Get to know the name Aaron Philip because she is ready to turn the fashion industry on its head. As the first Black, transgender and disabled model signed to a major model agency, Elite Model Management, Philip just landed her first full spread feature with Paper magazine.
Gracing the cover donning a fluorescent feather boa, the 18-year-old model is one of seven features for this month's issue celebrating Pride and was interviewed by iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell. Philip, who was born with cerebral palsy, is very vocal about the representation disparities on the runway.
“As of right now, I’m one of two physically disabled models in the entire industry,” she told CNN in February.
“The fashion industry has only known one type of body, and one type of marketable figure for so long. (But) now we’re entering this time, and this climate, where all types of bodies want to be pushed forward and celebrated —not only celebrated, but be seen as desirable and marketable.”
She adds that the marginalized should not be responsible for amplifying their voices when others could advocate on their behalf.
“But it’s just the way of getting to where you need to be,” she said. “So I’ll do it. And hopefully I’ll do it so that other girls in my position don’t have to.”
The Antiguan-born model was signed to Elite in September 2018 and made her runway debut earlier this month for New York designer Willie Norris.
Philip’s presence on social media has garnered much attention with a total of 120,000 followers on Instagram and Twitter.
“Honestly when i get scouted/discovered by a modeling agency it’s OVER for y’all!,” she tweeted in 2017.
Since being signed to Elite, Philip has remained booked and busy with several featured profiles and brand marketing campaigns including Dove, Sephora and Teen Vogue.
