It's a bit patronising to go on and on about a particular model for being intelligent – but Karen Elson probably just takes that in her stride. The flame haired one recently took part in a public conversation/interview with fashion journalist Libby Callaway to discuss her career in couture. The event was to celebrate an exhibition of the art of couture at her local museum in
The country singer former known as ‘Le freak’ reminisced about the shoot with Steven Meisel and Pat McGrath while she was only 17 that resulted in her shooting to fame and losing her eyebrows in the process.
She also revealed that her all time favourite catwalk shows were Alexander McQueen’s 2004 dance marathon, in which she performed alongside professional dancers as well as his AW 2002 show at the Conciergerie, which featured live wolves. (Brave!)
She’s been cast as a black swan, alongside a professional ballerina for Chanel Couture, a mermaid for Jean Paul Gaultier and once instructed to fly down a catwalk on a harness – with only five minutes prior notice!
But our favourite story? Gianni Versace, for who Karen modelled his couture line in what was to be one of his last ever shows, enraged the other models with jealousy because he favouritised Karen so much. Apparently he used to hold her face in his hands and coo at her ‘La Bambina!’ (the baby!) Ooh-err!
- Naomi Attwood
