What was your first introduction to the fashion industry?
 
I started modelling at 15, so that was my first proper professional introduction with fashion, but other than that, my gran would always take me to the V&A museum and it was our little thing. I also taught myself a lot about fashion (or so I thought) through Tumblr in its glory days, and magazines back in 2011/2012.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

 

Conna Walker! I admire her starting her brand at 17 and being able to turn it what it is today. I love that her team and the women she empowers have been diverse from the very beginning. I think she’s an inspiration for a lot of us. Other than that, the women in my life are all huge inspirations to me in their own way. They all amaze me daily. 

  

How has living in London influenced your personal style?

 

London is a great place for fashion, and I think you need to look to the subcultures to really see how living here can influence people’s fashion choices. You can be very expressive here, and I’ve been allowed to explore so many different types of styles just from having the confidence that living in a big city gives you.

 

 

Do you gravitate more towards vintage pieces or designer pieces?

 

Vintage pieces, for sure. It’s really easy to get sucked into buying flashy designer, but if there’s one good thing to come out of not having excess money, it’s not buying trendy designer pieces that go out of style in a year’s time. Vintage clothing can take you back to a different time of place and has a certain charm that new clothing cannot replicate.

 

 

Who are some of your favorite designers?

 

My all-time favourite designer is my good friend, Francis Newman, who is a costume designer and maker who makes THE most incredible garments for TV, film, and a lot of period dramas. He is insanely talented.

 

 

Are there any brands or trends you’re looking forward to this fall?

 

Brown leathers, big fur coats (faux of course), cowboy boots, chunky sweater vests, leather trousers, roll neck jumpers, pops of colour 🧡

What initially sparked your interest in photography & film?

 

I have always loved it! I got my first cheap DSLR camera for my 14th birthday and would take cringe worthy shots in front of graffiti (ew), but from there I have always loved perfecting my shots, and making my subjects look and feel amazing in the images. People always get me to take their Instagram pictures because I just make them look their best. Before that I was using disposable cameras to take pictures of my friends and upload them onto Tumblr. Film, digital, video. I love all of it, especially the editing process. I love seeing a picture turn from absolute shit to absolute gold.

What does your beauty routine primarily consist of?

Day to day I try to wear no makeup at all, but I'm not always that brave. On days I want to look a bit more done up, I'll wear concealer on any blemishes, a bit of light foundation on my cheeks and chin to cover redness, cream bronzer, some mascara, and brush my eyebrows with clear gel. Sometimes I'll highlight my nose. I'm trying to learn to love my bare face, and lockdown has really helped with that.

What is your signature fragrance?

I always forget to renew my perfumes when they run out, but Armani Diamonds Violet reminds me of my mum and I adore it. If I don't have the money to replace my perfume at that time, I'll use the Zara roll on liquid perfumes that they sell at the till for like £3 in the scent 'tuberose.' For some reason it smells SO good. They're so necessary to keep in your bag. They also do it in full size.

Modeling often entails a lot of traveling- how do you typically deal with jetlag?

If I need to stay awake, I'll force myself to go out and do something until a reasonable sleeping time, and if I need to sleep, I'll put on ASMR videos in bed and try my hardest to get sleepy.

What has been you favorite place you've traveled to so far?

Istanbul. The city is incredible, the people are lovely, the food is beautiful, and I made some amazing memories whilst I lived there. I would highly recommend a visit.

Astin Maisie

What are you especially attuned to right now?

Being at home 24/7. And I love it.