Move over, Grumpy Cat. Boo? Boo, who? There’s a new viral fur ball on the rise, and she’s worth all your likes, pins, and workday attention in spades. Meet Cleo, the Angora bunny blowing up Instagram. Her social demeanor, super-soft hair, and smoky eye have made a Facebook fan out of fashion photographers and foodies across New York. But let’s get it straight: she’s not just a pretty face. The Jewels of New York's mascot is a proponent of healthy, tasty eating as well.
We sat down with Cleo—between her photoshoots and fancy hair brushing—to talk selfie tips, boys, and food trends. She even shared her favorite summer recipe for you to ‘gram now, eat later.
DIANA NGUYEN: You're an up-and-coming Instagram celeb. What are some tips for a like-worthy selfie? Do you have any favorite filters?
CLEO: People might think of me as another ball of fluff at first, so I try to set myself apart by sharing my passion for produce (especially heirloom carrots) while always looking stylish. It's all beauty and brains here. My tip? Remember to always accessorize—I have an obsession with hats, especially from last year's ACNE x Borsalino collaboration. When I saw the Wegman dogs wearing them, I knew I had to have it.
You've been recently shot by Cherry Bombe and Design Sponge. Your star is rising.
I've been enjoying getting a lot of attention lately, but I’m making sure to focus on my goals. I just want to share my excitement for seasonal produce, and hope that if I keep my ears down and work hard that I'll eventually have my own vegetarian column. I want to call it "Cleo's Veggie Patch."
The viral pet game is pretty competitive. Made any frenemies?
My idol has always been Oolong the rabbit. He was able to balance all kinds of objects on his head, especially pancakes. I'm only six months old and new to the city, so I haven't gotten to meet many other animals. There have been some sexy rabbits I've been checking out on Instagram though…you know where to find me bunny bachelors!
Your hair is so soft! What's your beauty routine like?
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Every time I see you, you’re munching on something. What's your secret for keeping in shape?
Kale-parsley juice cleanse once a month. I only eat bananas before 5 PM.
The unofficial mascot of The Jewels of New York, you're surrounded by amazing food. What's your favorite snack? What can you absolutely not stand?
We visit the Union Square farmers’ market once a week, and I always make a raw shaved vegetable salad at the studio. It's so pretty and crunchy—I can eat that every day. I absolutely cannot stand seeing people microwave vegetables. I mean, this isn't the '80s anymore.
Any food trends you officially want to kill?
Gluten-free vegan baking really isn't my thing—I'm a classic girl at
We sat down with Cleo—between her photoshoots and fancy hair brushing—to talk selfie tips, boys, and food trends. She even shared her favorite summer recipe for you to ‘gram now, eat later.
DIANA NGUYEN: You're an up-and-coming Instagram celeb. What are some tips for a like-worthy selfie? Do you have any favorite filters?
CLEO: People might think of me as another ball of fluff at first, so I try to set myself apart by sharing my passion for produce (especially heirloom carrots) while always looking stylish. It's all beauty and brains here. My tip? Remember to always accessorize—I have an obsession with hats, especially from last year's ACNE x Borsalino collaboration. When I saw the Wegman dogs wearing them, I knew I had to have it.
You've been recently shot by Cherry Bombe and Design Sponge. Your star is rising.
I've been enjoying getting a lot of attention lately, but I’m making sure to focus on my goals. I just want to share my excitement for seasonal produce, and hope that if I keep my ears down and work hard that I'll eventually have my own vegetarian column. I want to call it "Cleo's Veggie Patch."
The viral pet game is pretty competitive. Made any frenemies?
My idol has always been Oolong the rabbit. He was able to balance all kinds of objects on his head, especially pancakes. I'm only six months old and new to the city, so I haven't gotten to meet many other animals. There have been some sexy rabbits I've been checking out on Instagram though…you know where to find me bunny bachelors!
Your hair is so soft! What's your beauty routine like?
Lather, rinse, repeat.
Every time I see you, you’re munching on something. What's your secret for keeping in shape?
Kale-parsley juice cleanse once a month. I only eat bananas before 5 PM.
The unofficial mascot of The Jewels of New York, you're surrounded by amazing food. What's your favorite snack? What can you absolutely not stand?
We visit the Union Square farmers’ market once a week, and I always make a raw shaved vegetable salad at the studio. It's so pretty and crunchy—I can eat that every day. I absolutely cannot stand seeing people microwave vegetables. I mean, this isn't the '80s anymore.
Any food trends you officially want to kill?
Gluten-free vegan baking really isn't my thing—I'm a classic girl at