Born Beautiful
Read the interviews, and glance through the campaign photos and video below.
JANIS WILKINS
Left - Corset by Savage x Fenty; Jacket by Danielle Guizio
Right - Jacket by Danielle Guizio; Lingerie by Savage x Fenty by Adam Selman
Where are you from, and how old are you?
I was born in NYC. I’m 64 now.
How did your modeling career begin, and what were your motivations in doing so?
The beginning was a totally random event on the street. Daniel Peddle from The Secret Gallery Casting tapped me on the shoulder asking if I wanted to try out for the Third Love campaign. My response for the go-see was "sure.” I wasn't looking for anything and had no idea. I was just standing on the street corner looking at birds.
Left - Lingerie set by Savage x Fenty by Adam Selman
Right - Savage x Fenty
As a mature model, how did it feel wearing and modeling lingerie?
The entire casting and selection happened so fast. I was more in witness mode. Then I saw myself in nude underwear, un-retouched in the NYC subway takeover at Columbus Circle and was like, “OH MY GOD.” When I randomly saw the five-story billboard in Times Square of the same images, I laughed so hard for like 20 minutes. My mind did flash to several people who would see the billboard, moments of being mortified passed through my thoughts. Then as one follows the arc of thinking, I thought, "I'm not in your head listening to your critique of my body, so it doesn't matter.”
Do you feel as though there is proper representation in fashion/beauty media today? How do you feel the industry is changing?
The industry is slowly changing to expand on a vision that includes all sizes of models as well as older women. I think it's wise to embrace the aging woman, as we are everywhere, and we have more money than many younger people. The boomers are here, and aging is a really beautiful gift. Focusing on THAT blessing eclipses the concern for wrinkles and saggy skin. I feel a deeper connection to myself as well as a greater appreciation and acceptance for myself than at any other point in my life.
JEYZA GARY
Lingerie set by Savage x Fenty by Adam
Where are you from, and how old are you?
I am from Fayetteville, North Carolina. I’m 21 years old.
How did your modeling career begin, and what were your motivations in doing so?
My modeling career officially began by way of a high school yearbook. I know, I know… sounds crazy right? Well, I’d been taking pictures toward the end of my sophomore year. In summer 2018, I opened my yearbook and saw a note from a fellow classmate and friend that read, “Dear Jeyza, I am going to miss you so much. You always find a way to make me smile, and I wish the best for you truly. P.S. You need to model.” I’m sure that when my friend wrote that, she couldn’t have imagined I’d actually go for it. Honestly at that time, neither could I. After reading her note, I decided to take a chance. Got some digitals and began submitting to every agency I could think of.
Left - Lingerie set by Agent Provocateur
Right - Swimsuit by Inamorata
Growing up with your skin condition, did you feel as though there was proper representation in fashion/beauty media?
I honestly didn’t. Growing up, there was a singular type of beauty that was perpetuated everywhere you turned. Tall, thin, unblemished, naturally beautiful hair and endowed where it counts.
How did it feel wearing and modeling lingerie?
It felt new, empowering, bold and daring. I felt multi-faceted. I’m normally very reserved and modeling lingerie really allowed me to own my confidence more than I ever have!
