Future Perfect: Cheyenne Maya Carty
Model Cheyenne Maya Carty has a passion for physics (and hair that defies it).
By Caitlin Smith
Photographed by Jacqueline Di Milia
Stylist: LYSON MARCHESSAULT
Hair: PETER LUX
Makeup: JADE BIRD
The first thing you’re most likely to notice about 17-year-old Cheyenne Maya Carty is her hair—a perfectly delightful mess of curls and texture that’s as big as her personality, which is, inevitably, what you’ll pay attention to next. Whether it’s the fact that she’s in rollerblades just as often as she’s in a pair of heels, or that she can skillfully switch from an elegant, brooding model to the radiant, smiley teenager that she is in real life, it’s clear there’s something special about one of Elite’s newest faces. The industry thinks so, too—the bubbly London native just wrapped a shoot with Vogue Italia, and we have no doubt Carty has plenty more high-profile projects in her future, whether she’s modeling, acting, or furthering her passion for science.
“I’m quite a confident person, but modeling can be a bit daunting if you can’t see what the image looks like.”
HOW WERE YOU DISCOVERED?
I was discovered in Victoria Park, London, while I was roller-skating! I then went on to take part in the Elite Model Look UK competition, which was an amazing experience. I learned all about modeling and nutrition, and there was a catwalk show at the end which was so much fun!
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN COMFORTABLE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?
No, only since I started modeling. I’m quite a confident person, but it can be a bit daunting if you can’t see what the image looks like. Since I’ve started modeling, I’ve learned how to make my face and posture look good through direction from photographers. I feel a lot more comfortable in front of the camera now.
Source: us.aritzia.comWHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHERS TO WORK WITH?
I have worked with Rankin and Letty Schmiterlow and was a big fan of their work before I even shot with them. They’re both unafraid to push the boundaries!
WHAT WAS THE MOST ENJOYABLE SHOOT YOU’VE DONE SO FAR?
I did a video shoot recently, and it was really fun. The models all got on really well and we weren’t given any strict direction, so we got to spend the shoot playing arcade games with each other!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO AFTER A LONG DAY OF SHOOTING?
Chill on the sofa, watch TV, and drink a cup of cocoa with marshmallows.
IF YOU WEREN’T MODELING, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING INSTEAD?
Skate more! I’m studying science in college—biology, physics, and chemistry, so I would still be doing that. I hope to become a pharmacist; I think it really benefits others and I would like to be able to help people. I’d also like to try acting. I think it’s quite an energetic job, which is good since I like to talk a lot!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? The Rihanna for River Island launch show.
WHAT’S HANGING ABOVE YOUR BED? A dream catcher
WHO WAS YOUR FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH? Bow Wow
WHAT’S YOUR ONGOING FASHION OBSESSION? Roller-skates, of course!