SS26 Womenswear - Rigour & Romance with Roos Abels

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Roos Abels on Rigour & Romance, Prada Beginnings and Creative Freedom

written CHIDOZIE OBASI

Truth be told, fashion found Roos Abels before she fully understood what it was. “I got scouted in the supermarket in my hometown when I was around thirteen,” she tells LE MILE. “Then I went to Milan for the first time with my Dad to meet my mother agency, Brave models, and that’s when it all began for me.” Abels walked the Prada show a year later, and at the time she didn’t realise how big of a deal it was. “When I was about to enter the runway, Miuccia tapped me on my shoulder and gave me the kindest little smile; from that moment, my career took off.” Below, the model opens up about the importance of expression, pinch-me moments and future hopes. You’re welcome.

Roos wears a total look by VALENTINO

Chidozie Obasi
Do you feel that the relation between fashion, expression and art has grown over the years?

Roos Abels
Absolutely! I think the lines between fashion, expression, and art have become increasingly fluid. Fashion today feels less confined to trends and more connected to personal narrative and cultural dialogue. People are using style as a medium to communicate who they are, what they believe in, and how they want to be seen. At the same time, creatives across photography, music, film, and design are collaborating more than ever, which has made fashion feel more immersive and emotionally driven. I think audiences now connect with authenticity over perfection, and that shift has allowed fashion to become more expressive and artistic in a very human way.

Unpack the emotions you felt during the shoot (related to what you wore).

I loved everything about it. I really got to be different personalities while shooting this story. That’s also what I love about modeling, that I get to be this character with every outfit I put on. I had different kinds of Hair and Makeup with every outfit which made it even more fun. Creating an editorial with a whole team is always so cool especially if you’re all on one line and the vision comes to life.

Roos wears dresses by EXTREME CASHMERE and MICHAEL KORS, shirt by LOUIS VUITTON, shoes by MICHEL PIZA and hat by VIVETTA

Could you unpack a pinch-me moment in your career?

As I've been doing this for twelve years now, I must say I feel incredibly lucky to be doing this for so long and experience all these amazing moments. One of my all time favorite moments was at the Chanel headquarters in Paris for the upcoming Couture show that was coming up, and I had my fitting with the whole team and Karl ofcourse There was this insanely beautiful mint green dress hanging on the rail and it turned out to be for me!! I tried it on and instantly felt like it was meant for me, when I walked into the room with Karl and his team they all started clapping for me in my dress and it just felt like such surreal moment.

What are you most hopeful for in the creative industry and beyond?

I’m hopeful for a creative industry that continues moving toward authenticity, inclusivity, and individuality. I think people are craving work that feels real — stories, imagery, and ideas that reflect genuine human experiences rather than unattainable perfection.Beyond the industry, I hope we continue creating spaces where people feel empowered to express themselves freely and creatively without fear of being boxed in. Creativity has the power to connect people across cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and I think that’s something incredibly valuable right now.

Final thoughts and reflections

I’ve learned that individuality is everything. The more honest you are creatively, the more lasting the work becomes. I’m just grateful to keep evolving and creating. Stay true to yourself and being kind to others is the true key!

Roos wears shirts by ISABELLE BLANCHE and MANGO SELECTION, shorts, belt and shoes by VIVETTA, and tie and watch from ARCHIVE

Roos wears a total look by PRADA

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seen COSIMO BUCCOLIERI via STUDIO REPOSSI
fashion market director CHIDOZIE OBASI
fashion EDWARD PUSCA
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
make up KIM GUTIERREZ via STUDIO REPOSSI using DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY
hair DAMIANO SEMINARA via STUDIO REPOSSI
model ROOS ABELS via BRAVE MODELS
photography assistant ANTONIO CROTTI
fashion assistants SOFIA FARINA + DAIANA EDOSA + ALICE PELATI + LUDOVICA IEMMOLO

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE
and Cosimo Buccolieri

SS26 Menswear - Pushing Through The Lens with NOAH SAPON

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Pushing Through The Lens with Noah Sapon

written CHIDOZIE OBASI

Rising creative Noah Sapon became captivated by filmography the moment he acquired his first camera for his ninth birthday. But I cannot help but wonder: what has happened since then? “I’ve lived almost every day with one on me,” he enthuses, the moment we settle into our conversation.

Noah wears blazer by VALENTINO, shirt by CELINE, pants by PAUL SMITH, shoes by CHURCH’S and tie by FERRAGAMO

“I grew up as a big history nerd, and spent a lot of time outdoors,” he says, explaining how he spends lots of time in nature, where he draws the majority of his creative understanding and drive from. “As I’ve matured into a better understanding of myself and what I want to explore as an artist, these have been my biggest driving forces for my practice, while understanding the spiritual effect these elements have on society,” he explains. “I moved around a lot growing up and attended multiple schools, and I think this is where my adaptive nature was born.”

