I was discovered:
At 15 years old. I was scouted five times but I was at school and wanted to finish. At 19 I decided I’d try it. I was studying but decided to take a break and give it a go. Now I’ve already been doing it a year. My first job was the shows.

Before modelling I was:
Studying nursing. I want to go back to school for sure but I don’t know when yet, probably in a few years time.

When I’m not modelling:
It depends on where I am. If I’m in Holland I like seeing my friends and family. If I’m not then I try and catch up with friends that are in the city I’m in.

Music I like to listen to is:
Metal

Films I like to watch:
I love films, too much actually! I like a lot of genres, it depends on the mood I’m in. The only films I don’t like are really bad horror movies. I really liked Gladiator. I like Russell Crow, all his movies are great.

Fashion Week shows I’ve walked in:
I walked 55 shows in February which was crazy!

Photographer I would like to work with:
I worked with Mario Testino for the A/W11 D&G campaign which was great but went so quickly! I really want to work with Steven Meisel, every model wants to do that.

My favourite items of clothing are:
I create my own styles, I don’t copy other people’s styles. My favourite item of clothing would have to be my pyjamas!

Designer I would like to work with:
Mmm that’s a hard one. I wanted to do Prada and Balenciaga so that was really cool. My goal next season is to do the Chanel show.

My first fashion moment:
Was at the shows, people really started to notice me- that was a big deal!

Interview and photo by Francesca Prudente and Gary Salter

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I was discovered:
A photographer scouted me on Myspace when I was16 yrs old. I then approached the model agency D1. They refused me at first because of my size but then decided to give me a chance. Six weeks later I got CK One!

Before modeling I was:
Studying beauty back home in the Midlands. I am a fully qualified beauty therapist! I also assisted stylists but I always wanted to be a model. I used to flick through the Next directory. My mum always said follow your dreams, there is no such word as “can’t” so if you want it, go for it. I was a fat kid, I used to eat everything but I didn’t want to give up on my dream so I dieted for two years. I don’t have a complex about my weight though and even though I’m slimmer now I look at people like Beth Ditto and think they are incredible. I don’t think you only have to be small to be beautiful. I also still have McDonalds and Dairy Milk. I think Dairy Milk is my beauty secret. I eat it before bed and I wake up happy! I really want to go to the Cadbury World; I want to dive into a stream of Dairy Milk like in Willy Wonka.

When I’m not modeling:
I love to sleep. I’m also always on Twitter and like going on blogs. I love shopping and spending money.

Music I like to listen to is:
R&B and I love dancing. I think my dancing is a de-stress. I don’t drink or do drugs so I get my buzz from dancing. I zone out like I’m on something but I’m not!

My favourite place in London is:
East London. I always stay East and hang around Brick Lane and in Joiners. Especially during fashion week, after all the parties I head straight for Joiners or The George and Dragon. I also like going to Hampstead because I love all the pubs.

Fashion Week shows I walked in this season:
I was confirmed for James Small after the fashion video I did for him with Jamie Winston. I don’t do that many shows because of my height but I’m hoping to change that. I attended lots of shows and always get excited about Topman, Fred Butler and Piers Atkinson.

Photographers I would like to work with are:
Steven Meisel was a dream to work with and I think Steven Klein is a genius. I did a nude shoot with Terry Richardson which was fun. I love nude shoots. I did one for Vogue and another for Electric Youth Magazine with a dog, which was really nice. I also think Koto Bolofo’s photos are beautiful.

My favourite items of clothing are:
The new Burberry loafers I just ordered; I think they’re amazing. I also usually wear a black snap back cap but I’m not today because of my blow dry. I also love Dr Martens. I like the leopard print skin ones but second hand are the best.

Designers I would like to work with are:
I do love Givenchy and Riccardo Tisci is a genius. I also like what Versace is doing right now. Jeremy Scott is another favourite. I think I could do really well for him.

A person in fashion that inspires me is:
I know it sounds cliché but Kate Moss. She is my true utter muse. I would love to work with her. She is shorter than the average model and it’s funny because she also did the CK campaign in the 90s which made her. My anchor tattoo represents her, it’s the same design and in the same place that she has it.

The tattoos I have are:
I have a heart key on my butt and the lock on my finger. Someone can find the key to my lock. I have a massive fear of needles but I love tattoos. I love getting little unique ones. All my tattoos mean something.

Best fashion moments so far:
Obviously CK and getting to go to New York and Paris with it. It was such an incredible shoot. It all started with me answering three questions for a little video casting for Steven Meisel. I was just being me and didn’t realise how big the job was until I was waiting at a fitting and in walked Lara [Stone], Eliza [Cummings] and Pixie [Geldolf]. Eliza is amazing, she is so chilled. I wish her good luck in everything she does and Lara now calls me her little brother.

