Photography: IRVIN RIVERA

Model: Morgan Chelf @ PHOTOGENICS

Styling: TYLER MCDANIEL

Hair & Makeup: XENG ZULUETA

Photo Asst: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG

Styling Asst: ALEXA MOLINARO

Describe us your story in a sentence.

Although I love my friends, and I'm really outgoing with them, I still feel like I'm naturally private and a little bit shy; so it’s such an enigma that I'm having this career as a model! 

When did you start modeling and why do you still do it?

I was launching a jet ski along the California coast when a photographer who had just shot NY fashion week saw me and told my dad that my tibia bones were as long as the models he'd just photographed. So I entered an International Ford Model of the Year contest - a couple of polaroid pics in a t-shirt dress and they chose me as a finalist! 

Favorite shoot that you did so far?

A Ralph Lauren Rugby shoot in Ft. Lauderdale - I was so excited because it was one of my favorite iconic brands; and the crew was so friendly and so fun; the location was absolutely stunning and it hardly felt like “work”.  Later, back in NYC, I was in RL's Madison Avenue headquarters when Ralph Lauren walked in and asked if I liked his new collection.  I felt so privileged to have had a discussion with such a legendary fashion icon.

What inspired you to be a model?

My nana, a young heart, who carried class like Grace Kelly and modeled for TWA back in the Golden Age of flying, inspired me to be a model.  She was quite the fashionista, and she wasn’t afraid to don bold leopard print yoga pants into her late seventies! I think that free spirit is genetic.

What’s your most memorable experience in modeling so far?

I'm kind of an animal whisperer so I have especially loved a couple shoots: one where I was in Malibu riding a beautiful white horse and another shoot where I got to play with this sweet, prickly little hedgehog

What ‘s the most challenging / memorable shoot that did played so far?

The most challenging shoot I ever did was for Hamptons Magazine.  The beach was about 30 degrees and we were shooting a swimwear story!  I’ve never been so cold – if you look very closely at the photos, I have goose bumps in all of them! 

Book that you’re currently reading

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.

Current favorite album

Either Zhu or Thomas Jack - I can’t decide!

If you’re not doing shoots or heading into castings, what keeps you busy?

Studying PR and Business at the University of Southern California (Fight On!) and online shopping of course!

Dream project?

Something secret with Carine Roitfeld!  She’s amazing.

Dream client to work with.

Chanel!  Who wouldn’t?!

Model crush

A three way tie between Gisele Bundchen, Taylor Hill and Kate Moss.

Currently binge watching _____

The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

If you’re going to publish your own book, what title would it be and why?

Morgan: More than Meets the Eye

If you will be given the opportunity to support a charity, what would it be and why?

I really love volunteering with my roommate's charity - it's called “Share A Meal”.  We spent last Friday night walking through skid row in LA with backpacks full of burritos - just sharing the love and a hot meal.