YFB February Issue- People- Elle King {Risse C}

Confidence, determination and patience are three characteristics which supermodel Elle King has credited to her success in the international model arena thus far. Unlike the scripted shows where young girls dream of being models from the time they could wobble in their mother’s heels, Elle’s initial career aspiration was to become a veterinarian, which stemmed from her passion for animals and she has plans on opening a clinic in the future. 

 In 2006, she walked in the Cave Shepherd Barbados Fashion Week and shortly after was offered to appear in BET’s annual fashion show ‘Rip the Runway’. This gained her much recognition locally and internationally and placed her among the likes of other supermodels such as Tenielle Stoute and Sara Collins. With a career that has taken her to various countries, she has come to the realization that as a model, she is also an ambassador for her country. She is usually greeted with the question, “so where are you from?” which when answered, stirs up even more curiosity, since many people have never heard about Barbados. She enjoys talking and promoting her country any chance she gets, knowing how vital tourism is to our economy.

Currently based in South Africa to build her portfolio, Elle is signed to RED Model Management NYC and Base Model Agency. Thus far, her accolades include but are not limited to: shooting her first commercial with renowned Italian photographer Oliviero Toscani for Woolworth South Africa, becoming the face of Vichy L’Oreal in Africa and opening the fashion showcase for Patricia Field, ‘Sex in The City’ stylist/designer.

Elle named local designer Shanika Burnett of Shakad Designs and international  designer Lavin as presently being her favourites and stated that “being a Bajan model has also worked in my favour, since I stand out from the competition as they’re few models working internationally from Barbados and the Caribbean in general”.

Even models have a day off, and Elle takes full advantage of these rare occasions. As an island girl, the beach is her second home and coupled with a good book, completes her perfect day R&R. She also like bike riding and since being relocated to South Africa has taken a keen interest in hiking. Her pet peeves include poor customer service, know-it-alls and being late, the latter being a key aspect of a model’s day to day, which can make or break their career.

Elle has great plans in motion for her future in the industry, having already walked in shows for Patricia Field, Halston and Monique Lhuillier, she would love to add Bottega Veneta, Lanvin and Chanel, but this list is not exhausted in the least.

She advises young women who want to pursue a career in the industry to take that leap of faith if they are truly passionate about modeling, but warns that this is no walk in the park or the runway for that matter. The industry is very competitive and cut throat so you must be able to roll with the punches and come out on top.