Erin O'Connor
Erin O'Connor
Erin O'Connoris an English model...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionModel
Date of Birth9 February 1978
bring creations duty gained high life model pull reputation responsibility time worn
I've worn a lot of humdingers in my time, but as a model it's my duty - my responsibility - to bring life to any garment. That can be challenging when it comes to high fashion, where the creations can be very eccentric, but I've gained a reputation for being the go-to girl who can pull it off.
age catching chosen decade fear grown half last models people slowly spent surely tender trying
I think most models fear growing old, but from a tender age I had always chosen to play someone grown up. I am slowly but surely catching up with the people that I have spent the last decade and a half trying to portray.
age background embraced ethnic great models point shapes tall
There are great slender models, great tall models, Amazonian models, great busty models - my point is models of all shapes and sizes, age, ethnic background should be embraced and celebrated.
gene industry modelling odd picks referred
Someone once referred to modeling as being like winning the lottery gene pool. It's such an odd way to put things, but what is different about modelling is that the industry often picks you.
bodies borne chance legally lose medical model models pass proposed sanctuary various work
The model sanctuary was borne of a complex, political, societal debate. It was proposed to us from various bodies that we give models medicals once a year, and if they didn't pass that medical, there's a chance they'd legally lose their right to work.
against alert allowing change fact fair human model nor people positive practice reminding sanctuary
The Model Sanctuary is not about self-indulgence - it's about reminding and allowing them to become self-sufficient human beings. I wanted to alert people to the fact that we're not the victims, but nor are we the villains. We want fair practice and positive, sustainable change, working with the fashion industry, not against it.
industry modelling
In the early days of my modelling career, I think the industry was uncomfortable with how strikingly different I was.
jobs models
As a model, part of my job is to be critiqued physically.
I see myself as the female John Cleese.
advantage early ethic great hard knew understood work
I understood early on that I was not the best-looking girl in the room. But I knew my advantage was a hard work ethic and I was ambitious: I knew I could be a great model.
becomes form people plays realising ways
Fashion is intoxicating, and it plays a part in all of our everyday lives. A lot of people use it as a form of escape, of realising a fantasy, and in some ways that becomes an unobtainable norm.
conforming fearful individuality people potent
Conformism is a potent statement, and as much as we do talk about individuality in fashion, there's a sense that people are fearful of not conforming and not being part of action.
cycling fair good great happy learn love nose red weather
Cycling is a great way to learn about your city. I love being outdoors, especially in good weather, but I'm not a fair weather cyclist. I'm happy to get a red nose in the cold.
built carry conviction image stride
I think most of my career has been built on conviction and the personality to carry that image or stride confidently on the catwalk. That was my beginning and, hopefully, my legacy.