Mall castings; forever one of the greatest tales in fashion folklore — and a beloved origin story for so many modelling greats. Our dear friend Juach Cyer, founder of Rïŋ Models, recently held such an event, in collaboration with legendary UK agency Premier, and we were lucky enough to come along for the ride.
We’re ever so pleased to introduce six of the fresh faces discovered at Sydney's Parramatta Mall: the effervescent collective that is Sondor, Natalia, Eddy, Ading, Victor and Esther.
We had the joy of hanging out with them (and some of their Mums) on a sunny winter day in the peaceful surrounds of Centennial Park. Camaraderie was high, and jokes and laughter peppered every conversation, thanks to the energetic creative team of Photographer Hameed Akinwande and Stylist Ingrid Mutoni.
Our six new pals are adorned in kaleidoscope-bright pieces from Romance Was Born. From sequinned hoodies (from their Paul Yore collaboration) to one-offs, such as a divine dress made entirely from knotted fabric scraps — peruse the gallery above for pure fashion joy.
Then scroll down to get to know Sondor, Natalia, Eddy, Ading, Victor & Esther — immerse yourself in what a perfect day in their city looks like, learn about their upbringings, listen (and analyse) the title of their most recent playlist — you'll see our exceptional new friends below evoke a wisdom-and-wit beyond their years.
Esther
How do you think your upbringing has shaped your worldview?
I grew up in a Christian family, so I think that I’ve carried on all those values and beliefs. I believe that everything and everyone on earth has a purpose and there is always a light and hope for something where there’s faith lost.
If your best friend was describing you to a group of strangers, what would they say?
I think my friends would say I’m very empathetic and always willing to help others. I’m loyal and reliable and seen as a pillar of support.
Title of the most recent playlist you made...
555
Dream wardrobe to raid?
Kim Kardashian. Her street style is clearly influenced by Kanye West which I really like.
First thing that comes to mind when you think of friendship?
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of friendship is memories.
Describe to us a perfect day in your city.
My perfect day in the city is visiting an art gallery or museum and then going shopping before having lunch. Then to end the night I’d have dinner outside looking at all the lights.
What TV character embodies your kindred spirit and why?
A TV character that embodies my spirit would probably be Elena Gilbert from Vampire diaries. She’s willing to give everything up for the people she loves no matter the risk or sacrifice she has to make. She’s able to show resilience and evolve from lessons that she’s learned and I think I can resonate with her character a lot.
A piece of wisdom you always pass onto others?
Everything happens for a reason, just let go and let it all fall into place.
What are you most looking forward to for the last half of 2023?
I’m most looking forward to learning more about the modelling industry and growing as a model myself in the last half of 2023. And to just continue making lifelong memories with all the people I love and everyone around me.
Natalia
How do you think your upbringing has shaped your worldview?
Growing up in an ethnic household, I’ve learnt to appreciate many aspects of life that have changed my worldview significantly and without a doubt have made me the person I am today. I was extremely fortunate to be raised by my parents who also showed me endless support and taught me many lessons through their wisdom and experiences.
If your best friend was describing you to a group of strangers, what would they say?
They would probably say something along the lines of; passionate, disgustingly wholesome, outgoing (although sometimes way too loud) and has an eye for fashion.
Title of the most recent playlist you made...
For the sun seekers.
Dream wardrobe to raid?
My beautiful friend Tomira’s wardrobe, she has such a gorgeous personal sense of style that I’m always in awe with and pulls off everything she wears.
First thing that comes to mind when you think of friendship?
Someone I love lots and would never mind spending lots of time together with. The more spontaneous the plans, the better.
Describe to us a perfect day in your city.
My perfect days can consist of anything from, waking up to good weather, to seeing someone I haven’t seen in a while, going out with friends, eating good food and having a nice outfit that radiates the mood of that day.
What TV character embodies your kindred spirit and why?
Luffy from One Piece because his character is super caring and endearing, he loves his friends and family, is really fun, outgoing, and always wants an adventure.
A piece of wisdom you always pass onto others?
To be kind to others, always, and to trust God because everything happens for a reason!!
What are you most looking forward to for the last half of 2023?
I think the most I'm looking forward to in the last half of 2023 is meeting new people that I can make lasting memories with, enjoying more time with my friends and family that are currently in my life, creating more outfits, travelling, and seeing new places and expanding my modelling career.
Victor
How do you think your upbringing has shaped your worldview?
It showed me the truth about the world. It’s not all fairy tales and happy endings. There’s a lot of things and problems that need attention. I saw the world as a very dark place for a while. Then I realised that it can’t be all so blue. I started changing my perspective and have come to the conclusion that life is beautiful. We just haven’t learned how to live it yet.
If your best friend was describing you to a group of strangers, what would they say?
I would be described as that one friend that you can bring everywhere. They’d definitely say that I joke too much and have moments when I’m never serious. But I also know that they can look at me as family. Someone that’s like an older brother. I’m always here for them and know how to listen to their problems and give advice.
