The Inner City's Cliche

We got a chance to talk with Alyssa, a model living in between NY & Texas, Whose worked with a lot of big names in the industry,

Name?
Alyssa Neilson

One item you cant live without?
Cartier jewelry; I wear both the love yellow gold bracelet and ring everyday for good luck and feel naked if I ever have to take them off (even at the airport) lol

Strangest place you’ve ever been to for a photoshoot?
An abandoned mansion in upstate New York. It was super creepy and looked like a scene from a horror movie. Kind of like a southern plantation from the 1900’s but with trash all inside. I kept thinking something was going to kill me– I’d never been more anxious to end a shoot.

Best fashion memory? Like a past trend or favorite outing outfit.
Just the 90’s in general and everything that stemmed from it– high top sneakers, headbands, everything retro, etc. But right now I’m most definitely loving the men’s wear trend.

Favorite item in your closet?
I keep all of my clothes and am attached to literally every item I own, so this is hard! I think I’m even a hoarder somethings because I just never want to give my clothes away because I assume each item is something I could use to recreate a look later down the line. But without a doubt, my favorite item right now is my Acne Studios coat. It went everywhere with me this winter. I don’t want it to get warm out because I love it so much and have gotten so used to rocking it on the daily.

Who are your favorite photographers to work with?
Simply, my friends and peers. I know a lot of young photographers back in Texas and also on the east coast that I LOVE working with to help them get accustomed to photography. Lots of my friends have super tight cameras too that use 120mm film which I love. I don’t think I’ve ever shot with any photographers that have just stood out to me or ones that I go to on the regular yet though.

Biggest city you’ve traveled to?
Tokyo. It’s New York City times a million. I went last month for my 21st birthday and for castings, I fell in love with Japan. I love the culture, the crowd, the fashion, the language, food, all of it! I’m definitely going to spend more time in my life there at some point.

Three of your favorite pair of shoes?
I’m a sneaker girl– hands down my Jordan Black Cement 3s. Then my Air Max 180’s and then my Jordan Royal 1s. All three are such timeless shoes that I could never live without. Of course, I love my Air Force 1s as well–they’re a classic.

Has living in NY influenced your fashion choices?
Of course it has. It happens naturally when you move there. For me, the New York winters is what did it. Having lived in Texas before, I never really had to wear coats or layer at all. But I’ve fallen in love with outerwear and I have New York City to thank for that. I almost feel awkward and bare in summertime clothes now, it’s weird! It used to be super hard for me to dress for the winter, and super easy for me to dress for the summer, but now it’s the other way around for sure