Who's That Woman: Ellie? From Photoshoot to Reality

International model Ellie reveals the defining moment that shaped her perspective on the industry, her hopes for a more inclusive future, and the hilarious on-set chaos that keeps things real.

ELLIE

Ellie Looking back on your journey, what stand-out moment do you consider the brush stroke that painted your unique viewpoint in the modelling industry?

Undoubtedly, receiving an invitation to participate in a workshop shoot in New York with Coco Cha marked a defining moment for me. Meeting the professionals who are deeply involved in the industry provided valuable insights into the inner workings of the fashion world. It was eye-opening to learn firsthand about the processes behind bringing ideas to life, especially considering that some of the perceptions about modelling circulating on the internet can be misleading. Being in that environment made me question what I had learned, like, “You can’t be a model if” or “You can’t be successful if.” The experience shook up my preconceived ideals, making me realise that pursuing a career in modelling could be a workable path. It was a turning point that shifted my perspective on the industry and instilled in me a newfound confidence in my potential to make a living doing something I am passionate about.

The fashion industry has changed over time; what changes are you hoping to see in the future ?

Everyone says this about diversity, and while it’s true that we are witnessing more representation, I believe there’s still room for improvement in terms of fostering genuine inclusivity. Often, there can be diversity, but it seems forced rather than a naturally inclusive environment. And also, this thing of the social media follower count hierarchy—I think it shouldn’t matter how many followers one has; we need to be looking for uniqueness without being swayed by social media metrics.

In light of these changes, how do you think you’ll adapt your approach to stay relevant in such a dynamic industry?

This is something I’ve been thinking about. I’m not the type of person who excels on social media, and my agent often tells me to post all the time. So far, I don’t feel like I’ve quite figured it out, but does anyone really know?

What goes on your mind as you’re being photographed? 

Preparation is key! Before the shoot, I discuss the mood and style with the team.  Sometimes, I even create a playlist to get into the right headspace.  But let's be real, sometimes those lights get hot or i'm freezing, and all I can think about is LUNCHTIME or  or urm, can I take it off now? 

Beyond the Perfect Pose: Hilarious Moments from the Set : I was in this incredible flowing gown, and nature called. Now, the bathroom was all the way across the studio, and with limited time, I did what any girl on a mission would do - made a dash for it! Half dressed, sprinting barefoot, hoping no one saw, its going to be a little problem, not only that, sitting on the toilet with this big skirt, thinking god, don’t let me mess it up. 

As an international model and actress, how do you balance your career with all the travelling that you do between London, Paris, New York, and LA? 

The constant travel can be tough. There have been times, especially in Paris, where I'd fly in for a job, then turn right around and head back to London the same day to film something else. The same goes for New York – sometimes I have to put projects on hold. But the good news is, online auditions are becoming more common. It's definitely not without its difficulties, but you gotta adapt and make it work

Ellie's Style Menu:

When asked to describe her personal style in a "restaurant menu" format, Ellie laughed and said, "For an appetiser, I'd definitely start with something sleek and form-fitting. Maybe a sheer bodysuit – it sets the tone for the whole look, you know?" The main course, according to Ellie, would have to be "all about edge." Her words? "Leather pants, definitely. They add a touch of rebellion and confidence." And for dessert? "That would be my fur coats. They're the luxurious finishing touch, the extra bit of drama that pulls the whole outfit together."

Can you share a specific piece of advice that you wish someone had given you when you were starting your modelling career?

Absolutely, it doesn’t matter what others think; what truly counts is how you see yourself. Your life is your story, and you’re the main character in charge of choosing who plays a role. I recently emailed that I adopted this mindset, and I believe it would have changed my life if I had known it earlier, especially in the modelling industry. In the past, I used to be a giver without setting boundaries, but

now I understand that it’s my story, and I’m the main character. You want me, not the other way around. Also, I’ve learned to stop letting others’ opinions affect me. Knowing what you want is important, even if you don’t have it yet. It’s like a game with different levels; each stage is meant to teach you a new skill to handle the challenges of the next level.

How has overcoming challenges in your career influenced your resilience and approach to new obstacles?

For me, whenever I face obstacles, I view them as opportunities to build character. I might feel a bit upset if things don’t go as planned, but I always try to learn from the experience. I see it as a challenge that will make me stronger for bigger challenges later on.

What are your thoughts on the AI introduction into the modelling world ?

I feel that it’s terrifying because I see it as a way of replacing humanity. Even when I watch TikTok, AI transforms individuals into characters, and it’s just frightening to witness the gradual replacement of that human touch.

Ellie's journey is a testament to perseverance and confidence. As the fashion industry evolves, she's ready to adapt and embrace the challenges that come with it. Keep an eye on Ellie, because she's sure to continue making waves in the modelling world, all while staying true to herself.

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