Sapon loves switching environments; throughout his life, he moved from the South of England’s countryside to a small mountain town in Spain, and then to a larger coastal one; since then, he’s been all over the world. Film has always been the director of his life. “No matter what it is, I see it through a lens,” he explains. “I studied film as one of my college A levels when I moved back to the UK in 2016, assuming I’d continue on to it at school or undertake a film degree of some sorts, but I hated it,” he says. Throughout the course, Sapon felt a feeling of unease and otherness from the tutors, and wasn’t allowed to experiment with a wealth of mediums. “Everything was so rigid, so it forced me to reconsider,” he says. At the time, Sapon had just been scouted as a model, and he was starting to experience the fashion industry from the other side of the camera. “I already had an interest in fashion, but I didn’t really understand how any of it worked,” he says. Below, Sapon unpacks early stints, pinch-me moments and future hopes with LE MILE’s Fashion Market Director. You’re welcome.

Noah wears a total look by VALENTINO

Chidozie Obasi
When did you begin to venture into the creative sphere, and what was the moment that made you realise you wanted to pursue this professionally?

Noah Sapon
I was scouted as a model when I was seventeen. I did one show and then signed to SUPA in London, which helped me a lot. Charlie, the founder, was always really supportive of my filmmaking, and he used to book out models to do video tests with; when I was casting, I would always tell the team that I was also a videographer and that if they wanted to book me for that instead they could. I always brought a small camera with me everywhere I went, even on set. I remember having a shoot with the late Brian Griffin for Wallpaper Magazine, and shot a behind the scene film while on set as a model. That’s how it started for me, as I’d get booked to be on both sides of the camera, but I always felt so awkward in front of the lens, and so at-home behind it. Things quite quickly progressed, and by 2019 I was shooting a few small videos a month for magazines, artists and musicians. As soon as it overtook my modelling career financially, I was able to properly dedicate myself to it. Then Covid hit, and I was pretty isolated from London, in the countryside with my family. That was when the natural world became a bigger theme in my approach. I shot an eight spread editorial series with my younger brother, Jethro, for Boys By Girls, about it being the truest constant for humans, and we worked together on another couple of films at home during that time. It wasn’t really until covid fully ended in 2022 that I felt that my career started. Before 2022 I was really just understanding how the industry worked, but then as travel opened up again that’s when things really changed, and I really felt like wow this is actually going to be my life now. I said in an interview when I was sixteen that my five-year plan was to ‘travel the world freely and work with people that inspire me,’ and it really happened.

Could you unpack why you transitioned from modeling to film?

Modelling was never for me. I never worked that much as a model, and I didn’t understand the industry well enough to set goals or intentions. I like organisation and order,and even though my life is quite chaotic, I know what’s going on. I never felt like I knew how to have any control of my own life as a model, and I actually think that is kind of part of the job. I’m so grateful that I got to do it though: I worked with some of my favourite magazines and brands, and it was my first proper, albeit naive, peek into the fashion industry. Film has been my dream for as long as I can remember. When I was really young (after wanting to be a cowboy, knight or pirate), I used to say I wanted to be an architect, and that was the first job I for some reason thought was for me. I liked the idea of creativity with a real-world objective, and something that can be ‘correct’. After that, I wanted to make films, so it was always where I wanted to transition to no matter what.

Noah wears pants and shorts by DOLCE&GABBANA and hat by LORO PIANA

Noah wears a total look by LORO PIANA

Biggest pinch-me moments?

I’ve had a lot of pinch me moments, really luckily very often. I don’t know what would be the biggest. I think the best ones are when I’m in the process of shooting something that really feels like a big checkpoint on track to where I want to be. This is one, as we’ve known each other since 2019! Quite full circle, and it was so much fun on set.

What downturns have you encountered during your path?

I’m really a very optimistic person. I don’t really register moments as ‘downturns’, I like to process these moments quite quickly and learn the lessons. However, I suppose my biggest downturns happen just when I feel conflicted about how to do well, and when an experience might go against what I believe in. But being a curious person, I always want to learn from the experience.

What’s next for you?

Well, what’s next is very exciting. 2026 has been such a great year so far. I’m equally focused on my documentaries as my fashion work which is awesome. I have two docs currently in the editing phases, one with me and one with an editor. I’ve got a few covers coming out with some really epic talent. I don’t like to overshare plans and goals, but I’m also in the process of working with an amazing friend and philanthropist, Mauro Monarris, on a lot of beautiful charity work. I turned 26 this year, and intentionality has become key. The next few years will involve a lot of large-scale positive impact on the world, be it through my personal work, or work I align with, and this makes me really happy. I’m feeling really grateful.

