Growing up in the ’90s, I obsessed over fashion magazines.
There was only one problem.
All of these depictions of beauty looked essentially the same, and none of them looked anything like me.
I moved through life in my wheelchair.
My spine was curved, my body scarred, my legs atrophied.
It’s the kind of defiant inclusion that reaches well beyond the pages of a magazine.
Stella McCartney dress. Ara Vartanian earrings. To create a similar makeup look: Pigment in Genuine Orange, Mixing Medium Lash, Eye Shadow in Tilt, and Powder Kiss Lipstick in Ruby New by MAC Cosmetics.
I lept at the chance to chat with five Zebedee models featured in a recent issue ofAllure.
Our conversations were tender and empowering, surprising and full of grounded hopefulness.
I’m honored to share their voices here.
JW Anderson dress. Simon Harrison earrings. To create a similar makeup look: Sequin Crush Mono Eyeshadow in Confident Nude, Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint in Pinch, and Vernis à Lèvres Water Stain Lip Stain in Inondation Orange by YSL Beauty.
Simone Hodge
Stella McCartney dress.
Allure:When you were growing up, did you see people who looked like you in magazines?
Simone Hodge:I can’t think of one time I’d seen someone even with askin conditionrepresented.
Tory Burch top. Maria Tash earrings. To create a similar makeup look: 12 Flash Color Case in Flash and Rouge Artist Intense Color Beautifying Lipstick in Rockin’ Rust by Make Up For Ever.
My birthmark is across the whole side of my face and goes into my hair.
Nearly every day of my life someone asks me “What is that?
Did you get punched in the face?”
Emporio Armani dress and belt. Jimmy Choo boot. Pebble London earrings. To create a similar makeup look: Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Violet Amour, Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer in Light Medium, and Glow Paradise Lip & Cheek Tint in Eternal Rose by L’Oréal Paris.
I’ve gone through phases of searching for full coverage foundation just stuff that will completely cover it up.
But by the time I got to 16, I just thought I want to keep it.
Now that’s what I want to do.
Ami jacket. Christopher Kane dress. Maria Tash earrings. To create a similar makeup look: Single Eyeshadow in Persia, Hardwired Eyeshadow in Ecstasy, and Afterglow Lip Shine in Turkish Delight by Nars.
Allure:What are your hopes for the beauty industry?
Hodge:I want people to feel accepted.
Just because I never did.
To see themselves in things.
There was nothing to see myself in.
That’s why I tried to cover my face.
And for people to feel accepted.
Because that can change a lot of things.
Allure:How do you think Zebedee fits into that?
Hodge:I haven’t come across any agency like them before.
But Zebedee is opening doors for people like me.
And that does play a part in changing things.
Imy Harris
JW Anderson dress.
Allure:Did you always want to be a model?
Harris:I was born profoundly deaf.
I wear hearing aids on both ears.
I don’t have working ears, I’ve got hearing aids.
What if they tell me I don’t fit the criteria?"
But Zebedee has actually been amazing.
Allure:Where do you get your self-confidence?
Harris:During secondary school, I really struggled with my mental health.
I worked in a supermarket and, because of the pandemic, people had to wear masks.
Butlip readingis my number-one form of communication, and I could not understand anyone.
Or, “You should be out in the back.”
And I just thought, “No!”
I’m not going to let that happen.
I’ve had enough of that.
Allure:What do you hope others experience through your modeling?
You’ve just got to go for it.
She’s no different than anyone else."
Camryn Yule
Tory Burch top.
Allure:How did you get into modeling?
I thought the only way would be to jointhe technical team.
I realized, “No, wait!
I can be more creative!”
[Camryn still works as a stylist, and costume standby in film and TV.]
Allure:Was it intimidating to go from behind the camera to in front of it?
I never really thought about my disability.
I’ve never thought of my disability as a hindrance until someone else tells me it is.
Allure:What are your hopes for the future of modeling?
Hopefully, my models [who I style] can feel like they can speak up as well.
Georgia Stannard
Emporio Armani dress and belt.
Allure:Could you tell me a bit about your experience getting into modeling?
Stannard:Three years ago, I lost my leg when I was hit by a bus.
That’s not to say it hasnt been hard.
But it’s allowed me to be more grateful for every day.
It’s opened my eyes to the fact that inclusivity matters so much.
Allure:What has it been like joining the modeling world so soon after your accident?
Stannard:I’ve had to get used to being in this new body.
Being part of an agency that celebrates difference has totally helped.
Since gaining this disability, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for our bodies.
The fact that we can showcase that appreciation and celebrate all our different bodies in magazines is beautiful.
Allure:Where do you think the beauty industry might be headed?
Even five years ago, you wouldn’t have seen that.
And if you did, it would’ve been to check a box.
Jasroop Singh
Ami jacket.
Allure:Did you always know you wanted to be a model?
Jasroop Singh:Growing up withvitiligo, my skin condition, I was never confident in my skin.
I never, ever planned to model.
And then lockdown happened, and it’s like my confidence came out of nowhere.
During lockdown, we were spending quite a lot of time by ourselves.
But lockdown for me was definitely a blessing in disguise.
I found my true self.
I woke up one morning and felt so good about myself.
I just went out with my family, no makeup on with my fresh skin out.
Allure:What has it been like to work with Zebedee?
Singh:I’m having so much fun.
I don’t wake up anymore and think, “What are people going to think of me?”
Like, I dont care what you think of me.
As long as I’m happy, that’s all that matters.
Allure:What are your thoughts on and hopes for the beauty industry?
Singh:They’re starting to be more inclusive.
But there’s no image of what a model should look like, you know?
That’s made up.
I feel like there is a change coming now, but this is just the start of it.
A version of this story originally appeared in the November 2022 issue of Allure.
Read more about representation in the modeling industry:
Ellie Goldstein Always Wanted to Be Famous.
