It happens every year in the last week of August: The cobblestone streets of Soho begin to fill with a steady trickle of tall, impossibly thin young aliens carrying black portfolios and wearing fanny packs. Some look lost, some right at home, and all look great in their “off duty” uniforms of Wang tees, leather shorts, and sunglasses. Although Fashion Week doesn’t officially begin until Thursday, we sent photographer Bek Andersen and reporter Bethie Girmai to talk to models on their way to castings all over Manhattan last week. Click ahead to see the army of beautiful men and women ushering in the spring season, and hear what they’re eating and wearing, and who they’re crushing on.
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Marion Roussignol, 21, NYFW Veteran, FranceQ: What’s the difference between Parisian style and New York style?
Paris is all about nonchalant st... Marion Roussignol, 21, NYFW Veteran, FranceQ: What’s the difference between Parisian style and New York style?
Paris is all about nonchalant style. Everyone’s cool, wearing high-waisted leather pants. New York is pretty much the same, the models are wearing the same kind of outfits, but it’s cooler here.
Q: Who would you love to walk for in New York?
Alexander Wang, of course!
Q: What’s the last thing you ate?
I just ate at Whole Foods, a slice of pizza with goat cheese. Photo: Bek Andersen
Jasmin Rivers, 21, NYFW Veteran, Major Model, the BronxQ: What show would you most like to walk in?
Zac Posen.
Q: Why?
I feel l... Jasmin Rivers, 21, NYFW Veteran, Major Model, the BronxQ: What show would you most like to walk in?
Zac Posen.
Q: Why?
I feel like he brings this elegance and class to the runway that makes every girl want to walk in his show.
Q: What book are you reading right now?Eat Pray Love. Photo: Bek Andersen
Magdalena Jasek, 19, NYFW Veteran, The Society, PolandQ: What has been your best Fashion Week moment?
It’s when I found out I was going t... Magdalena Jasek, 19, NYFW Veteran, The Society, PolandQ: What has been your best Fashion Week moment?
It’s when I found out I was going to open Céline. I had no idea until the show was about to start so it was a huge surprise.
Q: If you had to choose between London, Milan, Paris, and New York Fashion Weeks, which would you choose?
For sure not London, because it’s too big and I get lost there. I think Paris, because they’re my favorite designers. Photo: Bek Andersen
Nicoline Von Finck, 18, NYFW Virgin, Munich Models, Germany, grew up in VirginiaQ: How is working in Munich different from New York?
Munich is ... Nicoline Von Finck, 18, NYFW Virgin, Munich Models, Germany, grew up in VirginiaQ: How is working in Munich different from New York?
Munich is a lot calmer. Here, everything’s crazy, upbeat, there’s always action, always something to do, which is fun but it gets tiring.
Q: What’s your best feature?
I love my freckles. I used to hate them. My little brother calls me pepperoni face. Photo: Bek Andersen
Pedro Aboud, 20, NYFW Veteran, Soul Artist Management, BrazilQ: If you weren’t a model, what would you be doing?
I’d like to be a surfer and tr... Pedro Aboud, 20, NYFW Veteran, Soul Artist Management, BrazilQ: If you weren’t a model, what would you be doing?
I’d like to be a surfer and travel.
Q: Do you have a model crush?
I like the women, all of them. Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima. Photo: Bek Andersen
Katherine Kuhl, 20, NYFW Veteran, Muse, Czech RepublicQ: How did you get discovered?
One of my friends told me about this scout, who is now my ... Katherine Kuhl, 20, NYFW Veteran, Muse, Czech RepublicQ: How did you get discovered?
One of my friends told me about this scout, who is now my mother agent. Her name is Karen Lee. I really started working with her during the spring and doing some test shoots with her, and then she sent me to IMG. They were my first choice and they took me on the spot!
Q: How is your perspective on NYFW different, as a native New Yorker?
I think it’s easier for me — for one, navigating. But I feel like the city can be overwhelming to new people. I feel like I’m comfortable being here. I’m glad that I’ve already gotten used to the city. Photo: Bek Andersen
Herieth Paul, 17, NYFW Veteran, Women Management, Canada, born in TanzaniaQ: What’s your favorite job that you have worked?
The Tom Ford campai... Herieth Paul, 17, NYFW Veteran, Women Management, Canada, born in TanzaniaQ: What’s your favorite job that you have worked?
The Tom Ford campaign. It’s in magazines now if you open them.
