The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed lives, disrupted economies, and changed daily existence as we know it. It has also shown us how strong we can be, and how creative, even in isolation. For this portfolio, part of our special June/July issue, we asked 34 models from around the world to show us what their lives have looked like these past weeks.
Anna Ewers, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
“I am in the Black Forest in Germany. I’ve been going on long hikes, which has helped me to not get too into my head. Being in nature has always helped me to feel calm—it’s my form of meditation. Sometimes we forget to appreciate the most simple needs and pleasures in life.”
Gigi: “We are sending love and strength to everyone, especially those who are suffering and the people on the front lines; the doctors risking their lives every day, and the paramedics and cops and people who work in grocery stores. It’s lucky that a lot of us can work from home. But there are a lot of people who can’t.”
Bella: “I’m not great at being alone, and I’m such a workaholic, so being isolated has been hard for me. Recently, I made a conscious effort to wake up in the morning and say my mantras to get myself into a happier state of mind. I’ve also started tie-dying my Chrome Hearts T-shirts, which we eventually plan on selling to donate the profits to single mothers across America who are struggling right now. It’s a blessing that we get to wake up here on our farm, and I want to give back.”
“In this picture, you can’t see it but I’m Zooming with our Kode with Klossy scholars! These amazing young women are staying connected during this difficult time, and I think that kind of community is vital now. My team and I have been exploring ways that we can help support the fashion community, looking at efforts to help those who have lost their jobs and the designers who are making PPE. Everyone is grappling with the impact of this unprecedented period, but staying positive and compassionate has been helpful for me.”
Joan Smalls, Puerto Rico
“I’m at my parents’ house, where I grew up on six acres in the countryside. It’s the true essence of my core, and no matter how crazy and overwhelming the rest of the world may be, home always brings me to a serene and peaceful state of mind where I feel loved and protected.”
Fran Summers and her father, Keith, with Oscar, Yorkshire, England
“We’re lucky enough to have the rolling countryside at our doorstep, so we don’t have to worry about getting fresh air and exercise. We’ve also been experimenting a lot more in the kitchen—I’ve discovered a new love for pearl barley risotto and homemade stuffing! I’m very grateful to be in a situation like this, and I’m very glad to be around my family during this scary time. As a young person in my village, I make sure I use it to help the more vulnerable, whether that means getting groceries or walking a neighbor’s dog. If this awful experience has brought anything to people, it’s an awareness of humanity and of human kindness.”
“I’m in my best friend’s bedroom in France. I left Paris to be near the village I used to live [in] and breathe the fresh air. I decided to draw my sister, Tania, and my dog, Spike, while listening to music because I miss my family.”297154130052101
“Now that I am home, I get to spend so much time with my ‘son,’ Mango, napping, playing, and going on short walks. I’m also teaching him to do tricks like sit, shake, and high-five. He’s an OK student—it’s a work in progress.”
“When I first landed in China, I was quarantined in a hotel for 14 days. Luckily, it was close to my home, so my mother left meals for me every day. The first thing I did when the two weeks were over was hug her and, of course, my dog QuiQui.”
“There’s this special bond that has grown out of FaceTiming—seeing everyone in their little nests and people taking the time to talk. It’s as if everyone is a bit more tender and personal. After this, I think there’ll be a whole new appreciation for all the little things in life, the ones we always knew deep down were the most important ones, but were hard to see because of all the obstacles in the way.”
Abby Champion with Champ, Los Angeles
“Right now, I think it’s imperative to connect with parts of yourself that you haven’t before, and reconnect with things that you love.”
“Painting and drawing is keeping me calm and collected right now. On an average day I have a mind that is running a mile a minute, and that is especially true right now. But when I sit down and start working on a piece, my mind hyper-focuses, and everything goes silent. It’s in those moments that everything resets for me. About a week ago, I auctioned off my first painting in order to donate the proceeds to a few organizations providing aid during this crisis. It made me so happy to do so, because I was able to take my art—something I love—and use it for good.”
Chu Wong, Shanghai
“We have all gone through a lot with the coronavirus. It’s important that we take care of ourselves and others by staying home. We will get though this.”
Amber Valletta, Los Angeles
“Here, I’m filming a video for the first virtual rally for Fire Drill Fridays, the Greenpeace movement for climate change that Jane Fonda started. Every Friday, we had been rallying and protesting in person, but since COVID-19 [began], we can’t. I’m wearing the outfit that I wore to the last L.A. event: the jeans are vintage RE/DONE Levis, the T-shirt is Hanes x Karla, and the jacket is Levi’s. Now that we’re all virtually connected, I wanted to show a way of being active in the world—we still have voice, and we can still do good.”
Vittoria Ceretti, Ibiza, Spain
“I’m at home with my boyfriend right now. I’ve been spending most of my time in the kitchen these days, baking cakes and using my mum’s recipes. I’m baking a chocolate soufflé here, my first one, actually. It ended up tasting delicious. Irina, my neighbor who also happens to be one of my best friends that I’ve been lucky enough to quarantine with, asked me to make it for her.”
“I am in my hometown in South Korea with my sister, YoonJi,” says the model (far left). “Every day I spend time with my family at home, doing some personal training, cooking, eating, and gaming—here we’re playing Animal Crossing on Nintendo Switch. You can communicate with villagers, decorate, and earn money by fishing or catching insects.”
