Karly S.

Karly S.

New York, USA.

Tell us about yourself.

 Hi, I’m Karly! I’m 16 and I live in New York with my family. I am very close with my parents and I adore my little brother and our dogs, Mimi and Neo.

 Growing up just outside of NYC, I have always had direct access to stylish people. When you’re little and you’re looking up at the tall buildings and the fashionable people rushing all around you, it’s pretty amazing. This access has played a major role in my interest in fashion and has given me a way to express myself through my creativity.

 In addition to modeling, I am also passionate about fitness and nutrition. I’m a Soul Cycle devotee! Eating right and exercising helps me to relieve stress and feel my best.

 What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Ever since I was young, I have been drawn to it. I loved watching my favorite models walk the runway in their angel wings. The ornate outfits and top-class production of this event still mesmerize me! Watching the show inspired me to try modeling and made me completely fall in love with it! 

 What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

Being your own kind of beautiful is being 100% yourself. Flaws and all. I believe true beauty doesn't come from the outside, but it is what's on the inside that matters. We are all unique in our own way and being uniquely you IS beautiful.

 Tell us about your modeling experience.

I have always loved taking pictures and posing for the camera. Just ask my parents! I modeled for LF last spring and made it onto their website, which was a huge milestone for me. I was also given the opportunity to walk four runway shows at the Premier Event in December of 2018. I had such a great time on stage but most of all, I made incredible connections with other young women from around the world. It was a truly memorable experience.

 What is your dream brand to model for?

 I would love to model for Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, and NYFW. Victoria’s Secret casts models of all ethnicities, which I find important and inclusive. Chanel is a brand very near and dear to my heart. Ever since I was young, I remember both my mom and my grandma wearing Chanel. I would be honored to walk the Chanel runway in honor of these amazing women in my life. Walking NYFW is another dream of mine that I hope to make a reality. NYFW is one of the biggest shows in the modeling world and being able to be a part of that would be a dream come true!

How would you describe your fashion style?

Well, it’s ever-changing! Since I am a huge lover of new trends, my style is constantly evolving. No matter which trend I adopt, I must put my own twist on it! For example, when prints became a huge trend, I built fitted cheetah print sweat pants into my wardrobe with a sleek leather jacket, so I’d follow the trend while mixing comfy and chic looks. 

And when I’m not dressing up for an event, you will find me in athleisure wear. I think I own 1,000 pairs of yoga pants!

 How important is self-awareness and confidence to you in your everyday life?

 Self-awareness and confidence are both very important to me. As a teenager, life is constantly changing, and we receive so many mixed messages. It can feel really challenging to be confident and self-aware. 

 I haven’t always been the most confident in myself, so I have needed to learn how to embrace my imperfections. I couldn't be happier that I made the decision to do so. One of the things that has helped me tremendously is doing for others. It always makes me feel better!

A mantra I live by: to build self-esteem, you must do esteemable acts.

What makes you beautiful?

 My parents always tell me I have a “heart of gold” and it wasn’t until recently that I knew what they meant. I love helping others and doing selfless acts for nothing in return. Doing these simple acts of kindness make me feel good and when I feel good, I feel the most confident and beautiful.

 What would you say to another girl your age who is struggling with their confidence?

 I get it! It’s not always easy to be a teenager and some days will be harder than others. If every day was good, it would make the great days seem average! 

 Always remember that You are UNIQUE, you are STRONG, and you are most certainly BEAUTIFUL.