In the future I would like to:
My aim is to become the first ever short male supermodel. In castings I’m always put down because of my height but I think fashion is changing. A successful model now comes in so many different forms so I have it in my heart that it will happen for me. When I was at school all the boys were like sheep. I would get bullied for being different but I would rather be my crazy and unique self than like everybody else. Those guys are probably the rioters now, wearing their trackies and still acting like sheep. It’s funny because now those bullies who ripped me for my hair or something are adding me on facebook saying they knew I would make it. I’m a big fan of Jessie J especially her song Who’s Laughing Now!

Interview and photo by Francesca Prudente

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In between walking shows during London Fashion Week, Bambi Northwood-Blyth from Elite sat down for a chat with Wonderland’s Fashion Assistant, Francesca Prudente.

I was discovered:
I wasn’t really, it was more like college avoidance! I joined an agency and got a job, which meant I missed orientation so I decided to give modelling a go. I was on hold for a job, then I got the Balenciaga exclusive which took me overseas and I did the fashion season. I’m now on my third season!

Before modelling I was:
Really unsure about what I was going to do. I had just finished high school and been traveling around the world with my best friend. It was either continuing to work in the burger shop beach house or go to college.

When I’m not modelling:
I love bike riding, doing yoga and buying flowers. I also like just wandering around wherever I am because it’s usually a new place.

Music I like to listen to is:
A little mix of everything. I really like Nicki Minaj- I saw her the other day. I also like soundtracks, The Virgin Suicides is one of my favourites. I love the Kanye West and Jay-Z albums. I have a soft spot for Jay-Z!

Books I enjoy reading are:
I always read Time Magazine and Vanity Fair. At the moment I’m reading a one thousand page book about India which is going to keep me entertained for the rest of the year!

Fashion Week shows I walked in last season:
In London were Topshop, Jonathan Saunders and Giles.

My model life so far:
Is pretty great. I was in the Bahamas a few weeks ago for a Resort shoot. I spent the whole week on a beach, with not much makeup on and every day I just had to wake up and pretend to sunbathe. That was really good! I thought to myself, “Seriously this isn’t bad!”

Home at the moment is:
New York. When I’m there, I like riding alone along the West Side Highway, the Highline and Chelsea Market. There is a really great Mexican restaurant that I like to go to and Hudson Street has good restaurants. New York is just good to walk around. If you walk anywhere you’ll find everything. New York is never quiet so I always feel safe.

Photographers I would like to work with:
David Sims and Mario Testino. I loved working with Terry Richardson, he’s cool. Steven Meisel is good because he is like the best, you know what I mean?! I would love to shoot for Italian Vogue, an i-D cover and for Wonderland!

My favourite items of clothing are:
I always used to wear an anklet but I now have it tattooed so I never have to take it off! I have three tattoos and I won’t be getting anymore. I don’t really like them, they just are what they are.

Designer I would like to work with:
Dolce & Gabbana- I think their clothes are pretty amazing. Also, Alaia who just makes the most expensive clothes!

A person in fashion that inspires me is:
Daria Werbowy. I think she’s pretty amazing and Abbey Lee. She is one of the hardest working girls there is.

Best fashion moments so far:
Doing Chanel in the Grand Palais with the big orchestra and Karl Lagerfeld. And just being there, doing what I’m doing and not fucking working in a burger shop. Out of trouble and going somewhere.

In five years time I would like to be:
Ruling at life. I haven’t worked it out yet, maybe write or do something else. Have a business. A long time from now I would like to go back to Australia and have some kids but to do anything, you’ve got to get out of there. It’s just different how people act and respond there.

Interview and Photo by Francesca Prudente and Gary Salter

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Taking time out of her busy day, running around London for go sees, the lovely Marcelina S from Premier Models stopped by to have a chat with Wonderland fashion assistant Francesca Prudente.

I was discovered:
Aged 13, when I sent my photo into Polish magazine Girl. Girl and a model agency were doing a model of the month feature. One month I was featured and then I was selected from all the girls featured that year and was awarded the Girl of the year prize. So here I am!

Before modelling I was:
(laughs) still at school as I was only 13.

When I’m not modelling:
I like painting, drawing and reading books but it’s hard to focus when I’m traveling all the time and going to classes in the gym.

Fashion Week shows I walked in last season:
I stopped doing shows three years ago as I wanted to complete my last year at high school, which is very important in Poland. I was exhausted by 17 so it also gave me some time to have a break, learn to drive and do things I hadn’t had time for.

My model life so far:
Has been non-stop. I modeled for four years while still at school then moved to Paris for six months before moving to New York. I love it so much, it’s a dream come true!

Photographer I would like to work with:
Steven Meisel! I would also like to work more with Greg Kadel and I really enjoyed working with Paolo Roversi.

