticed how the city’s cosmopolitan and edgy street style shapes the wider fashion industry.

But when did London actually become home to one of the world’s biggest fashion weeks?

The answer is 1984, and although that year doesn’t scare me in principle, it was 42 years ago! 

That was the year the first official London Fashion Week took place, organised by the newly formed British Fashion Council. The aim was simple: to offer British designers a genuine platform to showcase their work to buyers, journalists and the broader fashion industry, both at home and abroad. The basic concept remains, but it has evolved, growing in scale and appeal.

“London Fashion Week is about setting trends, not following them.” — Caroline Rush, Chief Executive, British Fashion Council

And where better to kick things off than London, after all, it holds its own alongside Paris and Milan. 

The inaugural shows were held at the Commonwealth Institute in Kensington, featuring designers such as John Galliano, Jasper Conran and Betty Jackson. Compared with the well-established fashion weeks in Paris and Milan, London’s event felt younger, fresher and delightfully unpredictable.

That slightly rebellious spirit became part of London’s fashion identity.

Of course, British fashion did not emerge overnight in 1984. The groundwork was laid decades before. Mary Quant helped define the look of 1960s youth culture, while Vivienne Westwood injected punk’s rebellious attitude into fashion. Designers like Zandra Rhodes also proved that British fashion could be vibrant, unconventional and wholly original.

By the early 1980s, a new generation of designers was ready to push things even further.

The British Fashion Council, set up in 1983, played a crucial role in uniting the industry. Its mission was to promote British fashion and help designers gain recognition far beyond the UK. London Fashion Week quickly gave them the perfect stage to do just that.

And London quickly developed a reputation for being the slightly wild card of the major fashion capitals.

Paris had its haute couture heritage. Milan was known for its strong links to Italian manufacturing and luxury. London? London was where you went to see what was new.

That reputation only grew over the years. Designers such as Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Hussein Chalayan and Christopher Kane all became part of the story, helping establish London as a place where designers could experiment and take risks.

That’s what continues to make London Fashion Week feel so uniquely London. It remains edgy, encouraging designers to be unconventional and bold—not just in design, but also in the colours and fabrics that tell a story, rather than simply creating garments.

It has never had one signature look. Instead, it’s always been about different worlds colliding: traditional tailoring meets streetwear, old-school British style clashes with youth culture, and polished luxury sits alongside something a little offbeat striding down the catwalk.

The event itself has changed enormously since 1984. The venues have changed, the technology has changed, and fashion week has become much more than a series of runway shows. Social media, celebrities, music, photography and digital content are now all part of the spectacle.

It welcomes emerging talent from both home and abroad, encouraging anyone with a passion for fashion to take part. I can vouch for that—my own contribution to the scene is very much in that spirit.

But the basic idea hasn’t really changed.

London Fashion Week was created to give British designers a bigger stage — and it ended up helping define London as one of the world’s great fashion cities.

So, while the official event began in 1984, London’s fashion story stretches much further back. It’s a tale of designers who dared to experiment, a city that has always championed individuality, and a fashion scene that has never much cared for convention.

And, really, that’s probably exactly how London Fashion Week should be.

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Meet London-based model and fashion influencer Gerda Bankauskaite, whose journey spans runway, beauty, editorial and digital fashion. From London and Paris Fashion Week to major brand collaborations, Gerda is making her mark with elegance, confidence and versatility.

Gerda Bankauskaite has an effortless elegance — the kind that feels equally at home under runway lights, in front of an editorial camera, or in the fast-moving world of fashion content.

London-based model, fashion influencer, and content creator Gerda has built a career that moves fluidly between fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and digital storytelling. Her journey began with modelling during her teenage years before she returned to the industry in the UK in 2021, bringing with her a refined sense of style and a genuine instinct for creative expression.

Designer Yana Flame Queen Couture @empress_of_the_empires
Creative Team
Head Leaders HMUA Liliana Camelia Chitu @I_c_makeup_artist
Bholi Eugster @hairbybholi
Sculptural hair piece and creative hair design by Elena Katsarova @elegancehairstyles
Maryam Hameed
Makeup artist @muabylondon2025
Suzan Hamim @uniquehairandbeauty_
Hairstylist Drisola Kamberi @olgas_hair_stories_
Zaraha Zee @Zhairlounge

Since then, Gerda has stepped onto the stages of London Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, while developing a portfolio spanning commercial, editorial, beauty, lifestyle and runway work. In 2025, she received a Fashion Week award, followed by a nomination for the 2026 National Social Media Award — recognition that reflects her growing presence both on and beyond the runway.

