Model of the moment Neelam Johal shares her top 10 tracks exclusively with Wonderland. From Drake and Juicy J to Tupac and French Montana, Neelam is the Midland born model with serious swag.
Name – Neelam
Age – 18
Where are you from? Coventry, UK
How were you scouted? I was scouted by a few agencies then went into Models 1 for a walk in and got signed on the spot!
What have been some of the most exciting moments of your modelling career so far? Walking as a global exclusive for Burberry Prorsum because that was my first show and I’ll never forget how I felt when I was first told I booked the show! Another amazing moment was when I first met Mario Testino because he’s so down to earth and we got talking about our favourite food!
What do your friends and family think of you becoming a model? They are so proud and that makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something great. A lot of people assume my family would brag about it but they’re so humble and constantly remind me to enjoy every minute while it lasts
What’s your favourite; Eastenders/Corrie/Hollyoaks/Neighbours and why? Eastenders because the Christmas episodes are always the best and it’s a family tradition to sit and watch it after eating our huge roast dinner!
Who do you look up to in the industry? Naomi Campbell because, in my eyes, she is a pioneer and has shown models that it’s possible to venture in many different avenues
What’s your favourite Beyoncé track (everyone loves Beyonce)? I love Queen B! At the minute I’m always listening to ‘Partition’ and ‘Mine’ (which features Drake)
Who would you most like to work with? I’d love to work with Patrick Demarchelier. His work is beautiful and timeless
If you were a cartoon character, who would you be? Minnie Mouse because I’m really girly!
How was your day shooting for Wonderland? My day was so fun, I took so many behind the scenes pictures because I was in love with every single outfit! Especially the Givenchy look! What made the day even better is the fact that everyone loved my taste in music so I had Drake and Meek Mill playing all day long woohoo!
What’s your top tip for getting through fashion week? Have fun!! Even though it’s tiring it’s such an exciting experience that most people only dream of. Plus you can sleep once it’s all over haha!
If you had a witch’s powers what would they be? Ooohhh I like this question. My special power would be invisibility because I’d sneak up on people and scare them.
Neelam Johal Wonderland Mixtape by Wonderland_Magazine on Mixcloud
Tracklisting:
1. Worst Behaviour – Drake
“I have such happy memories associated to this song because I listened to it when I first found out I booked the Burberry show, so whenever I book big jobs now I make sure I play this song and it makes me feel good”
2. Ain’t Worried About Nothin’ – French Montana
“This song is the theme tune to my life because life is too short to worry LOL”
3. Hail Mary -Tupac
“I could listen to 2pac for the rest of my life and I’d be happy, he’s my favourite rapper of ALL TIME and I wish I could have met him”
4. The Worst- Jhene Aiko
“I’m obsessed with this woman!! Her voice is so soft but so powerful at the same time”
5. Scholarship- Juicy J ft ASAP Rocky
“This song just makes me want to dance. I love it and never get bored of listening to it”
6. Show Me – Kid Ink ft Chris Brown
“I always listen to this song when I’m getting ready for a night out because it’s so catchy”
7. Burn – Meek Mill ft Big Sean
“Meek Mill is one of my favourite rappers and I love the fact that he shouts when he raps. I listen to him in the morning and it gets me out of bed haha”
8. I wonder why- Rick Ross
“I love the intro to this song and I love it when the beat drops”
9. Who do you love? – YG ft Drake
“I love the beat on this song and I pretty much love any song with Drake on it”
10. Hustle Hard- Ace Hood ft Rick Ross and Lil Wayne
“This beat is amazing and this song always makes me feel motivated”
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Neelam wears red embroidered dress and red leather sandals by Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci
Photography by Liam Warwick
Fashion Editor Matthew Josephs