INTERVIEW
MODEL SPOTLIGHT: AUN'JEL YEPP
By Emma Strawbridge and Remy Carter, 14 May 2024

Hey, Aun'Jel! Tell us about how you got into modelling.
I was always in my mom’s closet playing dress up, which sounds very cliché, but that was the base of my getting into it. I’m from Houston and there were no modelling opportunities there, so I went to LA to work on movie sets. One day an actress said to me, 'You don’t need to be here, you need to be in front of a camera', and it just so happened that one of her best friends worked at Vera Wang. The following week, they flew me out for New York Fashion Week, I met with some agencies, and it was just my pick from there! It happened so fast.

ASOS DESIGN tank top with seashell graphic, £16
adidas Originals adibreak popper pants, £65
Amazing! What do you love most about modelling?
I love meeting new people, gaining friends from different countries, travelling and being able to perfect my craft.
Any career highlights?
My favourite show was Dior. The brand has taken me everywhere, it’s always exciting. I would say a major highlight is being able to travel.
We can imagine! What item do you always have with you when travelling for work?
Curl products – my hair takes a lot to maintain. It’s part of my look, so haircare is very important. I don’t want it to get damaged. My hero hair product is Miss Jessie’s Curl Cream – it’s expensive, but so worth it.
What's your favourite item in your wardrobe?
I never walk out of the house without my mom’s vintage Gucci watch.
Do you have any must-haves for summer?
Tanning oil, sunglasses and a swimsuit – my absolute essentials after going through a long winter in NY!
And what is your dream destination?
Being from Texas, I’m not a fan of cold weather, so I would definitely choose somewhere hot on an island. I visited Jamaica recently and loved it. I love being by the water and being connected to nature.
So, what would be your desert-island item?
Definitely a digital or film camera to capture its beauty.

Pictures: ASOS
Love that! What’s your favourite piece from the drop?
I like to be comfortable, so I love this knitted tank. I choose comfort over everything – if I could wear sportswear every day, I would.
The theme of today's shoot is blue hues. What does the colour blue signify to you?
Purity and freshness.
Lastly, tell us your summer plans!
Spending time with family! If I was to travel with them it would be to Paris or somewhere with history and culture, somewhere old world. Anywhere in Europe would be great, and London, too – my mom is dying to come here.