Lulu Tenney, América González, and Felice Nova Noordhoff are three of the industry’s most in-demand models. In just a few short years, these top models have walked for some of fashion’s biggest names and emerged as some of the industry’s most promising talents. Growing up in an era of digital proliferation, these models stand firm and unwavering, maintaining rare authenticity amidst the growing digitalisation of the industry. In Vogue Hong Kong’s April issue, delve into how these top models have showcased unparalleled dedication and grace, both on and off the runway.
From left, on Felice: top, pants, trunk and shoes, all Louis Vuitton. On Lulu: top, pants, watch, trunks and shoes, all Louis Vuitton. On América: jumpsuit, necklace, bag, trunks and shoes, all Louis Vuitton.
From left, on Felice: top, Courrèges. Bikini top, Missoni. Skirt, Elie Saab. Skirt, Retrofête. Hat, Atours. Necklace and bag, all Vivienne Westwood. Trunk and bag, all Louis Vuitton. On América: top and shirt, all Maison Margiela. Shorts, MM6 Maison Margiela. Hat, Atours. Shoes, Marc Jacobs. Trunks and suitcases, all Louis Vuitton.
On Felice: top, skirt, swimsuit, hat and bag, all Fendi. Sunglasses, Chloé. On Lulu: top, pants, sunglasses, necklaces and bag, all Chanel.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Felice: Sustainability to me is much more than a trend, it’s a way of living. Sustainability is about creating balance, and ensuring that we leave the world a better place for future generations. It’s a journey of constant learning and adapting.
Lulu: Sustainability means living in a way which does not cause harm to the environment. It means taking extra care and going out of your way to create habits and a lifestyle that reflects your values. It means not creating extra waste and avoiding overconsumption as much as possible.
América: Not overconsuming and being constantly conscious about what I do inevitably consume. If we are talking about clothes, I always make sure I consume responsibly and in alignment with my values. Personally, I like supporting women-led small brands and engaging in vintage shopping. When it comes to high-end purchases, I opt for timeless pieces that I know will endure over time.
Dress, bag and shoes, all Versace. Necklace, Apoa. Tights, Wolford.
On América: coat, dress, tops and briefs, all Miu Miu. Hat, Hizume. Shoes, Adidas. On Lulu: dress, Valentino. Hat, Hizume. Headscarf, Hermès. Watch, Louis Vuitton. Socks, Falke. Shoes, Carel.
Swimsuit, Hermès. Dress, Leslie Amon. Hat, Atours.
Do you have any personal life mottos that you could share with us?
Felice: “Have courage and be kind” is a motto I frequently rely on. Additionally, there’s a Dutch saying I often use: “Niet geschoten is altijd mis.” While I couldn’t find the exact English equivalent on Google, it roughly translates to “If you never take the shot, you will never reach your goals.”
Lulu: That everything comes at its own time. Allow life to take its course and embrace its flow. Be open to life’s experiences and for things to go differently than you’ve planned to. Trust that what’s meant for you will come when you are ready for it. And to find the humour in life and not take it all too seriously. Seek out the beauty and joy in the small moments.
América: Push yourself to do the things that might take additional time and discipline, but will help you grow in the long run. Journaling, cooking homemade meals, working out, stepping out of your comfort zone, confronting issues, and completing tedious tasks. Self-care isn’t always about providing comfort for yourself, it’s about doing the things you might not want to at the moment for the well-being of your future self.
Jacket, Ami Paris. Jeans, Loewe. Bikini top, Isa Boulder. Hat, Pucci. Earrings, Apoa.
Cape and jeans, all Loewe. Bikini top, Isa Boulder. Bikini top and hat, all Pucci. Shoes, Nodaleto.
On Lulu: jacket, top, briefs and shorts, all Dries Van Noten. Scarf and bag, all Hermès. Bag, Moynat. Shoes, Gianvito Rossi. On América: jacket, Sky High Farm Workwear. Dress, Burberry. Hat, Atours. Shoes, Gianvito Rossi.
What personal habits or actions do you incorporate into your daily life to promote eco-friendly practices?
