Fearless & Fabulous: Elena Reeves

L'Officiel Arabia: You started modelling at a very young age. How and when did you decide to model?

Elena Reeves: I decided to become a fashion model at the age of twelve. I always loved posing in front of the mirror, trying new poses and expressions. At twelve I became aware of the fashion industry and its connection with clothing, accessories, and taste-making. A successful fashion model knows well the strong emotional connection between people, fashion and trends.

My vision of a successful model is an artist that brings connection, art, trends and emotions to life and my goal is to be able to emotionally connect people with who (and what) I am representing.

My mother has been pivotal to my modelling career, at the age of 12 mum began filming my walks, first at home, and thereafter I took on the streets of Brisbane, shopping malls, car parks, and anywhere that could become my runway.

Naturally I am an introvert so to defeat that I walked in front of the public and to perfect my stride I used the lines on the floor from the parking lines as a guide. My mother filmed me with her iPhone at every opportunity posting my walks on Instagram, encouraging me to continue to grow and develop confidence.

In 2020 during enforced covid isolation, I continued to grow and evolve. I even used the corridor outside my apartment as my runway and practised different walking styles I learnt by watching successful models such as Grace Elizabeth, Yasmin Wijnaldum and Coco Rocha.

I posted these walks on social media and one caught the eye of Coco Mitchel, a model based in New York. She asked me if i could walk the way i did, for which designer would I walk and why. Right after, another model based in Texas DM me suggesting Coco Rocha Model Camp. I said to myself if they were watching if they noticed my passion for modelling, one day designers will take notice. This fuelled my passion for modelling even more. I submitted my application for Coco Model Camp in 2020 and I was accepted yet the opportunity was put on hold due to Covid. It wasn’t until this year I got to attend camp, and had waited two years to learn from one of the most iconic supermodels whose art aligns with mine.

It was truly worth it! By the end of 2020 (when I turned 13), I was offered the opportunity to be interviewed by VIVIEN’s Model Management and I was signed up straight away and I have never looked back after that!

L'O A: Who has inspired you the most in your life?

ER: I would love to say there has only been one person who has inspired me the most, however, my biggest inspiration came from designers, who at a young age like me began their careers doing what they loved, designers such as Elie Saab who at the age of eight used his sisters as his models. At age fourteen Gareth Pugh designed his clothing line influenced by music and dance. Halston was one of the best American designers of the 21st century who despite controversy never gave up on his work. In my pursuit of modelling, I have invested a lot of my time reading about the origins of fashion and the history behind the powerful brands we all want to be part of.

In my view all of these iconic brands had a common denominator-a humble beginning almost unknown by society to start with and with determination, passion, perseverance and vision they built their reputation over time. I relate to that I would like to apply the same approach to my career. 

L'O A: Which top brands have you collaborated with so far in your career?

ER: I am honored to have collaborated with Hugo Boss in Brisbane. I did a successful runway parade in their store and became their ambassador. Someday I aspire to collaborate with other brands including Elie Saab, Gareth Pugh, Mugler, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Balmain, Moschino, Dior, Zara, H&M, Off White, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co, Cartier and Swarovski to name a few. It is my absolute career goal to represent them one day. 

L'O A: Have you ever been to the UAE? If yes, how was your experience?

ER: I had the amazing opportunity to visit the UAE recently after the editorial shoot in New York City for this publication. I was in Dubai for nine hours and I wish I would have had more time! The highlight for me was the hospitality of the people, I have never been welcomed in such a way before! The spectacular architecture, and of course the Dubai Gold Souk, jewelry designs beyond this world, the diversity and atmosphere were captivating. I visited the Burj Al Arab hotel royal suites and no words can describe such luxury and detail. The Burj Khalifa is a wonderful mix of engineering and art forming a powerful and inspiration symbol. I am already planning my next visit to this beautiful country.

L'O A: What’s next for Elena?

ER: My next project involves creating beautiful images with talented people already deeply involved in the industry! I have the opportunity to travel with Lindsay Adler and Espresso Productions in 2023 and we are exploring possibilities to shoot in Paris, Dubai, Cairo, Oslo, Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic, having two editorials from two locations out of the six. This opportunity will allow me to learn even more about editorial modelling and network internationally which is valuable for the second and third stages of my modelling career. I honestly believe modelling is an art that can be carried everywhere and I am hoping to achieve a lot more in the future. In the next two years, I aim to move from development to the Women’s board at the agency, lining up local and national campaigns and from 2025 my goal is to secure international work representing high fashion brands in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia.