Waiting in the wings at Prada’s fall/winter 15 show — the only afro in a line of 40 slick ponytails — Lineisy Montero had no idea of the ripple she was about to create in the fashion industry. In the 15 years between 1993, when Naomi Campbell took to the catwalk, and 2008, when Jourdan Dunn did the same, not a single black model graced Prada’s runway. Since then Prada’s been a frontrunner in the race for cultural diversity within fashion, and last season the brand raised a new subject — natural black hair — and Lineisy was the talking point.
Discovered at an amusement park in her hometown of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the 19-year-old beauty is signed to NEXT Models, lives in Paris, and walked her first ever runway show as an exclusive for Prada. Since her debut last year, Lineisy’s star has been firmly in the ascendant, rising from unknown model to model of the moment, new face to the face. At the fall/winter 16 shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, Lineisy walked a staggering 61 shows, and her elegant, fresh-faced beauty shone in every one! Winking on her first cover of i-D, we shoot Lineisy a quick-fire round of questions on life’s greatest luxuries that prove she’s just as beautiful inside, as out. Be the change, they say, and Lineisy Montero’s just that.
You’re stranded on a desert island, what one item would you take with you? I would take my cellphone, that way I could call someone to pick me up if I had a signal!
What’s the one thing that money can’t buy? My little sister’s smile when I get home.
If you could have one night of luxury what would it be? A romantic dinner with Daniel Radcliffe or Liam Daniel is not a bad idea!
What’s the one luxury you could not live without? A good book.
Would you rather travel abroad or spend time at home? You know what they say, there’s no place like home. I love to be around my family and friends, particularly my mother, my grandmother and my siblings.
Fancy cars or diamond rings? Someone to wait for me at home after a long day at work is all I need.
Great comfort or extreme wealth? Great comfort.
Happiness or being in love? Happiness.
Great art or great clothes? Great art.
Mass produced or home made? Home made.
Being forever connected on social media or a life offline? I’d chose being forever connected on social media.
If you could keep one look you walked in this season what would it be? Every outfit makes me feel different, so it’s hard to decide. Some looks make me feel sexy, others make me feel elegant… But if I had to choose one, I would pick Dolce & Gabbana because deep down every girl wants to feel like a princess and somehow they made me feel like I was one.
What’s the most luxurious piece of clothing you’ve ever worn? I would have to say my Alexander McQueen shoes.
If you had all the time in the world to dedicate to one thing, what would it be? Painting and reading are the things that relax me
the most.
Has your idea of luxury changed since you started modeling? Yes.
What’s the most luxurious item you’ve ever bought? My Coach jacket.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? It wasn’t a gift from a designer, but after my first season my agency took me to watch a Harry Potter movie. It’s been my favorite ever since I was a little girl.
What makes you happiest? My family are very close to me, that’s what makes me happy, as well as knowing I am good at what I do.
What’s your biggest indulgence? I have two younger siblings that I adore and spoil way too much!
Who is your idol? My grandmother. She has taken care of me ever since I was little and we have such a strong connection. She always has the right things to say to lift my spirit.
What one possession would you save from a fire? My books.
What would your special power be? To make people more tolerant, that way we wouldn’t fight for every little thing.
Describe your dream holiday… An entire month with my family traveling the world, anywhere they want to visit. I wish they could come with me and see all the amazing places I have been since becoming a model.
What would your last supper be? Rinds with mashed potatoes that my mother made when we went to Samana, Dominican Republic.
What do you miss most when you’re away from home? My family and my blanket.
Who is the most special person in your life? My mother and my grandmother.
What’s on your bucket list? I’d like to buy my parents a house. Buy my own apartment. Take my family around the world. Visit the Harry Potter theme park in Florida. Take my siblings and cousins to Disney world. Be in a Disney series (I know very childish). Model for Jean Paul Gaultier and Victoria’s Secret. And finally meet J.K. Rowling and thank her for making Harry Potter possible.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future? For my family to have their own place.
Luxury is… not material things, it’s more about things that are yours and that no one can take away from you.
Credits
Photography Harley Weir
Styling Julia Sarr-Jamois
Text Tish Weinstock
Hair Holli Smith at LGA Management using R+Co
Make-up Inge Grongnard at Jed Root using M.A.C Cosmetics
Nail technician Beatrice Eni at Saint Germain using Saint Laurent
Photography assistance Virginie Khateeb
Styling assistance Rosie Williams, Chelsey Clarke
Hair assistance Dushan Petrovic
Production Victoria Mortimer, Gabriella Abuleac at Art Partner
Casting Angus Munro for AM Casting (Streeters NY)
Model Lineisy Montero at Next