Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor, born in London and raised in Los Angeles, has always been in the spotlight. With a lineage deeply rooted in rock and roll - her father is John Taylor, the bassist for Duran Duran; her stepfather is Nick Valensi of The Strokes; and her mother is Amanda de Cadenet, a renowned photographer - she was destined for a life in the public eye. However, Atlanta is more than just her famous connections; she's a multifaceted individual who has carved her own path as an advocate, entrepreneur, and voice for a new generation.
From Fashion Month Machine to Self-Aware Individual
Having spent years modeling, Atlanta is no stranger to being in front of the camera. She acknowledges the pressures of the industry, describing how during Fashion Month, she can become a "machine." However, she's also learned the importance of not taking herself too seriously. She recognizes that a photograph can't capture everything about a person, particularly their personality and what they have to say. "It’s hard because I find that a photo can’t show everything. It’s just how you look and it doesn’t take into account your personality or what you have to say," she explains.
Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance
Atlanta's journey towards self-acceptance has been a long and winding one. After years of modeling and being in the public eye, she created a body-positive swimsuit line for curvy girls. This venture was inspired by her own struggles with body image. "It’s taken me years to finally get to a place where I accept my body," she admits. She emphasizes that acceptance doesn't mean loving her body every day, but rather acknowledging and appreciating the parts she does love. Even on days when she's critical of her appearance, she's able to counter those thoughts with a more self-compassionate perspective: "Well, it is what it is and who gives a shit!"
She understands the pressures of the modeling world, where weight is often a topic of discussion. "Is that weird to think that people are thinking about your weight? No. That’s the world that I work in." Instead of trying to change herself to fit industry standards, she's focused on learning to love herself.
"I'm Over It": A Platform for Open Conversation
Last year, Atlanta launched a podcast called "I'm Over It," a name inspired by her favorite saying. The podcast serves as a platform for her to discuss a wide range of topics, from "heavier" subjects like medication, abortion, rape, and bullying to "fluffier" ones like bad dates, The Spice Girls, hating cardio, and friendship. The podcast emerged from a period of personal struggle and confusion. "When I started the podcast I was struggling with where I was in my life, and was so confused about so many things! I just felt like I was over dealing with honestly…everything," she reveals. Each episode holds a special place for her, as she learns something new from every conversation.
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Advocacy and Addressing Difficult Issues
Atlanta has become a vocal advocate for young women, addressing critical issues like mental health and sexual assault. Her focus on sexual assault stems from her own experience as a survivor. "Being sexually assaulted myself. I knew I had a platform and I wanted to use it," she explains. She understands the self-blame that often accompanies such trauma, stating, "Of course I did! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t go through that stage when dealing with rape. It’s pretty normal, unfortunately." She offers a message of hope and resilience to other survivors: "It does get easier, and you will get through it, but also to honor all the feelings that will come up and not try to run away from them."
#MeToo: Recognizing the Spectrum of Abuse
Atlanta actively participates in conversations surrounding the #MeToo movement. She believes the next step is to acknowledge the spectrum of abuse. While recognizing that pain is subjective and should be acknowledged, she emphasizes the importance of holding space for those who have experienced extreme abuse. "I think the next step would be to acknowledge that there is a spectrum when it comes to abuse. … Next, I think we need to begin to recognize that some offenses are more extreme than others." She clarifies that this isn't about invalidating anyone's feelings but about fostering growth and development as a society.
She also points out that the initial wave of #MeToo, while revolutionary, may have been exclusionary. She uses the example of the saying "This pussy grabs back," which she initially embraced but later realized excluded trans women. "The reality is that not all women have 'pussies.' So…I think at this point in time, we need to be able to throw a wider net around those who are affected by sexual assault and not exclude anyone based on their biological sex."
Furthermore, she addresses the stigma surrounding sex workers, arguing that they are often unfairly discredited. "Also, due to the stigma surrounding sex workers, they are automatically discredited. So many women think poorly about sex workers which I think is a real shame."
Family and Influences
Atlanta's upbringing was unique, to say the least. Growing up surrounded by rock stars, she initially tried to avoid dating musicians herself. "Well honestly I really tried my hardest to NOT end up with a musician. I actually told myself for years, 'You will not end up with a musician. You will not end up with a musician' but alas, I ended up with a musician and I love him madly."
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She credits her parents with instilling in her a strong work ethic. Despite coming from a well-off family, she's been financially independent since a young age. "People think that because I come from a well-off family that my life is paid for. For me, I got my first job at 17. I moved out at 18. I’ve been paying my own rent for years." Her father's advice to "Be nice" has also resonated with her.
She also acknowledges her mother's influence on her style. "My mom had banging style. I would just steal her clothes."
Beyond the Spotlight: DJing and Musical Passion
In addition to her other endeavors, Atlanta is also a DJ. She describes herself as a "music freak" and enjoys being able to control the music in a room. Her musical taste extends beyond mainstream hits, as she prefers to play "weird stuff," including Carly Simon remixes. "I’m a music freak, so it’s fun to be able to get to control the music in a room…I don’t play Top 40. I play weird stuff."
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