Q: What’s your favorite city to work in?
I personally love London, because that’s where I make most of my money. I have to love it, it pays the bills. Photo: Bek Andersen
Juana Burga, 22, NYFW Veteran, New York Models, PeruQ: Who is your favorite designer?
Rodarte.
Q: What’s the last thing you ate?
A sa... Juana Burga, 22, NYFW Veteran, New York Models, PeruQ: Who is your favorite designer?
Rodarte.
Q: What’s the last thing you ate?
A salad. Photo: Bek Andersen
Rafael Valentino, 25, NYFW Veteran, Red Model Management, Washington D.C. Q: How do you pass the time backstage between shows?
Reading art... Rafael Valentino, 25, NYFW Veteran, Red Model Management, Washington D.C. Q: How do you pass the time backstage between shows?
Reading articles from Twitter, maybe reading a book, listening to music.
Q: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
That I would like to share publicly? No. But they’re all legal.
Q: If you weren’t a model, what would you be doing?
I was working in politics in D.C. before I started to model, so I would probably be in politics still.
Photo: Bek Andersen
Steffi Soede, 19, NYFW Veteran, New York Models, AmsterdamQ: What’s your favorite show you have worked in the past?
Marc Jacobs and Versace.
&... Steffi Soede, 19, NYFW Veteran, New York Models, AmsterdamQ: What’s your favorite show you have worked in the past?
Marc Jacobs and Versace.
Q: Why?
Because it’s so big, especially Marc Jacobs, it’s such a huge setting and rehearsal. Also Louis Vuitton was great, with the elevators going down.
Q: What are you looking forward to most once Fashion Week wraps?
My home, my family. Photo: Bek Andersen
Wojtek Czerski, 21, NYFW Veteran, Soul Artist Management, PolandQ: Who's your favorite designer that you’ve worked for?
Dior.
Q: Why? ... Wojtek Czerski, 21, NYFW Veteran, Soul Artist Management, PolandQ: Who's your favorite designer that you’ve worked for?
Dior.
Q: Why?
I love suits, they have really nice shapes; it’s classic and cool.
Q: What’s your favorite animal?
Dogs. I have two big dogs, Tibetan mastiffs. They’re so fluffly, so calm, so you can sit and use them as a pillow. Photo: Bek Andersen
Ania Charlot, Haiti, NYFW Veteran, Major ModelsQ: What shows would you most like to work?
I love Michael Kors, I love Marc Jacobs.
Q: ...Ania Charlot, Haiti, NYFW Veteran, Major ModelsQ: What shows would you most like to work?
I love Michael Kors, I love Marc Jacobs.
Q: If you weren’t a model, what would you be doing?
I think I’d be doing social work. I like helping people and I like the mental-health field.
Q: What’s the last thing you ate?
A cheeseburger with French fries. It was a long day so it was well deserved. Photo: Bek Andersen
Humbert Clotet, 20, NYFW Veteran, Soul Artist Management, BarcelonaQ: Do you prefer print work or runway?
I prefer runway because of the experi... Humbert Clotet, 20, NYFW Veteran, Soul Artist Management, BarcelonaQ: Do you prefer print work or runway?
I prefer runway because of the experiences you have. When you’re backstage with friends, when you come out on the runway, it’s fun. And the after-party’s also good.
Q: What’s your favorite designer?
I like Guess, I like Versace. Here in New York, I like Jeremy Scott. Photo: Bek Andersen
Barbora Horka, 18, NYFW Virgin, Ford Models, Czech RepublicQ: What’s the last thing you ate?
An avocado.
Q: Describe your off-duty sty...Barbora Horka, 18, NYFW Virgin, Ford Models, Czech RepublicQ: What’s the last thing you ate?
An avocado.
Q: Describe your off-duty style.
I love color, but I have to wear black clothes for castings. Photo: Bek Andersen
Jay Colbert, 22, NYFW Veteran, Request Model Management, Brooklyn, NYQ: What’s your favorite show that you have walked in?
Marithe Franco... Jay Colbert, 22, NYFW Veteran, Request Model Management, Brooklyn, NYQ: What’s your favorite show that you have walked in?
Marithe Francois Girbaud.
Q: Why?
It’s different and I used to rock it when I was younger. I actually saw Dwight Howard there. It was kind of cool because I’m a basketball fan.
Q: Do you have a model crush?
I forgot her last name, but it’s Emily and she does Cover Girl.
