People

Mystery woman: Sophie Koella is our Unrecognised muse

Vintage jumper and joker from Deverells Co; ACNE STUDIOS top; ETESIAN earrings.

With a hidden talent for camouflage and a penchant for disguises, this issue’s muse is a woman we’ve long wanted to get to know better. A citizen of the world, she was born in New Orleans, raised in California just a stone’s throw from Venice Beach, spent time in her father’s native France and now calls New York’s Little Italy home. After being discovered at 14, she made her runway debut opening Chloé’s SS 18 show and has posed for contemporary greats such as Theo Wenner and Cass Bird. She finds solitude amongst literature, believes success tends to look a lot like happiness and when inspiration strikes, she works hard to make it real. Mysterious girl, I want to get close to you.

BALENCIAGA bodysuit

"My star sign is Leo. It suits me because I’m stubborn and loyal."

CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC tops and briefs; ALICE WAESE earring; ELLERY necklace.
Vintage t-shirts and hat from Deverells Co; GUCCI stockings; stylists own briefs; GIMAGUAS necklace.
Vintage t-shirt from Deverells Co; NO 21. shorts.
ACNE STUDIO top and pants; Christian Dior briefs.

My nickname is … Sof. My friends would describe me as … Caring and curious. My hidden talent is … Camouflage. Company or solitude? Balance between the two. Disguised or recognised? Disguised. The most underrated place on earth is ... Top secret. 

JIL SANDER jumper and dress; ALICE WAESE earring.

"I feel most beautiful when I’m happy / in love."

ACNE STUDIO top and pants; CHRISTIAN DIOR briefs.
Vintage t-shirt and hat from Deverells Co; GIMAGUAS necklace.
SAINT LAURENT bodysuit and stockings; ALIGHIERI earrings.

My favourite artist is … Sally Mann. My latest discovery was … Morocco (more specifically nous nous). I’m motivated by … My little sister. The place I like to go alone … The bookstore. Success looks like … Happiness. Social media is … Silly and a false reality. The most surreal job I’ve had was … Muse Magazine with Dana Lixenberg. I’m excited by … My crush. When inspiration strikes I … Try to manifest it.

SAINT LAURENT bodysuit, shoes and stockings.
GIVENCHY dress.
MIU MIU dress and briefs.

"The past has taught me to be here and worry less."

SAINT LAURENT shirt, ZIMMERELI top and briefs; GIMAGUAS necklace.
CHANEL HAUTE COUTURE dress; ERES bra.

I’m not afraid to … Be myself. I wind down by … Listening to music. Not many people know that I … Take pictures. My current obsession is … Louis De Funès (always but a lot lately). I’m looking for … Thought-management. Anonymity is … Underrated and hard to find.

Vintage t-shirt from Deverells Co; NO. 21 shorts; MARIA LA ROSA socks.

PHOTOGRAPHY Harri Peccinotti @ Talent and Partner
FASHION Bridie Gilbert
MODEL Sophie Koella @ Oui Management
HAIR Marion Anée @ Airport Agency
MAKEUP Kathy Le Sant @ Open Talent Paris
MANICURIST Typhaine Kersual @ Artists Unit
PRODUCTION Charlotte Moulin @ Talent and Partner
CASTING Neill Seeto @ IMA Casting
STYLIST’S ASSISTANT Clotilde Franceschi