Saint Laurent Winter 2020

Today, the niche model opens up about her journey, from being discovered to becoming a full-time muse. She delves into what it takes to be Instagram’s latest phenomenon, creative directing at I.AM.GIA, and discusses her relationships with some of the fashion industry's greatest talents.

Hunter Shires— Hello, hello, hello! What’s good darkweb Pam Anderson? How are you? 

Chloe Spence— I’m good, I just got back from my camping trip with my mom and my little sister, which was so much fun. We went to Big Sur. I discovered I’m a survivalist, I can make smores and not get lost in the woods.

You should go on Survivor 47 with Indiana420Bitch and Monibelle. Photographers and models take Fiji!

Oh my god, can you imagine?

How were you found? 

I’ve been online since I was a freshman in high school. I started sharing my photos online in 2016 and they gained traction. In 2019, Michael Donovan reached out to me letting me know he wanted to shoot me. He was the first photographer I shot with and we built this amazing relationship. We’d go on these adventures and play together. Once we started shooting, it just felt so natural, like we were creating magic.

What does commitment look like in the Instagram model space? I was really enamored by your dedication to the character the minute we got on set.

My commitment lies in my willingness to adapt. I also believe that my work can reflect the spirit of the times. I aim to capture the current cultural energy in my photos, making them relevant for today’s audience. It’s about creating art that speaks to what’s happening in the world and allowing people to find their own connections or inspirations in that context.

I love how your work is a reflection of certain shifts in culture. How did you score a feature in the recent YZY campaign for their “Wet T-Shirt” collaboration with Mowalola?

Gio Forbice literally texted my photos to Kanye saying, “Chloe for YZY?”. Kanye replied back, “Chloe for YZY.” And then the next minute I’m on a flight to be the first model to shoot for the WET campaign.

When did you and Gio Forbice first connect? 

We’ve been friends for a little over 3 years. He asked me to do the shoot for his brand, For Bitches Company, with Monibelle and the campaign went viral. At the beginning of this year, I went to Milan and we met for the first time.

My friends and I have been calling you “the final girl” of Instagram girls. What do you think about that? What do you believe separates you from the rest?

I love the creative process and collaborating with photographers to bring different characters and ideas to life. As a model, I’m more immersive in the creative process. I’m not just showing up to set, I’m studying the mood board and super curious about it. I’m very malleable and getting into character comes naturally to me. Ultimately, I just enjoy what I do and am grateful that others appreciate it too.

What would people not know that comes with the job?

You have to be a down girl. I’ll be out in the freezing cold laying in snow with minimal clothing on at night time and have to hold a pose for over a few minutes.

Your feet were bleeding on set from all the heels you put on from shot to shot, without any complaints. I didn’t even notice until I looked back at the iPhone BTS images I took. Someone give her a Skechers brand deal.

What’s your favorite physical feature of yours?

I love my dark brown eyes. I like my nose too, but I paid for it. Shoutout Dr. Vladimir Grigoryants for real!

The nose is sickening, let me go and book an appointment with him.

left; CHLOE wears DRESS by DSQUARED2, HEELS by CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, NECKLACE stylist’s own

right; CHLOE wears DRESS by DSQUARED2, BOOTS by ALEXANDER WANG, EARRINGS by DSQUARED2

You have such a synergistic relationship with photographers. Who are some of your favorites to work with? 

I mostly shoot with Michael Donovan, Indiana420Bitch, Jayden Murillo, and Monibelle. I think why we work so well is because they're my friends. Those are my people.

It’s very apparent that when you work with these individuals that you have a similar vision, as if you share the same brain. Where do you think your desire to create art comes from?

My desire to create art comes from a deep fascination with the world around me and a drive to express my perspectives and experiences. Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn to various forms of creative expression. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about bringing an idea to life and sharing it with others. It’s a way for me to connect with people, evoke emotions and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in the art world.

Creatively, what are you invested in right now? 

I’m really into making music. I’ve been attempting to produce music on Ableton, but it’s really hard.

Do you have any producers that you’d like to work with? Let’s manifest it.

Christopher Dexter is a huge inspiration to me. I listened to his project “oOoOO” a lot when I was in high school. I’m also into the witch house/ambient vibe and I really want to start making music in that genre.

Do you think controversy within art is inevitable?

If art wasn’t controversial in any way, no one would talk about it. Controversy is a form of art in itself I would think. I believe controversy in art is often inevitable because art is a form of expression that challenges perceptions. It’s also what makes art powerful and transformative. It encourages us to think critically, it also plays a vital role in the evolution and impact of art.

I agree, I mean if you think about art — it can be made based on feelings and feelings aren’t always positive or morally correct on a global scale. What is more important to you: mystique or authenticity?

I think both mystique and authenticity are important to me. I enjoy keeping an air of mystery because it adds depth and intrigue to my work. I’m genuine in my art and what I share, but I also value my privacy. I think people listen more when there’s a little more mystery.

As people navigate existing online, the obsession with being perceived as authentic is a huge trend at the moment and even that isn’t always the truest version of self… What do girls like you want out of life?

I’d love to recreate the Dsquared 2010’s ‘Sex Sells’ campaign. I've also always dreamed of being a mom, I feel like that’s one of my big life missions and many psychics have told me this as well.

I was just in LA and it seems like every single person I saw out and about had a drink in their hand. We’re currently in the times of hyper-drink culture, do you have a favorite drink of your own? 

The Purple Drink from Cha Cha Matcha, but then I add two shots of matcha. It’s the perfect drink. Literally DoorDash it right now.

I've been visiting some revival theaters while I've been in town. Have you seen any films recently that have particularly inspired you?

Ugh, I wish because I’ve been wanting to get more into film. I don’t remember the last time I turned my TV on.

In your work with IAMGIA, you’ve included some of your signature brutalist sex appeal. How do you feel your aesthetic helps push the envelope for the brand and consumer market?

It’s about pushing boundaries and challenging conventional ideas of beauty and fashion. When you can combine a sort of raw, unapologetic edge with fashion, it creates something unique that captivates and excites the audience.

What team are you betting on to win the WNBA finals this year?

I don’t even know what that is.

Destiny is what is meant to be, and with that being said what do you think your destiny is? 

I got my identity stolen once thinking I was chosen to be in an adidas by David LaChapelle campaign, so it’d be cool if that actually happened.

left; CHLOE wears DRESS by DSQUARED2, BOOTS by ALEXANDER WANG, EARRINGS by DSQUARED2

right; CHLOE wears BRA from VICTORIA SECRET, PANTS by ROCK REVIVAL, HEELS by IAMGIA