At the beginning of an exciting September, V launched our 150th issue of V Magazine (!) to celebrate the beginning of our 25th anniversary year (!!) with supermodel, beloved contributor for the last decade, and now five-time cover star Gigi Hadid on the cover of this special issue. With V150 commemorating 10 years of Gigi working with V across her many projects with us, including Gigi Journal Part I & II, to celebrate, we invited back a selection of artists from the Gigi Journal Part II book who participated with their unique artwork to join in on our festivities with special artistic remixes of her new cover for V150 by photography duo Inez & Vinoodh!
Below, discover the artwork now as V caught up with eight of the artists from the book to discuss how life has been since the book’s release four years ago!
SHEENA LIAM
Name: Sheena Liam
Age: 33
Current Location: George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Art Discipline: Visual Arts
Medium/Materials used: Hand Embroidery
Please explain your piece–how did you take on Gigi’s celebratory cover for our 150th issue of V?
I am already a big fan of Inez & Vinoodh as artists, I tried my best not to take away from their composition and original work while putting my take on the cover. Hands and body language have always been a big part of my work, and so has photography.
What has life been like since your participation in The Gigi Journal Part II back in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic? What were some of the reactions you’ve received from your followers and close loved ones about your art being spotlighted in the book?
Life is different for sure. The ability to travel and work again is amazing. I finally returned to NYC just this summer for a group exhibition I got to participate in. I think people were just happy George Town, Penang was mentioned in the build-up to Gigi Journal II. We are known for many things but perhaps not our fashion scene which has a rich cultural history and potential.
Do you remember what your initial reaction was to seeing Gigi and the V team emailing you to contribute to the book?
It was exhilarating, the internet changed how artists reached a greater audience for sure. Gigi DM-ed me first on my art account @TimesNewRomance, which I rarely am on but she went the extra mile to DM me on my personal account and that started the ball rolling. I’d love to do collaborative work with more creatives from different fields.
What has been the biggest difference in your artwork from four years ago to today?
I’ve taken a slower more methodological approach. Focusing on studio work a lot more, and stepping back from social media honestly helped a lot. I’m realizing good work takes time and it’s not worth it to churn out work that didn’t honor my process, which is the part I enjoy the most in my work.
Where do you see your growth—in both your artwork and your personal life—the most?
In my personal life and art, I’ve taken a step back from modeling to work on my new project Cultprint, which I run with my husband Ernest Zacharevic. It’s an art space and print house located in George Town, Penang, dedicated to supporting independent artists and honoring their vision. We’ve just ran our third exhibition with Spanish artist Isaac Cordal. Our team of amazing professionals keeps growing and it’s different and I get to be involved in every aspect of how my artwork is produced.
Any sentiments or thoughts for Gigi as both she and V celebrate her decade in modeling and being a collaborator for V all these years?
I’ve always been a huge fan of V Magazine, it is truly at the intersection of art and fashion. Thank you Gigi Hadid and team for this opportunity!
CHLOE LE
Name: Chloé Le
Age: 33
Current Location: Hamburg, Germany
Art Discipline: Digital Art
Medium/Materials used: Digital, Procreate
Please explain your piece–how did you take on Gigi’s celebratory cover for our 150th issue of V?
I love the black and white portraits of Gigi and wanted to make something playful out of them. I remember seeing her colorful apartment somewhere and needed to add a pop of color because it just fits her vibe so well. What can I say? She is a sunny girl!
What has life been like since your participation in The Gigi Journal Part II back in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic? What were some of the reactions you’ve received from your followers and close loved ones about your art being spotlighted in the book?
A lot happened since the participation back in 2020, on a personal and professional level. I finished my master’s degree in fashion design in Berlin, moved in together with my partner, and started working as a freelancer, went on three whole Rolling Stones tour (even worked at their ticket office on the Europe tour in 2022), got to know so many beautiful souls and surrounded myself with love. Learned to jump over my shadows, with many setbacks, but I try to take life one day at a time. I remember my friends, family, and supporters were so excited to see my work being featured in the book. I told my professor about how I was so surprised I got featured out of so many good submissions and he was like “Why? It just means that your work is good! Just take it as it is.” and I was like “Hm, he is on to something.” haha. I just need to stop questioning my work and keep doing me.
Do you remember what your initial reaction was to seeing Gigi and the V team emailing you to contribute to the book?
Ecstatic to be honest. I was so happy that I was literally shaking.
What has been the biggest difference in your artwork from four years ago to today?
