Sahara Lin is the fresh-faced beauty taking Instagram by storm. After being discovered on social media by Japanese photographer Fumi Nagasaka, she was catapulted into the spotlight for the entire fashion world to see. Born in Wales but now based in Brooklyn, the 19-year-old has a thing or two to teach us about challenging society’s beauty ideals. Lin is a contradiction of quirky-cool; her braces and edgy look have her in high demand. Since signing with Elite in New York, she has modeled for Kenzo and Calvin Klein. Earlier this year she starred in a short film for Proenza Schouler directed by i-D fave Harley Weir. Here are 10 things you should know about fashion’s latest pretty, young thing…
1. She had a nomadic childhood.
“I grew up all over. I traveled a lot as a kid. I was born in Wales, moved to London, then Berlin, and finally, New York.”
2. She believes that beauty is more than just skin deep.
“To me, beauty means being the way you are, doing what you want to do, and the way you treat people. I find beauty in a lot of people, not just what is visible.”
3. She also loves to be on the other side of the camera.
“When I’m not modeling I do a lot! I make music, I draw and paint, I make videos, sculptures…I’m constantly keeping busy.”
4. Her career highlight so far is…
“Probably working with Kenzo, which was an amazing experience. I’ve also worked with Nicola Formichetti, a lot — he’s wicked.”
5. When it comes to modeling, she loves the theatricality of it all.
“I love modeling because I can become a lot of different characters; you dress up in certain ways which makes you feel like a completely different person. I really like the disparity between shoots — one shoot you look dainty and cute, and the next you look like the polar opposite.”
6. If there was a movie about her life, her character would be played by…
“Rosario Dawson.”
7. Her friends would describe her as…
“Elusive, weird, unique, arty, corny, and loveable but harsh at the same time.”
8. She thinks the best thing about being a girl in 2016 is…
“Having a lot of power — we can affect a lot of people very easily.”
9. The best advice she ever got was from her mother was…
“She always says to me, ‘Do whatever you want to do!'”
10. She has simple hopes and dreams for the future.
“I want to have my own place. I want to be with all of my friends while chilling and being happy.”
Credits
Text Georgie Bretherton