Noah wears overshirt by PAUL SMITH, sweater by AVANT-TOI, shirt by JACOB COHËN, pants by CANALI and RANDOM IDENTITIES by Stefano Pilati and shoes by AQVA ALTA

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seen COSIMO BUCCOLIERI via STUDIO REPOSSI
fashion market director + stylist CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion coordinator EDWARD PUSCA
make up DIANA DJURDJEVSKI via STUDIO REPOSSI
hair FUJIWARA TAKAHASHI
model NOAH SAPON
photography assistant ANTONIO CROTTI
fashion assistants DAIANA EDOSA + ALICE PELATI + LUDOVICA IEMMOLO + ALESSIA GUALTIERI

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE
and Cosimo Buccolieri

SS26 Menswear - THE QUIET POWER of Mergim Shabani

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The Quiet Power Of Mërgim Shabani

written CHIDOZIE OBASI

Kosovo-born, Vienna-hailed talent Mërgim Shabani kicked off his creative path that didn’t follow the customary trajectory in this realm. “I was very focused on sports and football growing up, but maybe because I’m left-handed and played football with my left foot, I had to learn early on how to adapt — and approach things in a more creative way,” he says.

Mërgim wears blazer, pants and belt by LOUIS VUITTON, shirts by CARUSO and ZEGNA and shoes by CHURCH’S

At the same time, Shabani was in touch with fashion from a young age, especially with Prada. “My uncle, who owned a variety of Prada shoes, had a strong influence on me,” he recalls, the moment we begin to settle in our conversation. “It was probably my first experience with something that felt more premium and intentional compared to other clothing, and it stayed with me,” he adds. Below, LE MILE grabs five with Shabani; unpacking all things influence, mental health and future hopes. You’re welcome.

Mërgim wears a total look by GUCCI

Mërgim wears a total look by PRADA

Chidozie Obasi
In an age permeated by saturation and social downturns, the word ‘influence’ - and its wealth of denotations - acquires a huge relevance and, in turn, prominence nowadays. How do you use your platforms and position to inform what’s going on in the world, and how/where do you see the future of socials heading to?

Mergim Shabani
We are all dependent on platforms today, but that also means they are an opportunity — and for me, that opportunity is a gift. There were people who inspired me and made it possible for me to even have a platform and a certain level of influence. The more I appreciate that, the more I want to be my most authentic self. I believe that when you are truly yourself, you can step away from competition more easily. When it comes to informing others, I don’t see myself in a position to lecture people about the complex state of the world. There’s a phrase I believe in: you can’t fix your home and you’re trying to fix the world. For me, that means doing the inner work first — becoming someone who contributes positively to their own community and tribe, instead of speaking on situations you don’t really have influence over.

Could you unpack what the most complex moments of your job are, and how you grapple with your mental health - particularly in a sea of numbers dictated by tractions?

I think the most complex moments are the ones where you have to constantly develop new skill sets and reach new levels, because you always want to become better.
Through that process, I learned an important lesson for my mental health: I never question myself as a human — my character or my value — but I do question my skills in a tough, honest way. That distinction is important. It allows me to improve without losing stability. I can be critical of my work, but still stay grounded in who I am.

Mërgim wears a jacket and top by CELINE and pants by RANDOM IDENTITIES by Stefano Pilati

Mërgim wears a tank top by LOUIS VUITTON, a hat by PAUL SMITH and jewellery by LAG WORLD

Mërgim wears a jacket by ISABEL MARANT, tank top by EXTREME CASHMERE, shirt by CANALI, pants by QUARTO ATTO, hat by LORO PIANA and tie by POLO RALPH LAUREN

What are you focusing on right now?

There are a few things I can speak about, and others I still prefer to keep quiet for now.
I have a store called Odë in Vienna with a partner, and we are now moving into online sales and worldwide shipping. It’s not just a fashion store or a boutique — it’s a space where people can experience our taste and perspective. I’m also developing Tempo Wellness Club, which is my own sports and movement brand. It will include a lot of my routines, workouts, and overall philosophy. Alongside that, I’m working on other product-based projects that I’m personally very connected to. I’m not ready to speak on them yet, but they will be visible soon.

What’s next for you? Any future hopes?

I’m constantly developing new skills and perspectives, so I see this as a phase where I’m stepping into a new level. At the same time, I see myself as a lifelong student of life. I want to stay productive, continue building, and provide for my people — my tribe — but also create moments where I can step back and appreciate the life I’ve built with those around me.
Hope is something that has a strong meaning to me. You can see it in a person’s eyes when it’s still there, and it’s something worth protecting. My hope for the future is to become a version of myself that gives more than he takes.

Mërgim wears shorts and hat by LORO PIANA

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seen COSIMO BUCCOLIERI via STUDIO REPOSSI
fashion market director CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion EDWARD PUSCA
make up KIM GUTIERREZ via STUDIO REPOSSI using DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY
hair FUJIWARA TAKAHASHI via MKS MILANO
talent MËRGIM SHABANI via NEXT MILAN
photography assistant ANTONIO CROTTI
fashion assistants SOFIA FARINA + SIMONA VERNAZZA + LUIZA ANGELOVA + ANGELINA PERSIANI + ISABELLA RUIZ

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE
and Cosimo Buccolieri