Labeled a top newcomer, rising Aussie beauty Libby Taverner first made her fashion debut only a year ago. Soon after, she became the one to watch (and photograph). With her bold ‘90s brow and brunette waves, Libby showed she can channel anything from grunge to goddess. When she’s not in front of the lens, she also advocates for mental health awareness. 

V: What do you want people to know about modeling that you don’t think they do? 

Libby Taverner: I want people to know and understand that the modeling industry isn’t as glamorous as it may seem. Many models are having to travel great distances from their homes, friends, and family to foreign countries that they’ve never been before. This can be quite daunting and challenging to navigate as young individuals. I think that people should also know that the industry isn’t filled with malicious models trying to sabotage one another, in my experience. Though I can’t speak on the behalf of everyone, I have had the most special interactions with other models amongst the industry.

V: How do you think modeling will change moving forward? 

LT: I think and hope that modeling will change in a positive way moving forward. I think modeling will continue to evolve into a more inclusive and diverse industry. It seems to have already come so far in this aspect and definitely has further to grow. 

V: What does growth mean to you as a person and as a model?

LT: I interpret growth as one’s discovery of themselves as an individual. I think growth is visible when one can identify previous mistakes and learn from these to build themself into an improved version of themselves. It involves being open to learning new ideas and perspectives of the world. I think the loneliness experienced by models really opens up a window for their self discovery and provides them with the opportunity to identify many qualities about themselves that previously were hidden. 

This cover story appears in the pages of V161: now available for purchase!

Photography Luigi & Iango

Fashion B. Åkerlund

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Model Libby Taverner (The Society)

Casting Maxime Valentini (2b Management)

Makeup Georgi Sandev (Forward Artists) 

Hair Lauren Berrones (Home Agency) 

Manicure Leanne Woodley (See Management) using CND

Fashion Market Editor Copelyn Bengel

Styling Support Elanur Erdoğan (Forward Artists)

Producer Louis Guillemain (2b Management)

Cinematographer Santiago Montes

Photo Assistant Francisco Betancourt

Makeup Assistants Chloe Yang, Jack Titcomb

Fashion Assistant Evan James

Production Assistants Juliet Lloyd, Angelina Aliano, Maksim Doraev