Seven, Tenzin, Christian, Issac, Yan & Chaz
Justsmile hears from six young men on what life is like in New York City, in their own words.
This story was originally published in Justsmile Issue 1 FW20. The full story appears in the print edition.
Photography Katsu Naito
Styling Jason Rider
Left to right Seven wears coat, vest, and shirt LEMAIRE. Trousers GUCCI. Tenzin wears suit WILLY CHAVARRIA. Shirt stylist’s own. Tie PRADA. Christian wears coat LEMAIRE. Shirt PRADA. Trousers TELFAR.
Tenzin wears suit WILLY CHAVARRIA. Shirt stylist’s own. Tie PRADA.
Tenzin Che Miyahira, 19
Where do you live and what's it like living there?
I grew up and currently live in NYC; I think it's probably the best place ever.
What's the one place you're most at peace?
Sitting with my friends listening to music somewhere.
What is something you have learned this year?
Switch front heels.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Just go for it.
Isaac wears vest and slippers LEMAIRE. Shirt PRADA. T-shirt vintage from FANTASY EXPLOSION. Trousers WILLY CHAVARRIA.
Isaac White, 23
Where do you live and what's it like living there?
I live in Brooklyn, USA. It is one of America's true melting pots, which is why I moved here three years ago and to be closer to family.
Who are your biggest influences personally?
Personally, my mother, Black women, and Black culture. Tupac, and many other male and female 90s hip hop artists. I feel as if anything that inspires me predates the year '99.
What is something you have learned this year?
This year I learned that life isn't about right and wrong because that is just a perspective. I learned to act today because tomorrow is never promised, and things end abruptly. I learned to find pride in who I am and embrace myself and my culture fully, for that is what I'm made up of. I learned that without great pain, there is no great knowledge.
What change would you like to see in 2021?
In 2021, I would like to see myself and others try to kill their egos and spread love and unity, which is the answer to most of society's issues.
Seven wears t-shirt and trench coat EMPORIO ARMANI.
Seven Strong, 21
Who are your biggest influences personally?
My mother is my biggest influence. She taught me to be a hard worker and that I can accomplish anything I set my mind on.
What's one place where you're most at peace?
I recently discovered that I feel really at peace in art museums.
What is something you have learned this year?
The world has a lot more growing to do than I thought.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
To stay strong.
Name three things that make you smile.
Music, reading, and my mother.
1. Chaz wears coat and shirt PRADA. Long-johns JUDY TURNER. Slippers LEMAIRE. Socks MUJI.
Chaz Sanders, 22
Where do you live and what's it like living there?
I live in Chicago. It freezes over in the winter and melts in the summer. It's a real blue-collar city. There's no glamour or extra. It's also really flat; some streets look like they never end. Chicago is not for the weak (or anemic).
Who are your biggest influences personally?
My biggest influence is probably my little brother. He's thirteen. He's a painter. He don't take no shit! He's really composed and direct. I'm trying to be more like him.
What's the one place you're most at peace?
I'm most at peace in my studio. It's therapeutic being around all my toys, books, and other random shit I've hoarded over the years. It all feels like an extension of my body... It makes me feel bigger.
What is something you have learned this year?
Everything that has gone down this year has only emphasized things I already knew: think on your feet, be ready to pivot, do it yourself.
What change would you like to see in 2021?
There's a lot that I'd like to see change in 2021. To name one, I'd like to see a push towards some universal system for healthcare/wellbeing. Nobody needs to live in pain or sickness. We have the resources!!
Name three things that make you smile.
Freshly cut wood. Seeing my mail lady pull up with my packages. Black people.
Yan wears BOTTEGA VENETA.
Yan Li, 20
Where do you live and what's it like living there?
I live in Queens, and it's a quiet and chill place.
Who are your biggest influences personally?
My best friend, Wei.
What's the one place you're most at peace?
The rooftop of my apartment. I always go there to smoke.
What is something you have learned this year?
Making jewelry.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Stay positive.