Her collaborations have included internationally recognised fashion and lifestyle names such as SHEIN, PrettyLittleThing, Freddy Jeans and Pure Seoul, alongside a growing list of creative partnerships.

Bridal Look

A particularly memorable chapter came in 2026, when Gerda collaborated for the first time with the Flame International Fashion & Art Festival, where she was selected to present one of the festival’s standout bridal looks. She recalls being especially drawn to the exquisite quality of the collections and the sense of elegance woven through the entire production — from the designs themselves to the way the event was brought to life.

On the runway, Gerda is recognised for her confident walk, expressive presence and versatility. She can move effortlessly from polished commercial beauty to sophisticated editorial glamour, bringing a distinctive energy to each look. Behind the scenes, her professionalism and warm, collaborative personality make her a natural presence within creative teams.

International Perspective

With Lithuanian and Ukrainian heritage, and fluency in English, Lithuanian and Russian, Gerda brings an inherently international perspective to her work. Her interests in fashion, fitness and travel extend naturally into her digital presence, where modelling and storytelling meet to create a contemporary fashion identity.

For Gerda, fashion is ultimately about more than clothes. It is about confidence, femininity, transformation and the freedom to express different sides of yourself. As she continues to expand her work across fashion, beauty, lifestyle and content creation with Sintillate Talent, she is embracing an increasingly visible role in a new generation of models — one that understands both the power of the image and the influence of the story behind it.

Gerda Bankauskaite – Interview 

From teenage beginnings to Fashion Week runways

Gerda, you first discovered modelling as a teenager, then returned to the industry in the UK in 2021 — and have since found yourself at both London and Paris Fashion Week.

What changed for you when you came back to modelling, and what do you think you understand about yourself now that you didn’t as a teenager?

When I returned to modelling in 2022, the industry felt more inclusive and versatile. There were more opportunities for different looks, shapes and personalities, and social media had opened up new ways to build a career.

I’ve also grown in confidence. As a teenager, I was more influenced by public opinion and other people’s experiences. Now I understand that everyone’s journey is different. I trust my instincts and abilities more, and I don’t let someone else’s doubts decide what I can achieve.

Gerda Bankauskaite – The woman behind the image

Fashion often presents an almost impossibly polished version of femininity, while the reality of building a career in front of the camera can be very different.

Gerda, what do confidence and femininity mean to you personally, and how has modelling changed the way you see yourself?

To me, confidence isn’t about feeling perfect or never having doubts. It’s about trusting myself, showing up as I am and not letting other people’s opinions define my worth. Femininity is personal; it can be soft, strong, elegant or bold. It doesn’t have to fit one image or standard.

Modelling has helped me see myself in different ways and appreciate what makes me individual. It’s taught me that I don’t need to become someone else to belong in front of the camera. I can bring my own personality and presence to it, and that’s what makes the work feel like me.

When the dress becomes the moment

In 2026, you were selected to present one of the standout bridal looks at the Flame International Fashion & Art Festival—an experience that left a lasting impression on you.

What about that collection and that moment on the runway made it memorable for you, and how did you feel stepping out in the final look?

What made it memorable was how unique and beautiful all the looks were. I enjoyed the whole collection, and being selected to present one of the main bridal looks made the experience especially special. Stepping onto the runway in the final look, I felt confident and elegant. It was a real pleasure and honour to bring such a beautiful design to life.

Beyond the runway

Today’s models are no longer simply faces on a campaign or figures on a catwalk — social media has transformed the way they communicate their style, personality and personal brand.

How do you balance being a model with being a content creator, and how much of the woman we see online is the real Gerda?

In today’s fast-moving, digital world, being able to balance different roles has become almost a necessity. Modelling and content creation work well together for me: I enjoy being in front of the camera and showing different sides of myself in different settings.

I try to be as genuine online as I am in real life, but I also value having parts of my life that belong just to me and the people closest to me. What you see online is the real Gerda, just not every part of her.

Looking ahead, with ambition in focus

With Fashion Week appearances, brand collaborations, award recognition and a growing digital presence already behind you, there is clearly another chapter waiting to unfold.

