If there’s one next-gen model that’s waving the flag for all-American beauty, it’s certainly Abby Champion. Standing tall at 5’11” with luscious blonde locks and denim blue eyes, enough to make even Barbie quake in her boots, the modeling champ has been one of fashion’s most refreshingly classic faces to appear on global catwalks and campaigns since her debut in 2017. Now, with a star-studded wedding to prepare for with soon-to-be-husband and television darling Patrick Schwarzenegger, the Alabama-born beauty is taking it one step at a time on the gold-paved road she’s embarking on.

Abby wears crumpled lambskin dress, metal and resin necklaces, earrings, shoes CHANEL (Métiers d’art 2025) / Mega Balorama sunglasses RAY-BAN

V MAGAZINE: What are three golden rules you try to live by? 

ABBY CHAMPION: The three golden rules I try to live by are: Be kind to everyone because you never know what someone is going through. Set clear goals to work toward every day. [And] surround yourself with people who support your well-being and have meaningful connections with you.

V: Who would you credit as the person (or people) who helped you find your confidence within the fashion industry?

AC: There are so many people who’ve helped me along the way, so it’s hard to pick just one. But three people who stand out to me are Katie Grand, Anita Bitton, and Arthur Demarchieler. Katie and Anita believed in me when many others didn’t, giving me incredible opportunities early on that I’m still incredibly grateful for. Arthur is my amazing agent who’s always been supportive, and as a model, having someone who backs you 100% is so important. He’s always done that for me.

Dress DESIGUAL x MARIA ESCOTÉ / Mono earring RETROFÊTE

V: Where do you think your ambition comes from?

AC: My ambition comes from walking shows and seeing my work on billboards, websites, magazines, etc. There’s a unique energy from that experience that fuels me to achieve more and set new goals. Early in my career, I had so many people telling me what I couldn’t do, and that only made me want to prove them wrong.

V: What is the most rewarding part of modeling? What is the least rewarding?

AC: The most rewarding part of modeling is seeing my work all over the world and getting to travel to so many new places. The least rewarding part is missing out on personal events. Shoots and shows are often last-minute, so I have to cancel plans and miss a lot of important moments.

V: Tell us about a “golden age” in your life—a time you look back on fondly.

AC: My golden age was probably in 2019. I had this carefree spirit and fire about me, and everything felt so exciting.

Crumpled lambskin dress, metal and resin necklaces, earrings, shoes CHANEL (Métiers d’art 2025) / Mega Balorama sunglasses RAY-BAN

V: What do you consider to be the “golden age” of fashion?

AC: For me, the ’90s are the golden age of fashion. So many iconic models and photoshoots from that era are still referenced in shoots I do today.

V: In the spirit of going for the gold, what are you hoping to manifest for yourself both personally and professionally within the next 5-10 years?

AC: In the next 5-10 years, I hope to manifest having a family while continuing to model.

V: What, if anything, has already surprised you the most in 2025?

AC: The most surprising thing about 2025 has been how quickly time is passing. It feels like I blinked, and half the year is already gone. I have so many exciting things happening personally and professionally, and I just hope I can slow down and enjoy the moment!

V: What living person would you award the “golden medal” of fashion?

AC: The gold medal of fashion goes to Stephen Gan. He reminded me on this shoot how fun fashion can be and how nice it is to work with someone consistently.

V: Choose one: Gold or black?

AC: Black!

Dress DESIGUAL x MARIA ESCOTÉ / Mono earring RETROFÊTE

This cover story appears in the pages of V154: now available for purchase!

Photography Lufré

Fashion Nicola Formichetti

Hair Peter Gray (Home) using Oway USA

Makeup Maki Ryoke (Walter Schupfer) using Bobbi Brown

Manicure Mo Qin (The Wall Group) using Aprés Nail 

Set Designer Robert Taylor 

Production Ernesto Qualizza (Locals Worldwide) 

Retouching Teu Freitas / Telhas Retouch ( M.Lages)

1st photo assistant Fernando Freire 

2nd photo assistant Daniel dos Santos 

Stylist assistants Arut Arustamyan, Vera Pun, Joan Reidy, Dylan Gue

Hair assistants Josie Tippman, D’Xenia, Rebecca Velez 

Makeup assistants Brenda Garcia Jaramillo, Talitha Daeng Situju, Tarina Meaders 

Manicure assistant Qin Huang

Set design assistants Cory Nelson, Buddy Kennedy 

Production assistant Amanda Winn 

Studio Satellite Space