“My twin brother, Alejandro, and I were going through old childhood pictures. He is the person I spend the most time with now. It’s so nice to be home with my family and doing things together again.”
“My son, Riley, and I have been meditating together and reading together, which we don’t normally do. He has enjoyed this so much that he’s asked if this can be a regular thing after the quarantine.”
“A very big lesson all of this is teaching me is to let things go a little, and not be so hard on myself and others around me. I’m also trying to slow down, breathe properly and eat properly. Watching my kids very closely has been the good part (if there is any) of this whole thing. The four of us —my husband Fabio and our two boys—have never been closer.”
Devon Aoki, Los Angeles
“We took this photo in our backyard, where we have spent a good deal of time planting herbs and vegetables and tending to our fruit trees. The kids have enjoyed cooking and making lemonade. To get the energy out, we play hide and seek in the garden, swim, and jump on the trampoline. We’ve always appreciated being outside, but now all the doors are left open and we are outside as often as we are inside.”
Cameron Russell, New York
“My mom knit this sweater for my son, Asa. She frequently salvages and repairs handmade sweaters and quilts from a thrift shop. Since I was little, she’d let us flip through her design books and choose patterns for next year’s sweater. Now these are the stories I think about when I consider what the future of fashion might be. Making fashion less consumerist and more sustainable means remembering fashion isn’t just about buying things; it’s also about community, culture, and creativity. It’s about sharing and repurposing, making and mending.”
“I’m in my children’s playroom, reading one of our favorite stories. This is something that we do a lot when we are home together, whether it’s me reading a book to my kids or my daughter reading a story on her own, which she loves to do now. My son is always bringing books to me and sitting on my lap!”
Sophie Koella, Paris
“I took this self-portrait in my living room, after my morning coffee. My partner, Clara, is in the frame, as well–I couldn’t imagine this experience without her. I’ve been doing weekly DJ sets from our balcony, every Friday night, for all our neighbors. We live on a beautiful little park, so everyone’s apartment faces the others in a U-shape. I started the tradition the day after my grandfather passed away in New Orleans from COVID-19. Seeing each other every week, dancing together from our balconies, really makes us forget that we are all in quarantine. I think it makes us feel less isolated, too. The music gives us all something to look forward to each week, as well as a necessary sense of solidarity and hope.”
Richie Shazam, New York
“I try not to get caught in dark thought-spirals, and try to stay mindful of my well-being. I’m building new approaches to my daily lifestyle, including cooking, cleaning, my face routine, collaging, speaking intimately with my loved ones, and trying not to panic. It’s been really rewarding and satisfying to cook with my partner [pictured at right] and create meaningful dishes that nourish the soul and body.”
“Prior to the pandemic I was working nonstop. I’ve always enjoyed being busy, but this time has allowed me to slow down and become even more grateful for everything I’ve experienced, besides reminding me how important it is to be productive internally. I pass the time by meditating, doing yoga, and giving sound baths; writing and reading; painting and spinning amazing records; throwing dance parties; gardening; making teas, infused baths and oils; burning sage incense; and cloud, star and moon-gazing. Around the house, I’ve been wearing anything that’s comfortable and flexible enough to dance, stretch and play in.”
“The best part of my day sometimes is going to my roof with a book and a cup of tea, and relaxing in the breeze and sunshine.”
“I’m in California, close to nature and far away from people. I don’t really have a ritual or a routine right now, I just do what I feel like.”
“Thank God my city is small and cozy—I’m close to the people who love and do me well.”
“My friend Miski and I have been talking to each other every day during quarantine. In this time of isolation from the world, sunlight and checking in with loved ones has helped me feel productive and sane.”
Grace Hartzel, La Ferté-Bernard, France
“I’m in a lovely small town in the French countryside. There is this beautiful garden with big trees, lots of grass and bumblebees and it’s super magical. I didn’t have time to return home after Fashion Week before the quarantine started, so I’ve been living out of the same suitcase for months now.”
Carolyn Murphy, Los Angeles
“I actually came out here for a job. My daughter’s in school here, and as things were starting to kind of get wonky at the beginning of March, I decided to stay, albeit not in my own home, and not with my dogs. It’s a little displacing, but my daughter is more important, and I’m fortunate. These days, you’re riding these waves of thoughts and emotions and fears and anxieties, but instead of trying to tune them out, it’s time to go anywhere the sun hits and tune in.”
Maty Fall, Chiampo, Italy
“I took this photo in my bedroom, when I had a lot of studying to do for online school. Somehow, nothing has really changed about that situation!”
Vivien Solari with Dougie, Hampshire, England
“I am spending lots of time in my garden whilst in lockdown. I strive to live a sustainable life, and growing some of my own fruit, vegetables, and flowers is a part of that. My three children love being outside with me and sometimes get involved with the growing. Having ten minutes to sit outside in the garden, listening to the birds and reading with a cup of tea, helps me switch off for a moment. I find when life is busy, it’s also easy to pick up poetry and be transported.”
“My spirits have been up and down—some days are better than others. I just try to stay positive and take the time to self-reflect. Most days, I wake up and shower and get fully ready. By that, I mean I do my hair and makeup and put on a cute outfit. I feel like that helps me keep my weekly routine, and I feel like I get so much more out of the day.”