If we were to meet Gerda five years from now, what would you love her to have achieved — and what kind of legacy would you like to leave in fashion?

Honestly, I don’t have a strict five-year checklist. I’d love to keep modelling, build a body of work I’m proud of and collaborate with designers and brands whose work genuinely feels like me.

If there’s a legacy I’d like to leave, it’s showing that there isn’t one timeline or one mould you have to fit to belong in fashion. Returning to modelling as an adult has reminded me that you can come back to something you love and make it your own. If that encourages someone else to give themselves a chance, I’d be happy with that.

Credits

Instagram: @gerda.bankau

Website cover photography:  Aušrinė © – @ausrineku_foto

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Victoria Ferreira is a London-based international model whose career is shaped by fashion, creativity and self-expression. With work spanning Vogue, Marie Claire, Dior, Bvlgari and Magnum, she is now exploring her artistic ambitions beyond modelling while staying true to her Brazilian roots and belief in individuality.

There is something particularly interesting about models whose careers extend beyond simply being in front of the camera. Victoria Ferreira is one of them. London-based and internationally represented, Victoria has spent the past seven to eight years building a career across fashion, editorial, commercial, runway, e-commerce and lookbook work — but it is her relationship with creativity and self-expression that perhaps offers the most compelling insight into the woman behind the images.

Victoria’s journey into modelling began in 2018, following a modelling convention and scouting event where several agencies expressed an interest in representing her. Like many aspiring models, however, the reality of entering the industry quickly became apparent. With the initial costs proving difficult to manage, Victoria was prepared to walk away before her career had really begun. Her mother, however, saw something worth pursuing and stepped in to support her financially. It is a moment Victoria still considers fundamental to her story. Without her mother’s belief in her, she says, she may not be where she is today.

Victoria Ferreira – Brands

Since then, the career has developed considerably. Victoria has appeared in editorials for Vogue and Marie Claire, worked on fine-jewellery editorials featuring names including Dior and Bvlgari, and taken on commercial work for Magnum ice cream. Her portfolio reflects the breadth of modern modelling, but there is a particular type of work where she appears most at home: productions where fashion becomes something more than clothing.

Victoria is drawn to shoots that involve acting, character and storytelling. Give her an imaginative concept, bold hair, colourful makeup and an atmosphere to inhabit, and she sees an opportunity to become part of the creative narrative rather than simply pose for the camera. She particularly enjoys working with directors who establish the mood while allowing her the freedom to interpret it in her own way.

Creative Instinct

That creative instinct is perhaps unsurprising given her background. Art has always been part of Victoria’s life. Creativity runs through her family, with relatives involved in music, while Victoria herself paints and draws and is now looking towards sculpture as another form of expression. In Brazil, she is also developing her own art studio — a personal project that reflects her desire to maintain a connection with home while continuing to explore her artistic side.

For Victoria, modelling and art are not separate worlds. Both offer ways of communicating identity, emotion and individuality.

Individuality

That idea of individuality is central to the way she approaches life. Victoria has a strong belief in personal freedom and authenticity — the idea that people should be able to dress as they choose, express themselves as they wish and follow their own path without judgment or repression, provided their choices cause no harm to others.

It is a philosophy that feels particularly relevant to fashion, an industry that has long existed at the intersection of identity and self-expression. For Victoria, fashion is not simply about following a particular aesthetic. It is about having the freedom to explore different versions of yourself.

Victoria Ferreira – Management

Today, Victoria is based in London, a city she has chosen as her main global hub because of its international position and flexibility for travel. Her international career is managed by Ming Management in São Paulo, her mother agency, which places her with agencies around the world, while she is represented in London by Body London.

With an established modelling career behind her and an increasingly important artistic dimension developing alongside it, Victoria Ferreira is entering an interesting stage of her journey. Fashion remains a central part of her world, but it is clear that her ambitions extend beyond the traditional boundaries of modelling.

For Victoria, the camera is only one part of the creative process. The bigger picture is about art, character, individuality and the freedom to create something that feels genuinely her own.

The moment everything changed

You’ve said that your modelling journey could have ended before it really began, had it not been for your mother stepping in and believing in you. Looking back now, what does that moment mean to you, and what do you think your younger self would make of the career you’ve built? 

