The Chicago model taps into pet love, she speaks on self-expression, and big vision energy in our Summer 2025 issue.
Stay connected with Julia on Instagram @jpapillon15
Creative team: Michael Montiel, Styling by Ameerah Vania
Q: Julia, you’ve got this electric presence on camera—bold, yet deeply grounded. Can you take us back to the moment you realized fashion modeling was something you had to pursue?
Julia: I started modeling at 14 — at that age I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do in life, I just knew whatever the mix was, it had to involve creativity, expression, and leaving something good for the next person. I’ve never operated any other way. After growing up in a lot of music, dance, and art spaces, I found modeling to be the happy medium for me to combine my interests. This way I could share a form of my art, and represent for all the communities I belonged too. After a few jobs I felt invigorated realizing modeling could help me create and uplift so many positive narratives. I saw how I could channel my energy on camera as an encouraging ode to confidence, self acceptance, and love. We all deserve to feel honored and celebrate whatever it is we come with. I’ll add energy to that fight.
