Now Casting: Tyg Davison
Photographs Evelien Joos
Words Elsa de Berker
Don’t let Canadian model Tyg Davison’s angelic looks distract you from her impressive model credentials. The 21-year old’s first gig was during Haute Couture Week in Paris in 2014 and since then she’s walked for everyone from Miu Miu to Comme des Garçons. She’s a current favorite of Marc Jacobs and stars alongside Beth Ditto and Pat Cleveland in the house’s new summer ads after having opened the Fall 2016 show in New York. Get to know Tyg—the ‘serious’ model behind the sweet smile:
How were you discovered?
“My younger sister, Elizabeth Davison, was discovered first, but I’ve always been interested in the industry. It was through her that I got signed by my mother agency in Vancouver when I was 19. Now I’m 21 now and she’s 16. It’s been amazing to have someone to go on this crazy journey with. During Fashion Week, we bunk together and make life on the road an adventure.”
What was your first memory of fashion?
“When I was little I used to make dresses out of bedsheets, but I got really obsessed with fashion after watching ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ After that, I picked up a camera for the first time and Elizabeth and I would stage fun test shoots. I love how fashion allows you to enter an entirely different world.”
What was the first runway show you walked in and what do you remember about it?
“My first official show was Giambattista Valli Fall 2014 during Haute Couture week in Paris, but things didn’t really take off for me until I started working with Marc Jacobs. I remember being so nervous and excited. More than anything, I remember being uncontrollably happy because I couldn’t believe that I had been booked to walk in such a huge show.”
When did you get your big break?
“My life changed as soon as I started working with Marc Jacobs and Katie Grand. I met Katie at a casting and she introduced me to Marc. Since then, I’ve been in every single one of his shows. I owe him everything.”
What has been your favorite modeling career moment so far?
“Opening Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 was amazing. The show was completely gothic and the hair and makeup was so theatrical. François Nars gave me black lips and my face was made to be even paler than it is naturally. Guido set the hair in intricate finger waves. The whole experience was special because I felt like I was part of a really unique creative collaboration.”
Who do you love work with?
“Marc and Katie are both so sweet and Guido is a dream. In terms of photographers, there are so many great ones. It’s been a huge ambition of mine to one day work with Tim Walker. I think his photographs are so odd and otherworldly.”
What do you do to stay in shape for your job?
“I love to hike and run. I used to play volleyball and basketball also, but I travel so much that it’s impossible to be part of a team. I enjoy swimming too, but it’s tricky because the chlorine turns my bleached hair green.”
Favorite beauty trick?
“My hair is naturally dirty blonde, but one day I decided to go bleach blonde and I love it. I bleach my eyebrows too, so I kind of look like a ghost. I try not to wear makeup when I’m not working because I feel like my skin needs to breathe, so I focus on my skincare routine instead. Glossier products are my favorite.”
Favorite place in the world and why?
“In my opinion, the mountains in Vancouver are perfect. They’re beautiful, the air is clean, and hiking up them is the perfect remedy to the hectic-ness of city life.”
What would people are most surprised to know about you?
“I’m a huge foodie and am obsessed with food. My friend and I have a food Instagram account called @tummytwins where we post photos of the most amazing porny-delicious food. The rule is that we have to eat it too. It would be heart-breaking if we only took photos.”
What’s your favorite place in the world for food?
“Every where in New York is pretty amazing. The Mexican food in particular is to die for. In Paris, I’m obsessed with the Nutella crepes—just like every other tourist.”
What projects do you have on the horizon?
“I’m never convinced that a shoot is going to happen until I’m actually on set, so I can’t confirm anything big just yet. I will say that there are some exciting things in the pipeline though.”
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
“It’s hard to know if I’ll be modeling in ten years or not. A lot of models have short careers in front of the camera, so ideally, I’d like to get more involved in the stuff that goes on behind it. For now, I’m just taking everything as it comes and going with the flow. I feel happy to be doing what I’m doing for however long it lasts.”
