By: Alva Ree

1. What are your biggest aspirations as a model in New York?

I model to tell a story,  one shaped by athletics, recovery, and sustainability advocacy. After competing at a collegiate level, an injury led to years of recovery that reshaped my perspective and inspired my work in environmental advocacy in Washington, DC. Returning to modeling, as I did before college, allows me to merge these experiences through fashion. In New York, I hope to collaborate with visionary creatives to produce meaningful work that connects artistry, resilience, and responsibility.

2. Do you aim to work with any specific brands, designers, or publications?

I’m always open to new creative relationships, but I’m especially inspired by brands that merge artistry with purpose. Vivienne Westwood stands out for its theatrical vision and commitment to sustainability. I also admire Prada and Cartier for evolving their production practices and influence within luxury fashion. Working with brands that value innovation alongside responsibility would feel aligned with both my creative and personal values.

3. What do you think will be the biggest challenges of modeling in New York?

Breaking into such a competitive industry is the greatest challenge. New York is filled with extraordinary talent, and rapid industry changes can make it harder to build genuine person-to-person connections. Success depends on perseverance and collaboration. Rejection is inevitable, but my athletic background taught me resilience and to show up again with confidence and purpose. Building a supportive team and maintaining consistency will be key to long-term success.

4. How are you preparing to stand out in such a competitive city?

In an oversaturated environment, authenticity becomes the strongest differentiator. I bring a clear mission: to leave every space and collaboration better than I found it. My background in sustainability informs how I work,  with intention, respect, and curiosity. My experiences, including visible scars and personal growth, tell a story that adds depth to imagery. I aim to stand out not only visually, but through energy and purpose.

5. How do you plan to balance the fast-paced New York lifestyle with your career?

A fast pace feels natural to me; athletics trained me to thrive under momentum and change. I see movement as growth, but balance comes from intentional stillness. Daily yoga, fitness, and mindfulness practices ground me and create consistency amid unpredictability. Maintaining physical and mental discipline allows me to stay focused, adaptable, and creative while embracing the energy that makes New York so inspiring.

6. Are there particular areas of New York you’d love to live in or work in?

I’m drawn to neighborhoods deeply connected to art and fashion history. SoHo’s creative energy, Chelsea’s gallery culture, and the elegance of the Upper East Side all inspire me. I also appreciate New York’s parks, which offer moments of calm within the city’s intensity. Working across these spaces would allow me to experience the wide spectrum of New York’s artistic and cultural identity.

7. How do you intend to build your professional network in New York?

Connection starts with curiosity and conversation. I plan to immerse myself in fashion and art events, meet people organically, and approach networking as relationship-building rather than transactional. New York gathers some of the world’s most compelling creatives, and I want to learn from them while contributing my own perspective. By showing up consistently and authentically, I hope to build a collaborative community that grows together.

8. Are there any agencies, photographers, or stylists you’re excited to collaborate with?

I deeply admire Johnny Cirillo’s documentation of New York street style; his work captures the living history of the city, and participating in that narrative would be an honor. I’m also inspired by Nadia Lee Cohen’s cinematic storytelling and strong visual identity. Collaborating with artists who prioritize narrative and character would help bring the personal story behind my work fully into focus.

9. Do you have a signature style or concept you’d like to bring to the modeling world?

Off camera, I aim to be warm, approachable, and genuinely curious about people. In front of the camera, I channel a contrasting energy,  enigmatic, intense, and emotionally engaging. I’m interested in refining that duality: softness paired with strength. My goal is to create images that invite viewers closer, encouraging curiosity and connection while allowing space for interpretation and storytelling.

10. Besides modeling, are there other industries or passions you want to explore in New York?

Sustainability advocacy will remain a central aspect of my work, guiding how I approach collaborations and creative projects. I’m also interested in expanding into acting as a form of storytelling and self-discovery. Exploring intersections between performance, wellness, and environmental consciousness feels like a natural evolution. New York’s creative ecosystem offers opportunities to merge these passions into projects that inspire empathy and meaningful change.