PHOTOGRAPHY – LAUREN MUSTOE
ILLUSTRATION – RIDLEY BROWELL
How did you get into modelling?
I applied to all the UK agencies as I recognised that I had a unique and sellable look, however as I was mixed race with dreads and tattoos, most agencies considered me to much of a risk to the current ‘norm’ in the industry, however, the very last agency I applied to (AMCK) the head booker (Patrick) saw my potential and signed me instantly!
What advice would you give an aspiring model?
Models.com apply to all the UK agencies (as they will be the only legit ones) and also find out when they do “walk ins” and visit them personally. You need to do this to all the UK ones listed on that site. You got to grind, also for modelling / extra work join a site called talenttalks.co.uk Join, pay and sign up its amazing and gets me loads of extra work (everything from a Mary j blige music video shoot, to Asap rocky, to Playstation and xbox game characters, I’ve done it all)… organise your own shoots and find photographers who need models for there own portfolios and do as many style of images as possible to show the world your talent.. Until you’re signed you have to THINK outside the box to be better then the other 500,000 guys with the same dream. Also believe in your self, I am a deeply spiritual person and realised that I haven’t got this far by my self, the law of attraction, faith in my self and Buddhism has allowed me to be at the perfect time and the perfect place and with the perfect attitude to allow me to book some big jobs!
What’s the best thing about your job?
Freedom to be my own boss, to be able to manifest my own reality with no ‘higher authority’ attempting to control my life (like when I was in retail). Also being in a position where people are interested in me because of my model looks, but when they end up following me they hopefully are exposed to the real side to me which will enable them to be exposed to some fundamental Buddhist ideologies I truly believe will help to polish the tarnish mirror of peoples life and bring there sprits into alignment with universal energy.
Have you got any exciting projects coming up?
I have many but I have also signed contracts and would get sued extreme amounts if I reveal all at this stage! I’m making music now as well, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for me! I appreciate all kinds of music however when they put songs like ‘trap queen’ on the radio and day time TV for our generation to become brainwashed. I realised I have the power and connections to make something as equally addictive, but with powerful Buddhist mantras and chants which will enable people to live life with unshakable happiness and determination instead of such alpha male over sexualised bull shit which makes us concentrate on lower survival chakra emotions of money sex and drugs and women.
Who’s your favourite designer at the moment?
I LOVE maharishi because of its army style pacifist views! It represents a human revolution in my eyes! I also love Joshua Kane Bespoke Tailoring as he is up and coming and has the potential to be one of the greatest and leave his mark in British fashion history and I have had the pleasure to walk in TWO of his suits now at LCM!
Favourite spot in London?
Bounce on old street (Table tennis bar) / Hyde Park in the summer with a book and some red wine/ Mitcham South London as that’s the ENDS for me!
If you weren’t modelling what would you be doing instead?
Something creative, spiritual and empowering I knew from young I would rather die then chase someone else’s dream in some Babylon style office job!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see the fall of government and the rise of human leaders, I aim to be one of them, I chant everyday for my guidance and protection as a Buddhist leader who is a votary of the Lotus Sutra (Sorry I always get deep but deep thinking is required when the world is going to SHIT!) for more information on me please check the link in my bio on instagram ‘@indigoochild’ for a short documentary about my life and also Nichren Daishoin Buddhism
Favourite piece from the Serge DeNimes SS16 collection?
I love Proudlock to much, he treated me like his boy from the first day I met him, so I think I like anything that comes out of serge now days!