Looking back, that moment means everything to me. It wasn’t just about paying a fee—it was a turning point, a moment when someone truly believed in my potential, even when I couldn’t see it myself. My mother’s faith in me didn’t just open a door; it changed the entire course of my life, allowing me to step into opportunities I might never have imagined.

If my younger self could see me now—working internationally, living in London, and collaborating with the brands I once dreamed about—she would be completely amazed. I think she’d be proud that we held onto our dreams and never gave up on ourselves.

Creating a character

You seem particularly drawn to shoots where modelling becomes a form of acting — creating a character, establishing a mood and telling a story through an image. What happens for you mentally when you step in front of the camera, and what makes a shoot genuinely exciting from a creative perspective? 

When I step in front of the camera, I mentally step into a narrative. I love it when directors give me a mood or concept and then let me bring it to life in my own way. What truly excites me creatively is transformation, dramatic makeup, and unconventional concepts that demand acting, not just posing.

It becomes an artistic dialogue between me, the team, and the camera. I thrive in environments where creativity flows freely, and I can truly immerse myself in a character.

Fashion as self-expression

Victoria, your approach to fashion seems closely connected to your belief in personal freedom and authenticity. Do you think fashion gives people a unique opportunity to express parts of themselves that they might not show in everyday life? 

Fashion is one of the most immediate forms of personal freedom. It allows people to project who they are or who they want to be on any given day without having to say a single word.

I believe in complete authenticity and everyone’s right to express themselves, wear what they love, and live freely without judgment. Fashion is a powerful medium for that kind of liberation.

Behind the perfect image

From major fashion editorials to commercial campaigns, audiences often only see the finished photograph. What is something about the reality of modelling — the preparation, pressure, long days or teamwork — that you wish people understood better?

People see the glamour of the final image in a magazine or campaign, but they don’t always see the immense teamwork, long hours, and adaptability required behind the scenes. Modelling isn’t just about looking good; it requires emotional stamina, readiness to perform under pressure, and constant adaptation to different environments and creative directions.

It takes a huge collective effort from the entire crew to create that “effortless” final shot.

Victoria Ferreira – From modelling to art

Art has clearly been a constant in your life, from your family’s musical background to your own painting and drawing, and now your plans to explore sculpture. Where does that creative instinct come from, and how do you see your artistic work influencing the way you approach fashion? 

Art is completely in my DNA; my family is very musical, so growing up around music, singing, and instruments made creativity feel natural to me. Painting, drawing, and now exploring sculpture let me create something entirely from scratch.

This artistic background deeply influences my modelling. I don’t just view a photoshoot as a job, but as a visual composition where I am both a canvas and a co-creator.

London, Brazil and finding your own identity

Victoria, you’ve made London your global base while continuing to maintain a strong connection with Brazil and developing your own art studio there. How do those two places influence you differently, and how do you think your cultural background has shaped the woman and creative you are today? 

London gives me energy, global connectivity, and the freedom to move and work dynamically across the world. Brazil, on the other hand, is my root, my heart, and the source of my deepest inspiration, which is why building my art studio back home is so important to me.

My Brazilian background gave me warmth, expressive freedom, and resilience, while London expanded my horizons. Together, they shape both my identity and my approach to art and fashion.

What does the future look like?

Victoria, you’ve already built an international modelling career, but it sounds as though your ambitions are becoming increasingly creative and personal. If we spoke again five years from now, what would you love to have created, achieved or experienced — both in fashion and beyond it? 

In five years, I would love to have established a strong balance between my international modelling career and my identity as a visual artist. I want my studio in Brazil to be fully built and thriving, producing paintings and pieces that I can exhibit worldwide.

In fashion, I hope to continue taking on deeply creative, acting-driven projects with brands that value artistic freedom. Overall, I just want to keep creating, evolving, and living authentically on my own terms.

Credits

All editorial photography by: Gabriel Riccieri © / @griccieriph

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Meet DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE — the Vienna-based fashion model and digital creator bringing Italian flair, modern elegance and effortless European style to the fashion scene.

DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE has the sort of look that feels instantly made for fashion. I’ve been following her on Instagram for a while now, and what really strikes me is how effortlessly she can switch things up in front of the camera. One minute she’s giving full-on high-fashion glamour, the next she’s completely relaxed and natural — and somehow, both feel equally authentic. What I particularly love is her ability to tell a story through a single image. Whether she’s shooting for a high-fashion brand — and there have been plenty of those standout looks — or simply sharing a more casual moment, she doesn’t always need words. The image does the talking.