Felice: In my daily life, I pay attention to fundamental practices such as opting for biking instead of driving, conserving water, practising effective recycling habits, and minimising single-use plastic consumption. These are just basic practices that I hope everyone can pay attention to.
Lulu: I only buy clothes that I plan to keep and wear for a very long time. I really value longevity and I don’t like buying items that I’m not sure whether I will use or not. I recycle and I shop for second-hand and vintage pieces.
América: I’m still working on myself and exploring various ways to incorporate more small changes into my routine. So far, I almost always carry some essential items with me, such as my personal set of cutlery to replace single-use plastic, a lunch box for leftovers to avoid takeout packaging, and of course, a tote bag to avoid the use of plastic bags. These are basic everyday practices that I hope every person out there can consciously implement into their lives.
Dress, swimsuit, headscarf, bags, visor and sunglasses, all Dior. Shoes, Aquazurra.
On Lulu: dress and shoes, all Marc Jacobs. Tights, Wolford. Bag, Jacquemus. On Felice: dress, Sonia Rykiel. Tights, Calzedonia. Earring, Apoa. Bag, Chanel. Shoes, Maison Margiela.
Who do you consider your life’s role model? How have they influenced you?
Felice: Until now, it has been the strong women in my life—my mother, her best friend Tanja, and my agents Micha and Osana—who have taught me the importance of hard work, maintaining my values, and being friendly.
Lulu: A friend of mine, whom I’ve known my entire life, exemplifies how connections endure and grow despite living in different cities and only meeting a few times a year. Strong bonds can withstand the test of time.
América: My favourite YouTuber, Hitomi Mochizuki. Through her content, I constantly learn the beauty of caring for others, ourselves, and our surroundings. She has always been a stable source of gentle education in these matters. If you watch her videos, you’re bound to learn a thing or two. I also really like that she conveys these messages with beauty and grace.
On Felice: dress, Rabanne. Hat, Ruslan Baginskiy. Gloves, Causse. Bag, Vivienne Westwood. Shoes, Roger Vivier. On América: bralette, pants and shoes, all Rick Owens.
On América: top, Sky High Farm Workwear. Bag, Louis Vuitton. On Lulu: swimsuit, Hermès. Dress, Leslie Amon. Hat, Atours.
From your perspective, in what ways can the fashion industry foster and advance more sustainable practices?
Felice: In recent years, we have already witnessed significant advances in sustainable practices by brands, including the use of sustainable fabrics, sourcing eco-friendly materials, and collaborating with local sources and ateliers. Also, I think it’s great when brands integrate vintage pieces into their collections so that not everything is newly made. This practice also encourages clients to consider reusing pieces they already own or exploring vintage options themselves.
Lulu: Fast fashion practices become unsustainable when clothing is made with poor-quality materials and is not intended to last long. It typically only withstands a limited amount of wear before becoming damaged or needing replacement. On the other hand, if garments are made with quality materials designed for longevity, then the clothes you buy can last you a lifetime, rather than just a few months.
América: Maybe it’s a question of how to optimise production efficiency and foster a mindful approach to sustainability. In many instances, every working party in the industry is trying to undertake proactive initiatives towards sustainability, for example, Dior and Hermès’ no single-use plastic policies backstage. In my opinion, other brands could easily follow suit. It’s simply a matter of leading by example.
From left, on Lulu: top, skirt, bag, trunk and shoes, all Louis Vuitton. On Felice: shirt, skirt, belt, shoes and trunks, all Louis Vuitton. On América, top, pants and shoes, all Louis Vuitton.
Director: @Felix_Cooper @MMXXartists
Stylist: @DenaGia
Production: @FaragoProjects
Makeup Artist: @Manu_Kopp @ArtlistParisNewYork
Hair Stylist: @Mr_AlexandryCosta @ArtlistParisNewYork
Lighting Director: @BenjaminBreading
Digital Operator: @KerimcanGoren
Lab Services: @RapidEye.darkroom
Video Post Production: @WildIslandFilms
Fashion Assistants: @Marie_Soares @GabyCambero
Makeup Assistant: @YonKim_Mua
Hair Assistant: Aimie Benanan
Lighting Assistant: Manuel Yeghiazarian
Cover Wardrobe: @LouisVuitton
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