It’s hard to imagine that half-Asian models and Latino models were once viewed as interchangeable.

But that was Tony Craig’s experience when he started modelling in the mid-’90s.

“At that time, if a client wanted a diverse cast, they had a white model, a Black model and ‘other,’” explains Craig, who now runs the men’s division of DNA Model Management in New York. “I’m half Asian, and at my agency, there was a Latino guy. I could literally call in sick and he could show up, or the other way around, and it would be perfectly fine because all they needed was ‘other.’”

Craig is the U.S. agent for FASHION’s March cover co-star Adonis Bosso, and he and I were speaking about how much the modelling game has changed—or not. Both Bosso and our other cover co-star, Jazzelle, who goes by one name, faced race-based barriers when they started out in their careers. As both models told me in “Instaboy, Instagirl” (page 72), their careers took off once they decided to own their individuality. “One day I had a mental breakdown because my life was in a shambles, and I shaved my head,” explains Jazzelle, who goes by the social handle @uglyworldwide. What happened next was a true Cinderella moment.

For body-positivity activist Margie Plus, the turning point in her self-acceptance journey came in the form of a close encounter with fashion deity Anna Wintour. “From that moment on, I was like, ‘I need to serve every day,’” she tells contributor Victoria DiPlacido in “Head Strong” (page 42). Plus’s neon hair helped her grab Rihanna’s attention, and she is now an official Savage x Fenty ambassador. And she says that her electric coloured hair will likely be her look for life.

Owning your uniqueness can be a difficult journey, but it can also be what gives you an edge. The BIPOC perfume creators that Mishal Cazmi spoke to for “The Stories We Tell” (page 44) all mined their own personal stories, rather than a field of blooms, for their brands. The fascinating results include scents based on music, Harlem and the multi-ethnic spices and incense wafting through high-rise hallways.

In our team’s research for this issue, we stumbled upon several creatives who are attracted to imperfection. Emily Frances Barrett’s cigarette-butt earrings (“Burning Desire,” page 17) and Ottolinger’s distorted handbag (“Spring Thaw,” page 90) may not appeal to all tastes. But in a world where we can simply tap a filter to wipe away blemishes to present our “best selves,” their work helps us realize how superficial, and exclusionary, our concepts of beauty can be.

The hanger symbols sprinkled throughout this issue indicate that you’ll find care tips on our website. See FASHIONMAGAZINE.COM/MAKEITLAST.