GUSH got to virtually sit with Yolita, a creative director and model rewriting what Paris looks like right now. Her world feels fast and electric, blending underground references with a dreamlike energy that makes every image stay with you. In our conversation, she spoke about growing up lost in her imagination, how the women in her family built her taste, and why freedom and audacity remain at the center of her vision. She talked about American Core aesthetics and the sense of possibility they carry, the music that keeps her inspired, and the balance of boldness and elegance she wants her work to hold. Yolita is shaping Paris with a language of her own, one that moves beyond tradition and opens new spaces for how fashion and identity can exist today.

Where did you grow up, and what kind of kid were you?

Yolita: I grew up in the suburbs of Paris, and I was the quiet kid who always had her head in the clouds. I dreamed a lot, imagined entire worlds in my mind, creating little universes no one else could see, to escape reality. I’d write whole scenarios in my head, and on my school reports, it always said, “Anna’s daydreaming… Anna’s somewhere else” while I was literally directing and being the architect of my life. I was also the kid hanging out with the so-called weirdos. I’ve never been the popular one, and honestly, I’m so grateful for that.

Who were you looking up to back then, online or IRL, that shaped your taste?

Yolita: My mom inspired me a lot! Women in general really shaped me, especially the ones who raised me and built who I am. My aunt, whom I lived with, my mom, my grandmother… They're all such strong women, with big personalities. I think they were the first ones to shape my world and how I see things. My mom was very R&B vibes, big hoops, wigs, that whole energy. Back then, I was almost embarrassed when she’d go out in public like that, but now I see she was building character. In a way, I feel like I’m an extension of her, like I’m continuing something she started. My grandmother, on the other hand, loved maximalism. Her house was full of trinkets, leopard prints everywhere, everything abundant and unapologetic. That definitely stayed with me. Then, as a teenager, I got obsessed with London artists; there was this cool, swaggy energy I loved. I was a huge fan of Rita Ora, and my mom also put me onto Jennifer Lopez! She was such a big inspiration, too. And of course, Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. I remember downloading pictures of them from the internet to set as wallpapers on my old phone, waking up to them every morning.

How did Anna Marie, the creative director, come to life? Was it planned or more like a natural drift?

Yolita: I’d say it came pretty naturally. For a long time, I didn’t really know what to call what I was doing, because I never saw myself as an influencer. I’m not necessarily trying to sell anything. Clothes, for me, are more of a way to play, an accessory, a tool. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been building worlds in my head, creating scenarios, staging situations, playing with environments. When I first started taking photos, I realized I loved scouting spots, finding the right frame, the right setting, the right mood. At first, I did it with myself, creating different characters through me. But then I realized I could do it with other people too! muses who allow me to bring what’s in my head out into reality. Honestly, it all comes from childhood. From that need to escape my reality. Everything I imagined back then, the worlds I built when I played with dolls or made music videos in my head, that’s basically what I do now, just on a bigger scale.

Can you tell us about the first project that made you feel like, “ok, this is real now”?

Yolita : Honestly, it wasn’t some super-polished project; it was more about the feeling that it was real, that I was actually capable of doing it. At that time, I didn’t even call myself a creative director yet. I had spotted this location and had a clear vision of what I wanted to rent a big Hummer limousine and to do a photoshoot on the roof. I remember thinking, “Who’s going to follow me on this crazy idea?” We were working with what we had, using our own money. But I had these amazing friends who were totally down to go along with it. That morning, I barely had any models or friends available! I had one of my friends and met another girl I barely knew back at a time at an event, and asked her randomly if she was down! She said yes, and we went to the spot. We had 45 minutes to shoot, and even the limo driver helped us out aha! I was already directing! positioning everyone, setting up the vibe, and pulling it off felt like such a challenge, but I did it. I was sooo proud!

Your work feels both underground and ethereal. What emotion are you trying to leave viewers with?

Yolita: Before, I had this need to be noticed. I went through a lot of different phases, wearing bold colors, trying to leave a mark, like “I exist.” Now, as I’ve grown, I’ve calmed down a bit, but the emotion I love to convey is still boldness and freedom. That’s what defines me the most: being able to be whoever you want, do whatever you want, fearless, exploring.I can’t really put it into a single word. I’m very sensitive and have a lot to express. But it’s really about audacity, always pushing further. It can be shocking, but I don’t want it to feel too “trash” or aggressive; it’s more about daring with elegance.

I also love the whole American Core vibe because it feels like a world of endless possibilities, like you can be a superstar, you can believe in yourself. There’s a certain cult-like energy, a richness, almost an El Dorado feeling. In Europe, this idea is often more subdued, and I think that’s why people sometimes assume I’m American. I want to convey that no matter where you come from or who you are, you can be absolutely anything in life. That’s what matters most to me. It’s why I embrace this “dollar sign, American” energy — it could be another place, but the U.S. symbolizes this dream the most.

Out of everything you’ve done so far, which collab felt the most special to you, and why?

Yolita: I’m not sure I’d call it a collaboration in the traditional sense, but the project that felt the most special that I’ve been a part of, to me, was « The Human Centaur » shot by the incredible photographer, Foxxatron, with an amazing team. I got to work with an artist I’ve admired for a long time, who was the Muse on this one, Ugly Worldwide, who actually inspired me to do what I do now! I think she’s one of the first artists I’ve followed on ig! It was extra meaningful because we’re both Sagittariuses, and I’m always shouting from the rooftops that I’m one. There was this incredible creative energy, a fusion of ideas, and it just felt so rewarding. It’s the project that really touched me and left a mark.

What’s in your playlist these days?

Yolita : Lately, I've been listening to my friend Cannelle's latest music « MP3 »! I've also been listening to Molly Santana, 2Hollis, Ruth’s Planet, Chxrry, Babyxsosa, and Bktherula too! But if there’s someone I’m listening to almost every day, it's FKA twigs!!!!

What’s next for you this year?

Yolita: I’d love to photoshoot a famous French Icon that really represents the doll! I hope I can make it! I’m nervous !! I would love to work with a production team cause those past few projects, I’ve produced almost every time, and it’s hard when you don’t have a big budget!

I’d also love to design some clothes or accessories, like some cool hats! Wishing an existing brand would be down to do a capsule collection or something, and then do something on my own! But Yollars is a name you should remember for sure..

What kind of legacy do you wish to leave in the world?

Yolita: What I’d love people to remember me for, the legacy I want to leave, is really showing that there are no limits in this world. When you believe in something so deeply, when you can see it so clearly in your mind, and it makes so much sense, anything is possible, no matter where you come from. I came from nothing, really, yet my dreams were so big, my drive so strong, that I manifested them. I think manifestation and spirituality are incredibly powerful, and they mean a lot to me. Most importantly, in the legacy I want to leave, there’s love. I want to live passionately, without regrets. When you create from the heart, it can only be beautiful; it can only touch people. For me, that’s it: spread love, be love, do love.

I also want young people, kids, teens, anyone who sometimes feels alone or lost, who think they’ll never make it, to see my journey and realize: if she did it, I can do it too. There’s no reason why not.I don’t want talented, capable people to give up just because they feel disadvantaged compared to others. We truly have everything we need inside us. Sure, some things might be harder for some, but I really believe that when you have the will to do something, your mind is far stronger than you think. One of my biggest dreams is to build a school for the outsiders!

follow yolita @yolitaxo

interview @disabeer

Worldbuilding, Audacity, and the Future We Haven’t Seen Yet: Yolita Unfiltered