Title of the most recent playlist you made...
In all honesty, I listen to so many different genres! I mean it all depends on my mood. So I don’t actually have a playlist but I have my top few songs for that week that are always on repeat. Here are my top 3 songs for this week:
1. 'Sugar' - Zubi anatu
2. 'Chicago' - Michael Jackson
3. 'Dada' - Young John
Dream wardrobe to raid?
Wisdom Kaye. The guy has an outfit for everything. He’s got some items that are just majestic.
First thing that comes to mind when you think of friendship?
Loyalty and inspiration. Without loyalty I feel like there’s no value in who we are. We all do stupid things, but I need to know that we’ll always have each other’s backs. And without inspiration, I mean, how can we progress as individuals? As a team? Who you are friends with impacts who you are.
Describe to us a perfect day in your city.
It would definitely be a day with the boys. Thrifting clothes and trying to find some statement pieces. After that would probably grab a nice big meal as we’d be exhausted after. Also let’s not forget that we’d be taking photos the whole time. We have to create memories.
What TV character embodies your kindred spirit and why?
Naruto. He’s been an outsider for most of his life and had to constantly prove himself to be worthy. His determination and strength never faltered even though he could’ve easily done so.
A piece of wisdom you always pass onto others?
You are as talented, as brilliant, as powerful and as beautiful as you are. Never allow life to make you forget why you started in the first place.
What are you most looking forward to for the last half of 2023?
Focusing on my career and exploring life and its endless opportunities I’m excited to finally be in the field and find out what I’m capable of.
Ading
How do you think your upbringing has shaped your worldview?
Growing up in a strict African household I’ve learnt that genuine respect for people gets you a long way in life and helps you form any connection in this world.
If your best friend was describing you to a group of strangers, what would they say?
I think they would describe me as funny, kind and the first to always find an excuse to dress up for any occasion.
Title of the most recent playlist you made...
The most recent playlist I’ve made was a ‘Chill’ playlist of some slow heartbreak, love and lo-fi songs for my upcoming exams.
Dream wardrobe to raid?
I would love to raid Chanel Ayan’s wardrobe from Real Housewives of Dubai. She is a supermodel, and gained popularity on the show for her ‘extraness’ expressed through her style. So, as a fellow over-dresser, I would love to raid her closet.
First thing that comes to mind when you think of friendship?
When I think of friendship I think of reciprocity, that we’re able to reciprocate the same effort, energy and time into our friendship. And of course, inside jokes!
Describe to us a perfect day in your city.
That would start with a bottomless brunch at Manly Wharf Bar and then a shopping break in the city with an afternoon picnic at Berry’s Bay Lookout to watch the sunset.
What TV character embodies your kindred spirit and why?
Growing up, I watched a lot of cartoons so I would say Flora from the Winx club. She was a timid and sensitive fairy which reflects my mellow character, and she was always the peacemaker which is exactly how I am in my close relationships.
A piece of wisdom you always pass onto others?
The more unbothered you are, the more happier you’ll be.
What are you most looking forward to for the last half of 2023?
SUMMER VACATION
Sondor
How do you think your upbringing has shaped your worldview?
It has definitely made me more extroverted and showed me how fun it is to meet new people.
If your best friend was describing you to a group of strangers, what would they say?
I actually did in fact ask my best friend for this, she in quote said “Really strong on the outside but has got the kindest heart, she pays attention to detail more than anything and little things keep her happy.”
Title of the most recent playlist you made...
“YES” just yes in all capitals.
Dream wardrobe to raid?
I’m a big 90’s fashion fan so definitely the wardrobe of Rachel from Friends.
First thing that comes to mind when you think of friendship?
Bonding, quality time, trust and effort.
Describe to us a perfect day in your city.
My perfect day in the city would probably be me heading out early, grabbing a matcha latte on my way, going shopping, doing laps around stores and trying out new food places.
What TV character embodies your kindred spirit and why?
I love the TV show Friends so I want to say Chandler just because I cannot go a single minute without using sarcasm and I absolutely love his sense of humour but others would say I’m closer to Monica because I am obsessed with having things clean and organised.
A piece of wisdom you always pass onto others?
Always have a “It is what it is” mindset because once it happens, you cannot do anything about it and you especially cannot make yourself stress over something you can’t change.
What are you most looking forward to for the last half of 2023?
To be honest, just keeping myself busy. Spending more time with my friends, family and gaining more experience at modelling.
Eddy
How do you think your upbringing has shaped your worldview?
