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Growing up in Philadelphia, the first time Yvesmark Chery’s became conscious of his appearance was when he realised his vitiligo made him stand out from other kids his age. “Some kids are really mean,” he says, “so I was made aware of my differences which caused me to question my beauty.” Now a freelance model, appearing in magazines such as Vogue and Paper and fronting campaigns for brands including Converse and Opening Ceremony, Chery is a testament to the importance of remaining true to yourself.

As part of the new wave of models challenging and redefining rigid beauty standards with fashion, Chery hopes his unique beauty and confidence will inspire others to accept their individuality and their differences. We speak to the model about his career, when he feels most beautiful and being a student of the universe.

Tell me a bit about yourself and where you grew up?
Yvesmark Chery: My name is Yvesmark Chery and I am a freelance model. I live in Philadelphia, often known as “The City of Brotherly Love.” I once thought that I was unlucky because I live in Philadelphia. But, now I look at my city as an opportunity to be a role model to others by carrying myself properly as a young man.

What is it you do and why do you do it?
Yvesmark Chery: I am a freelance model. I look at this industry as a platform to tell my story. Being a male model with vitiligo, I can bring a new perspective. Through each photo that is captured, I plan to tell my story and send a message to others about confidence and accepting who you are.

Can you tell us a career highlight of yours?
Yvesmark Chery: This is really hard to choose because every shoot or show that I have the opportunity to participate in is another blessing to me. Being a freelance model and being able to shoot with notable photographers and be published in notable magazines is humbling.

What’s your earliest beauty related memory?
Yvesmark Chery: My vitiligo started from an early age. As a result, my earliest beauty related memory was also when I was very young, due to me being conscious of how different I was from other kids my age. Some kids are really mean, so I was made aware of my differences which caused me to question my beauty. However, those negative thoughts were surmounted because of my belief in God and the support system I had.

When do you feel most beautiful?
Yvesmark Chery: I feel most beautiful after a nice hot shower. I feel so refreshed and rejuvenated after.

If you could have a new sense on top of your existing ones, what would it be?
Yvesmark Chery: I would like to have “Spidey senses.” I may not be a crime fighter but, it doesn’t hurt to know when danger is nearby. 

God - or let's just say a higher power of some sort - is only letting who they follow on Instagram into the afterlife. What kind of pic would you put up that perfectly sums you up as the person you were back on Earth?
Yvesmark Chery: I would definitely post a picture of me in a classroom sitting down, in the front row of course, with my feet up on the desk next to me. The reason I would post that picture in that particular setting and pose because I am a laid-back dude who is always looking to learn. You can say that I’m a student of the universe. I see a learning opportunity in every failure and success. 

If not your body, is there anything you would want to leave behind? An artwork you haven't done yet, a book, a bloodline?
Yvesmark Chery: Definitely a book. Coming to a bookstore near you in the future.

What is the future of beauty?
Yvesmark Chery: Beauty is subjective. As a result, the concept of “beauty” is continuously changing. I believe the future of beauty is in differences. Accepting how unique each individual and promoting that it is alright to be different.