interview by JANA LETONJA

Balancing life between New York and New Jersey, model and soon-to-be actor Beca Michie carries a story as multifaceted as their heritage — Native American, Russian, and Ecuadoran. Before stepping in front of the camera for campaigns with YSL, Marc Jacobs, and Maybelline, Beca was advocating for LGBTQ+ women and unhoused youth at a law firm. Now, they’re preparing for their acting debut in an upcoming feature film, a return to their roots after years of acting school in NYC. Known for their openness and vulnerability both online and in person, Beca proves that models are more than their looks — they’re storytellers, advocates, and human beings with many layers.

full look MIU MIU

Growing up between New York and New Jersey, what aspects of each place shaped you the most?

I think New York gave me grit, Jersey gave me grounding. I think being between the two taught me how to adapt, to move fast, but stay rooted. It's like I learned how to dream big without ever forgetting where I come from.

Being Ecuadorean and Russian, how has your mixed heritage influenced how you see representation in fashion and film?

Growing up, I really appreciated the few times I would see Latin American figures in the spotlight. I was teased at school for my tan complexion after coming back from Ecuador, and for a long time, I struggled to feel comfortable in my own skin. So now, being part of that space, I feel this quiet responsibility to be authentically myself for all of the beautiful, young Latin American little girls feeling unseen

full look MIU MIU
shoes MIU MIU X ASICS

Were there moments early on where you realised visibility — or the lack of it — really mattered?

Definitely. I remember flipping through fashion spreads as a teen and trying to imagine myself in them, but never fully seeing the reflection. When you don’t see yourself, you start to question your place.

You’ve worked with YSL, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Maybelline amongst others. What’s been the most meaningful campaign for you and why?

Beauty campaigns hold a special place in my heart because, growing up, I really struggled with how I saw myself. Kids at school used to call me ugly, and honestly that stuck with me. But being part of those campaigns actually helped shift something in me. They taught me to love my smile.

The fashion industry can be glamorous but also challenging. What’s something about modelling people might not expect?

It takes stamina, not just physically, but emotionally. You will have a hundred “No’s” between every yes and you have to be able to not take it personally and continue to hold your own energy through it all.

How do you balance staying authentic while working in spaces that often expect perfection?

I try to show up as myself, even when it’s not polished. I’ve learned that authenticity doesn’t mean oversharing, it just means not pretending.

Before modelling full-time, you worked at a law firm advocating for LGBTQ+ women and unhoused youth. How did that work shape your sense of purpose?

It reminded me that identity isn't just a conversation for campaigns, it’s real life for a lot of people who are still fighting to be safe, seen, and respected. That work taught me to move with more intention, even in creative spaces.

Do you still find ways to integrate activism into your modelling and creative work today?

Always. Whether it's choosing who I collaborate with, using my platform to highlight community work, or just being vocal about the things I care about, it’s all connected. I don’t separate my values from my art.

scarf MIU MIU
dress vintage
underwear COUCOU INTIMATES

left:
dress TOM FORD
shoes SAINT LAURENT

right:
dress PRADA

Can you share anything about your upcoming acting debut and what excites you about it?

I can’t say much, but there’s some guns and some fighting.

Social media can blur the line between perception and reality. How do you navigate showing your true self?

I remind myself that I’m not a product, I’m a person. I try to share moments that feel real to me, whether that's crying, going on a date or a quiet day off. I don't owe the internet a perfect version of me, just a real one.

When you look ahead, what’s one story — in film or fashion — you’d love to help tell?

I’d love to tell stories that exist in the in-between. The ones about people who don’t fit the mould, being judged, rejected and feel wronged by the world. I think there is power in people seeing their sadness reflected onto their screen, so they feel empowered and remember they aren’t alone in their feelings.

TEAM CREIDTS:

talent BECA MICHIE
photography ALESSIO ALBI
styling FIONA SKYE & SARA FEDZ
production VALENTINA GUROVA & CORY COUTURE PRODUCTIONS
public relations PR-ALIYANS MEDIA GROUP
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN

IN CONVERSATION WITH BECA MICHIE

IN CONVERSATION WITH CHELSEA FREI