A girl never forgets her first fashion week experience. For Sydney Waits, the newest model on the scene and freshest face on The Lions agency roster, this recent Paris Fashion Week has certainly been a memorable one as the budding beauty attended her first fashion week and also celebrated the launch of her first-ever (!) magazine cover, appearing on our V153 Spring 2025 issue.

As V Magazine took over the iconic Hotel de Crillon in Paris, V and some of our closest friends and family, including the likes of Amelia Gray, Ice Spice, Daphne Guinness, Barbara Palvin, Guram Gvasalia, Eva Herzigova, Jordan Roth, Meredith Duxbury, V‘s Senior Fashion Editor Anna Trevelyan, Isabeli Fontana, Genesis Webb, and more, toasted the arrival of V153 and honored photography duo Inez & Vinoodh who captured the issue’s ten cover stars.

Before V kicked off the starry night, we got ready with Sydney right before she headed off to the hotel to celebrate, wearing a full look from Burberry’s Spring 2025 collection, of course.

V Magazine: Can you explain to our readers how you entered the modeling world? How did you get scouted?

Sydney Waits: I was scouted at The Arcade Restaurant in Memphis by photographer David Mushegain. He noticed me right away—my height makes it pretty hard to blend in, especially where I’m from! He asked about my experience in fashion, and even though I had none, his interest sparked my curiosity in modeling. At the time, I was studying biomedical engineering and working in the service industry, but when David reached out again, I realized it was the perfect moment to take a chance. I later met Ali Kavoussi, who saw my potential and has been an incredible mentor, guiding me through every step. I’m so grateful for his support and belief in me. Now, I’m fully committed and beyond excited to grow in this industry. It’s an amazing, ever-evolving world, and I’m ready to embrace all the opportunities and challenges that come with it!

V: What was your first Paris Fashion Week experience like? Were you nervous at all?

SW: Paris is magical, and being there for Fashion Week was an unforgettable experience. While the fast pace could be overwhelming, I focused on enjoying every moment—meeting new people, seeing unique street styles, and building relationships. I was just grateful to be part of it all.

V: What was your first reaction when you saw your cover in Paris?

SW: I was completely stunned! Seeing myself on a magazine cover was surreal. My face went flush, and it was such a special, healing moment for me. I’m incredibly grateful to Inez and Vinoodh for trusting me with this project.