Georgia Howorth Talks Modeling for Katie Grand and What She’s Learned From Her Mom
-Janelle Okwodu
When your mother is one of the defining models of the 1980s, a career in the fashion industry may seem inevitable, but for art student-turned-Self Service cover star Georgia Howorth, the path to the runway was less clear. Mom Jeny was a regular in the pages of magazines like i-D and Vogue Italia and still models on occasion, but Howorth never considered the profession herself until superstar stylist Katie Grand pitched the idea of shooting her for Love magazine. Since then, Howorth signed with DNA and has balanced art school with select appearances for some of the coolest clients in the business, from walking the runway for Giles Deacon to working with Glen Luchford and Jane How on How’s guest-edited issue of Self Service. As a budding photographer and artist herself, Howorth finds that modeling work offers her a view from the other side of the camera and the chance to connect her new work with her lifelong passions.
Growing up, did you find yourself immersed in fashion?
Not particularly, but I was the kind of child who changed outfits four times a day! I was always styling myself and dressing up in quite a bonkers way. We had a very large dressing-up box at home.
Your mother was one of the most popular models of the ’80s and is still modeling. Did you always feel modeling was in the cards for you because of that?
I hadn’t thought about [modeling] until Katie Grand asked to shoot me for Love magazine. Then while I was in New York last year, mum’s old friend Arthur Elgort asked to shoot some photos of me and as he is a bit of a legend, of course I said yes. It just went from there. Then I shot with Drew Jarrett, who I think is so talented.
Does your mother ever provide you with any advice now that you are modeling?
Advice, yes, constantly! It’s great having someone who understands the fashion world so well, but “be yourself” will always be the one to live by.
The Self Service cover was your first editorial and cover; it was also a special tribute to Jane How. What was it like working with her on that project?
The Self Service story was a joy to be a part of, especially as it was Jane’s issue. She is so stylish and laid-back and cool. I loved every minute of it. I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such a great team for my first shoot!
You’re in art school yourself right now. What is your concentration?
I’m studying art and photography. What I enjoy is being able to express myself creatively and to capture split seconds enabling me to savor moments in my photos.
You also did your first runway show this season—how was that?
Unreal! What a dress Giles gave me for my first-ever runway! It was wild. I loved it. Amazing dress, amazing styling by Katie Grand, and those darks lips—the whole experience was unforgettable.
What has been the most exciting moment for you so far?
Seeing the Self Service magazine pictures I shot with Glen Luchford and Jane. It was quite overwhelming seeing myself on the cover. They are so talented and made me feel so comfortable.
Who are some of your heroes?
My mother, of course. My heroes are my family and close friends—they mean the world to me.
Since you’re studying photography, are there any artists you’d love to work with in the future?
I would love to work with photographers like Steven Meisel, Mert and Marcus, David Sims, Inez & Vinoodh, Peter Lindbergh, [Mario] Sorrenti, [Mario] Testino, as well as the young British photographers like Jamie Hawkesworth and Tyrone Lebon.
Are there any images of your mother that you just love?
There are so many to choose from, but I would have to choose a shot Arthur took of her on the pier in the Hamptons, draped in a fur with an amazing headdress that Christiaan made for her. It’s like a bird about to fly.
