Model Q&A for Australian clothing label: Saroka

1. Who is Lucy Bennett? (Tell us a little bit about yourself)
I’m 21 years old and originally from the north east of England. I currently live in Sydney and work as a curve model with Bella Management. When I left school, I studied with a theatre company in Stratford-upon-Avon, so I also have a soft spot for anything creative (whether I’m good at it or not!)

2. How did you get into the modelling industry and was this always a dream of yours?
I grew up watching America’s Next Top Model and seeing Tyra Banks’ weight fluctuation and her success despite it, inspired me. I wasn’t very confident with how I looked as a teenager, people at school would make comments about my monobrow and my weight, not to mention my braces and also having to occasionally wear leg splints to correct my gumpy walking! Around this time Crystal Renn was killing it at a size 16-18 and I started learning about ‘plus size’ models. I think their confidence was infectious because soon I started looking at myself differently. I still wasn’t comfortable with my body but I started to see my bushy eyebrows, kinda square face and big eyes as things that could make me stand out in a good way and that maybe I could get into ‘plus size’ modelling. So I started approaching agencies in my hometown of Newcastle. I was upset, but not surprised to be knocked back several times. I then approached many photographers and students and started building a portfolio. I took my book to London agencies and was rejected again; they suggested I continue to build my portfolio and finish school before coming back. So I finally signed with an agency in Newcastle and that’s what I did. By the time I was about to turn 18 the curve division at Models 1 (my dream London agency) was really taking off so I sent in some digitals – I had a meeting the same week and was signed on the spot. I couldn’t believe it!

3. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate, being with agencies in both Australia and Europe, how do you manage it all?
It’s really important to be with agencies who understand you and support your choices. Models 1 are my ‘mother’ agency so they deal with everything to do with my other European agencies and when it comes to Australia they encouraged my to spend as long as I need here and they’ll be there for me when I’m ready to come back. I think the sign of a good agency is one that looks more to your long-term happiness and success rather than immediate gratification. I have that in both Sydney and London so I’m really lucky and it makes it so much easier for me.

4. We know that the fashion industry can be a harsh culture for body image, have you had any negative experiences and if so how do you stay optimistic and true to yourself?
In general, thankfully the fashion industry is becoming more and more diverse, but there is still a long way to go. For example, I’ve had photographers on jobs be surprised at me being able to recreate certain poses from mood boards, yet didn’t say a word to the straight-sized models on set. As though because I’m a ‘curve’ model I can’t possibly be in fact really into yoga. I’ve also had many castings and sometimes jobs where I’ve had to stuff myself into small sizes even though the client has requested me and has my exact measurements. In order to stay true to yourself I think you just have to let it go. I just go through anything with a smile on my face and laugh it off afterwards. It would be an impossible industry to be in if you take every little knock personally and let things really get to you.

5. We love your Instragram because you are real and honest with your followers which is so refreshing to see! You have mentioned you used to live a life based on calorie counting and deprivation, what was the turning point that made you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin?
Thank you! I try to share as much as possible and that was my main motivation behind starting my blog (weonlygetonebody.wordpress.com) to break down the ‘glamorous’ facade of a model’s life. Throughout my teens I really didn’t understand what a healthy lifestyle was. I followed different fad diets throughout school and eventually ended up strictly calorie counting. I would never eat anything that wasn’t ‘fat-free’ or ‘low fat’ and I loved calorie-free sweeteners/sauces/drinks, because I thought that these were healthy choices. I had no idea that those things were actually just packed with artificial rubbish and couldn’t be further away from being good for me. When I was 18 and living away from home for the first time, I put on weight and felt really uncomfortable again. At the time, a friend of mine was training as a personal trainer and he completely changed my relationship with food and exercise. He taught me all about nutrition and clean eating and he encouraged me to eat as much as I wanted but of the right things. We also trained at least twice a week and I couldn’t believe how healthy I felt. Within weeks my friends all noticed such a change in me. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a junk food pig out every now and then (who doesn’t!) but I used to be such a comfort eater if I was stressed or having a bad day and I don’t need that anymore. I remember one night at drama college, it had been such a long day and I was in a really bad mood and I told Malcolm (my PT) that I was going to buy pizza and eat it ALL. So instead he came food shopping with me and picked out ingredients to a really easy but tasty meal. I’m so grateful to have had that support and soon my insecurities became less about how I looked and more about how I felt. Because of how much better this made me feel than fad dieting, I’ve never looked back. In the years since then I’m gradually accepting my body is how it is; there’s no point comparing myself to other people because we’re not all supposed to look the same, we are all unique. Now, as long as I look after my body and I’m healthy then I’ll be confident in my own skin.

6. Let’s talk fashion…You always look amazing in your outfits and know what works well for your body type. What advice do you give to women on dressing for their shape?
I think the key is just to feel comfortable. If you feel good in an outfit then your confidence will radiate and everyone else will notice how amazing you look too! I don’t believe there’s anything you ‘can’t’ wear no matter what your shape or size. My stomach is the least toned part of my body and where I tend to carry extra weight, but that doesn’t stop me rocking a crop top from time to time. If you love it – own it!

7. You recently wore our Saroka Elle Pants, describe how you felt in three words?
Sophisticated, stylish and comfortable!

8. Finish this sentence: “Don’t let anyone….”
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If you ever want anything badly enough then don’t listen to anyone who tries to put you off, stick at it and prove them wrong!

xx