Q & A With Future Super Model Laura Kell
May 28th, 2009 | Published in Fashion Lovers
Words by Christopher Massardo. Photos by Lawrence Callender
It isn’t often that one day a girl happens to get scouted by one of the most well-known model placement agencies in Canada. Even more rare is it that this girl, barely done her first photo shoot, grabs the attention of an agency of as high calibre as NEXT Model Management. Then, to be featured on industry site Model Resource, you have to know there is something special about her. Vancouver-born Laura Kell is the girl causing all the commotion. Less than two months before finishing her school term, 19-year-old Laura was scooped up by CoverModels Ottawa and instantly started garnering attention. So much in fact that she didn’t have time for an in-person interview on the day of her last exam, and was just able to fly to Vancouver for a quick family visit then back to unpack her life from Ottawa and then back again on a plane to Toronto to start her work with NEXT Models, where she is right now.
Laura was kind enough to take a few minutes out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for String Magazine.
Tell me a bit about where you grew up, your high school, and what you are taking in school now:
I grew up in West Vancouver, and attended West Vancouver Secondary School. After I graduated high school, I trekked out across the country to Ottawa, to do my undergraduate studies at Carleton University. I started out in journalism, but switched into their undergraduate pre-law program.
How were you scouted?
I was scouted online, after an acquaintance had posted photos of me on Facebook. I was a bit sceptical at first when Viresh of CoverModels Management in Ottawa approached me via Facebook chat – especially because I’ve been “scouted” twice before by two other agencies in Vancouver (one was a bit sketchy, and the other fell through due to my schooling).
So, I did my research and set up some meetings with Viresh, and eventually decided that if I was going to get involved in the modeling business, CoverModels Management would be the best agency to represent me.
Had you considered modeling before?
Since about the age of twelve friends and family had always told me that I should consider modeling; however, I was a bit too insecure to seriously pursue it in my teens. It was always something that interested me, and I’m glad I eventually received the opportunity to get involved in the modeling business. Modeling – along with skiing – is one of the few things that I consider myself to be a “natural” at.
How did you feel when you found out you had been placed with NEXT Canada so quickly?
It was very exciting, especially because I’d only been with CoverModels for about a month. At first, I don’t think I realized how lucky I was to have another agency outside of Ottawa interested in me so quickly. I’m very grateful and look forward to working with them this summer.
Do you have a favourite designer?
Oh, don’t get me started! I have a bit of “split-personality disorder” when it comes to my liking of fashion designers. On one hand I love Marc Jacobs, Chanel and Commes Des Garcons designs – clean, timeless and classic. And on the other, I really admire John Galliano, Betsey Johnson and Vivienne Westwood’s bold designs and choice of gorgeous colours. It’s like being a kid in a candy shop – how could I choose just one?
What is your worst shopping habit?
Probably makeup and magazine shopping; I have far too much of both!
What would you like to accomplish in modeling?
I would love to be able to support myself financially, to save up and pay off my education. But right now, I’m just doing it for the fun of being in front of the camera. If I was ever to become “famous” or recognized in the modeling profession, I would love to work with the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada and raise money for them and organize a few fundraisers or something of the like.
What are your plans after modeling?
Law or business school. I would love to work in the corporate sector, either as a corporate or contract lawyer, or even become the CEO of my own company. I also wouldn’t mind writing for women’s fashion and lifestyle magazines. There are a million things I want to accomplish in this lifetime!
