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vogueModel Laura James on Tom Ford, Joaquin Phoenix, and the Particular Appeal of Baby Animals
As most students ready themselves for the annual trek back to school, Finnish transplant and Parsons student Laura James is gearing up to hit both the books and the runways of New York Fashion Week. When she isn’t walking for designers like Tom Ford, James is working toward a degree in fashion design. And while she’s spending most of her time in front of the camera at the moment, she credits her experiences as a model with giving her the fearlessness to pursue her other goals. We sat down with the rising star before Fashion Week.
She started out behind the scenes.
“I was interning last fall at Tess Giberson; Evelien Joos was casting for the show and thought I was a model there for the casting. She sent me to IMG, and they wanted to sign me.”
Nothing beats the travel.
“My favorite part of the job is traveling, meeting great people, and seeing different aspects of the fashion industry. Since I’m a design major, I would say I was very interested in fashion before I ever became a model!”
Tom Ford was the highlight of her last season.
“Going to L.A. and walking in the Tom Ford show was absolutely amazing.”
Band everyone ought to hear?
“My friend’s band, Redder!”
She’s a classic film buff.
“My favorite movie quote is from Breathless: ‘What is your greatest ambition in life? To become immortal. And then die.’ ”
There’s one fashion insider whose style she admires above all others.
“If I could raid anyone’s closet it would be Catherine Baba’s.”
If she could meet one person from the present or the past, who would it be?
“Tove Jansson, Finnish illustrator.”
Celebrity crush?
“Charlotte Rampling and Joaquin Phoenix.”
If she could have one fashion item?
“If I could splurge on one thing, it would be anything Jean Paul Gaultier couture.”
True happiness is easier than you think.
“My mom’s dog just had puppies, and puppies equal happiness. If I weren’t modeling, you would find me on a horse. I have helped deliver foals.”
elle.comLAURA JAMES, 26, MODEL
"My mom absolutely influenced my style. My favorite pictures of her are the ones from the '70s—the crazy bell-bottoms and suede dresses and huge sunglasses.
"Quilted jacket, price on request, crepe pants, $1,545, both, Balenciaga; similar styles at Balenciaga, NYC. Silver and diamond nose cuff, Delfina Delettrez, price on request. Crystal and resin studded leather handbag, Fendi, $4,500.