Crushing hard, being ghosted, trying to work out exactly what love feels like, extricating yourself from a dead-end relationship — we all experience the messy, awful, amazing stuff of romance. Even models! See, they’re just like us.
The Squad Management, a 3-year-old London-based modelling agency representing some our favourite faces, has teamed up with British photographer Thomas Betts to shoot a series called The Process. Captured in London, New York, Paris and Brussels, Thomas worked the models as collaborators, capturing their brilliant personalities. Then we asked them about dating, breaking up and the first objects of their affection. Here’s what they had to say.
Jourdan Dunn, 27
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
Omarion from B2K.
What’s the best thing about being single?
Not answering to anyone and having me time all the time.
Worst pickup line you’ve ever heard?
“OMG you look just like Jourdan Dunn! Can I get you a drink?”
What’s the best way to breakup with someone?
Ideally face to face but, I mean… ugh.
What does falling in love mean to you?
It means opening up, letting go and trusting someone.
Mahany Pery, 20
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
I was in love with the movie Enchanted, and I was dreaming that I would meet a prince like Patrick Dempsey one day. I also really like Grey’s Anatomy.
Have you ever been ghosted? What did you do about it?
I have been once, in my first relationship. I cried a lot and then realised that I was able to forget and move on. In order to do that, you need to prioritise yourself, and connect with friends who make you feel happy and loved.
Are dating apps good, bad or just necessary?
I downloaded Tinder once in Sao Paulo, but I figured out that apps are not for me. I like it best when things come naturally, and most of all, take place In Real Life.
What does falling in love mean to you?
When there is only one person in your mind the whole time.
Hanne Gaby, 30
Are dating apps good, bad or just plain necessary?
I don’t have any personal experience with dating apps as I have been with my husband for 10 years, and back then we didn’t use apps. But I did help my friend out once with the swiping for the lolz.
What’s the best way to breakup with someone?
I think it all depends on the situation you are in, how long you were dating, how serious the relationship was and why you want to break up.
What does falling in love mean to you?
It’s an important part of life.
Winnie Harlow, 23
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
I had a crush on Michael Jackson, and Trey Songz… I really thought at 14 that one day I’d marry Trey.
Have you ever been ghosted? What did you do about it?
Yup, gotta learn to let it go — and i still haven’t learned so don’t worry, it takes time.
What’s the best way to breakup with someone?
Through email. Lol jk.
What does falling in love mean to you?
Wearing your heart on your sleeve, breaking rules, making sacrifices and making time.
Issa Lish, 23
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
It’s kind of embarrassing, but Ryan Sheckler.
What’s the best thing about being single?
Not having to report back to anyone about what you are doing or where you are.
Are dating apps good, bad or just plain necessary?
Dating apps are so bad. People are always trying to find love but love won’t find you until you stop looking for it. Once you accept it and say, “I’m single, I’m so happy right now,” that’s when you will meet someone. Apps are not like the real deal because there’s no chemistry involved in seeing someone’s photo. That’s not hot.
Worst pickup line you’ve ever heard?
Someone once said to me, “I would like to be an astronaut, so I can get into your black hole.”
Adele Taska, 17
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
I really liked Ash Ketchum from Pokemon.
Worst pickup line you’ve ever heard?
“Hello baby, do you want some vodka?” Kudos, though, for being straightforward.
What’s the best way to breakup with someone?
Before the relevant app is invented, I guess being honest will have to do.
Sveta Black, 21
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
I think one of the important ones was t.A.T.u. They were very unusual and significant.
What’s the best thing about being single?
You don’t have to share your pizza.
What’s the best way to breakup with someone?
Breaking up is like a piece of performance art: Like, when Marina Abramovic and her boyfriend walked to each other from opposite ends of the Great Wall of China, met in the middle, said goodbye and continued their journey in different directions.
What does falling in love mean to you?
It’s like you are caught between earth and heaven, but still alive. And, of course, it means that you can share your pizza.
Marine Deleeuw, 23
What’s the best thing about being single?
Not having to care about anyone else other than yourself.
Are dating apps good, bad or just plain necessary?
I believe people who live in small towns should use them because their choice is really limited. But when you live in a big city like NYC you just have to go out, they’re out there 😉
Worst pickup line you’ve ever heard?
“Ton père est un voleur, il a volé toutes les étoiles du ciel pour les mettre dans tes yeux” — Your father is a thief, he stole all the stars from the sky and put them in your eyes.
What’s the best way to breakup with someone?
Face to face. Hate those guys that do it by text because that’s happened to me. They pretend to be strong and fearless but they are scared of facing you.
What does falling in love mean to you?
This magnetic attraction that just transcends rational thought.
Yana Bovenistier, 25
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
D’Angelo.
What’s the best thing about being single?
Free drinks? Lol.
Worst pickup line you’ve ever heard?
“Are you Jamaican? ‘Cause jamaking me crazy.”
What does falling in love mean to you?
Ecstasy.
Camille Hurel, 20
Have you ever been ghosted? What did you do about it?
No. And the guy I am dating better not do it.
What’s the best thing about being single?
I am very independent, I can’t stay with someone 24/7, I like to do what I want when I want. Especially with this job.
Worst pickup line you’ve ever heard?
“Are you Russian? ‘Cause you look like you’re from my country, let’s talk!”
What’s the best way to breakup with someone?
I’m very bad at this — I’ll act like the typical coward and run. I usually feel worse than the other person when I break up with them.
What does falling in love mean to you?
Being best friends with benefits.
Veronika Kunz, 25
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
Eminem.
What’s the best thing about being single?
It’s easier to pack your bags and leave home.
Are dating apps good, bad or just plain necessary?
I met my boyfriend the old school way — I don’t think I would have got on with dating apps!
What’s the best way to breakup with someone?
Just do it.
Kirin Dejonckheere, 19
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?
The first moment I looked into the bright blue eyes of Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic, I was totally sold.
What’s the best thing about being single?
Sometimes, being in a relationship and loving someone can be exhausting, as you are worrying and thinking about your partner all the time.
Are dating apps good, bad or just plain necessary?
In my opinion, dating sites take away all the magic of the very first romantic meeting and the possibility of love at first sight. On the other side, I’m really happy for all the people who were able to find their soulmate that way.
What’s the worst pick up line you’ve ever heard?
All the pick-up lines, cause they don’t work, ever.
Cara Taylor, 17
What TV character, musician or film star did you have a crush on when you were a kid?Probably The Wiggles, even though I didn’t know I was in love with them (yes, all of them). My first real crush that I knew of was Max from Wizards of Waverley Place.
What’s the best thing about being single?
Sometimes you really get to know yourself before you eventually go off and start dating again.
What’s the worst pick up line you’ve ever heard?
“Are you a fish? Cause I just wanna reel you in.” — Jackson from Hannah Montana.
What does falling in love mean to you?
You’ve found a special and rare type of happiness and you would do anything to make that person happy. Becoming super comfortable in your own skin, so you can truly be your goofy self with them.