Lili Sumner.
- Name: Lili Sumner
- Agency: Red 11
Age: 18
Height: 5’9.5″
Ethnicity: New Zealand European
How did you get into modelling and how long have you been doing it?
I’ve been modelling since I was 14. My sister was a model and introduced me to Amanda at Red 11 when I lived in Hawke’s Bay. I moved to Auckland and started then.
Favourite modelling job so far?
I did a shoot at Larry’s Hustler Club – this strip club in Croydon, that was cool.
Dream modelling job?
Shooting with Richard Avedon. Can I say that even if he’s not alive? That, or a Prada campaign.
Dream modelling destination?
Tibet.
What do you love about modelling, and what do you dislike about it?
I love being able to travel and playing dress-ups all day. The worst part is being judged only by your appearance all the time. And being told what to do all the time – not having full control of your life. That, and all the sad 14 year old Russians.
Is there anything you wouldn’t do for modelling?
Anything that was really derogatory towards women.
Favourite food?
Grilled Haloumi.
Favourite colour?
Navy blue.
Favourite place?
Mojacar, which is in Spain. My aunt lives there, it’s a village by the sea and it’s beautiful.
Favourite models?
Hanne Gaby Odiele, Abbey-Lee Kershaw, and my friends Rosie [Herdman] and Kitty [Riddell].
What’s a trend you hate?
‘Town’ outfits. But then I kind of love them at the same time.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Last night’s Mexican.
What were you doing at 9:15pm last night?
Drinking cider.
Chucks or Vans? Vans because everyone says Chucks.
Gold or Silver? Silver.
Tumblr or Pinterest? Tumblr.
Tall or short? I wouldn’t discriminate!
Blonde or Brunette? As above.
What does someone need to do to impress you?
Not care what other people think.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Give us some advice and give us some advice for new models.
Go with your gut instinct. And for models? Don’t take it personally. Don’t take negative feedback personally. Rejection is hard but you get used to it – I never used to care about my body until more recently. It’s not easy. Actually, can I change my advice? My mum always says, this: “If you can’t change your circumstances, change your attitude”.
What’s the last thing you bought?
Coffee. And before that, sushi.
What’s something people wouldn’t necessarily know about you?
I can ride a unicycle.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t know yet.
What would you be doing if you weren’t modelling?
I think I’d still be at school – if I hadn’t left to model I’d be doing seventh form right now. Or I’d be travelling. Living in Morocco. But probably studying at high school.
Draw me a picture of yourself in 5 years time:
she’s probably had some of the best answers so far in this series; a model that you met and I liked
excellent advice