Fashion Models:
Kyleigh Kuhn

Kyleigh Kuhn (Next, NY) came from California to New York to model. She made the move to Next Models after a meeting with Next's founder, Faith Kates. I had the chance to shoot Kyleigh when she was new to New York, fresh off a Bruce Weber set. What follows is an afternoon in the life of a top model, highlighting things that characterize Kyleigh: not a runway, not an editorial, not a campaign. Just Kyleigh, pure and simple.

2:00 planning/scheduling her next trip to Afghanistan for her charity work

her living room wall

a close up of a piece on her wall, she decorated it all herself

those are real gun bullets she found on the street in Williamsburg

2:30 Kyleigh gets ready for a trip to the local organic market. She's an avid reader, showcasing her books alongside one of her favorite rings and pair of shoes

2:35 checking out her appearance before heading out

2:37 which included a side trip to her bedroom. I couldn't help but notice these vintage figurine cars and match boxes

2:38 and then notice this bona fide Fire Bat hanging on her wall

2:40 and all her jewelry choices

2:41 my favorites

2:45 playing around with her vintage cabinetry

2:50 Kyleigh has an interesting selection of hats to choose from. They indicate her personality as much as her choice in books and vintage card deck.

3:00 she's off to the local organic market with her boyfriend

3:15 Kyleigh comes out with a baguette, fresh cherry tomatoes, aged parmesan cheese, baby arugula, baby spinach, lemons, and basil

3:30 Kyleigh/caught sneaking a cherry tomato

4:15 dinner is served
Entree--olive oil, tomatos, basil, pasta
asparagus--fried covered on low heat for 15 minutes simmered in real butter
bread--both sides dipped in olive oil and pepper, oven baked for 8 minutes with goat cheese
salad--baby arugula, baby spinach, fresh squeezed lemon juice mixed with olive oil, pepper, and aged shaved parmesan cheese

5:15 last but not least, Kyleigh unwinds for some alone time on her fire escape, curling up with Hemingway and peace and quiet.

she likes to take walks along the Williamsburg waterfront

she likes to read

She likes nature and plants

her personal art work. Vintage photos collected in Williamsburg

Skirt -- picked out by her dad and brother in Vietnam
Shirt -- Viva Diva boutique, in her hometown in the Bay Area, CA
Turquoise squash-blossom necklace -- grandfather bought it for her mom and she lent it to me
Rings -- Grandmother's opal birthstone ring, Great Grandma's wedding ring, and mother's turquoise ring
Sandals -- Lucky Brand

Kyleigh! When talking to her, you can't help but notice her down to earthness, her sweetness, and her authentic concern for those in the world less fortunate than her. She founded the non-profit Roots for Peace Penny Campaign in 2003 which has since helped build 6 schools and provide first time access to high school for over 600 young women in Afghanistan.

With a college degree from the University of California, Berkeley in Peace and Conflict Studies and recent shoots in the July issue of Italian Vogue and Abercrombie both photographed by the legendary Bruce Weber, she is sure to continue her philanthropic contributions to better the world.

Click HERE to read more on Vogue Italy. If you are inspired and would like to learn more about the Roots of Peace Penny Campaign, click HERE