Anna Cleveland has been living in a fantasy world of her own creation ever since she was a child. Growing up in a small village on top of a mountain overlooking the lake views of Lago Maggiore near Milan — and belonging to the only foreign family in the area — Anna never truly felt like she fit in. That is, until she discovered her love of fashion (which isn’t surprising considering she’s grown up around it for her entire life, as the daughter of pioneering supermodel Pat Cleveland).
By 13, she’d been styled by Christopher Niquet. By 17, she’d become Zac Posen’s muse. And by her 20s, she’d emerged from her mother’s shadow as a model in her own right — although she was happy to share some of her mother’s spotlight when the two were photographer for Lanvin’s spring/summer 15 campaign. After having walked 16 shows this season — which included dancing down the Moschino catwalk while her dress was on fire (“it felt right!”) — Anna’s star shines ever brighter. Here are nine things you need to know about the model of the moment.
1. She’s been obsessed with fashion all her life…
“All of the girls from the town would come over to my house to play dress up and secretively put on make up (as their mothers wouldn’t allow it). Fashion, beauty, and characterizing have always been my escape and sense of empowerment.”
2. When she’s not waltzing down the catwalk, dress on fire, you can find her…
“Dancing, acting, singing, reading, traveling, exploring, styling, [making] art, and directing.”
3. Her friends would describe her as…
“An open minded, friendly, and adventurous dreamer that always looks at the glass half full.”
4. She also gives great advice…
“Feed yourself with positive thoughts everyday no matter how many doors slam in your face. Remember, when one door closes another one will be open for you. Trust in timing and love yourself.”
5. The naughtiest thing she’s ever done is…
“Taking my clothes off in the desert and running to the top of a hill!”
6. Her ultimate girl band would consist of…
“Catherine Baba, Katie Grand, Pat Cleveland, Yaz Bukey.”
7. And it would sound like a mix of…
“Soul, disco funk, jazz and classical.”
8. For Anna, the best thing about being a girl in 2016 is…
“Being able to have your own career.”
9. Her hopes for the future are…
“To continue to be innovative.”
Credits
Photography Bibi Cornejo Borthwick
Styling Stella Greenspan
Anna Cleveland is with NEXT Models