Imagery

With long brunette hair, striking eyes, beautifully defined features and a naturally glamorous presence, she brings a polished yet effortlessly feminine quality to her imagery. There’s a softness to her appearance, balanced by a confident, self-assured edge that gives her photographs plenty of personality. Her style moves easily between sophisticated, sensual, and understated, making her equally at home in an editorial setting or a more relaxed luxury-lifestyle shoot. It’s a versatile look, but one thing remains consistent: she has a strong on-camera presence and knows how to make a fashion moment feel completely her own.

There’s something immediately recognisable about DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE. Vienna-based, Italian-rooted and with an instinct for fashion that feels both polished and personal, she has developed a visual language that sits comfortably between timeless elegance and contemporary luxury.

DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE – Community

With a growing community of more than 376,000 followers, give or take. DAG has created more than a fashion presence — she has created a world. Her imagery moves from high-fashion silhouettes and considered styling to architecture, travel and beautifully understated lifestyle moments, always with the same refined attention to detail.

Her aesthetic is distinctly European. There’s the effortless sophistication associated with Italian style, paired with the clean, cultured sensibility of Vienna. The result feels luxurious without being loud, feminine without being predictable, and editorial without ever losing its sense of individuality.

Fashion

What stands out is her consistency. In a digital landscape where trends can disappear almost as quickly as they arrive, DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE has developed a signature that feels deliberately timeless. She understands that fashion is not simply about what you wear; it is about atmosphere, attitude and the story surrounding it.

From elegant escapes to statement fashion moments, her content reflects a fascination with beauty in all its forms — from the cut of a garment to the lines of a building, the mood of a destination or the details of a perfectly composed image.

With collaborations continuing to expand across fashion and creative industries, DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE is establishing herself as part of a new generation of European digital creators — one that understands luxury not as excess, but as a feeling, a point of view and an attention to detail.

Finding her signature

There’s something very recognisable about your style — polished, feminine and effortlessly glamorous, but never quite the same twice. How would you describe your personal style, and has it changed since you first started working in fashion?

Of course, fashion changes over time, and your personal style naturally evolves with it. But one thing that has always remained part of mine is elegance, with a subtle touch of sex appeal. For me, that is where the art lies — in being sensual without revealing too much, and having the confidence to embrace that style and present it authentically. It’s about knowing where the balance lies and feeling confident enough to make it your own.

The story behind the image

Some people can put on a beautiful outfit and simply look great; others somehow create a whole mood around it. You seem to do the latter. What goes through your mind when you step in front of the camera, and how do you approach telling a story through an image?

To me, fashion is a form of art, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to bring that art to life. When you truly connect with what you are wearing—when you identify with it and almost become one with it—something special happens. That connection creates an emotion and a presence that can ultimately be felt in the final fashion image. It becomes more than simply wearing a beautiful piece; it becomes about expressing something through it and allowing that feeling to come through in the image.

From Vienna to the world

Living in Vienna while having Italian roots gives you an interesting mix of influences — one that feels very European but still distinctly your own. How have Vienna and your Italian heritage shaped the way you see fashion and beauty?

I think it is exactly this mix that has shaped me so strongly. For me, Italy represents emotion, sensuality, a certain way of life and a very natural relationship with fashion. Vienna, on the other hand, has something incredibly elegant, cultured and timeless about it. 

To me, these two worlds complement each other perfectly. I love fashion that feels feminine and expressive, while still maintaining a sense of restraint and sophistication. That balance between Italian passion and Viennese elegance is probably what you can also see in my personal style and in my images. It is a combination that feels very natural to me and has become an important part of how I express myself through fashion.

DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE – Beyond the trends

Fashion moves incredibly quickly these days, with new trends appearing almost before we’ve had time to wear the last one. Your own aesthetic, though, feels much more timeless. Are there certain pieces, designers or fashion eras you always find yourself coming back to?

Yes, absolutely. Trends are constantly changing, but I am especially drawn to designers whose work immediately reveals passion, personality and a truly individual creative vision. I love fashion that makes you stop for a moment and think, wow, this is not simply clothing — this is art.