My rendering style.
Where do you see your growth—in both your artwork and your personal life—the most?
I got better at rendering and the way I approach the process. I often leave projects unfinished and visit them after a while with a fresh set of eyes. Personally, I am actively working on my mental health and try to take better care of myself.
Any sentiments or thoughts for Gigi as both she and V celebrate her decade in modeling and being a collaborator for V all these years?
Gigi, keep rocking yourself. You have proved yourself so many times and keep on venturing out on new adventures despite many challenges. It’s always refreshing to see the projects you’re participating in. I wish you nothing but the best for you and your loved ones.
EMILY JOYCE
Name: Emily Joyce
Age: 27
Current Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Art Discipline: Painting (but I dabble in many art forms, keeps things exciting!)
Medium/Materials used: Mixed media: collage and digital drawing
Please explain your piece–how did you take on Gigi’s celebratory cover for our 150th issue of V?
I created a mixed media piece titled “Growth”, exploring the beauty of growth and how we are constantly learning and blooming (something that V Magazine has been doing for over 150 issues!). The florals in the background were hand-cut and collaged from various magazines and field guides over a painted background. I then scanned this collage and overlaid a digitally manipulated image of William Bouguereau’s “Dawn”, the same painting referenced in my 2020 submission for Gigi’s Journal. Using Gigi’s spreads as inspiration, I wanted to include multiple collage elements, mixing the old and the new, the past with the present. I also integrated ripped paper collage elements and handwriting to further connect it to Gigi’s cover.
What has life been like since your participation in The Gigi Journal Part II back in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic? What were some of the reactions you’ve received from your followers and close loved ones about your art being spotlighted in the book?
Since participating in the Gigi Journal in 2020, lots has changed! I finished my Master’s of Art Conservation, and I am now working as an Art Restorer in Toronto, Ontario. I work for a woman-owned women-run business in the west end of the city, and we repair and help to preserve a variety of artworks and cultural heritage, from paintings and sculpture to public art, so they can be enjoyed for years to come! I still have my painting practice on the side, so I continue to work on commissions and work for future art shows in my spare time. Art is a part of my life in many different ways. My piece in the Gigi journal gave me more exposure worldwide, gaining more followers and interest from those online! Close loved ones were proud and purchased copies as soon as they were available.
Do you remember what your initial reaction was to seeing Gigi and the V team emailing you to contribute to the book?
My initial reaction to seeing Gigi and the V team emailing me to contribute to the book was SHOCKED! I had gotten an email from Gigi herself asking me if I could check my Instagram DM’s, her message had gone to my “requests”, so I had completely missed it for days! Seeing Gigi’s name pop up in my email inbox was the wildest thing; I remember reading through the messages over and over again because I could not believe it was real, that I had been so lucky to have been one of the artists chosen to contribute artwork. It was a dream come true!
What has been the biggest difference in your artwork from four years ago to today?
The biggest difference in my artwork from four years ago to today is confidence. For a while, I was having a hard time trying to find myself and my voice within my artwork. Now, I feel more comfortable and secure with my artistic style. This confidence has helped me to slowly grow my career, as I am now seeking out more opportunities to get my work out there.
Where do you see your growth—in both your artwork and your personal life—the most?
Finishing my Master’s degree and entering the art industry has allowed me to see significant growth in myself, both personally and professionally. I’ve been able to pursue a career that I’ve dreamed of for a long time, which is deeply fulfilling. Now, I feel like I’m flourishing, fully immersed in the creative world where I belong.
Any sentiments or thoughts for Gigi as both she and V celebrate her decade in modeling and being a collaborator for V all these years?
Congratulations, Gigi Hadid, on an incredible decade in modeling! Your inspiring journey and creative voice, especially through your collaboration with V Magazine, continue to leave a lasting impact on the fashion world.
HOLLY RAZAVI
Name: Holly Razavi
Age: 36
Current Location: Falmouth, Cornwall UK.
Art Discipline: Oil paintings.
Medium/Materials used: Oil paint on paper. Photoshop.
Please explain your piece–how did you take on Gigi’s celebratory cover for our 150th issue of V?
I decided to paint a portrait of Gigi in my own style, I rarely paint portraits but I love doing them. It is more like a caricature, rather than a realistic version of her. I tried to capture her beautiful features and makeup from the photoshoot for the front cover of V.
What has life been like since your participation in The Gigi Journal Part II back in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic? What were some of the reactions you’ve received from your followers and close loved ones about your art being spotlighted in the book?
