Stella Hinton doesn’t do quiet. She’s still pinching herself – but only to feel how real it all is. A Taurus at heart, she moves through the world chasing sensation: salty ocean air, wide open skies, something sweet on her tongue. From Whangārei to Bondi, her surroundings may shift, but one thing doesn’t – she’s never toned it down. If you don’t like it, you’ll just have to look anyway.
The first thing you should know about me is ... I am ME – I always have been! I have never changed for anyone's benefit. I think the most honest and sincere thing I can do for myself is to be true.
I’m currently living in … Bondi, Sydney. I'm originally from Whangārei, New Zealand.
My favourite thing to do here is ... It’ll sound so boring and cliche, but I love to go to the beach. I’m literally two minutes away from it. Being near the water, wind, sand – it’s truly an amazing experience when you’re in a low period (or a great one).
But if I could be anywhere, I’d be … In the sky. I love looking up above and peeking through the clouds really early in the morning to see that beautiful golden sky. Or when I’m on a plane.
My star sign is … Taurus!
It suits me because … I am all things indulgent.
My friends would describe me as … A party animal – just kidding. I’d like to think my friends would describe me as someone who enjoys a lot of things. I’m a very intuitive person and I like paying attention to the smaller anecdotes. I think that’s what keeps me interested in the world – knowing that there’s something out there I have yet to experience, whatever that may be.
I am my most myself when … I’m at home. I love to eat, sleep, relax and clear my mind there.
My go-to coffee order is … My Dad made the best iced coffee when I was younger. He added lots of vanilla ice cream, which is probably why I liked it so much. But these days, I usually opt for a hot chocolate – lots of chocolate! A matcha suits me too.
I like to start my day by … Not bolting immediately out of bed. I like to let things marinate; let my mind wake up, let my belly get hungry, let it all slowly rise to the occasion so I’m awake and prepared. Then I can get out of bed.
And finish it with … A glass of white wine, and cake.
I would describe my personal style as … Sexy, boyish, grunge, mod, masculine, feminine.
The most prized piece in my wardrobe is … My basics. When you find that one pair of jeans, or that one jacket, the whole puzzle comes together and it’s perfect.
Advice I don’t like to follow is ... Toning it down. I am me for everyone to see! If you don’t like it, you’ll look anyways.
The biggest risk I’ve taken was … Propelling myself forward. No one likes to be bullied or judged, especially coming out as transgender so young. When you continue to flourish as yourself, that’s when the opportunity comes. It’s a slow and steady journey, but it all comes together.
Right now, I’m feeling inspired by … The journey. I say this because I’m having that moment – that moment where I’m realising it’s all happening now; what I have always wished for.
An album I’ve had on repeat is … Room on Fire by The Strokes or Shadows Collide With People by John Frusciante.
A comfort film I love to rewatch is … Coraline or Watching The Detectives.
Shooting this cover felt like ... A dream, literally. I rewatch shows all the time, know all the faces, soundtracks, behind the scenes moments, meanings behind the collections. The fun and thrill of CHANEL is something that keeps me motivated and on the edge of my seat.
A special moment in my career so far has been … Being a RUSSH cover girl – twice. First for a beauty cover, and now on the cover of the May issue with CHANEL. It’s all I could’ve ever asked for. I still think to myself, “They wanted me?” I’m honoured for people to think that way about me and show such interest.
But a dream I’m still yet to realise is … That’s a tough question. However, for myself, I know that if I’m happy, I’m happy. That’s something I wouldn’t want to change.
When I get a week off, I’m headed to … Home. When you work overseas, you always dream about it.
The future looks … Promising. I had so many people who didn’t want to believe in me, even the thought of saying I wanted to be a model had me nervous about what other people would think, but here I am. The only person that can really have faith in you, is you.
Experience the Noise and Disorder issue in its entirety this May, available on newsstands from Monday 18 May 2026, and through our online shop. Find a stockist near you.
PHOTOGRAPHY Mia Rankin @ LIMINAL REP
FASHION Hannah Cooper
MODEL Stella Hinton @ The Scouted
HAIR Darren Summors @ AP—REPS
MAKEUP Victoria Baron @ MAP using CHANEL Beauty
SET AND PROP STYLIST Tom Anson Mesker
DIGITAL OPERATER Mesquite Silverman
PHOTOGRAPHER'S ASSSITANT Matt Sitas
STYLIST’S ASSISTANT Koby Dulac-Daley
LOCATION Pure Locations
Feature image (left): Feature image (right):
