Photo: Courtesy of ELLE U.K.
We do enjoy staring at picture-perfect models walking the runway in gorgeous designer clothes. But, when said model also has the skills to inspire a generation, we’re completely smitten. ELLE UK's latest cover model Cameron Russell, who blew us away with her must-watch TED Talk and her Prada campaign, is prime example of this rare individual.
The magazine’s February 2014 cover star looks ethereal in Chanel and Dior. Russell — who credits her drop-dead gorgeous looks to nothing more than “winning the genetic lottery” — has walked for the likes of Isabel Marant, Vionnet, and Louis Vuitton, alongside bagging major campaigns with career-cementing brands such as Armani.
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Inside the issue (which is on sale now), the Columbia politics graduate openly talks about the role feminism plays in her life, on growing up wanting to become president, and the dramatic results of her inspirational TED talk, which boldly addressed the perils of the fashion industry.
“I didn’t tell my agents I was going to make that TED speech. I had a feeling they’d be nervous that I would call out a client," Russell explains. "But it wasn’t a tell-all. I respect fashion. Everything that I said — about privilege, racism or sexism in the industry — is a reflection of society, not limited to the fashion world.” Preach, girl!
Eloquent with her words, and politically vocal for all the right reasons, Russell’s already high on our we-want-be-her list. And, who knows, the future U.S. president may just wear Prada.