Kelly Mittendorf’s first modelling job was a Prada campaign shot by Steven Meisel with makeup by Pat McGrath at the tender age of 16. Casual. Since then the Arizonian teen has walked for the biggest names in the fashion and shot for countless magazines including Vogue Italia, V Magazine, Dazed & Confused, and i-D. We caught up with the Elite model and unique beauty to discuss balancing her career with school, personal style and down time.
If you weren't a model what would you be doing otherwise? Are you still juggling studies?
I’d be in my Junior year of Uni, which is when most of my friends travel abroad. So I’d hope imaginary non-model me would be getting lost right about now somewhere. I’m still juggling studies; I go to a school from my hometown but take my courses online. I study Communications, English and French.
You are constantly on the go and travelling for campaigns, shoots and shows. Where's the most impressive place you've visited recently?
Last year I got to go to some really unique places, Morocco and Shanghai being my favorite because they really felt once-in-a-lifetime. I love going to LA for jobs and have been going a lot lately. I always try and stay a few extra days and get some beach time in.
A lot of the biggest models now are dipping their toes into other talents. Has modelling opened other doors for you? If so where would you like to take your career next?
I think it’s about time models have a stage to prove themselves to be multi-talented and driven individuals, not just pretty faces. I’ve always liked documenting my travels with Polaroids and am really into social media. Transitioning into being a brand strategist would be interesting.
What would be your advice to your younger self or a nervous new face?
“Chill, bro.” Fashion’s a really intimidating world at 16, but as a model you’re not really in control of anything, so sit back and have a little fun.
How would you describe your style and has your job influenced the way you dress?
My style’s always changing. I’ve started liking masculine pieces more; trousers, button downs, men’s jeans with dainty ballet flats. It’s made me more open to trying different things and being comfortable if it’s not “perfect”.
What’s your career highlight to date?
Either finding out about booking a Prada campaign, or finding out I was closing the Marc Jacobs show my first season. Both were really unexpected.
Your job has evidently given you the opportunity to do amazing things and see amazing places. What else is still on your bucket list?
I really want to go sky-diving and visit all seven continents in a year.
When you get back home what's the first thing you do?
Plop down, face first, on the couch.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Chet Faker, the Black Keys, Flume, Poliça, Alt J, Good Summertime Vibes…
Can you tell us a secret?
My name hasn’t always been Kelly.
