This cover story appears in V131, available for purchase now

V Magazine: What was the spark that first made you want to do what you do?

Abby Champion: I remember I first felt my spark when I did my very first fashion show. That show, for me, made me want to work hard to be able to do many more. There was so much adrenaline and power that I saw the other girls hold that made me love it so much.

V: Was there a moment that was a turning point in your career?

AC: I feel like the turning point in my career was when I walked Prada Resort in 2019. After that, I really feel like I saw a shift in the types of jobs I was getting.

Pants LOIS JEANS + V DENIM, Necklace Elsa Peretti® Claw Necklace in 18K Gold with Green Jade for Tiffany & Co., Earrings Elsa Peretti® High Tide Earrings in 18K Gold for Tiffany & Co., Top Tom Ford, Belt Kieselstein-Cord; On hair Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, On skin Chanel LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear B30

V: What do you remember about your first pair of denim? What made it special?

AC: My first pair of denim that I remember was really my first expensive pair I ever bought. I’m a big saver so spending money on denim was a big deal for me. The first pair I got fit like a glove, and there was something about being able to splurge on them that made them feel extra special.

V: What’s a passion or interest you have that people might not know about?

AC: I’m super passionate about all things health. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to find ways that my body feels most strong and healthy. I think it’s so interesting that how you treat yourself and fuel your body on a daily basis can affect how you feel about yourself so much. 

V: What’s the last photo saved to your phone?

AC: The last photo saved to my phone was a series of inspiration photos that I saved for my most recent shoot. Before any job I look up the photographer to try to get a sense of their style and inspiration for the vibe I’m going to exude during the job.

V: If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one ability, what would it be?

AC: To have the power to make people feel better about themselves. I don’t know how to explain it but I always see people who feel bad about themselves, and if I could immediately make them feel better with the snap of a finger…that’s what I would want. 

V: What’s the memory you hold most dear?

AC: I have so many memories that helped sculpt me into the person I am today. There have been so many moments, whether it was from my teenage years in Alabama, to moving away from home, creating a career for myself, or just being a young individual. Throughout so many years, I hold so many memories it would be impossible to name just one.

V: What attracts you to a creative collaborator?

AC: I think the ability to be able to voice my opinion and contribute creatively, whether that’s hairstyle, clothing, etc.

V: What advice would you give to your teenage self?

AC: Advice I would give to my teenage self is…learn how to be confident in my body. I feel like when you’re a teenager you’re trying to fit in so much that you sometimes forget to find yourself. It took me a while to really find the version of myself that felt authentic.

Pants LOIS JEANS + V DENIM, Necklace Elsa Peretti® Claw Necklace in 18K Gold with Green Jade for Tiffany & Co., Earrings Elsa Peretti® High Tide Earrings in 18K Gold for Tiffany & Co., Top Tom Ford, Belt Kieselstein-Cord; On hair Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, On skin Chanel LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear B30

V: What’s the most enduring lesson that you’ve learned from being in the public eye?

AC: The most enduring lesson I’ve learned from being in the public eye is that so much of what you see is fake and people can be so hurtful online. I don’t take anything personally or ever believe what I see on the internet.

V: If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

AC: I would want to know if I’m happy when it’s all said and done.

V: As your cover launches on Fourth of July weekend, what would your message to the readers be? What advice can you offer on how to move forward this summer after the past year we’ve had?

AC: My advice on how to move forward this summer would be to be mindful of others and try to understand that everyone is moving at their own pace with getting life back to normal. In my own life, I’ve seen so many people on different time frames with adjusting back to things becoming normal, and I think it’s really important to try to be compassionate and aware of that.

V: What would you like your the legacy of your career to be?

AC: I would like my lifelong legacy in my career to be for girls to say to me when we do a job together, “I’ve followed your work and have always been inspired by your modeling path.” I’d just like to set a path to inspire younger girls to feel like they can achieve their goals and that anything is possible.

Head to shop.vmagazine.com to pre-order your copy of V131 now!