Luka ♥︎ Dani
Luka, 16
How did you first meet? I was looking for a girl to shoot with and I found Dani, we started hanging out and talking.
How long have you been together? Three months.
What do you love about most about Dani? She’s loyal, she’s both sexy and beautiful, thoughtful and nice, but has an attitude too, and it’s hot.
Do you have a special song? I hate her taste in music and she hates mine.
Dani, 18
What do you love most about Luka? Everything. He’s perfect.
How did you know you were in love? Because the moment I wasn’t with Luka, all I could think about was him.
What do you love about New York? The fact that if you have a dream you can make it happen.
Nicolas ♥ Raquel
Nicolas, 26
Where did you first meet Raquel? We met at a skinhead show in 2010 in Brooklyn.
How long have you been together? Since the day of the show, about four years.
What do you love about New York? Everything but the people.
Raquel, 27
What do you love most about Nicolas? His Uruguayan take it or leave it attitude.
What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done? I don’t find romance in grand gestures, I find it in the little things, doing little things for each other every day, showing you’re always thinking of them.
What is love? Unconditional, unselfish, truth.
Lavante ♥ Ritchie
Lavante, 24
How long have you and Ritchie been together? A year.
What do you love most about him? His smile.
How did you know you were in love? When it’s love, you just know.
How many times have you been in love? Never before.
What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done? I like to write love letters.
Describe Ritchie in three words… Loyal, stubborn, pure.
Ritchie, 21
Where did you meet Lavante? On set.
What do you love most about him? His eyes.
How did you know you were in love? I don’t know the exact moment. it just snuck up on me!
Do you believe in love at first sight? Mostly, yeah.
What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done? Can’t tell, it’s our secret.
Describe Lavante in three words… Stubborn, kind, loving.
What is love? There are too many words to describe love. Love is love!
Lee ♥ Sahara
Lee, 19
What is love? It’s less complex than it’s made out to be. It has a lot to do with energy and vibes, being at ease and finding comfort.
Sahara, 17
How did you know you were in love? The second I met Lee I knew she was amazing.
Lulu ♥ Mikey
Lulu, 24
What is love? Love is what I have with Mikey. No matter how much she gets on my nerves, I can always look her in the eyes and trust that she has my back.
Mikey, 26
What is love? Being there for each other through the hard times and the good.
Nick ♥ Ivy
Nick, 22
What do you love most about Ivy? Her love.
Ivy, 16
What’s the most romantic thing you’ve done with Nick? Spending every weekend together (at least 48 hours) indoors, talking all day and night without even stopping for food.
Matthew ♥ Simona
Matthew, 25
What do you love most about Simona? I love how creative she is and how she has her own personal style.
Simona, 17
What do you love most about Matthew? He goes with the flow, he isn’t judgemental and he’s funny.
Read more in The What Is Love? Issue, out now
Credits
Photography Kevin Amato
Styling Carlos Nazario
Hair Jawara Wachope at Coffin Inc using Oribe.
Make-up Susie Sobol using NARS.
Photography and casting assistance Elijah Esquivel-Agurs.
Styling assistance Kenny P. Paul, Rasha Fordice, Vance Gamble.
Production David Lipford.
Production coordinator Chloe Chada Van.
Production assistance Dominique James.
Models Simona Gomez, Matthew Mooney, Lulu Braithwaite, Mikey Burns, Lavante Isaac, Richie Fabien, Lee Armoogam, Sahara Lin, Luka Sabbat, Daniella Stanimirovic, Raquel Nave, Ivy Stewart, Nick Phillips, Nicolas Lopez.