That is why I am inspired by designers such as Alexander McQueen, with his dramatic and uncompromising creativity; Iris van Herpen, who approaches fashion almost like sculpture and architecture; and Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli, whose designs are often surreal, bold and extraordinary. I have also always admired John Galliano for his ability to create entire stories and worlds through fashion.

For me, it is something very special to have the opportunity to wear and present that kind of creative uniqueness. When a garment has its own story and personality, I don’t just want to show it in front of the camera — I want to feel it and bring that story to life.

Life behind the Instagram image

Dag, your Instagram gives us the polished version — the beautiful locations, the fashion moments and the perfectly framed photographs. But a lot happens before that final image appears. What does a typical shoot day actually look like for you?

For me, a typical shoot day begins long before I step in front of the camera. It starts with the concept, the mood, the styling, and, of course, understanding the idea behind the shoot. I don’t simply want to wear an outfit — I want to understand the story, the attitude, and the emotion it is meant to convey.

Once I am on set, it requires a great deal of focus. The lighting, movement, expression and posture all have to work together. Often, the smallest details make the greatest difference. At the same time, I always try to keep a certain spontaneity, because some of the strongest images come from moments that don’t feel overly controlled.

What you see on Instagram is ultimately only a very small part of that entire process. Behind a single image there can be hours of preparation, countless shots and a great deal of teamwork. That is exactly what I love about this profession: step by step, an idea is transformed into an image that ultimately carries its own atmosphere and tells its own story.

The changing face of luxury

Quiet luxury, minimalism and understated glamour have become huge talking points in fashion, but luxury can mean something completely different to everyone. What does luxury mean to you personally, and has that changed over the years?

For me, luxury starts with something truly priceless: time. Time for yourself, for the people who matter to you, and for the things that genuinely have meaning.

When it comes to fashion, luxury means quality, craftsmanship and individuality. A garment made from exceptional materials, beautifully constructed and cut in a way that makes it feel as though it was created especially for you — that, to me, is true luxury.

It is not about owning as much as possible, but about recognising and appreciating the value of something special. When you wear a piece and can truly feel the quality, vision, and craftsmanship behind it, fashion takes on an entirely different meaning.

DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE – What comes next?

You’ve already built a large international following and created a very recognisable visual identity, but it feels like this is only the beginning. What would you love to explore next — whether that’s in fashion, travel, beauty, creative projects or somewhere completely unexpected?

I believe that as long as we live, we will always have ideas, wishes and dreams. For me, part of life is having the courage to pursue those dreams and give them real form.

One of my biggest dreams is to create my own brand one day — something through which I can fully express my creativity, my imagination and my personal vision of aesthetics. It would be something very special for me not only to present fashion, but to create something myself that carries my own signature.

I truly believe that everyone should try to do what they have a genuine talent and passion for. Because for me, something truly authentic is created exactly where talent, creativity and happiness come together.

Credits

All editorial photography including the website cover Photography by: DAG ICÔNE ÉLITE©

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Love, lessons, and loss have shaped Lauren Smith into a resilient woman whose journey spans young motherhood, modelling, sport, and business success.

Lauren Smith, a dynamic presence in the UK fashion scene, is a model whose career reflects both versatility and enduring passion. With five years of professional experience and a recent return to the industry, she has become known for her work across runway, editorial, and commercial platforms. Her portfolio includes standout appearances in commercial campaigns, high-profile catwalks, and glamour shoots, demonstrating her ability to navigate diverse areas of the modelling world.

As a published model, she is especially celebrated for her work with luxury bridal designers, gracing high-end fashion events with an effortless poise. Her commitment to elegant, timeless imagery is matched by a reputation for professionalism and adaptability on set. Colleagues and clients alike admire her quiet confidence and the grounded energy she brings to every project.

Dedication

Whether captivating audiences on the runway or collaborating with creative teams in the studio, she approaches her craft with gratitude and a determined dedication to realising a brand’s vision. Her journey defines both her skill and her genuine love for fashion—qualities that make her a true asset to the industry.

Love, lessons, and loss have shaped Lauren Smith into the woman she is today. Her journey has taken her through early marriage, becoming a mother at just 18, and later, navigating the challenges of divorce. Through it all, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience, raising her children while building a career and growing as an individual.

Lauren – Chapter

This chapter of her life marks a new beginning. Beyond her success in modelling, she has also established herself in a successful corporate role, proving there’s much more to her than what’s captured on camera. Her achievements span multiple arenas: a national judo champion in her teens, a boxing competition winner by second-round TKO, five published modelling credits, walking for Toni & Guy, and presenting at Salon International.

