harpersbazaar
Watch This Face: Kyle Kellogg
We meet the 20-year-old American newcomer…
By Megan McCluskie and alice hart
Jan 23, 2017
Every week, Bazaar's bookings team highlights one name to note, from the industry's best-known faces to girls who are just starting out. This week, we turn our attention to Kyle Kellogg.
Kellogg has a name, and a face, that you won't forget – and the fashion industry isn't likely to let you try this year, since she is set to be one of 2017's hottest models. With her red-hued curls, bee-stung pout, freckled face and playful demeanour, this newcomer is becoming a muse to many in the industry.
"Kyle is such an incredible, modern beauty," says Lara Bonomo at Muse Management. "Her lithe body, smattering of freckles and auburn hair (not to mention her charm) make her a standout. I am so excited that Kyle is part of the Muse Management family and I look forward to watching her bright future unfold."
With fellow models of the moment Adwoa Aboah, Rhiannon McConnell and Muse Management's Kara Gall embracing freckles, the fashion industry has fallen in love with this covetable beauty asset. Kellogg even has us reaching for our freckle pen.
We chat to the model about learning code, embracing unique beauty and Tyra Banks.
How were you discovered?
"I wasn't really discovered in the traditional sense. I submitted photos online to a few New York agencies. It didn't happen overnight, but once I found Muse Management I knew I'd found a great fit. I signed with them and moved to New York City seven months ago."
If you weren't modelling, which career would you pursue and why?
"Dermatology, psychology or neurology. Since I was a kid, way before I wanted to model, I wanted to be in the medical field. Recently I've been interested in learning code too, I have completed two years of college. I would like to finish and focus on one of those."
What would you say has been the highlight of your career so far?
"I am in a national campaign that comes out this summer and I think it's the most exciting because it is my first campaign."
How do you spend your free time?
"Although I am super social, this job involves being surrounded by people constantly, so it is refreshing to put in my headphones and grab a book, my journal or a documentary and immerse myself for a few hours."
Do you have any travel tips for those visiting your hometown?
"I'm from a suburb of Chicago. If you're ever in the city you should shop on the Magnificent Mile and visit the Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium. We also have the best food (especially pizza) so you'll definitely get good eats."
What are the three products you can't live without?
"Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum, Shea Moisture's Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Hair Masque and Lush's Ocean Salt."
What is your favourite form of exercise?
"Pilates. You feel it (a lot) and see results without killing yourself. I hate the gym so I had to find something that didn't make me dread it as much."
What is your dream shoot?
"Glossier, Milk or Calvin Klein – a brand that embraces unique beauty. Shooting in St. Barth's or the Amazon with Mario Testino or Steven Meisel would be a dream."
Name your five essential items you wouldn't leave the house without?
"Headphones, lip balm, a book, phone, a couple of snacks. "
If you had to wear only one designer, who would it be?
"I don't think I can stick to one because my style shifts depending on my mood. I often bounce between urban, girlie, Nineties and classic all-black."
What kind of advice would you give to new girls to the industry?
"Don't get discouraged or compare yourself to other models. Embrace your brilliance, stay optimistic and leave a lasting impression on everyone you meet. Also understand that things in this industry often do not happen overnight so patience is key."
Is there a model's career that you admire and why?
"Watching America's Next Top Model with my older sister was the catalyst for my desire to model, so naturally I adore Tyra Banks. I'm in awe of her ability as a black woman to achieve the titles of supermodel, producer, talk-show host, business mogul and mother, while remaining humble and relatable."
Let's talk about favourites. What about…
…music? "Kaytranada, Drake, Gucci, the Weeknd, the Internet, Alina Baraz, Chance, Kendrick Lamar."
…movies? "This Is 40 and Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice."
…books? "Fahrenheit 451, 1984, Outliers, The Stranger."
…food? "Spicy foods and anything with bacon."