Zola Zappa
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Todd Cole
A rising young model, a fashion photographer, and an afternoon making photos in LA
This past September, on a sun-dappled LA afternoon, fashion photographer Todd Cole and model-on-the-rise Zola Zappa met up to make some photos. They both brought the goods. Todd has photographed campaigns for everyone from Martin Margiela to Rodarte, and 17-year-old Zola has been signed with IMG Models since she was in ninth grade. They also have a VIP in common: fashion stylist Lauren Knudsen, who’s both Todd’s friend and Zola’s mom (her father is musician Dweezil Zappa). In this feature, Todd shows and tells us what he sees in Zola. And Zola pulls back the curtain on her own life, in her own words. —Kristina Feliciano
Todd on Zola
Every model is different. Some are performers who are endlessly playful in front of the camera. Others just have a natural way of being, a stillness and a magnetic gaze.
These are my favorite people to shoot—models with such expressive eyes that it’s enough for them to just be still and look into the lens. This is Zola. Her beauty is hard to pin down. It exists somewhere between her avant-garde Southern California roots and 19th-century Europe.
For our photo session together in Los Angeles, we decided to be spontaneous—she pulled clothes from her mom’s closet and mixed them with items of her own, and I responded in the moment. Zola’s just 17 but already knows how to command the lens. The images seemed to happen on their own…
Zola on Zola
If you had to describe yourself to someone who had never seen you, what would you say?
Very pale, always in some type of denim, tall, brown hair, light eyes, and bushy eyebrows.
Who are the models you look up to?
Definitely Vittoria Ceretti. She is so good at what she does and has a really positive vibe. Also Kate Moss, Bella Hadid, and Kaia Gerber.
You also paint. Who are some of your favorite artists? Museums you like?
Ever since I was young, I have always had an interest in art. I don’t know why exactly—it has just always been a huge part of my life. My favorite museums are the Art Institute of Chicago, the Vatican, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay. There are very few things that I enjoy more than visiting them and seeing all the different types of art, but my favorites have to be Van Gogh, Matisse, and Monet.
Why did you name your dog Moss?
I named my baby Moss after the one and only Kate Moss, because he’s a little bit crazy but an absolute icon.
The song you have on repeat.
“Tolerate It,” by Taylor Swift.
The book you tell everyone to read.
The Secret History, by Donna Tartt.
What you look for in a friend.
I look for loyalty, intelligence, and kindness.
What does family mean to you?
To me, family means having patience and being understanding.
Last concert you saw.
Boygenius with my mom and sister.
Words to live by.
Don’t repeat the mistakes of others around you; make your own way.
—Interview by Kristina Feliciano
Todd Cole is an award-winning photographer and director based in Los Angeles.