Lauren – Career

You’ve navigated various paths in life, but let’s start at the beginning: What initially inspired you to pursue a career in modelling, and how has your perspective on the industry evolved over time?

Honestly, I wasn’t interested in modelling at first. When I was a teenager walking through Camden, a talent scout stopped me. Just a week later, my dad and I were on a train to London, and I found myself on set with Toni & Guy.

Over time, my perspective has changed. I’ve learned it’s important to stay true to yourself and take on only projects that match your values. When I didn’t, it affected my wellbeing. Now, I believe that staying true to who you are is the most important thing.

Defining Moment

Every career has its pivotal moments—sometimes challenging, sometimes transformative. Can you share a defining moment from your modelling career that really impacted you and helped shape who you are today?

Rejection is part of the journey—you won’t get every casting, and it’s important not to take it personally. It takes a lot of self-reflection and self-love to keep going, and I’m still working on finding that balance myself. But as someone dear to me once said, “No one is better, just different.”

Lauren – Balance

Your journey is unique, balancing motherhood and athletic achievements alongside your modelling career. How have your experiences as a mother and athlete influenced your work and your presence in the fashion world?

Sport has made me incredibly resilient. It teaches you how to enter a focused zone where all the noise from the outside world fades away. I bring that same mindset to the set—it allows me to be fully present and concentrate on what we’re trying to achieve together.

Motherhood, on the other hand, has brought a gentle softness to my nature. That nurturing energy influences everything I do, both in my personal life and in my professional work.

Time

Lauren, after some time away, you’ve recently made a notable return to the industry. What motivated your comeback, and what feels different for you this time around?

It was actually my partner who encouraged me to take this leap, even though I still feel nervous about it!

In the past, I sometimes accepted projects that didn’t truly align with who I am, simply because I needed the paycheck. This time around, I’m committed to staying true to myself and my values with every opportunity I pursue.

Style

Style is such a personal form of expression, and yours always stands out. Who or what inspires you most when it comes to style and self-expression?

I’m inspired by women who confidently embrace a sharp, masculine-chic aesthetic. I love how strong tailoring can exude sexiness while still maintaining elegance and authority. To me, true style is about using structured silhouettes to project both strength and sophistication.

Advice

Lauren, young women look up to you for your ability to balance your career, family, and ambitions. What advice would you share with those juggling multiple roles and responsibilities?

One of the biggest challenges is finding time for yourself—you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s also important to say no more often and stand firm on your boundaries to protect your peace. If something disrupts your sense of calm, it’s simply not worth your time, and time is your most valuable asset.

Platform

The fashion world is always evolving, as are the voices within it. How do you hope to use your platform to impact the industry or inspire others?

I hope to use my platform to bring a refined and dynamic allure to the industry—one that blends strength, elegance, and grace. My goal is to inspire others to confidently embrace every facet of themselves. To me, allure isn’t just about glamour; it’s about moving effortlessly between playful, moody, and edgy moods, all while maintaining a sense of powerful, authentic elegance.

Credits

Editorial Photography by: Steve Fox / @TheCreativeFoxPhotos

The print version will be out soon!

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“In her conversation with Networking Magazine, model Cerise Aaliyah reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her journey in the modelling industry. She emphasises the importance of resilience and staying true to oneself amidst the pressures of the fashion world.”

Cerise is a freelance model based between London and Essex, and she’s really making waves with her unique approach to fashion and modelling. Though I haven’t had the chance to meet her in person yet, I’ve been keeping an eye on her growing portfolio, and it’s clear she has a real knack for standing out. One thing that really catches my eye is her versatility—she can portray completely different looks, which is no small feat! I’m a big fan of black-and-white photography, so when Steve from @thecreativefoxphotos reached out, I had to get her into this edition.

So, how would I describe her style? It’s a mix of bold editorial vibes, avant-garde flair, alternative streetwear, and playful retro looks—basically, she does it all! What I love most is how involved she gets in the creative process. She’s always developing concepts and experimenting with different styles to create looks that really tell a story. This is so important for capturing a designer’s vision, showing how a piece should be worn, and how it resonates with the audience.