Since the pandemic life has changed a lot. I now work full time as an artist in Cornwall and I have a studio next to a river in a boatyard. I share with my best friend who is a jewelry designer, Juliet Barratt. I am so grateful to the Gigi x V competition as I feel the exposure was amazing. I managed to get my first solo exhibition with a gallery in Canada called Alison Milne. This was at the end of 2020 and now I sell my work with Alison and 3 other beautiful galleries: Morgans of Falmouth, Prince and Pilgrim in Richmond and Grandy Art in Sussex. I have had exhibitions in Canada, London and Cornwall continuously since 2021 and been a part of some amazing projects. The covid years were extremely hard and being able to create and make my own business, has been a dream come true. All my friends and family were very excited about the book and so proud.
Do you remember what your initial reaction was to seeing Gigi and the V team emailing you to contribute to the book?
I remember it so vividly. It was a very strange and difficult time. I had just moved from Australia back to the UK after 9 years away. I returned as a single mum, my son’s father was stuck in Australia which was awful as he couldn’t leave even just to visit and so me and my son were in Cornwall on our own with no family around. It was right in the middle of lockdown. I felt alone and hopeless and then I got the message from Gigi. It was such an amazing distraction from everything that was happening. I had something to focus on for a couple of weeks and feel excited about. At first, I thought there was no way I could have created anything as my son was 3 at the time so he needed a lot of care and attention but I managed to paint in the evenings and create a piece for the magazine.
What has been the biggest difference in your artwork from four years ago to today?
I feel like I have progressed so much as an artist, I really know my style now, what I love painting, and what other people gravitate towards. Because I am selling mainly through galleries I can create a body of work that is cohesive and I love that. My favorite exhibition was of a Cornish town called Mousehole. There were 20 paintings that all lined up to create a panoramic. The best thing was that they all sold out so these paintings that all line up belong to a group of different people in Canada. I wouldn’t have been able to do that before, I feel so lucky to have the galleries and the space to showcase my work.
Where do you see your growth—in both your artwork and your personal life—the most?
The work I sell is quite commercial but I would really like to have time and funds to create something a bit more from the heart and more conceptual. Because my art is such a huge part of my life it forces me to grow continuously, when I first started out it was just a dream and now I can actually make a living and support me and my son. I still have a long way to go and it is really hard work but I am determined to show him and myself that I can make this beautiful life for us. He has grown up watching me paint as my job and that is so special. Ultimately it is both, art is so personal and grows with you as you get older and change. I really have felt this so much over the last few years and also going forward. It is a massive part of who I am. And to anyone who is on their own artistic journey, if you follow your heart and you’re on the right path it all unfolds – your style etc, just as life does.
Any sentiments or thoughts for Gigi as both she and V celebrate her decade in modeling and being a collaborator for V all these years?
Gigi, you are a huge inspiration to me, I have followed your career and success for some time and you seem so fun and down to earth. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s when I was pregnant and I always remember this being something you dealt with in the spotlight and that must of been really hard. Hearing you talk about it and watching you handle it in such a positive way helped me a lot. You are so relatable and loving and I adore you and your work. Also a huge thank you to Gigi and V for giving artists an opportunity during such a strange and difficult time for so many people. So much love and respect for you.
Katerina Marchenko
Name: Katerina Marchenko
Age: 27
Current Location: Temporarily residing in Argentina
Art Discipline: Embroidery and textile arts
Medium/Materials used: Threads, tulle, ceramic
Please explain your piece–how did you take on Gigi’s celebratory cover for our 150th issue of V?
For Gigi’s celebratory cover, I collaborated with the artist Artashes Sardarian to create a unique piece that combined embroidery and the art of kintsugi. We used vintage plates found at flea markets—items that were once discarded but given a second life through our work. Inside the plate, I embroidered a reimagined portrait of Gigi, surrounded by flowers and delicate branches in warm tones of green, peach, and pink. This piece was a tribute to both Gigi’s elegance and the beauty of transformation, blending tradition with contemporary art.
What has life been like since your participation in The Gigi Journal Part II back in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic? What were some of the reactions you’ve received from your followers and close loved ones about your art being spotlighted in the book?
Life has certainly changed in unexpected ways since The Gigi Journal Part II. The visibility that came with being part of such a prominent project was overwhelming in the best way. I received so much support from my followers and close loved ones. They were excited to see my work recognized on such a large platform, especially during a time when art felt like a means to connect with others. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of creativity to unite people, even in isolation.