Growing up in humble beginnings with two older brothers and one sister in a single-parent household, my upbringing played a pivotal role in shaping my world view. Coming from a war-torn country added an extra layer of complexity to my experiences, exposing me to the harsh realities of conflict and its aftermath. Despite the challenges we faced. But let me tell you something inspiring. In the midst of it all, my mother, who had only one leg, she was something else. Her determination was unwavering, and she worked tirelessly to provide for our family. Yeah, she taught me some valuable lessons. Lessons about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and gratitude. It's amazing how her resilience in the face of adversity left a lasting impact on me. Now, here's the thing; although my father's absence was deeply felt, his memory served as a constant reminder of how fragile life can be. It made me realise the significance of cherishing the time we have. So, you see, these early experiences, they shaped me in profound ways. They instilled in me a deep empathy for others, a genuine sense of gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way, and an unshakable belief in the power of resilience and determination to overcome any obstacles that life throws at us.
If your best friend was describing you to a group of strangers, what would they
say?
If I were to describe what my best friend would say about me to a group of strangers, it would go something like this: “My best friend is an absolute gem! He’s down to earth and grounded, always approachable and humble. Being around them feels comfortable and easy”
Title of the most recent playlist you made...
I’m bit of a lover boy so here’s a love playlist of mine.
Dream wardrobe to raid?
If I could raid any dream wardrobe, it would be none other than A$AP NAST's! The dude's got serious style game, and it's all about that unique, nonconformist vibe. He's not one to follow trends; instead, he rocks his own individual style that's a perfect blend of old and new. And guess what? That's totally my jam too! I love mixing vintage pieces with fresh finds to create something fresh and unexpected. Just imagine diving into A$AP NAST's wardrobe, rummaging through a treasure trove of eclectic fashion gems, and putting together killer outfits that scream personality. It's like stepping into a world where fashion has no limits and where being yourself is the ultimate trend.
First thing that comes to mind when you think of friendship?
When I think of friendship, the first things that come to mind are loyalty, kindness, and honesty. True friendship is built on a foundation of trust and unwavering support. Loyalty is that unbreakable bond that keeps friends by your side through thick and thin. Kindness is the gentle thread that weaves compassion and understanding into the fabric of our relationships, fostering a sense of warmth and care. And honesty, well, that's the cornerstone of authentic connections. It's about being open, genuine, and truthful with each other, even when it's not always easy. These qualities form the heart and soul of friendship, creating a space where we can be ourselves, find solace, and share life's joys and sorrows.
Describe to us a perfect day in your city.
The perfect day for me is all about resetting – a self-care day. I’d wake up and start my morning run, get in a good sweat. I feel like once you’ve overcome that first obstacle of the day, even if it’s ones you set yourself, everything else just falls into place. Then I’d go get my dreadlocks retwisted and get my hair done before I come home, make some healthy food and relax. At night, I love to just get together with my closest people. There’s always a celebration in my city, but for me it’s just dinner with my friends and a good movie that completes that perfect day in Sydney.
What TV character embodies your kindred spirit and why?
Will Smith, from Fresh Prince. If you watch the TV show Fresh Prince, Will is often depicted as a very goofy character, but I always saw him as a highly sensitive person who can feel energies whenever he steps into a room. I feel like I can relate because I never want my friends or family to feel down, and I can often tell when they’re upset through their body language or the way they’re talking and just their overall aura. I usually use my humour to break the ice and just make them feel comfortable enough to express issues if they are down and try to make them feel as happy as I can. Life can get difficult sometimes but know it’s always good and it helps to come home to friends or family that you can just joke around with and forget the responsibilities and troubles of life. I really feel like I’m HIM.
A piece of wisdom you always pass onto others?
One important nugget of wisdom I love to share is all about embracing the fun and excitement of stepping outside your comfort zone. In life, you're bound to encounter situations where you have to work with people who might not be your cup of tea or tackle tasks that may not be your top choice. But here's the secret sauce: it's in those moments that we truly grow and discover our hidden potential. Plus, perspective in this day and age of social media, it's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others and feeling down when things don't go as planned. But failure is actually a fantastic teacher. It shows us what we need to improve and guides us toward success. So, let's not sweat the small stuff and remember that every stumble is just part of the learning process. Life is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. So relax, stay focused, and be patient. Your time will come, my friend! It might not be this year, or even the next, but with prioritisation, discipline, and a whole lot of fun along the way, success is inevitable.
What are you most looking forward to for the last half of 2023?
For the last half of 2023, you know what I'm really looking forward to? It's all about that journey of self-improvement. I see myself as this little caterpillar tucked away in its cocoon, just waiting to break free and spread my wings like a beautiful butterfly. It's not just about one aspect either; it's about growing spiritually, physically, and mentally. I've got this whole era of self-improvement going on, and I'm fully embracing it. There's still a lot of work to do, but I'm genuinely excited about it.
Photos: Hameed Akinwande Fashion: Ingrid Mutoni
Features Editor: Yawynne Yem
Sondor, Natalia, Ading & Esther are represented by Rïŋ Models
Victor is represented by Rïŋ Models & Vivien's
Eddy is represented by Rïŋ Models & Priscillas
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.
