In the space between, they know they belong anywhere.
Eventually, the models meet. Xue Xue and Dexter steal glances at one another and a myriad of thoughts are translated. “Can I trust you? Who are you? You don’t know what it’s like to be me.” We see in their wardrobe—designed by Jad Racha—how they have grown independently comfortable. While their journeys are independent, there is a recognition that we all must face a similar path to self realization. “We wear a facade like a mask to show a different person than who we are, but [underneath] we’ve really been the same all along,” says Trystanne Cunningham, Producer of our cover photo shoot. “We don’t need to hide ourselves. [Masks] should be for play, jewelry and beauty. [As she chuckles] “also as protection during a global pandemic, but always in a fashionable way whenever possible, ALWAYS Jouge it up.” By acknowledging and loving their differences, the models finally come together, proving community is a superpower. “The fact is, everything is better together. Diversity is better. Unity is better. If we want to see real change in the world, we have to acknowledge that we are all products of our environment.
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