Do you remember what your initial reaction was to seeing Gigi and the V team emailing you to contribute to the book?
I was both shocked and thrilled! It felt surreal to receive an email from Gigi and the V Magazine team. I’ve always admired Gigi’s career and her ability to blend fashion with meaningful commentary, so being asked to contribute was a huge honor. It was also a moment of validation for my work—knowing that something I created resonated enough to be included in such an important project.
What has been the biggest difference in your artwork from four years ago to today?
The biggest difference in my artwork is the scale and complexity. Four years ago, I was mostly focused on smaller, more detailed pieces. Today, I’m pushing myself to create larger-scale installations that combine embroidery with other forms of artistic expression. I’ve started integrating fashion and contemporary art into my embroidery, creating immersive experiences that go beyond traditional boundaries.
Where do you see your growth—in both your artwork and your personal life—the most?
I see my growth in both the courage to experiment artistically and in my personal resilience. Living through a pandemic and navigating the changes in my career have pushed me to expand not just my technical skills but also my ability to collaborate with others in new and exciting ways. Personally, I’ve grown more adaptable, learning to take on challenges as they come, whether that’s finding new ways to work or relocating temporarily.
Any sentiments or thoughts for Gigi as both she and V celebrate her decade in modeling and being a collaborator for V all these years?
Gigi’s journey in the modeling world has been truly inspiring. Her ability to continually reinvent herself while staying true to her values is something that resonates deeply with me as an artist. I admire how she uses her platform not just to showcase fashion but to engage with important issues. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with her, and I look forward to seeing how she continues to evolve in the next decade.
KIKE BESADA
Name: Kike Besada
Age: 40
Current Location: Madrid
Art Discipline: Mixed Media
Medium/Materials used: Collage, Found Materials
Please explain your piece–how did you take on Gigi’s celebratory cover for our 150th issue of V?
I wanted to bring the analog collage elements I often use in the studio to the digital world with Photoshop, also manipulating some of the photo framing and building on the original scrapbook direction from Gigi.
What has life been like since your participation in The Gigi Journal Part II back in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic? What were some of the reactions you’ve received from your followers and close loved ones about your art being spotlighted in the book?
It’s been a rollercoaster! Like many other people I lost my Art Direction job in NY, so those were uncertain times. Gigi’s Journal Part II was a breath of fresh air for me and an opportunity to go back to one of my passions which is Art. So besides the fact of being selected for the book, it was a great push to pursue that path further. I had a lot of support from my friends and design world colleagues.
Do you remember what your initial reaction was to seeing Gigi and the V team emailing you to contribute to the book?
I never thought I’d make it. There are so many talented people out there, that is very difficult to stand out. It’s a great time to discover and connect with other artists.
What has been the biggest difference in your artwork from four years ago to today?
It is less calculated, I now use many techniques based on mistakes or accidents that occurred during these years exploring collage. I don’t put pressure on myself when creating.
Where do you see your growth—in both your artwork and your personal life—the most?
I create for the sake of creating and exploring, I’m in no rush, it makes me feel alive and it’s exciting, that helps out a lot in my personal life and development, it’s a type of therapy and self-expression.
Any sentiments or thoughts for Gigi as both she and V celebrate her decade in modeling and being a collaborator for V all these years?
I’m really happy for Gigi, she is a very talented and humble human in all she does. And also V Magazine for supporting other artists through these projects and being on the forefront. I wish her and V the best.
VALERIA AZULAY
Name: Valeria Azulay
Age: 62
Current Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Art Discipline: Illustrator artist
Medium/Materials used: Paper, markers, colored pencils, inks, cutouts, and collage
Please explain your piece–how did you take on Gigi’s celebratory cover for our 150th issue of V?
When I was invited to participate in this ‘Special Surprise Project for Gigi,’ and celebrating V Magazine’s 25th anniversary, I didn’t hesitate to create something that included both. Although my work has evolved since my contribution to the Gigi Journal Part II—during a time when we were all in quarantine and wearing masks—now, with the pandemic behind us, I was excited to revisit the concept I presented then, but this time incorporating the theme of celebration and freedom. I envisioned a man seated on the magazine reading V, featuring Gigi in her 2024 Met Gala look and selecting the cover where her eye is partially covered. I imagined a festive atmosphere, with music, streamers, and people dancing and celebrating together.
