To celebrate the Autumn Collections issue, the Tennessee raised model of the moment brings her realness to our USA quiz – in her own words, "it's very controversial"
As part of our States of Independence summer takeover, 50 American indie icons have volunteered to take the Dazed Pop Quiz; a quick-fire Q&A about what they love and loathe about life in the USA. Check back here every day for more from the series.
Currently leading the new model army with her distinctive, delicate lean, Leona "Binx" Walton – like so many supers before her – didn't always want to be a model. A consummate tomboy who always preferred playing football to fashion, Binx – so-called by her brothers for her resemblance to the Star Wars Gungan, Jar Jar – grew up being mistaken for a boy in inner-city Tennessee. Scouted by the pool with her sister aged just nine, 2012 saw her sign up to Next Models in New York; fast forward to 2014, and her fierce-yet-finespun beauty has graced innumerable catwalks and campaigns: from her debut at Marc Jacobs AW13, right up to her cover story for our Autumn 2014 issue. Alongside co-star Natalie Westling, Binx heralds a new era for the American fashion model. As she tells us in the new issue, the reign of the “cookie cutter American” is over: “Its time for real girls with real personalities to step forward.” So you better listen up, and get to know B-I-N-X.
Which living American do you most admire and why?
Binx Walton: I cannot speak of living Americans but the American I most admire is Martin Luther King Jr., because of what he stood for.
Which living American do you most despise and why?
Binx Walton: Not really one person as much as anyone who doesn't stand for anything and is just floating unnecessarily, bringing nothing to the table.
Whose face should be on the $100 bill?
Binx Walton: Doesn't matter to me as long as I have some.
What is your favorite quote about America?
Binx Walton: "An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again and thus is much wiser than most men." - Charles Darwin.
What three words define the States today?
Binx Walton: It's very controversial.
Who gave you your first break? Do you still talk?
Binx Walton: I guess it would be AMAX talent when they signed me. But Marc Jacobs, Michelle Lee and Katie Grand when they took me for a Marc exclusive. And yes we talk.
When + where you the most happiest?
Binx Walton: First five years on Kauai.
Ultimate American film?
Binx Walton: Talladega Nights.
What high school clique were you in? Do you stay in touch?
Binx Walton: I was a clique hopper, I never fitted in to one specific clique, and some are still my really good friends today.
What food reminds you of home?
Binx Walton: Fried chicken, steak, potatoes and chicken and cabbage.
What smell do you associate with the city of your birth?
Binx Walton: Sea water.
What's the best road trip you've ever been on?
Binx Walton: Tennessee to Florida.
Where did you first fall in love?
Binx Walton: I don't think I have ever really been in love.
Ultimate American album?
Binx Walton: Stevie Wonder – Talking Book.
What would make you leave America forever?
Binx Walton: If we resorted back to segregation.
What noise reminds you of the States?
Binx Walton: Just cars and lots of talking. The States really aren't very quiet.
What is your favorite American building?
Binx Walton: The sun sphere in Knoxville.
Most overrated US tourist attraction
Binx Walton: Hollywood walk of fame.
Most underrated US tourist attraction
Binx Walton: The quarry in Knoxville TN.
Which fictional American do you most identify with?
Binx Walton: Stewie from Family Guy.
Favorite slang phrase?
Binx Walton: "Played".
What is your ultimate American guilty pleasure?
Binx Walton: Junk food.
What law would you change or invent?
Binx Walton: I would change the police force, and the tests they have to take to become one. That system needs to be reformed.
Where in the States would you ride out the apocalypse?
Binx Walton: Tennessee. Lots of places to hide. And lots of weapons.
If you could change one thing about the US, what would it be?
Binx Walton: Society's perception on life and helping our neighbours.
If you could vote for Obama again, would you?
Binx Walton: Depends on the opponent, but probably not. I don't really support politics.
If you lost it all tomorrow, what would you do the day after?
Binx Walton: Enroll in college and hang with my friends.
What will America look like in 2050?
Binx Walton: Depends on how we preserve the planet. Either really cool and futuristic...or a complete mess. It's up to us.
Does the American Dream still exist?
Binx Walton: In my opinion the American Dream is something thought up by society. I don't think it ever existed.