Ever since we first shot her for The Just Kids Issue back in 2012, we’ve been obsessed with Stella Maxwell. Since then, the 24-year-old model has evolved from bright blonde pixie-haired Jeremy Scott muse to drop-dead gorgeous supermodel, before gaining her Victoria’s Secret wings back in April and ascending to fashion heaven alongside the likes of Sara Sampaio and Martha Hunt. As well as her new angelic status, the only British-born VS babe has also been making headlines flash and rumors fly surrounding her apparent relationship with girl of the moment, Miley Cyrus. With our hearts racing, we head up to the Angel Suite for a quickie!
You’re from the UK but grew up all over the world. What does being British mean to you?
I relate being British to being home. My parents live here now; they’ve retired and moved back to the motherland so it’s so nice to be home with them. Every summer I’m back here!
The new issue of i-D is all about coming of age… when do you feel the most grown up?
I’ve been feeling very grown up lately with everything I’m doing with Victoria’s Secret – especially wearing underwear in shoots. I feel like a woman for sure. It makes me feel sexy and strong. But I’m growing up every day, you know? Even doing these press events! It builds your character!
And when do you feel the most childlike?
Again, on shoots. I think when I’m playing around and becoming different characters I kind of go into kid mode. With all these clothes around me, I get kind of like a kid in a candy store. I love fashion and I love dressing up, so I think I have the right job for that!
I think you’re right. What do you think is the bravest thing a young person can do?
I think just being comfortable in your own skin. Because if you’re comfortable then you’re confident, which is a really amazing trait to have. I love to see that in my friends.
What were your teenage dreams?
I started modeling when I was a teenager, so being an angel was definitely one of them. In fact, I think it’s every model’s dream… so I think I’ve achieved my dream! I’m living it!
And how’s it going?
I mean, it’s pretty sick! It’s been a wild journey! The best year of my life so far.
If you could, what would you tell your 16-year-old self?
Keep being you and keep doing what you’re doing. I think that everything happens for a reason and if you’re in a certain spot at a certain point in your life, it’s for a reason and it’ll all work out in the end. There are always silver linings. I’ve always been a very positive person like that. Everything will turn out the way it’s supposed to be.
What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received?
Someone once told me that it is what it is, and I think that’s a great quote because it shines a lot of light. Whatever’s going on in life… it just is what it is. I think it just keeps everything level in my head.
Victoria’s Secret Body by Victoria bra is available now
Credits
Lead image photography Terry Richardson
Fashion Director Charlotte Stockdale
Hair Dennis MacLeod at Art Partner using Oribe
Make-up Maki at the Wall Group
Manicurist Alicia Torello at the Wall Group
Photography Assistance Nikki Tappa
Digital Technician Rafael Rios
Styling ASsistance Melissa Simpemba, Sophie Butler
Producer Lindsey Steingberg
Studio Manager Seth Goldfarb
Stella wears jacket Burberry Prorsum. Bra Gap. Glasses Sophia Kokosalaki x Linda Farrow. Necklace Karen Walker. Watch Rolex Daytona. Ring Laura Lee.
[The Just Kids Issue, No. 320, Pre-Fall 12]