Identity

Cerise has this amazing ability to shift effortlessly between strong editorial work, edgy fashion, feminine concepts, and commercial projects, all while maintaining her own sense of individuality. She’s keen on collaborating with photographers, designers, brands, and stylists who share a strong visual identity and are eager to create something truly special. If you’re looking for someone who brings a fresh perspective to fashion, you definitely need to check her out!

Your modelling journey is quite intriguing. Many start with a dream, but what was that initial spark for you that fuelled your passion in this industry?

I have always loved being creative with fashion and expressing individuality. I’m happiest when I’m creating something a little unexpected, whether that’s experimenting with bold styles, crafting my own pieces, or stepping into a character and bringing a photographer’s vision to life. I also believe my journey began from a desire to prove something to myself after becoming a mum. I didn’t come from a traditional modelling background, and I certainly didn’t have everything figured out when I started. I just decided to put myself out there, seize opportunities, learn as I went, and see where it could take me.

Cerise – Style

Fashion is such a personal expression, and your style really stands out. How would you describe your personal aesthetic, and how does it inform the diverse looks you create in your work?

My personal aesthetic is bold, playful, and unapologetically individual. I’m naturally drawn to colour, unusual textures, statement pieces, and looks that have a sense of attitude. I love mixing feminine elements with something unexpected, whether that’s punk, grunge, streetwear, vintage influences, or high-fashion editorial styling. I don’t believe my style fits neatly into one box, and that’s something I’ve actually embraced within my modelling. One shoot might be colourful and playful, while another could be dark, edgy, and dramatic. That versatility is really important to me. I want someone to look at my portfolio and never quite know what they’re going to see next.

Approach

Every image tells a story, and you seem to have a knack for weaving narratives through your fashion. How do you approach the creative process to ensure that each photoshoot conveys a compelling narrative?

Being part of the creative process allows me to give each concept its own identity. Whether I’m creating something bold and fashion-forward, feminine and powerful, edgy and rebellious, or more playful and experimental, I enjoy the idea of an image being able to make people stop and stare. I love getting into the character I’m about to create.

Cerise – Collaboration

Collaboration is key in the fashion world, and you’ve likely crossed paths with many talented individuals. Can you share a memorable collaboration that left a lasting impression on you and why it resonated so deeply?

One of my most memorable collaborations was a shoot where I was able to bring an idea to life rather than simply turning up and modelling an outfit. I created a skirt made entirely from ties specifically for the shoot, and seeing something that had started as an unconventional idea in my head become a finished fashion image was incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t just about the final photographs; it was about bouncing ideas around, experimenting with styling and movement, and trusting each other enough to push the concept further. Sometimes the most interesting images come from ideas that initially sound a little unconventional.

Industry

In an ever-changing industry, staying true to yourself is crucial. How do you navigate the balance between evolving your craft and preserving your unique sense of individuality?

My individuality comes through in the way I interpret a concept. Even when I’m working within a completely different aesthetic, I strive for there to be something recognisably me in the image, whether that’s through attitude, expression, energy, or the way I bring a piece of styling to life. I’ve learned that versatility and individuality do not have to compete. I can evolve, experiment, and grow while still bringing my own perspective to every project. I want to step into different worlds while keeping it authentic to myself.

Hurdles

Every career has its hurdles, and modelling is no different. What are some of the significant challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how have they influenced your modelling approach?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced on my modelling journey has been finding my place in an industry where there can be a lot of pressure to fit a particular mould. I’ve also had to build my experience and confidence gradually, taking opportunities that allowed me to learn, experiment, and develop my portfolio rather than waiting for the “perfect” opportunity to come along.

There have been times when balancing modelling with other responsibilities has meant that I’ve had to be selective about the opportunities I pursue. Rather than allowing those challenges to discourage me, they’ve taught me to be more intentional about my work and to value creativity, collaboration, and the experience I gain from every shoot. As a result, my approach to modelling has become much more confident and self-directed.

Cerise – Portfolio

Looking ahead, your portfolio is evolving beautifully. What exciting goals or creative projects are on your horizon that you’re eager to pursue next in your journey?

I’m particularly interested in working with more designers, photographers, and creative teams, as well as working towards more commercial campaigns, editorial features, and brand collaborations. I want to build relationships with brands.

Credits

Website & Editorial Photography by: Steve Fox / @TheCreativeFoxPhotos

Cerise Aaliyah – @cerisexaaliyah

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