Summer is fast approaching, but if we’re completely honest, most days still feel a lot like winter. So, while we wait for the sun to catch up (and in honour of our northern pals heading into their own chilly adventures), we’re serving up this shoot from our longtime Melbourne friends, photographer Cathy Marshall and stylist Cecile Huynh.
As per usual, Cecile’s delivered a lineup that can only be described as peak Melbourne fashion (read: handmade, sustainable, and very cute). Maroske Peech, Elas, Handsom, Après Studio, Walker and As They Kiss Consume all make an appearance. Basically, consider this shoot your shopping list for the year ahead, no matter what curveballs the weather throws our way.
To top it all off, we get to introduce two of the coolest new faces around — Albin and Xiaoyu. Below, they talk home, happiness, and the art of balancing (literally) in front of a camera.
Albin
Where do you live now, and where do you consider home?
Right now, I’m around the eastern suburbs in Melbourne and I’ve been here for a while, but I still consider Taipei and Auckland as my pair of homes.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? And the most challenging?
Everything has been rewarding. I'm pretty new, so this might change, but all the crews have been lovely and the outfits have been so cool. The most challenging thing I’ve done so far was trying to sit down and balance on a handrail.
If you could walk in any designer’s show (past or present), whose would it be?
Any Issey Miyake show.
What would happen if you had to give up social media for a week?
I think for the most part things wouldn’t change for me, I would just be incapable of responding to my chronically online buddies sending me videos.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I lay in bed for five minutes hyping myself up for a cold scurry to the shower.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I want to be a morning person, but unfortunately, all my buddies enjoy evening activities, so I’m forced to be an owl of the night from time to time.
How can we make the most of our time on Earth?
Try your hardest to become a vampire so you can live forever, or just spend as much time fulfilling your self-ascribed purpose.
Favourite song?
I have consistently enjoyed listening to “zero dark flirty” by damon r.
Favourite movie?
Megamind.
Why do you think friendships are so important?
Because you can’t do everything yourself.
Xiaoyu
Where do you live now, and where do you consider home?
I currently live in Caulfield, Melbourne, and my hometown is Qingdao City, China.
Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
If my family comes to Melbourne, I will take them to see the Twelve Apostles and marvel at the wonders of nature. I will also show them around my school, Monash University, so they can get a glimpse of my academic life. Additionally, I might take them to the Melbourne CBD to experience the bustling side of the city.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? And the most challenging?
Modelling boosts my confidence and is dynamic, every designer, photographer, and client brings out a different side of me, showing me more possibilities. The most challenging part, though, is staying at my best mentally and physically at all times, which is still great for me.
What’s your idea of happiness?
My definition of happiness is being able to do what I love every day, pursue my passion career. Doing what I'm passionate about feels awesome, and having the support of good friends and family makes it even better.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life?
I think I'll have the dumplings my grandma makes, because I believe they're the most delicious food in the world.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Morning person!
If you could say something to your 16-year-old self?
Just be yourself. Don’t care too much about others’ opinions, and listen to Mum and Dad a little more.
Favourite song?
“Golden Hour.”
Why do you think friendships are so important?Because I think good friends bring me a lot of energy. Also, most of them are peers, so their opinions tend to give me more ideas.
What values do you look for in friends?
Sincerity, shared vibes, and a supportive attitude.
Photos & Casting: Cathy Marshall
Fashion: Cecile Huynh
Beauty: Phoenix Ly
Fashion Assistant: Jackie Ruttner
Albin & Xiaoyu are represented by Chadwick