What has life been like since your participation in The Gigi Journal Part II back in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic? What were some of the reactions you’ve received from your followers and close loved ones about your art being spotlighted in the book?
From the moment Gigi, with her warmth and deep love, showed and talked about each of our works during a live session for the Gigi Journal Part II, my phone blew up with messages and calls. Some were congratulating me, while others were from magazines asking for interviews. From that point on, my days were a whirlwind of excitement and joy, mixed with stepping into new territory as people reached out from different places, since I was the only Latin American artist chosen. In a time when we were all stuck indoors due to the pandemic, V Magazine and Gigi Hadid gave me a gateway to the world.
Do you remember what your initial reaction was to seeing Gigi and the V team emailing you to contribute to the book?
“Yes, absolutely, it’s a moment I’ll never forget because it completely caught me by surprise. I had only posted 2 or 3 of my works with hashtags, and I never imagined I’d actually be selected.”
What has been the biggest difference in your artwork from four years ago to today?
Since then, I’ve grown a lot by exploring new paths and feeling more at ease and confident in each of my works. To create, we have to allow ourselves to play, to experiment, not to be afraid to make mistakes, and decide everything and nothing at the same time. I feel like with every step I take, I’m getting closer to achieving all of that.
Where do you see your growth—in both your artwork and your personal life—the most?
I believe my biggest growth, both in my art and personally, came from embracing new opportunities with the latest tech tools available for our work and taking on new challenges, including the creation of my own wordless illustrated book, which will be published and available for sale before the end of the year. As an artist, I’m really lucky not only because I get to create, bring joy, and inspire others with my work, but also because creating makes me happy, and even more so when I’m feeling down.
My work doesn’t always turn out as I hope, but I’ve learned that there’s always something worth saving. I cut out and keep what I like in a box, knowing it might be useful for future projects. I’ve applied this approach to my personal life as well, and at the end of the day, I always find something that will be valuable later. Throughout these years, I’ve learned to paint for myself, out of love, and I can’t imagine my life without painting. Happiness is a choice, and it takes effort. For me, creating is one of the tools that brings me great joy and pleasure.
Any sentiments or thoughts for Gigi as both she and V celebrate her decade in modeling and being a collaborator for V all these years?
First of all, I can’t thank you both enough. Feeling your warmth, professionalism, drive, and creativity is amazing. The chance you give people like me to be a little part of your world, to be inspired by you, and to stay updated really deserves a celebration! And finally, thank you, Gigi, for your incredible generosity, sensitivity, and humility! Thanks again to both of you for this amazing opportunity!
MARTHA HAVERSHAM
Name: Martha Haversham
Age: 55
Current Location: Essex, England
Art Discipline: Collage/Photography
Medium/Materials used: Found objects and paper
Please explain your piece–how did you take on Gigi’s celebratory cover for our 150th issue of V?
I wanted to use an image of Gigi as I love to make millinery couture from found objects. I knew the issue was going to be in the fall so a leaf hat seemed perfect. By taking a cut-out and playing with the torn paper, I was referencing the photoshoot.
What has life been like since your participation in The Gigi Journal Part II back in 2020, following the COVID-19 pandemic? What were some of the reactions you’ve received from your followers and close loved ones about your art being spotlighted in the book?
I had a great response. Gigi is of course globally known so it was lovely to surprise my followers in that respect. To have that exposure meant I had other opportunities in the fashion world – global campaigns got to sample some trashion! I loved that play on our concept of ‘luxury’ it’s been interesting and a lot of fun.
Do you remember what your initial reaction was to seeing Gigi and the V team emailing you to contribute to the book?
Just thrilled. I think she followed me before on Instagram so I was beyond complimented. The fact that Gigi ‘gets’ what I do is really nice, she works with a lot of visually-astute professionals and she is definitely creative herself. I was very touched when she talked about the image I had done, it was warm and full of passion for art.
What has been the biggest difference in your artwork from four years ago to today?
I think a degree of certainty. I have gained a lot of commissions and have, through years of application, become very practiced in using form, light, and proportion to convey my trashion collections to the best of their ability.
Where do you see your growth—in both your artwork and your personal life—the most?
Professional confidence – I have a way of working that is spontaneous and playful and I don’t mind making mistakes as long as I nail the look in the end. I have challenged myself to work in collaboration which I found quite hard, I’m not that great at compromise artistically, but I did my best! The next stage is opening a trashion boutique of course. Personally, I now have a great studio by the sea in Essex and that is wonderful. I have books and shows up my sleeve, so that is exciting.
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