A wise woman once said, “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag.” With the spring 2025 collections allowing women everywhere to explore all facets of their being, V invited ten timeless beauties, both familiar and first encounters, to come as they are and allow themselves to transform—proving that our door will always be open for new classics to shine through.

Sydney wears earring and bracelet TIFFANY & CO., Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Apollo ear clips in gold with diamonds in platinum, Bandeau top in all over GG tulle GUCCI

Below, we asked each cover girl about timelessness, beautiful people, and the idea of perfection.

V MAGAZINE: What do you consider to be timeless?

SYDNEY WAITS: I think what’s truly timeless is what we leave behind for other people and what others leave for us. Whether it’s advice, time spent together, or the lessons and gifts we pass on—those things are invaluable and last forever. It’s about the meaningful connections we make and the ways we help each other grow.

V: What was the spark that first made you want to be a model?

SW: Honestly, I never had a desire to become a model. I grew up on a farm in Tennessee with horses, cows, donkey, rabbits, and chickens—so it didn’t really seem like something within reach. I was always told I should model, but I stayed focused on school. The spark came when I did my first test shoot with Ashton Do at The Lions Management. Being behind the camera was something totally different. For the first time, I felt like I could belong, and give this my all.

V: If you could only choose one item in your closet, what would you say is your most precious heirloom?

SW: My grandpa’s 1950s letterman jacket from high school. It is a piece of him that I get to hold onto.

Round nylon bomber BALENCIAGA, Hat stylist’s own

V: What everlasting fashion history moment burns the brightest in your mind?

SW: The Vivienne Westwood show from 1993 with Kate Moss and the ice cream. That image is so iconic—it’s impossible to forget.

V: In the fast-paced world of fashion, what is one thing you think will always be in demand (regardless of trends)?

SW: A good high-top sneaker. To me, they never go out of style. Plus, they don’t give you blisters like heels do!

V: What makes a person beautiful?

SW: For me, it’s all about how someone treats people. When you see someone walking down the street with that magnetism—it’s not about what they’re wearing but how they carry themselves and the energy they project. It’s their demeanor and light they carry that makes them beautiful.

V: Who do you consider to be the most beautiful person you know or admire?

SW: Tausha Killinger, who was the leader of my youth group. She’s been such an influential figure in my life, especially during my parents’ divorce. Tausha’s always been someone that meets me where I am at (metaphorically), creating a safe space by pouring her love and her wisdom into me. She had a spiritual depth that I really admire.

V: Do you put much thought into creating the “perfect” look when getting dressed for the day? What do you feel most beautiful in?

SW: I do put a lot of thought into my outfits if I’m going somewhere specific. But honestly, I feel the most beautiful in streetwear. A baby tee, baggy pants, and my Doc Martens—it’s a look that feels effortless, yet really expresses who I am.

This cover story appears in the pages of V153: now available for purchase!

Photography Inez & Vinoodh

Fashion Genesis Webb & Hunter Clem 

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Model Sydney Waits (The Lions Management)

Hair Eugene Souleiman (Streeters)

Makeup Fulvia Farolfi (M+A Group) using Chanel Beauty

Manicure Juan Alvear (Opus)

Production John Nadhazi, Michael Gleeson

Art Director Marc Kroop

Retouching Stereohorse

Lighting Director Jodokus Driessen

Digital technician Brian Anderson

Stylist assistants Amelia Murphy, Angelina Khachaturyan, Mary Joyce McFarland, AJ Grove

Makeup assistants Robert Reyes, Jessica Marisol, Leisa Kanienberg, Taisha Paquiot

Hair assistants Pamela Baumgartner, Christine Moore, Sevil Tai, Miwako Urasugi, Sergio Estrada, Tomoko Kuwamura, Jonathan M. Rackleff

Manicure assistants Vito Pelleccia, Louise Corbet

Bookings director Goran Macura