In partnership with Moncler.
She’s the model muse who’s got the moves we all dream of possessing, the one who chooses “to live a life that prioritises vulnerability”. Doubling as an incredible dancer and creative spirit, Crystal Russell is the Northern Beaches born face of the future. From creating her own short poetry film in the middle of lockdown, to expressing herself “through clothes and make-up and hair”, we caught up with 18-year-old Russell on set in sunny Sydney with portraits lensed by Mason Stevenson. “I’m excited for a lot of things I’m creating and to see my vision for myself be brought into fruition.”
MONCLER 1952 jacket, top, skirt and shoes; stylists own socks.
My name is…
Crystal Russell.
Where are you from / currently residing?
I’m from the Northern beaches in Sydney. I currently live in Narrabeen.
What’s the first thing we should know about you?
I’m probably going to overthink answering these questions ahaha.
MONCLER 1952 coat, top and pants.
Outside of modelling, what is your greatest passion?
Dancing and creating. 🥰
How do you stay creative and motivated during this time of global unrest?
Doing online dance classes saved me during lockdown, also creating a short poetry film were the two things that kept me sane, fulfilled and also feeling connected during this time. Now that the restrictions have been lifted I’m more than grateful to be modelling and dancing at a studio again while creating in my spare time.
What are you reading / watching / listening to?
I’ve been listening to Rimon’s new EP and omg the short film that goes with it, What Theu Called Me, is the most amazing thing ever!!
MONCLER 1952 jumper, skirt and shoes.
What do you do when you need to move your body?
I usually go to a dance class or exercise at home.
How do you stay healthy (mentally and / or physically)?
Mentally I stay healthy by making sure my lifestyle provides time for me to take care of myself. I write every night and have kept a journal since I was a kid. I think unintentionally this actually helps a lot. Most importantly I try to reach out to people when I need to talk about something, literally as soon as I talk about something that’s hurting me or weighing on me I feel better so I always try to remind myself to do this. Staying healthy mentally for me is all about feeling emotionally connected to my life to myself and to the people I love. Creating films, dancing, writing and hanging out with people are all things I center my time around. Staying physically healthy has always felt easy since I love dance so much and it’s so physical. But I actually have a three-year injury so seeing the physio and working hard every day to do my exercises is huge in staying healthy physically and it’s connected to feeling good mentally as physical activity is so important.
MONCLER 1952 jumper, skirt and shoes.
When do you feel your most empowered?
I feel most empowered when I’m dancing. when I’m expressing myself through clothes and make-up and hair and when I’m around people who I feel really connected to.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
Choosing to save myself from my pain. Choosing to live while unravelling my childhood trauma and holding myself accountable to my values and what fulfills me, and essentially choosing to live a life that prioritises vulnerability.
Who is your greatest hero?
Ummm I don’t really have a hero just like a lot of people I look up to that have a lot of different trajectories.
MONCLER 1952 jacket, dress and shoes; stylist’s own socks.
What is your current state of mind?
My current state of mind is really trying to make sure everything I’m doing is aligned with my purpose and what fulfills me. I’m excited for a lot of things I’m creating and to see my vision for myself be brought into fruition.
What are you hopes and dreams for the future?
I feel like as far as I can think right now for the future is the end of this year. And my hopes are that I’ve been able to create a platform on YouTube sharing my creativity, my vulnerability and bringing light to a lot of important topics.
MONCLER 1952 jacket, top, skirt and shoes; stylists own socks.
What do you appreciate the most right now?
I appreciate all the privileges I have every day that I don’t think twice about. Just the fact that I’m in a place where I can choose my future and do anything I put my mind to and focus on healing emotionally should be the opportunity everyone in the world is given but it’s so crazy and painful to think that they aren’t.
I miss…
Summer. I really miss summer. I can’t wait for the warmth, the beach and how alive the sun makes you look and feel. I’m excited to do everything I’m doing now but in summer. 🥰
MONCLER 1952 dress and shoes; stylist’s own socks.
All clothing and shoes from 2 Moncler 1952 Women’s Collection, available from September 3, and the Fall Winter 2020 Moncler Collection; both available at Moncler Westfield Sydney Store. Designer Veronica Leoni intertwined the outerwear attitude of Moncler with a lusciously feminine instinct, devising a collection that merges the utilitarian with the languid to create something both empowering and elegant.
PHOTOGRAPHY Mason Stevenson @ Artboxblack
FASHION Natalie Petrevski
MODEL Crystal @ Kult Australia
HAIR & MAKE-UP Teneille Sorgiovanni @ Lion Artist Management using M.A.C and Christopher Robin
PHOTOGRAPHER'S ASSISTANT Sheree Porter
Special thanks to Sun Studios.
