This article originally appeared in i-D’s The New Fashion Rebels Issue, no. 352, Summer 2018.
Full name: Azusena
Where are you from and whatʼs it like?
It’s very diverse. I was born in New York and then I moved to Merseyside, then went to boarding school in Wales, then to LA and now London! I’ve never lived anywhere for longer than 7 years.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I am a musician and singer-songwriter. I wrote a lot of story books with illustrations when I was younger, especially in New York.
Describe yourself…
I am a Virgo moon so I am constantly on the search for something inside myself. Always curious. I always want to learn something. Spirituality is a big part of me too.
Describe your generation…
Overstimulated and anxious, but still very bold.
When do you feel most confident?
When I can execute a vision that I have and watch it happen in front of me. Manifesting something is pure power.
Who do you consider to be the voice of your generation and why?
There are a lot of different voices — mainly because of social media, which is a blessing and curse. But we all know the difference between what is substantial and what is crap. Fortunately there are some amazing positive debates out there.
What is the most important thing happening in culture right now?
People taking on leadership roles on their own terms. That’s what cool to see.
What change would you like to see in the world in 2018?
More female producers.
What makes you hopeful for the future?
There is more social awareness and acceptance. It’s gradual, but it’s happening.
This is your chance to speak out. What have you got to say?
Always follow your truth. In everything. That’s it.
Full name: Bee Beardsworth
Age: 22
Where are you from and what’s it like?
Originally, the Cotswolds, which is like a Jane Austen novel meets Alan Partridge. As a teenager, I lived in Cape Town and travelled a lot, which was beautiful, but very corrupt.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I make art, take photos, I am writing a lot, I (am fortunate) to model. I am a polymath. Or a workaholic. I do everything because I am lucky enough to have that freedom, and if I don’t, I might go mad.
Describe yourself…
If you told a cat that it had to get a job and be a human, I would be that cat.
Describe your generation…
Genius veering on apathetic calamity.
When do you feel most confident?
When I’m in the wild. Running. And breathing. With bare feet on the earth.
Who do you consider to be the voice of your generation and why?
I don’t think of our generation can be defined by one voice. That’s why this generation is different.
What is the most important thing happening in culture right now?
People who aren’t making things for the culture, but out of true internalised and isolated desire to express themselves.
What change would you like to see in the world in 2018?
Removal of algorithms from the internet. Yoga taught in schools. Destruction of all factory farms.
What makes you hopeful for the future?
Animals can adapt to huge ecological changes, but humans can’t.
This is your chance to speak out. What have you got to say?
Get off your phone. Look at the world around you. Remember what it felt like to be a kid, and stare at the sky for hours, or examine every vein in a leaf. Find your own freedom.
Name: Breanna Box
Age: Timeless.
Born: Minnesota, it’s cold.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I sing to soothe the soul and make you want to dance. I act to make you laugh or cry. I love to turning myself inside out.
Describe yourself…
Watching The Sopranos while listening to Sade.
When do you feel most confident?
Under the spotlight, behind a mic or naked.
Who do you consider the voice of your generation?
Instagram & autotune.
What change would you like to see in the world in 2018?
More soul.
What makes you hopeful for the future?
Heaven.
This is your chance to speak out. What have you got to say?
There’s a blessing or lesson in every little thing.
Full name: Ed Curtis Age: 25
Where are you from and what’s it like?
Originally from a small village outside of Hereford. It’s perfect.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I’m a fashion designer and artist. I’m a fashion designer because it gives me the opportunity to say exactly what I want to say right now without speaking. I’m an artist because I can procrastinate over what I want to say over a long period of time.
Describe yourself…
I have a very indulgent personality.
Describe your generation…
Proactive!
When do you feel most confident?
After a large glass of prosecco.
Who do you consider to be the voice of your generation and why?
SOPHIE!
What is the most important thing happening in culture right now?
Being aware of respecting all cultures.
What change would you like to see in the world in 2018?
Can’t handle any more change. Stability would be great. Everything has changed so much over the last year or so, and not necessarily for the better.
What makes you hopeful for the future?
The freedom to create and collaborate.
Full name: Louis Chen
Age: 21
Where are you from and whatʼs it like?
Beijing, China. A far away country with a big population. Lots of memories there — and food , food, food!
What do you do and why do you do it?
I do fashion design and I feel like that’s what I always want to do. Design really helped me improve my patience.
Describe yourself…
Soft.
Describe your generation…
Anxious.
When do you feel most confident?
When I get more recognition.
What is the most important thing happening in culture right now?
Social media.
What change would you like to see in the world in 2018?
Less air pollution.
What makes you hopeful for the future?
Love from my friends, family and people.
This is your chance to speak out. What have you got to say?
Try hard, try harder.
Credits
Photography Finn Constantine
Styling David Spence
Make up India Excell using YSL Beauty
All model’s wear Shirt Richard Oxley
All other clothing stylists own
Models Ayesha Jones. Azusana Single. Bee Beardworth. Brianna Box. Ed Curtis. George Eve. Heavenly Faithful. James Messiah. Jess Maybury. Justin. Leo. Louis Chen. Maxim Magnus. Moffy Hardy. Oli Shinder. Reba Maybury. Saffiyah Khan. Willie J Healey. Yinka Bokkini.