Summer leaves quickly in London. Before you can even take a breath, soft cotton whites get exchanged for the brush of mohair on skin, and the crisp of the autumn air finds a worthy home on our pink cheeks.
There's no greater indulgence for the changing of the seasons than the act of reminiscing.
How lucky for us then that we can look back on the sensualities of the summer with a steamy new London shoot. A quintessential day in the city may look different for many, but at the crux of every Londoner's summer routine is a park afternoon.
No matter what hemisphere you're in, you're invited to a moment in Highbury Park with our new set of friends. The fresh ensemble spent a dreamy afternoon in the grass with our longtime pals: the effervescent Stylist Miguel Urbina Tan and magnetic Photographer Rob Tennant.
Dive into the summers been of a few of our pals below, listen to their playlists, experience their perfect London days, and of course, hear what magic remains in the last half of 2024 brings for them…
Saul
Can you give us the Saul elevator pitch?
Hi, my name's Saul and I'm a model from London
Title of your most recent playlist?
"Get off me."
Where do you call home?
North West London is where I call home.
How do you think your upbringing helped shape your worldview?
Growing up in North West London, I was surrounded by a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. The area's rich diversity exposed me to different perspectives from as young as I can remember, allowing me to have a deep appreciation for multiculturalism and inclusivity. This environment taught me the value of community, inclusivity, and the importance of understanding others' experiences. The blend of urban energy and close-knit neighbourhoods shaped my worldview, making me more open-minded, empathetic, and aware of the broader world beyond my immediate surroundings.
Three words that describe the summer you've just had?
Three words I'd use to describe my summer are Beach, Food and Carefree.
Describe to us your perfect day in London…
My perfect day in London would probably start around 7 am with a short cycle to Hampstead Heath followed by a cold plunge in one of their ponds and an outdoor callisthenics workout. This would've all been done fast, so now we have to fuel up with some food of your choice! Although I would go to Vicki's on Kilburn Lane for one of their delicious burritos. With the hard stuff out of the way, the rest of my day would consist of fun activities, Padel with my friends being the first, followed by a trip to the pub with a deck of cards to conclude the day.
Last thing you screenshotted?
The last thing I screenshotted was a picture of a friend in a cowboy outfit minus the jeans needed to finish it.
Tell us the story behind the most valuable item in your wardrobe.
The most valuable item of clothing in my wardrobe is without a doubt a knitted sweater my Dad up-cycled for me! It's a 1 of 1 piece which reminds me of his creativity in, which I take a lot of inspiration from, so for me, it's more than just an item of clothing.
You can't leave London without…
I cannot leave London without my array of different highlighters I use to annotate my books.
Best park to daydream in…
Hampstead Heath.
Best spot for a solo afternoon drink…
Diana's Cafe in Notting Hill.
Best spot for dancing until the sun comes up…
Wherever Nairaa and Chill are hosting their R&B event.
What are you most looking forward to in the last half of 2024?
In the last half of 2024, I'm most excited for my birthday in October and making my famous Christmas hot chocolate to enjoy in the toasty hot fire pit.
Violet
Can you give us the Violet elevator pitch?
Hey! I'm Violet, and I'm a third-year medical student at UCL. I love immersing myself in this brilliant world! Meeting people, reading, art, culture, history and music. I love it all!
Most recent playlist?
Where do you call home? How do you think your upbringing helped shape your worldview?
I grew up in Los Angeles where my Dad is from but when I was 9 I moved to Devon in the UK. These two places could not be more different. Moving from the city of stars to rural Devon, where I had sheep and cows for neighbours and spent my free time running in the woodlands, activated this powerful freedom in me. It showed me that nature and the simple things in life are what truly matters. However, I was pretty bored as a teenager, so now I fully appreciate all the exciting things that cities, including London, have to offer - like music and art. It feels like the world is on my doorstep.
Three words that describe the summer you've just had?
Magical, spontaneous, chaotic!
Describe to us your perfect day in London…
Swimming in the Hampstead ponds in the morning. Followed by exploring an art gallery, I love the Courtauld, or second-hand clothes shopping in Notting Hill. I've found so many gems here. Then in the evening, catching up with friends at a cozy pub, followed by a night dancing somewhere in East London.
Last thing you screenshotted?
Google Maps Train to Peterborough.
Tell us the story behind the most valuable item in your wardrobe.
My Stella McCartney red Falabella bag - It's so London, so punky yet chic. Super easy for me to throw on any outfit when I'm rushing off to castings.
You can't leave London without…
Seeing the Hope the Blue Whale in the Natural History Museum at least once.
Best park to daydream in…
Hampstead Heath. London has so many amazing parks. There is just something about Hampstead Heath which really makes you feel like you're in the countryside. Between the ponds and, Kenwood house, and the hill garden Pergola, there is so much to see. And the view of London from Parliament Hill never fails to impress me, night or day.
Best spot for a solo afternoon drink…
Bar Italia. It's a classic. Great place to people-watch in Soho. Whenever I have an espresso there I even feel as if I'm back in Milan for a second.
Best spot for dancing until the sun comes up…
I love Colour Factory - I always end up taking the early morning overground home after dancing all night alongside the commuters who are starting off their day.
