Niki Taylor, Still in Her Own Light

Supermodel Niki Taylor. Photographer: Tom Marvel.

Few faces have defined American supermodel culture quite like Niki Taylor.

Discovered in her early teens, she stepped into the spotlight with rare ease, becoming one of the youngest to secure a major cosmetics contract with CoverGirlbefore most girls had finished high school.

The ’90s made her a household name. Campaigns, covers, and a kind of effortless all-American beauty that felt both polished and approachable.

Full Look: Giorgio Armani.

Then came a quieter chapter, shaped by family and distance from the industry, followed by a return that felt less like a comeback and more like a continuation on her own terms.

Decades on, her presence carries something deeper than fame. A calm confidence, a lived-in understanding of the rhythm between work, life, and self. In this conversation, she reflects with the same clarity that has always set her apart.

Suit: Jason Wu Collection. Hat and Mask: Binata Millinery. Earrings: Verdura. Shoes: Manolo Blahnik.

HBZVN: You became one of the youngest models to sign a major cosmetics contract with CoverGirl at just 13. Looking back, how did stepping into such an adult industry at that age shape your understanding of identity and self-worth?

NIKI TAYLOR: I was so young I never thought of it like that. The best way to describe it is living a double life. I loved and still love the business, and was just focused on doing a good job for whatever client I was working with. When I got home I was just trying to fit in at High School and complete my assignments after all the travel.

Suit: Jason Wu Collection. Hat and Mask: Binata Millinery. Earrings: Verdura.

HBZVN: If you weren’t modeling at all, what do you think you’d be doing?

NIKI TAYLOR: I have changed over the years. When I was young I wanted to be a Marine Biologist. Today, I would have to say a job in the field of Science.

Jacket and dress: Simone Rocha. Shoes: Dear Frances. Rings: Doves by Doron Paloma.

HBZVN: After stepping away from the spotlight to focus on family, what drew you back to modeling, and how did your perspective on the industry change upon your return?

NIKI TAYLOR: There started to be a lot of interest, and I naturally gravitated back. On what’s changed well – Having to do social media! I am not a huge fan of posting often, and still tend to be private.

Jacket and dress: Simone Rocha. Shoes: Dear Frances. Rings: Doves by Doron Paloma.

HBZVN: When you reflect on your younger self, the girl who entered this industry so early, what is something you wish she had known?

NIKI TAYLOR: I don’t have many regrets, but if I had to say one thing I would say not to dye my hair different colors or pluck my eye brows:)

HBZVN: What’s the most worn piece in your closet right now. I feel like you can’t go wrong with denim.

NIKI TAYLOR: I have a pair of Levi’s that everyone asks me about. They are very worn and very wonderful

Dress: Duran Lantink. Shoes: Manolo Blahnik. Necklace and bracelet: Pluma.

HBZVN: Do you prefer getting ready alone or with a full glam team energy around you?

NIKI TAYLOR: Definitely a full glam team. I have always loved getting my hair and make up done. I let the experts do their magic. Plus, I love a good conversation and getting caught up with life! It’s always a bonus when it’s a team I have been worked with in the past.

Dress: Duran Lantink. Necklace and bracelet: Pluma.

HBZVN: Beauty standards have evolved dramatically since the 90s. Do you feel today’s standards are more liberating, or simply different pressures in a new form?

NIKI TAYLOR: I don’t know what to say other than it has changed a lot. I have always said ‘you do you’, and it’s great that clients are embracing diverse personal styles.

Dress: Bibhu Mohapatra. Shoes: Saint Laurent. Earrings and Ring: Doves by Doron Paloma.

HBZVN: What role does discipline play in maintaining both your physical and mental well-being in such a demanding industry?

NIKI TAYLOR: Well it’s tough, because if I can’t fit the clothes then I don’t get work. But, truth be told, I feel better when I am working out and at my ideal weight. Win win.

Dress: Bibhu Mohapatra. Shoes: Saint Laurent. Earrings and Ring: Doves by Doron Paloma.

HBZVN: Looking at your career as a whole, what do you consider your most defining decision, not your most famous moment?

NIKI TAYLOR: Surrounding yourself with good people kept me out of trouble, and helped with longevity.

Top and skirt: Kate Barton. Earrings: Deepa Gurnani. Boots: Vintage.

HBZVN: In recent years, more Vietnamese designers and models have been appearing on the international stage. Have you noticed this, and what is your impression?

NIKI TAYLOR: Diversity is a huge boost to our industry, it keeps things exciting and fresh. I have yet to work with any designers from Viet Nam but would love to.

Top: Kate Barton. Earrings: Deepa Gurnani.

HBZVN: With social relevance almost being a requirement in recent times, what would you recommend to younger models in terms of social media?

NIKI TAYLOR: I am the wrong person to ask about social media, but in life, I would recommend getting influenced by people you truly admire.

Shirt: Victoria Beckham. Skirt: Brandon Maxwell. Shoes: Jason Wu Collection.

HBZVN: Finally, how would you like your legacy to be understood, not just as a model, but as a woman who has lived through multiple chapters of transformation?

NIKI TAYLOR: I don’t think about legacy, but recommend being present and enjoying the journey. Life is short.

Hat: Binata Millinery.

Talent: Niki Taylor @nikilovesu at NT2 Management.
Photographer/Producer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography.
Creative Director: CANNON @thecannonmediagroup @ateliermgmt.
Production: @winnie_noan.
Set Producer: @kathleentig.
Lighting Director: @1muratozdemir1.
Director of Video: @phadeevs.
Set Designer: @stocktonhall @ateliermgmt.
Digital Tech: @milofynn.
Photographer’s Team: @michelewilhelminaphotography, @polymathicwallace.
Grip: @gspepe.
Makeup Artist: @brianduprey @judycaseyinc @maccosmetics.
Hair Stylist: @louisangelo @judycaseyinc @kerastase_official.
Nail Tech: @caseynails @ thewallgroup @kissnails.
1st Stylist’s Assistant: @lu3alo @sheismaia_agency.
Fashion Team: @s.tephaniewenger , @madisonwengu.
Digital Artist : retouchingbymarilynn@gmail.com.
Marketing Director: @biljana.cvijetinovic.
Shot at: @un_nyc.
Special Thanks to Burney Lamar and Jean Renard.
Special thanks to Jason and everyone at The Untitled NYC.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam