If you’re looking to take a quick psychedelic trip into the past, all you need to do is scroll through River Johnson’s Instagram (@opium_dreams) feed for a minute. Part fairy, part unicorn, this babely LA based model is anything but ordinary. You can find her grooving at festivals all summer, or at home brewing kombucha. River has recently started producing some amazing videos as well, many focusing on empowering other females. Make sure you give her a follow to see all she’s doing and be ready to turn on, tune in and drop out.
Ivy Miller for wolven|threads SS16 from Third Eye Princessa Productions on Vimeo.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am always working on myself- to be the best version of me I can be is something I am always striving for. Right now, I am focusing on paying more attention to my intuition & listening. Intuition is a very real thing, we are all born with it- it's just a matter of tapping into listening. I am working on developing a keener sense of my intuition & truly following through of how it guides me.
How did you get into modeling?
I've been tall and thin my entire life, and because of that, people have always told me I should try modeling. I've always had an interest in it, but never knew how to get into it, and neither did my parents who are hippies and don't know much about modeling. I started by creating an account on Model Mayhem, which looking back now is hilarious. I started off by doing a ton of shoots for trade (unpaid assignments) and eventually got to know my angles and posing down. I moved to LA to continue down the path of modeling, and it has opened up so many doors for me. I am constantly creating and meeting other creators! I get to play dress up and make art that has never been shot before. It's amazing.
What are some of your favorite things to do in your spare time?
In my spare time you can usually catch me hanging out in the Jungle Galaxy with my homies, dancing on stage at music festivals, trying out new healthy recipes-brewing kombucha, making home made pine-nut pesto, cuddling with my amazing boyfriend, or making collages from vintage Nat-Geos.
How do you stay healthy?
Luckily I've had parents who have placed a high value on health- I was raised to stay far away from unhealthy fast food restaurants and to make my own food from scratch. I am into health and nutrition, I think it's fun to experiment with different foods and see how it affects my body/mood. When I eat superfoods, I notice that I have so much energy for longer periods of time. I stay healthy by buying organic products, making my own food at home, and by not consuming food that makes me feel unhealthy.
What’s your current favorite song/album?
Lately I've been listening to a lot of oldies, in particular the best of The Rolling Stones album on repeat. I have a Spotify playlist I've curated which really makes me happy in the mornings.
How would you describe your style?
I'd describe it as all over the place- I am so inspired by fashion, I love all kinds of looks and experimenting with all types of clothes-recycled and new. My style is very River~Magick... it's unique, wild, funky, steazy, sexy, sparkly, fun, and outrageous. Fashion is a way to express yourself! And I absolutely love creative expression, especially through putting together my outfits.
What was your favorite festival you went to this year?
I just got back from Dirtybird Campout, and wow it was truly special. I went into it with no expectations and my inner child came out to play. I participated in Musical Lap Dance chairs, which was a highlight of my weekend. Since I can't choose one, I will tell you my top 4, in no special order: Lightning in a Bottle, DirtyBird Campout, Desert Hearts, and Electric Forest.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Wow, this is a tough question. I've got so many friends who inspire me on the daily! Kiran Jade (owner of Wolven Threads) is definitely up there as a person who is so dedicated to their craft and will do everything it takes to achieve her dreams of being a successful business owner. People who talk about ideas rather than gossip are people who inspire me. People who actually create the things they talk about creating, people who create every single day, and people who are their true selves at all times are the types of people that inspire me.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
This is also a tough question, because my wish is to travel the entire globe! I'd say Brazil, Japan, & Australia. I've been fortunate to see a lot of Europe so I'd like to see the other side of the world!
You’ve made some really amazing videos on female empowerment, can we expect to see another soon?
Yes you can expect to see more videos from me! This is definitely a new and fun creative outlet for me that I will continue to manifest into my reality.
Check out River's Spotify playlist for some morning motivation:
https://open.spotify.com/user/
