Alexis Ren, who is the very epitome of modern beauty and talent, graces the pages of Flaunt Magazine's Issue 188, taking readers on an enchanting visual delight. Captured through the lens of the gifted photographer StolenBesos, with the impeccable styling of the visionary Marc Eram, this feature promises to be a captivating exploration of the model and influencer's world.
Stylist Marc Eram handpicked pieces from renowned fashion houses such as BCBGMAXAZRIA, BALLY, VERSACE, MIU MIU, WIEDERHOEFT, HANSEN & GRETEL and ELIZABETH SHEVELEV to dress Alexis in for the shoot. Behind the scenes, a talented team works tirelessly to make this vision a reality. Eduardo Méndez at A-Frame Agency crafts Ren's hair into works of art, while Alex French at Forward Artists masterfully enhances her natural beauty with makeup. To ensure everything runs seamlessly, Sofia Ziman lends her expertise as the Production Assistant, making sure every detail is just right. Franchesca Baratta weaves words that bring Alexis Ren's essence to life, delving into her thoughts, dreams, and the magic that makes her a true icon.
Alexis Ren has become a prominent figure in the digital age. Born in Santa Monica, she straddles the generational line between millennials and Gen Z, and at 26, boasts a staggering online following of 18 million. Her journey has taken her from the glamorous world of supermodeling to being a mentor for women and girls, as well as a fashion entrepreneur. She even graced the stage of the 27th season of "Dancing with the Stars," wowing fans worldwide.
Ren's rise to prominence coincided with the era of "Blue Ass Water" content on YouTube, a term coined by comedian Cody Ko. This content style featured beautiful people, often referred to as 'influencers' today, documenting their exotic travels set to trending dance tracks. It was a time when Instagram served as a digital Wild West, funded by sponsored posts and idealized depictions of happiness.
However, as the internet and its culture evolved, so did audience expectations. The shift might be attributed to progressive politics, a societal reevaluation of values during the pandemic, or the surge in parasocial relationships in an era of growing loneliness. Regardless of the driving forces, Ren and fellow influencers now aim to connect with their audiences on a deeper level.
Ren's focus has shifted towards addressing women and girls, sharing her experiences and insights on mental health, body image, empowerment, and the journey to discovering one's true identity. She acknowledges that she spent a significant part of her career focused on selling products or lifestyles. Still, she retains her genuine passion for fashion and beauty.
Having been homeschooled, Ren discovered her creativity and freedom in front of the camera—a hobby that seamlessly transformed into her career. Her early interest in spirituality and wellness can be attributed to her mother, who prioritized life lessons in her education, something Ren's peers in traditional schools often missed out on.
Ren's eclectic interests seem paradoxical in the context of her online presence. She admires writer and comedian Duncan Trussell, known for his podcast, "The Duncan Trussell Family Hour," which explores philosophical and spiritual ideas. These interests appear at odds with the impression-driven, follower-focused nature of the internet.
Ren acknowledges this paradox, stating, "I struggle... I'm still navigating [the internet] because it's really weird to be in this paradox... my interests are so different from what social media is." She no longer relies on social media as she once did and finds it challenging to maintain authenticity in a space that often demands simplification.
However, Ren embraces this duality in her digital footprint, merging her love for fashion and beauty with her curiosity for spirituality and philosophy. She believes this complexity makes her more authentic and relatable to her audience.
She expresses a desire for long-form content, such as podcasts, as it allows creators to delve deeper into various topics and layers of life. Ren envisions herself transitioning into slower formats over time, providing a more nuanced version of herself.
In line with this vision, Ren plans to launch her podcast later this year, co-hosted by her godsister, Allie Michelle. Together, they will explore diverse subjects and interview fellow creators. This podcast will align with the themes discussed in their mentorship program, "We Are Warriors," designed to empower young women through fitness and wellness.
"We Are Warriors" originated as a workout program during the pandemic, but it quickly evolved into a platform for mentorship and personal growth. Ren and Michelle offer digital exercise courses and expert-led seminars, covering topics from nervous system regulation to personal finance.
Ren finds tremendous fulfillment in helping others and leveraging her experiences to create positive change. Her journey, including her public struggle with food and body image, has allowed her to build connections with her audience based on shared experiences.
As she reflects on her past and embraces curiosity as a source of growth and freedom, Ren believes that true evolution comes from returning to the childlike wonder of learning, having fun, and shedding societal burdens. She recognizes that, ultimately, each individual is perfect as they are.
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