By Megan McCluskie
Every week, Bazaar‘s booking team highlights one name to note, from the industry’s best-known faces to girls who are just starting out. This week, we turn our attention to Zarina Nares.
You would be forgiven for thinking this New York native was a contemporary of Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. After debuting her first EP, Songs To Sway To, the 21-year-old has been captivating Los Angeles crowds with her modern jazz and blues ballads. And now she is enchanting the fashion industry with her hypnotic gaze, pillowy lips and incredible bone structure.
“Zarina is an effortlessly cool and unique beauty; when you meet her you can’t help but want to know more about her,” says Jonathon Reis at Heroes New York. “Her talent transcends beyond the camera – she’s an amazing writer, singer and producer… there’s no stopping Zarina.”
With a unique look and a multitude of talents, Nares might just be the next American to hit the big leagues. In her editorial work, she displays poise beyond her years, and off-duty she carries herself with a grace that has caught the eye of editors and street-style photographers alike. It will be exciting to see how she channels her chameleonic charm once she starts appearing on the runway.
We talk to Nares about her weekly visits to the farmer’s market, boxing and fellow model Adwoa Aboah.
How were you discovered?
“A year ago I was very broke and working in a lingerie store. A friend of mine, who I am now extremely grateful to, submitted my digitals to my mother agency. I met them the next day and signed the day after, and a year later here we are. Not the coolest story, unfortunately…”
If you weren’t modelling, which career would you pursue and why?
“I am a musician as well as a model. I just released an EP, Songs To Sway To. That is why I moved to Los Angeles, to pursue my music career. Modelling is still quite new for me, but I would also like to write a book one day; a series of vignettes maybe.”
What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
“I can’t say because it isn’t out yet.”
How do you spend your free time?
“I am generally in the studio or at home, writing or practising guitar. I have also recently discovered my love for the farmer’s market, I go every Sunday at 7am.”
Do you have any travel tips for those visiting your hometown?
“I grew up in Tribeca, New York City. While you could buy one of the millions of tour guides available for visiting my hometown, my free travel advice for New York would be: go in the spring, stay for at least two weeks and walk everywhere. Also avoid all restaurants in Midtown. Have a meal at Bubby’s on the corner of Hudson and North Moore. It’s down the street from my mum’s apartment and I’ve been eating there since I was a baby (kids used to eat for free on Sundays). It does the best mac and cheese.”
What are the three products you can’t live without?
“Mother Dirt Face Cleanser, M.S. Apothecary Liquid Gold Radical C and Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré.”
What is your favourite form of exercise?
“Boxing! I do an hour about four to five times a week. I could not recommend anything more. It’s a mental work-out as well as physical. It has made me a stronger, as well as a calmer, human being.”
What is your dream shoot?
“Shooting for Gucci or something involving an exotic animal. I can easily picture myself in a fountain next to a tiger. I would also love to shoot in Japan. Mainly so I could be a tourist once it’s over.”
Name your five essential items you wouldn’t leave the house without?
“A little notebook, lipstick, mascara, Band-aids and a bag to keep it all in.”
If you had to wear only one designer, who would it be?
“Saint Laurent.”
What kind of advice would you give to new girls to the industry?
“Always show up on time, there are more people involved in a shoot than just yourself, be nice to everyone on set (people remember those who aren’t) and never take not getting a job personally, you’re beautiful regardless of booking something or not.”
Is there a model’s career that you admire and why?
“I have a massive crush on Adwoa Aboah. On top of the fact that she is absolutely stunning, she seems like a beautiful human being. I admire her starting Gurls Talk and look forward to seeing it grow.”
What is your life motto?
“Someone else’s success doesn’t take away from your own.”
Let’s talk about favourites. What about…
…music? “Billie Holiday, Otis Redding and Sixties girl groups.”
…movie? “Grease (don’t judge).”
…books? “On Love by Alain de Botton, Just Kids by Patti Smith and Plato’s Republic.”
…food? “I tried so hard to choose just one but I can’t. I really love all food.”
