To the casual observer, the whirlwind of fashion month—spanning four global capitals and hundreds of high-stakes shows—appears as a relentless cycle of glamour, flashbulbs, and high-energy spectacles. Yet, for the models at the center of the industry, the reality of the season is far more grounded in long stretches of waiting. Between grueling casting calls, unpredictable transit through gridlocked traffic, hours in hair and makeup chairs, and final final-fitting adjustments before hitting the catwalk, downtime is an inescapable reality of the job.
For industry professionals, mastering the art of killing time is an essential survival skill. While some scroll endlessly through social media or catch up on sleep on the back of staging benches, many of fashion’s top faces turn to literature to escape the chaos. Escaping into a compelling book offers a vital mental sanctuary amidst the sensory overload of backstage life.
With the spring 2027 collections finally wrapped up and safely in the rearview mirror, five prominent models are pulling back the curtain to share the literary companions that kept them grounded backstage. From contemporary heartbreak and nearly century-old theatrical classics to suspenseful thrillers and stories that evoke distant homelands, here is a look at the books keeping the fashion world turning between shows.
Stella Hanan
For Stella Hanan, who was spotted navigating the backstage chaos and runways of houses like Isabel Marant, a long-term literary commitment finally reached its conclusion during the autumn frenzy. Hanan spent her downtime absorbed in Sally Rooney’s acclaimed novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You.
"I fell in love with Sally Rooney after reading her hit novels Normal People and Conversations With Friends," Hanan shares, reflecting on her reading journey. "I started this book over the summer and finished it during Fashion Week this fall. I love the way Rooney conveys the various aspects of human nature—communication, how people react together, how they react alone, and the emotions that come with different stages of life. It also covers a lot of conversations around politics, religion, art, and inequality."
At its core, the novel anchors itself in the intricacies of friendship and love, tracking the lives of four interconnected characters. However, much of the narrative’s emotional weight rests on a sustained long-distance friendship between two women who articulate their shifting realities through candid emails and written letters. As the story progresses, it brings its characters together, mapping the evolution of their personal bonds and romantic entanglements while highlighting how differences and similarities shape human relationships. "I think it’s very relatable!" Hanan notes, making it an ideal emotional anchor during a hectic month of travel and transition.
Iasmin Reis
Amidst the hurried preparations for collections such as Chloé, Iasmin Reis found herself gripped by psychological suspense. Her backstage read of choice was Freida McFadden’s twisty thriller, Brain Damage.
For Reis, the discovery of the book was entirely organic, sparked by a combination of peer recommendation and visual impulse. "A friend recommended the book to me, but I chose it because the cover caught my attention," she explains.
Once she cracked open the first few pages, however, any initial casual interest quickly transformed into total immersion. "After reading the prologue, I became even more interested because I realized the story explores both the ‘before’ and the ‘after,’" Reis says. "The author reveals everything along with the character, so you discover what happened as the story unfolds." For a globetrotting model navigating the high-stress environment of fashion week, a fast-paced thriller that unravels its secrets step-by-step provides the ultimate cognitive escape.
Sunday Rose
While many of her peers lean toward contemporary fiction and modern thrillers, Sunday Rose looked back nearly ninety years for her fashion month inspiration. Following a memorable run that included walking for Dries Van Noten, Rose brought along Clifford Odets’s classic 1937 play, Golden Boy.
The seed for the reading choice was planted just before the chaos of the collections truly kicked off. "I saw a revival of this play starring Josh O’Connor at the Almeida in London a couple of weeks ago and absolutely loved it," Rose recalls. "The cast and story were so fascinating, so I decided to read the original from 1937."
The theatrical text resonated deeply with the realities of navigating a high-profile career built in the public eye. "I think this play really intrigued me because it emphasizes the choice between wealth, fame, and true passion, and what a person might sacrifice to get there," Rose observes. Furthermore, the play’s uncompromising conclusion left a lasting impression. "Weirdly, I also loved how the ending was sad, because it felt more realistic and less fantasized."
Canlan Wang
For Canlan Wang, whose striking presence was felt on runways including Ferragamo, the key to surviving backstage monotony lies in narrative velocity and intellectual diversion. During the spring 2027 season, Wang turned to the page-turning world of crime fiction with Qin Ming’s Medical Examiner Dr. Qin.
The appeal of the genre for a busy model is straightforward and practical. "Suspense novels tend to grab my attention very quickly," Wang explains, noting how the format cuts through the mental fatigue of long hours on set. "And I like how they introduce me to fields I wouldn’t normally come across. They’re concise, immersive, and give me that little sense of adrenaline I enjoy." In an environment where hours can blur together under harsh dressing room lights, a sharp, high-stakes mystery serves as an instant jolt of focus.
Thalita Ferreira
Rounding out the backstage book club is Thalita Ferreira, who brought a deeply personal piece of literature to her engagements, including appearances with Alaïa. Ferreira chose The Head of the Saint by Brazilian author Socorro Acioli, finding comfort and connection in its pages while thousands of miles away from home.
"I chose The Head of the Saint by Socorro Acioli because I love stories that explore Brazilian culture, spirituality, and traditions," Ferreira shares. As an international model constantly moving between continents, maintaining a connection to her cultural heritage remains a priority. "I loved how the book mixes faith, mystery, and magical realism in such a beautiful and unique way. It made me feel connected to my roots."
