This article originally appeared in i-D’s The New Fashion Rebels Issue, no. 352, Summer 2018.
Hannah Anderson, 24
Where are you from and whatʼs it like?
Houston, Texas, born and raised, but I moved to LA two years ago. The people are friendly and diverse, the food is delicious.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I’m a musician and artist. I write and play music because it’s something I have to do, it’s an anti-depressant for me. Being able to tell a story, or tell someone else’s story — it removes any type of isolation one can feel, because you can expound on feelings that listeners may have not been able to describe for themselves.
Describe your generation…
I’ve seen more and more people not afraid to look different or be different and that’s really encouraging. This generation is inclusive. This generation is powerful.
When do you feel most confident?
Being able to just be, and not worry about what people think. I feel like it’s natural on some days and others I have to really fight for it.
Who do you consider to be the voice of your generation?
Every young person in our generation is a voice for our generation. Everyone has the ability to make an impact, whether it be large scale or small.
Bianca Alatorre, 28
Where are you from and what is it like?
Santa Monica, California. Coastal, breezy, accessible. I still live here so I find nostalgia everywhere. It has become increasingly more inundated with people but I don’t blame ‘em.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I play music because I can’t help it. I think in perpetual melody.
Describe yourself…
A lazy perfectionist.
Describe your generation…
Bittersweetly consumed by technology. It can be a very taxing distraction, but I think it’s also proven to be a powerful way to create awareness by the masses and connect people who want to incite real and positive change.
When do you feel most confident?
When I’m writing a song.
Who do you consider to be the voice of your generation and why?
I think the most important and loudest voice of every generation is our youth. They quite literally are the future!
What change would you like to see in the world in 2018?
Gun reform.
Sadie Holliday, 26
Where are you from and what is it like?
I’m originally from Brattleboro, currently in Los Angeles. I moved to LA without ever having visited — bought a one way ticket and figured it out.
Describe yourself…
I’ve always been a hard worker. When I was seven years old I wanted a Mary-Kate and Ashley adventure book so I asked the owner if I could organise a section of the store in exchange for it, that was my first job.
Describe your generation…
So full of potential. Sometimes I have a small voice in my head that rags on everyone and everything, when it gets loud I take a moment and write lists of all the people I know who inspire me, that list grows each time. I’m especially excited for the women of colour in my generation. I love how unapologetically strong we all are. We’re really stepping onto the platform that was built by those before us in profound way.
When do you feel most confident?
Taking up a new discipline or sharing new work with friends. When you start to explore new ideas, thoughts, art, projects, etc. There’s nothing more confidence inspiring than feeling safe and supported enough to share, it’s encouraging and helps to provide clarity on what direction to go in next.
What is the most important thing happening in culture right now?
People are starting to be held accountable for their actions and that’s great.
This is your chance to speak out. What have you got to say?
Know your strengths, believe the good things people say about you without hesitation, and know your value.
Olan Prenatt, 21
Where are you from and whatʼs it like?
Crenshaw and Venice. Everybody is always smiling in my neighbourhoods.
Describe yourself…
A colourful skateboarder that’s addicted to clothes, shoes, sweating and sunshine.
Describe your generation…
A bunch of people who don’t listen to Tupac.
What is the most important thing happening in culture right now?
Appreciating previous generations’ cultures to see how our world got to where it is.
What makes you hopeful for the future?
Technology. We have closer access to the things that we need to prevail.
This is your chance to speak out. What have you got to say?
Don’t beep the horn out of spite.
Taylor Robinson, 22
Where are you from and what is it like?
I am from Silverlake, LA. A warm and tight knit community of families and artists. Growing up here was special.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I am a production designer and art director. Production design allows me to create my own space or world with the inspiration I draw from everything around me. I do it because no day is the same as the next. I am constantly being challenged, problem solving and creating. It’s my dream job.
Describe yourself…
I am always excited about something. I love the sun.
Describe your generation…
Powerful and passionate.
When do you feel most confident?
When I’m naked after a shower.
Who do you consider to be the voice of your generation and why?
I don’t think the voice of my generation is just one person. It couldn’t be. It’s all of us together.
What is the most important thing happening in culture right now?
Memes.
What makes you hopeful for the future?
When I see the people around me speaking out and taking action. Complacency is not being tolerated. This gives me hope for the future, as this is the only way change will come.
This is your chance to speak out. What have you got to say?
Love yourself.
Tanya Bertone, 27
Describe yourself…
Independent to a fault.
Describe your generation…
Loud and determined to make a change.
When do you feel most confident?
When I’m dancing to music by myself in front of a mirror, maybe after I’ve had a glass of wine.
Who do you consider to be the voice of your generation and why?
I believe social media has given our generation a collective voice. We find our strength in numbers and are unafraid to speak our minds, challenge authority and hear new opinions. And Cardi B.
What change would you like to see in the world in 2018?
More people need to leave their comfort zones and experience different cultures, it makes the world less scary.
What makes you hopeful for the future?
Renewable energy, if we don’t kill the planet first.
This is your chance to speak out. What have you got to say?
Make school free. Everyone deserves an education not just the rich.
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