It’s a tough time to be a young person, but these London-based beauties are taking it all in their stride. Bazz, Roch, Sheku, M. and Reegz are using the giant pause button that is COVID-19 to reflect and grow. From learning to meditate and leaning into their wholesome sides to releasing music videos and graduating from university, these kids are getting it done despite the odds.
We spent an afternoon hanging out with the cast of your new favourite Netflix series (jk, but can someone please make this happen) in London town. In addition to pulling off a variety of printed sweaters, the crew of fresh faces provided us with the positivity, maturity and warmth that the modelling industry (and the world) needs right now.
Ava Coffen, our girl on the ground in the UK, is responsible for bringing these good people together and decking them out in fresh threads. Thanks, Ava! Get all the posi 2020 vibes via the images and interviews below.
Name: Sheik Sheriff
Nickname: Sheku
Age: 22
Star sign: Scorpio
How would you describe 2020 in a sentence?
The year we see everyone's truths, no hiding.
What do you make of the quote: "put more romance into your friendships, and more friendship into your romance.”
Balance your life in all aspects.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned this year?
That energy you output comes back, negative or positive.
What are you most proud of this year?
Releasing my debut music video - Officer.
What’s the most rewarding thing about modelling?
The confidence it gives you to do other considerably big moves in other aspects of your life.
And the toughest?
Toughest thing is stepping out of your comfort zone,
Best book/documentary/film you’ve devoured recently?
The Dirty South by Alex Wheatle.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
I unwind watching highlights of Ja Morant beasting the NBA.
Name: Abazz Njeri
Nickname: Bazz/Bmoney
Age: 20
Star sign: Aries
How would you describe 2020 in a sentence?
8 months of unlearning and becoming a more wholesome version of myself aka growing up.
What do you make of the quote: "Put more romance into your friendships, and more friendship into your romance."
I think the quote is a more poetic way of encouraging you to know your friends love languages to care for them in ways that they can appreciate.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned this year?
That I can literally do anything that I want, and learning this has been very liberating.
What are you most proud of this year?
Probably getting my paper exhibited at the Bartlett School of Architecture and getting signed to 777!
What’s the most rewarding thing about modelling?
Each time I get on set I meet some amazing, inspiring new creatives who impart such good advice with me and I get more confident in myself with every shoot.
And the toughest?
Bending and being flexible for each client enough to do my job but being aware of not losing who I am.
Best book/documentary/film you’ve devoured recently?
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi has become my favourite book after one read and my favourite film right now is Tron: Legacy mainly because of the Daft Punk soundtrack.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
A chamomile tea and some yoga before I read a few pages of a random book - currently I am reading Foreign Gods Inc. by Okey Ndibe.
Name: Rochana
Nickname: Roch
Age: 24
Star sign: Aries
How would you describe 2020 in a sentence?
2020 has been infinitely overwhelming and life-changing.
What do you make of the quote: "Put more romance into your friendships, and more friendship into your romance."
I think it could be a helpful reminder for people to be more loving in all of their relationships.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned this year?
I've learnt how to meditate properly, which has changed my days.
What are you most proud of this year?
Using lockdown in the best way possible. Also for clearing my completeley overgrown garden and building a fire pit!
What’s the most rewarding thing about modelling?
You get to meet lots of interesting, talented and passionate people from all walks of life.
And the toughest?
The way that the industry is run at the moment and the negative culture that runs through it.
Best book/documentary/film you’ve devoured recently?
Mindset by Dr Carol S. Dweck/The Defiant Ones/The Morning Show (basically a series of films).
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
I talk and vibe with my friends and have a yummy turmeric latte.
Name: Regan
Nickname: Reegz
Age: 21
Star sign: Libra
How would you describe 2020 in a sentence?
This has been a crazy, yet weirdly productive year, completely full of surprises.
What do you make of the quote: "Put more romance into your friendships, and more friendship into your romance."
Honestly, that second half is so accurate. But if I said the first bit to my mates, they’d probably all walk out the door. 🤣
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned this year?
Learning to live without things I thought were necessary.
What are you most proud of this year?
I’m most proud of being internationally placed, and graduating university.
What’s the most rewarding thing about modelling?
The most rewarding thing is firstly meeting amazing new people on shoots and secondly (rather narcissistic of me) seeing yourself on billboards around the world.
And the toughest?
The constant, regurgitative wheel of no’s that you receive at castings. However, if someone as inexperienced and naïve as me can offer some advice, the no’s became a lot less jarring when I stopped taking it as a personal attack on me, because for every ten, twenty, fifty no’s, you’ll get a yes.
Best book/documentary/film you’ve devoured recently?
The best film I’ve watched recently is Volver by Almodóvar.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
At the end of the day, I like to work on my music, making my beats and singing over them.
Name: Mariam
Nickname: M
Age: 21
Star sign: Aquarius
How would you describe 2020 in a sentence?
A madness of ups and downs.
What do you make of the quote: "Put more romance into your friendships, and more friendship into your romance."
I think that’s the best quote I’ve read this year because facts.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned this year?
That it’s okay to have down days as long as I bounce back up after it, life still goes on.
What are you most proud of this year?
My passion and motivation on wanting something and growing within it.
What’s the most rewarding thing about modelling?
Meeting super interesting people and gaining confidence within it.
And the toughest?
The fear about not getting booked and confirmed.
Best book/documentary/film you’ve devoured recently?
The Spiritual Awakening Guide by Mary Mueller Shutan.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
Do evening stretches, drink a cup of herbal tea whilst listening to soothing albums then reading.
Feature: Lucy Jones Photos: Andrew Gough Fashion & Casting: Ava Coffen
Abazz, Mariam, Regan, Rochana & Sheik are represented by 777
Shot on location in London
