GOD IS A WOMAN – Hailey Clauson
GOD IS A WOMAN: starring
Hailey Clauson
ISSUE EIGHTEEN
Photography and video BENJO ARWAS Starring HAILEY CLAUSON at MARGAUX THE AGENCY Realization and Editor-in-Chief STEPHANIE AROUESTY Coordination and interview ANTONIO MONTAÑO Casting director ELLA CEPEDA Styling SHALEV LAVÁN at THE VISIONARIES MakeUp FRANCIE TOMALONIS with NARS COSMETICS products at THE VISIONARIES Hair VIRGINIE PINEDA at THE VISIONARIES Video edition WE STUDIO Photography assistant TYLER GURD Styling assistant EDEN SHIM
Location LOS ÁNGELES, CALIFORNIA
March is a month filled with female empowerment, effort, and commitment. A tribute to women, and we do it with Hailey Clauson, who has contributed to the changes she wants to see in the modeling industry with her own agency.
Hailey Clauson began her modeling career at the age of 13, after attending a casting and getting selected on the same day. Throughout her journey, she has achieved milestones such as being the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2016, worked with personalities such as Donatella Versace and John Galliano, and featuring in campaigns for brands like Gucci and Dsquared2. Today, she is determined to break paradigms and stereotypes as being the co-founder of her own modeling agency, Margaux The Agency. Her intentions? She asserts it herself: “to honor all those women who have paved the way for models to be more than just a ‘pretty face.'”
Embark on this visual journey captured by Benjo Arwas in Los Angeles, where the young model showcases her strong presence with power suits, bold poses, daring features and strong beauty looks by NARS Cosmetics as she answers our questions and she reveals her beginnings, her desire to change the narrative in the fashion industry, and even shares a dating tip or two.
L’Beauté Homme Can you share a bit about your journey into the modeling industry? What inspired you to become a model?
HC I always loved fashion and photography growing up! I had magazine covers all over my walls and dreamt of being a model. When I was 13, I went to an open call at an agency and got signed on the spot. Sixteen years later, I’m still living my dream as a model and using my years of experience in the fashion industry outside of modeling as a creative director with Jullien, my partner, as a photography duo and a creative director for Margaux The Agency.
LBH: What is the most memorable moment or highlight in your modeling career so far?
HC My first big booking was Vogue Italia with Craig Mcdean and Edward Enniful when I was 15 years old, that really kick started my career. At 20 I was on the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit which brought my career to a whole different level. I’ve been so fortunate to have worked with so many creatives that I admired throughout my career such as Donetella Versace, John Galliano, Mert & Marcus, Steven Klein, Carine Roitfeld, Peter Lindbergh, etc. I’ve had so many amazing moments!
LBH Is there a specific photoshoot or runway show that stands out for being the funniest or craziest?
HC There has been many crazy and funny moments. I’ve experienced everything from falling on the runway to shooting swimsuits in Finland in the freezing snow.
LBH How do you perceive the current state of diversity and inclusion in the modeling industry, and what changes would you like to see in the future?
HC The industry has made some big strides in the last few years but I feel the industry still has a long way to go. I start to have hope that the industry is making changes but then it always diverts back to its old ways. I’m co-owner and creative director for Margaux The Agency, which is my way of contributing to the changes that I want to see in the modeling industry. It starts with the agency and trickles down to the rest of the fashion industry.
LBH Who are some of your female role models you look up to, whether within the modeling industry or beyond?
HC I don’t have a specific role model in the industry but I admire all the women who have paved the way for models to be more than just a “pretty face” and who have used their platforms to make changes and create business.
LBH When it comes to dating, what qualities do you find most attractive in a partner?
HC It’s so important to be best friends with your partner. I’ve been with my life partner, Jullien for 9 years now and we were best friends for 2 years before that. We truly love spending time together and have so much fun! Some of Jullien’s best qualities are his honestly, loyalty and humor. I’m a lucky to have found my person.
LBH What dating advice would you share based on your own experiences?
HC You can’t force it, if it’s not meant to be! The right person will come to you when the time is right.
LBH If you could go on a casual dinner with any celebrity, who would it be, and what would you want to chat about?
HC I would love to have dinner with the 90s supermodels. You know they would have the most amazing stories!
LBH What’s your go-to idea for a fun and casual night with your friends?
HC Sitting outside at a cute restaurant with good food and good vibes is always the best!
LBH If you were to go to a karaoke, what song would you choose and why?
HC Hmmm I’m not a big karaoke person…at least that’s what I always say, but if a song I love comes on, I will get into it haha. You can never go wrong with Beyoncé.
LBH Do you have any hidden talents or quirky skills that people might not know about?
HC Honestly not really! I wish I did haha.
LBH If you could teleport to your favorite vacation spot right now, where would you go?
HC Jullien and I spent a month traveling around Europe last summer. It was magical! I would definitely love to be transported back there right now.
LBH The first thing you think about when I say Mexico.
HC I love Mexico!! Mexico has so much to offer and there are many special places to visit there. Everything from amazing architecture, food, wine, nature and the people. Todos Santos is a very special place to me
The Video
