Kirra Hughes, a California born and raised native is a model, muse, and iconic Brooklyn, NY, based, scenic prop designer. Most recently, she was featured in DRÄGER’s music video, “New Life,” and modeled for iconic brands such as The Kooples, Filthy Mouth Creative, and Ponyboy. She currently continues her career in New York.

Jacket by 2madison Avenue at Flying Solo

Jacket by Sons of Gemini Top by Renee Masoomian — Jacket by Sons of Gemini
Top by Renee Masoomian

You have done many magazine stories and shoots such as: Ponyboy, Fashion Grunge, and SS Mothership, just to name a few. Which shoot has been your favorite?
I’ve loved every shoot I’ve done that comes with a story. Recently my shoot for PONYBOY Magazine was definitely a favorite. The photographer and Co-founder of ponyboy is a big fan of my boyfriend. He came over to shoot/style Spencer after talking to him and meeting him. Just a few days later he reached out to me about shooting. He sent me a mood board that literally made me drool. We got to shoot at my friend Missys Loft in SOHO. She calls herself the rich hoarder> She has every prop, unusual piece of furniture you can think of. And not only that but let me use her massive closet filled with vintage designer clothing for the shoot. The reason this shoot was so incredible is because there were no planned looks. It was just me dancing around naked throwing on whatever I want doing whatever I want in clothes I dream about. I guess you could say I was living out many girls dream for a day carefree and fucking glamorous.

Not everyone has what it takes to become a model with her own vision and life pursuits. What drew you to this career and lifestyle, and what does that all entail? How would you describe yourself and your style?
For my entire life, my head has been spinning with ideas. If I get the slightest feeling of passion toward something I will do everything to pursue it and learn all that I can. It’s an adrenaline rush for me to challenge myself. I’ve always been a creative person, and I knew my life would head in that direction . Seeing how far I’ve come is a very bizarre feeling. I never really think about anything I do as work or what it looks like to others until it’s brought up . To me I’m just doing what I love to do. And when it comes to modeling and being called a model I never look at it as modeling. I just see it as an opportunity to do/show something new. Another creative opportunity.

Where did you grow up, and how did you end up in Brooklyn, NY? For how long have you been a creative here, and where did your love for scenic prop designing begin? What does this career consist of and what passions or feelings does it let you express?
I grew up in Encinitas a small beach town in San Diego. For some reason even as a kid I knew I’d end up in New York even though I had never been here before. After high school I moved to San Francisco to attend school in Fashion Design. I took classes in color theory, fashion illustration, interior design, and more. Here my love for art and creating other random things began to overpower the idea of becoming a lingerie designer. After five years I woke up in the middle of the night and bought a one-way ticket to New York City. Being a scenic designer just kind of happened. I have learned and taught myself how to create/do so many things, frequently called being a “jack of all trades.” When I mentioned to one of my best friends that I wanted to get into prop design, she made a call and that’s all it took. It’s definitely a dream job for me. There are no limits on what I’m asked to do. I walk in get told to make something and figure out how to make it with what we have.

Any favorite brands or campaigns you have shot for? Which one was your favorite and why
Oh man, there’s so many good ones. Every brand I’ve shot with Brooke Olimpieri (Filthymouthcreative). Anytime I work with Brooke, the experience is amazing. She is extremely talented and fun to be around. There are so many favorites (Wrangler, Local Authority, Thrillsco, and many more), but The Kooples campaign was definitely a big one, mostly because we got flown to Paris, and I had never been there before. It was also amazing that they found me and my boyfriend on IG to shoot for them, bringing back the old rock style they originally started with.

What were you like growing up?
I was a hurricane, troublemaker, rule breaker, you name it. I wasn’t an easy kid to raise, just thinking about it scares me. I will never understand how my parents put up with me. That amount of patience deserves a medal. The amount of appreciation I have for them is indescribable.

What led you to your specific passions today? A childhood memory, trait in you, any random moment in particular?
Yes, actually there is a very vivid one. I must have been maybe 8 years old. I got put in timeout in my room (a very frequent occurrence due to my craziness). I had recently gotten a basketball as a gift. I took it out of its box. It fit perfectly on my head. This was the first time I had been quiet in my room longer than my timeout. My mom eventually realized something was up since it had been so long that I had run around causing chaos. She rushed in asked what I was doing, I turned around and said, “I made a thinking cap.” On top of my head was the box, antennas I made with paper clips, and crinkled plastic attached between the antenna on the box. And I said, this is “to help me think about things before I do them.” From that moment on I really began to “think outside of the box,” get it? Sorry I had to say this.

How would you describe yourself as an NYC creative and model combined? Any unique life moments that made you who you are today that particularly stand out to you?
I look at all of it as one. Once it started it just evolved and so did I. I look at my life as one big unique moment.

You were born and raised in California but found New York. What led to this decision, and why did you choose to move to New York?
As I said before I always knew I’d end up here. I don’t really have a reason why other than just a feeling I’ve been sure about my whole life. Growing up on the beach in California was amazing, and I was so lucky to do so. But for me NY has always been home long before I came here.

What is your life’s motto?
Don’t stop dancing when the music gets turned off

Social: Instagram - @middakidda

CREW CREDITS:
Creative Director, Photographer & Producer: Mike Ruiz
Model: Kirra Hughes at Good Talent Management
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Hair: Luis Guillermo Duque
Makeup: Bernadine Bibiano using M·A·C Cosmetics
Studio: YourSpaceNJ
Tearsheets: Xi Lang, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Alaina Randazzo, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

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