Cover model: Beri Smither. Photo: Tom Marvel. Dress, Nardos. Bow earring, Erickson Beamon at Showroom 7. Ring, Gyan Jaipur at Flying Solo. Shoes, John Ashford.
Beri Smither, the iconic model known for her million-dollar smile and approachable beauty, has carved out an illustrious career in the fashion industry. From her early days in modeling to becoming a mentor on E! Television’s “Scouted,” Beri’s journey is marked by memorable collaborations with legendary photographers.
To mention just a few, her favorite collaboration was with Peter Lindbergh for a “Bonnie & Clyde” story for Harper’s Bazaar US, where she channeled Faye Dunaway. Another highlight was the Vogue US white story by Patrick Demarchilier, which turned her into a platinum superstar. She also fondly recalls the Krizia Campaign shot by Helmut Newton, where she portrayed a hot vixen in the south of France alongside designer Mariuccia Mandelli.
When asked about her favorite Harper’s Bazaar covers, Beri Smither playfully remarks, “This one!”, referring to the photoshoot for our cover story!
Blazer, Saint Laurent.
It was her rich archive of experiences that led Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam to engage in a discussion with Beri Smither about her career and the changes she has witnessed in the fashion industry over her decades as an iconic model. We began by asking, “Looking back, what would you consider your most iconic shoot or campaign, and what made it so special?”
Beri reflects on her expansive career, “I consider the DKNY campaign in the rain with Peter Lindbergh to be a career high point. It’s iconic for me because it represented NYC and was cinematic through the lens of Peter and the creative team of Donna Karan (Trey Laird). It’s also referenced the most often.”
Over the years, Beri has seen the fashion industry evolve significantly. There is now more diversity on runways and in advertising, including various races, sizes, sexualities, and ages. She observes, “Social media and digital platforms did not exist in the 90’s and it has greatly changed the way we look at fashion and editorials for better and for worse, in my opinion.” However, she still appreciates the traditional fashion print magazines, adding, “The art work in print has its own special aesthetic quality that to me feels more exclusive and prestigious.”
Breast plate, YSL.
In addition to changes in media, the modeling industry itself has undergone significant transformations. Beri Smither highlights, “Mental and physical health issues like eating disorders have gained traction, challenging the once-prevailing notion of extreme thinness as the ideal. There is an increasing focus on sustainability and ethical practices in fashion, which extends to modeling. Brands are more conscious of their environmental impact and are seeking models who align with their values of sustainability and ethical labor practices.”
Beri also notes that the definition of beauty has broadened today. There is greater acceptance of different body types, skin colors, and gender expressions. Yet, she maintains that a great smile remains a timeless aspect of beauty. She is known for her timeless beauty, especially her “million-dollar smile.”
Beri shares that maintaining an ageless appearance involves a disciplined skincare regimen and a healthy lifestyle. She incorporates exercise, prayer, meditation, and therapy into her daily routine. Skincare products from Gramercy Park Dermatology, Augustinus Bader, and Neo Cutis are some of her favorites.
Dress, Gaurav Gupta at The Good Six. Ring, Seasonal Whispers at Flying Solo. Shoes, Narciso Rodriguez.
One of the biggest challenges Beri faced early in her career was weight management. She overcame this with professional help, nutritional and medical testing, and a focus on spirituality and mental health. To unwind, Beri spends time with friends and family, exercises, and pursues hobbies. She finds inspiration in films, museums, and new interests, helping her maintain balance in her life.
When asked how her experience in the high-paced world of fashion has influenced her personal style off the runway, Beri responds enthusiastically, “It is inspirational! It stimulates creativity and taught me about silhouettes, color, and shape.”
Bodysuit, Balmain.
As a mentor on E! Television’s “Scouted,” Beri Smither advises young models on the importance of good management, financial awareness, professionalism, and having a support network. She encourages them to honor their truth and avoid doing anything under pressure.
In response to our final question: Which wisdom would she like to pass on to those who look up to her as a role model? Beri simply states, “Love from a higher power, my husband, and my community. Love conquers all fear!”
Dress, CD Greene. Shoes, John Ashford.
Talent: Beri Smither @beri_smither.
Agency: New York Model Management @newyorkmodels.
Producer & Photographer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography.
Creative Director: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup at Ray Brown @raybrownpro.
Director of Video: James Weber @james_weber.
Lightning Director: Pierre Bonnet @pierrebonnet.
Digital Tech: Olivia Wohlers @wohliviaa.
Photographer Assistant: Michele Swain @mswain696.
Hair: George Grierson @geoxge
using Avada @avada, Oribe @oribe, Harry Josh @harryjoshprotools.
Makeup: Nikki Jelin @nikkij_mua
using Estée Lauder @esteelauder, Danessa Myricks @danessa_myricks, Patrick Ta @patrickta,
Charlotte Tilbury @charlottetilbury, and Anastasia Beverly Hills @anastasiabeverlyhills.
Shoe Stylist: John Ashford @johnashfordshoes.
Fashion Team: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan;
Alaye Alleyne @alayealleyne; Jack Umphrey @jackumphrey; Gabriela Jagodzinska @gjagodzinska_.
Retoucher: Anne Nguyen @retoucher_anne.
Special thanks for Stephen Lee and Sandy Shaw at New York Models.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