Q: Do you prefer print work or runway?
Print. The set is better, runway is more of a focused thing.
Q: What’s the last thing you ate?
Raw broccoli.
Photo: Bek Andersen
Ling Tan, Age: “I lost count.” NYFW Veteran, Muse, Kuala LumpurQ: What’s in your model-lounge swag bag?
Kind granola, Colgate cleaning brush, E... Ling Tan, Age: “I lost count.” NYFW Veteran, Muse, Kuala LumpurQ: What’s in your model-lounge swag bag?
Kind granola, Colgate cleaning brush, Evian facial spray, Puff’s kleenex, Q-tips, and a powermat charger, for the iPhone.
Q: Describe your off-duty style.
Very casual. I wear comfortable clothes. I’m wearing flip flops now. Photo: Bek Andersen
Spencer, 25, NYFW Veteran, Fenton Moon, CaliforniaQ: Tell me about the casting process.
The waiting process can get to be a lot. You’re running... Spencer, 25, NYFW Veteran, Fenton Moon, CaliforniaQ: Tell me about the casting process.
The waiting process can get to be a lot. You’re running around and you only have a certain amount of time to get to those castings. I try not to stress too much about it. If I book something, I do. If I don’t, I don’t. It’s not about you. It’s what they want and what they need. You really have to take the personal part out of it.
Q: What are you most looking forward to?
I get an adrenaline rush from the shows. That’s my favorite part, getting out there, starting your step. You only have, not even a minute, to make an impression. Photo: Bek Andersen
Robert Ohman, 22, NYFW Veteran, Red Model Management, SwedenQ: If you weren’t a model, what would you be doing?
I am also studying film at NYU.... Robert Ohman, 22, NYFW Veteran, Red Model Management, SwedenQ: If you weren’t a model, what would you be doing?
I am also studying film at NYU.
Q: Describe your off-duty style.
Pretty hobo-y.
Q: What’s the last thing you ate?
Pancakes. Photo: Bek Andersen
Sophia Pfiel, 20, NYFW Virgin, One Management, GermanyQ: Have you worked any other fashion weeks?
Istanbul and Berlin.
Q: What’s in yo...Sophia Pfiel, 20, NYFW Virgin, One Management, GermanyQ: Have you worked any other fashion weeks?
Istanbul and Berlin.
Q: What’s in your Fashion Week survival kit?
My book, my shoes, stuff to fix my hair, water.
Q: What book are you reading right now?High Fidelity by Nick Hornby.Photo: Bek Andersen
Abi Fox, 23, NYFW Virgin, Wilhelmina, EnglandQ: What are you most looking forward to?
It will be my first time doing a show so just experiencin... Abi Fox, 23, NYFW Virgin, Wilhelmina, EnglandQ: What are you most looking forward to?
It will be my first time doing a show so just experiencing that and being backstage and seeing how it all runs. And getting the castings over and done with.
Q: What show would you most like to walk in?
J.Crew.
Q: Why?
I like their style and I like the simplicity of it. I would also love to walk in Prada in Milan. Photo: Bek Andersen
Klara Urbanova, 18, NYFW Virgin, IMG, New York, New YorkQ: What city is your favorite to work in?
New York, because I spend most of my time her... Klara Urbanova, 18, NYFW Virgin, IMG, New York, New YorkQ: What city is your favorite to work in?
New York, because I spend most of my time here, so I feel like my second home is here.
Q: What’s the last thing you ate?
Oatmeal, half of a muffin, and melon. Photo: Bek Andersen
Wojtek Czerski, Elvis JankusPhoto: Bek Andersen
Katarzyna Ciesirska, 19, NYFW Veteran, Muse, PolandQ: What’s in your Fashion Week survival kit?
My map.
Q: What are you reading right ...Katarzyna Ciesirska, 19, NYFW Veteran, Muse, PolandQ: What’s in your Fashion Week survival kit?
My map.
Q: What are you reading right now?
I’m reading a book about Coco Chanel; it’s a biography. Photo: Bek Andersen
Idina Moncreiffe, 20, NYFW Veteran, Wilhelmina, London, brought up in ScotlandQ: Do you have a model crush?
Lily Donaldson.
Q: Describ...Idina Moncreiffe, 20, NYFW Veteran, Wilhelmina, London, brought up in ScotlandQ: Do you have a model crush?
Lily Donaldson.
Q: Describe your off-duty look?
I like wearing big, baggy jumpers and shorts.
