DSCENE cover star Aaron Rose Philip is reshaping the way the fashion industry functions by showing how important genuine inclusion of transfeminine and disabled talent is. As a model, Aaron has worked with top fashion brands such as Burberry, Moschino, and Calvin Klein, to name a few. With her growing social media voice, Aaron is working tirelessly on raising awareness for the lack of representation of trans women of color, as well as anyone with a disability, within the creative industries.
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Aaron also shows us all how to thrive by surrounding ourselves with love, so for our interview, we have her talk to her friends, models Ella Snyder, Jake Junkins, Lex Peckham, her manager Richie Keo from Community New York, and Riccardo Tisci the Chief Creative Officer at Burberry.
Riccardo Tisci, Chief Creative Officer at Burberry
How do you feel representing (with your beautiful energy) people that have had to overcome challenges in life like you had to?
I feel very proud and with lots of love for being able to represent people who have overcome challenges in their lives. These people deserve to be tangibly realized and known for what they have to offer in society, in the workplace, and in every conversation, with their unique perspectives due to challenging circumstances.
Are you aware that you are a top model?
I was not aware until now! You are so lovely and kind, that is such an honor to hear you say about me! I’m going to work at it constantly and I truly aspire to do great things and to make everyone who supports me proud. Thank you so much for believing in me.
I feel very proud and with lots of love for being able to represent people who have overcome challenges in their lives.
Ella Snyder, Model
How do you show love to yourself when you’re feeling lonely?
By allowing myself to partake in activities that make me happy, whether that’s creating as a model in collaboration with people—especially my friends—or being behind the camera as well.
What’s been the greatest example of love in your life?
The greatest example of love in my life is my mom, everything she has sacrificed for me, and the way we support each other.
What do you love most about modeling these days?
Seeing major moments involving the right people happen, and often being blessed enough to be witness to that one on one.
Some of the moments where I feel the most loved are when I’m with my best friends, and when we are simply together enjoying life and exploring the city.
Jake Junkins, Model
What is it that you love about fashion and why?
I love the fullness and presence of new trends and looks as they arise, and seeing in real-time how it all interacts and integrates itself into media and eventually society at large—depending on the popularity level and general public reception. I’ve always been so fascinated by that.
What are some of the moments where you have felt the most loved?
Some of the moments where I feel the most loved are when I’m with you and Lex Peckham, my best friends, and when we are simply together enjoying life and exploring the city.
What’s a beauty product or look that you love and how does it make you feel?
A beauty product I love, and I think is one of the first ones I’ve ever used, is the Milk Makeup holographic glitter stick. I just felt like a fairy in it, really!
Lex Peckham, Model
What do you appreciate most about those around you that you love?
The universe of compassion and talent that they’ve built for themselves to live in.
What’s your favorite show of all time? What do you love about it?
My favorite show of all time is the anime series Black Rock Shooter. What I love about it is the emotions and mental states that are portrayed in the characters throughout the show in such an ethereal, distorted, and at times menacing lens.
What’s the thing you love the most about being a model?
The thing I love the most is the ability to creatively inhabit physical spaces as a high fashion model.
The thing I love the most about modeling is the ability to creatively inhabit physical spaces as a high fashion model.
Richie Keo, Manager
As summer is fast approaching, what is the one thing you love about the season?
I love the joy it brings out in people, how happy people become when they talk about it. That’s something I really love about summer.
What do you hope for in a summer love, post-pandemic?
I hope for that love to be kind, tangible, and proud. I want that love to live in reality.
What is your favorite summer activity with a loved one?
My favorite summer activity with a loved one is exploring a new place in beautiful weather and being able to enjoy that space together.
Photographer ARALE REARTES – @aralereartesv
Stylist BARBARA VELEZ – @barbbvelez
Talent AARON ROSE PHILIP – @aaron___philip
Makeup Artist GRACE AHN at Julian Watson Agency – @gracegraceahn
Hair Stylist WILLIAM SCOTT BLAIR at Ba Reps – @williamscottblair
Prop Styling & Set CARRIE ASHLEY HILL at See Management – @carrieashleyh
Production & Casting JES LEVY – @jesicalevy
Photographer assistant LIAM MAYHUGH – @liam.mayhugh
Stylist assistant INDIA MEZA – @indiamezastylist
PA SASCHA HOSTERS – @harry_caul
Location Tamerlaine Sanctuary & Preserve @tamerlainesanctuary
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