My favourite items of clothing are:
Earrings, I have five holes so I’m always wearing a pair and I never go out without a bag…and shoes, right? (laughs)

Designer I would like to work with:
I’ve been lucky enough to work with all my favourite designers. I have worked with Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel but haven’t walked in one of his shows which I love to do. I would also like to walk for Versace.

A person in fashion that inspires me is:
I can’t think of anyone in fashion off the top of my head but I think Angelina Jolie is a beautiful woman.

Best fashion moments so far:
Prada show, an editorial for French Vogue and the Dior show. The Dior show was an amazing show! It wasn’t just a fashion show it was almost like acting.

Photography and Interview by Francesca Prudente and Gary Salter

The post Model Mugshot: Marcelina S appeared first on Wonderland.

Jed Texas from Elite Models is a favorite amongst the London designers and magazines posing for the likes of 7th Man. He dropped into our office for a chat.

I was discovered:
At the end of last year when I was drinking in Hampstead with my friends. Ian Cole approached me and we did some test shots then he took me into Elite.

Before modelling I was:
A regular teenager just out of school, hanging out with my mates. I didn’t have anything in mind job wise.

When I’m not modelling:
I’m always out, partying and chilling with my friends.

Fashion Week shows I walked in last season:
Tween and KTZ at London Fashion Week. I get a bit nervous before a show but as soon as I’ve walked I want to go back out there! I did the Milan and Paris shows a few weeks ago, which was great but hectic as I had to go back and forth because I was also doing the Vivienne Westwood underwear campaign. I love traveling and would really like to go to New York and Tokyo.

Photographer I would like to work with:
I wanted to work with Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, which I got to do recently. I also had a big shoot with them, which was really cool. It was the best shoot ever, so slick and crazy! I would also like to work with Mario Testino.

My favourite items of clothing are:
Trainers and hats. I love my Creative Recreation Milano high tops.

Best fashion moment so far:
Shooting with Mert & Marcus, walking for Prada and doing the Aqua Couture shoot because I got to sit in a bathtub with three girls all day!

Interview and Photography: Francesca Prudente and Gary Salter

The post Model Mugshot: Jed Texas appeared first on Wonderland.

I was discovered:
Firstly when I was 14 standing at the bus stop coming home from school. My friends were like “that guy is looking at you” but I thought nothing of it. Next thing I know I had a card for Premier but I didn’t follow it up. It wasn’t until I was down Oxford Street a little while later someone else from the agency scouted me too so I thought “okay, I’ll give this a go.” I called, had a test shoot and here I am.

Before I was modelling I was:
In school and just doing average teenage stuff I suppose. I was thinking about pursuing fashion journalism, which I find funny because I then got scouted so I’ve ended up working in the fashion industry but in a side I didn’t expect to. When I finish school I’m going to give modelling a go full time and see what happens.

When I’m not modelling I’m:
Revising at the moment, as I’m doing my exams. When I do have spare time I like playing Wii fit and watching Come Dine With Me with all my friends. Well it’s more like Come Dine At Mine because I have a BBQ so I supply the BBQ and my mates bring the food. Unless it’s my turn to cook! Oh and painting my nails, I’ve got this new Barry M Crack nail vanish. Love it!

Fashion Week shows I walked in last season:
I didn’t do many as I was concentrating on my college work but I did do Topshop, Issa, Roksanda Ilincic and closed for Holly Fulton. Next season I want to do all four show seasons including Milan. Exciting but scary!

Show I would love to walk in:
Vivienne Westwood. Her shows are lively and I love all the clothes. It’s also because I like her as a person. I always see her on the underground or riding her bike!

Photographer I would like to work with:
Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin. I’m interested to see how they work together on a shoot and I really like their pictures.

My favourite item of clothing is:
Trainers! I can’t live without them, I would die! I hate high heels- I only own one pair, which I got from the agency.

A person in fashion that inspires me is:
I really admire Katie Grand because she went to Central Saint Martins and she has done a number of things over the years not just stuck to the one.

Best fashion moment so far:
Opening Loewe and walking for Marc Jacobs. I was so scared and excited, all at the same time.

Interview & photography: Francesca Prudente and Gary Salter

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We caught up with the 19-year old Models 1 star, fresh off a plane from New York as he skateboarded to the office.

I was discovered:
When I was 15 shopping on Oxford St.

Before modelling I was:
At college studying Sports Science.

When I’m not modelling I’m:
In the gym or out with my mates.

Fashion Week shows I walked in last season:
Prada, Dsquared2, Acne, Tween, Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta, Dunhill and a few more I can’t remember off the top of my head!

Show I would love to walk in:
Victoria’s Secret, for obvious reasons!

Photographer I would like to work with:
Well there are two, Steven Meisel and Mario Testino.

My favourite items of clothing are:
Hats and pants.

Best fashion moment so far:
Doing the Prada campaign and show.

Words & photography: Francesca Prudente and Gary Salter

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