What are you most looking forward to in the last half of 2024?
The beautiful colours of autumn in London. Getting cozy, and spending more time with friends and family. I'm planning to travel somewhere on the other side of the world over Christmas with my sister- not quite sure where yet! Thinking somewhere in South America.
Moharam
Can you give us the Moharam elevator pitch?
Hi everyone, my name is Moharam Hossain. I'm 18 years old, and I live in Paris, although I'm originally from Bangladesh. I've been a model for two years, and alongside that, I'm a student. In the future, I aspire to fulfil my dream of becoming an airline pilot. Fashion is a unique form of expression for me, but I've always kept my eyes set on the skies.
Where do you call home? How do you think your upbringing helped shape your worldview?
Home for me is the city where I live: Montreuil. It's a city I love, where everyone knows each other, and there's always something to do. What I appreciate the most is the sense of sharing, solidarity, and kindness that exists among the residents. Living in Montreuil has also opened me up to different cultures and taught me to see the world from diverse perspectives. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!
Three words that describe the summer you've just had?
Three words to describe my summer: laughter, travel, and encounters.
Describe to us your perfect day in London…
Without a doubt, Hyde Park is the best place to daydream. The atmosphere is so peaceful, and I love walking there alone to think or just relax.
What are you most looking forward to in the last half of 2024?
For the second half of 2024, what I'm looking forward to the most is the chance to keep travelling. My dream is to discover a new part of the world every day, and my ultimate goal is to visit every country on the globe :)
Harper
Can you give us the Harper elevator pitch?
I'm a young and creative person who loves sports and adventure photography. I like finding beauty in the extreme wilderness.
Title of your most recent playlist?
Chill road trip.
Where do you call home?
London.
How do you think your upbringing helped shape your worldview?
My Dad was very adventurous, and that's what made me love the outdoors. He's also an entrepreneur, which I think has given me a big drive in my life to build a business of my own. I find that exciting. [My world view is] we need to protect the beautiful things and worry less about the intangible things.
Three words that describe the summer you've just had?
Romantic, cultural, refreshing.
Describe to us your perfect day in London…
Going to a cool art gallery with something immersive and then a good Greek meal.
Last thing you screenshotted?
Confirmation of a new camera I ordered.
You can't leave London without…
Going to Hyde Park and walking along the south bank.
Best spot for dancing until the sun comes up…
Greenwich Hill.
What are you most looking forward to in the last half of 2024?
Starting university.
Cleopatra
Can you give us the Cleopatra elevator pitch?
I'm Cleopatra, I'm seventeen, and I live in Brighton, and I'm in my last year of A-levels.
Title of your most recent playlist?
The most recent playlist I made was called "proper stinky" it's a playlist for dnbs songs that just slap so hard that you can't not pull a bass face.
Where do you call home? How do you think your upbringing helped shape your worldview?
I would say my home is in Brighton. I absolutely love it here but I did used to live up north in Sheffield till I was 13 and I think the shift in towns was incredibly eye-opening; if I still lived in Sheffield I don't think I would dress or act the way I do now. I want to live in Brighton forever and definitely live here when I properly settle down.
Three words that describe the summer you've just had?
Cloudy
Festivals
Fun
Describe to us your perfect day in London…
A perfect day in London for me would be driving up in the car with tunes blasting (preferably in a soft top car) then going shopping with an unlimited budget. Stopping off for lunch at some very classy beautiful restaurant. Then doing more shopping. And finishing the day off with either sushi or a seafood boil.
Last thing you screenshotted?
A picture of my Lock Screen, must of done it by accident. But the last thing I intentionally screenshotted was a picture of a ring I want to get for my 18th birthday.
Tell us the story behind the most valuable item in your wardrobe.
The most valuable item in my wardrobe has to be my Isabella Marant sneaker heels; I found them in a vintage shop on Bond Street, and the women selling them definitely didn't know the value of the shoes because I got them for more than half the price she should of sold them to me for so I believe it was fate. And I wear them all the time.
You can't leave London without…
I can't leave London without going to Wingstop. They don't have one in Brighton, and it's so good to have to seize every opportunity.
Best park to daydream in…
The best park to day dream is endcliff park in Sheffield, I just remember growing up in that park from using the playground as a child to then sneaking to the park when I was a teenager with my mates.
Best spot for a solo afternoon drink…
Best spot for a solo afternoon drink I'm actually not sure bc I'm not 18 yet so haven't been able to explore all the nice drinking places however at the moment I'd say on the beach In Brighton.
Best spot for dancing until the sun comes up…
Best spot for dancing till the sun comes up I have to go for patterns in Brighton it's such a good club, it's always the right vibe with the right music and the right kind of people.
What are you most looking forward to in the last half of 2024?
In the last part of 2024, I'm looking forward to turning 18 and going to lots of concerts. I've got a couple linked up, like 4am Kru and Bakey, along with a guilty please of mine, Fish56 😭.
Features Editor: Yawynne Yem Photos: Rob Tennent Fashion: Miguel Urbina Tan Casting: Tom Casey
Cleopatra and Moharam are represented by Milk
Harper is represented by W Mgmt
Saul is represented by IMG
Violet is represented by Premier