Q: What’s your favorite part about NYFW?
I just like doing the shows, it’s fun. The castings I don’t like.
Q: Why don’t you like the castings?
They’re tiring, I have to do like ten in a day. Photo: Bek Andersen
Kristy K, 24, NYFW Veteran, New York Models, RussiaQ: What’s the last thing you ate?
Mint candy.
Q: Do you have a model crush?
Karlie... Kristy K, 24, NYFW Veteran, New York Models, RussiaQ: What’s the last thing you ate?
Mint candy.
Q: Do you have a model crush?
Karlie Kloss.
Q: What are you wearing right now?
& Other Stories, Helmut Lang, Melissa x Jason Wu, and Bottega Veneta. Photo: Bek Andersen
Ayan Elmi, 24, NYFW Veteran, Wilhelmina, Somalia, grew up in CanadaPhoto: Bek Andersen
Joanna Tatarka, 16, NYFW Veteran, Ford Models, PolandQ: Do you have a model crush?
Anja Rubik.
Q: Describe your off-duty look.
Usuall... Joanna Tatarka, 16, NYFW Veteran, Ford Models, PolandQ: Do you have a model crush?
Anja Rubik.
Q: Describe your off-duty look.
Usually I’m wearing black clothes: black jeans and black tops. Photo: Bek Andersen
Pedro Bertolini, 22, NYFW Veteran, Request Model Management, Sao Paulo, BrazilQ: Do you prefer print work or editorial?
I prefer to work. I don... Pedro Bertolini, 22, NYFW Veteran, Request Model Management, Sao Paulo, BrazilQ: Do you prefer print work or editorial?
I prefer to work. I don’t have a preference.
Q: Which is your favorite fashion city?
Milan is cool because there are so many Brazilians living there. I have many friends. Photo: Bek Andersen
Kyler Tate, 19, NYFW Veteran, Major Model, MarylandQ: What’s in your Fashion Week survival kit?
Lip balm, lotion, heels, flats, comb, mirror, c... Kyler Tate, 19, NYFW Veteran, Major Model, MarylandQ: What’s in your Fashion Week survival kit?
Lip balm, lotion, heels, flats, comb, mirror, cell phone, and water.
Q: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I listen to a lot of upbeat music, something that gets me very up and alive. Then I take a second to be quiet, focus, and breathe, and then just go for it.
Q: Do you have a model crush?
Adriana Lima, I think she’s gorgeous.
Q: What are you most looking forward to once Fashion Week is over?
A paycheck.
Photo: Bek Andersen
Alan Tan, 20, Red Model Management, NYFW Virgin, New JerseyQ: How were you discovered?
I was discovered eating pizza across the street. I’m als... Alan Tan, 20, Red Model Management, NYFW Virgin, New JerseyQ: How were you discovered?
I was discovered eating pizza across the street. I’m also a dancer.
Q: What kind of dance?
I do hip-hop and touch on contemporary ballet. Photo: Bek Andersen
Jil Fritsch, 20, NYFW Virgin, One Management, GermanyQ: Who is your favorite designer?
Karl Lagerfeld.
Q: What’s the last thing you ate?
A ba... Jil Fritsch, 20, NYFW Virgin, One Management, GermanyQ: Who is your favorite designer?
Karl Lagerfeld.
Q: What’s the last thing you ate?
A bagel. Photo: Bek Andersen
Tessa Westerhof, 18, NYFW Virgin, Marilyn Agency, HollandPhoto: Bek Andersen
Talis Kyra, 21, NYFW Veteran, Supreme Management, BelgiumQ: What’s available to you in the model lounge?
There’s Wi-Fi, there’s a phone you can... Talis Kyra, 21, NYFW Veteran, Supreme Management, BelgiumQ: What’s available to you in the model lounge?
There’s Wi-Fi, there’s a phone you can use to call mommy. There’s Xbox, magazines. There are the other models to socialize [with], food, drinks. There’s workshops, with walking lessons, casting directors coming by, there’s everything!
Q: What are you wearing today?
My Gucci sneakers, worn out. This T-shirt is vintage. I bought it a long time ago. My bag is Tory. The shorts are H&M.
Q: What are you most looking forward to once Fashion Week is over?
I go home and sleep for sure. But I look forward to Fashion Week. I kind of like the hassle around it and the whole vibe. Everybody’s just freaking and stressing out. I like it, I’m ready. Photo: Bek Andersen
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