Fashion model Leomie Anderson has been burning up high-end designer runways for icons like Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs, and made her Victoria’s Secret debut in 2015. Now that she’s made her mark, she’s graduated to a VS Angel and has her sights set on global domination.
ESSENCE got the scoop from Anderson on what it means to become a Victoria’s Secret ‘Angel,’ and what her plans are for the future. “It really feels like I’ve entered into a family. They’re very supportive,” she says.
And with equal admiration, a statement from Victoria’s Secret reads:
“Congrats to Leomie Anderson on becoming the newest Victoria’s Secret Angel! The bold Brit has style, attitude and a runway walk that’s unrivaled—all showcased when Leomie made her 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut. Once we saw her moves, there was no turning back.”
Read below for more of our exclusive interview with Anderson and her red-hot modeling career…
ESSENCE: Where are you from and how long have you been modeling?
LEOMIE ANDERSON: I’m from London, south London! I’ve been modeling for 11 years now.
Tell us about some of your career highs-and-lows as a model of color?
Walking in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is of course one of the highs; they really encourage us to be ourselves which isn’t always the case, especially as a Black model, so I really appreciate them for allowing me to be my true self. One of my lows has to be experiencing ignorance and racism and being made to feel uncomfortable because of the color of my skin.
What moment in your career do you think was your ‘breakthrough’ moment?
I think my first big show when I was 17, was a real moment for me; I walked for Marc by Marc Jacobs and was so nervous. I walked out after Karlie Kloss –who has also walked for VS many times– and remember thinking, ‘wow, why do I have to come out after that amazing walk!’
How has it been working with the Victoria’s Secret brand?
Mate, it’s a complete dream! Everyone is so cool, and it really feels like I’ve entered into a family. They’re also very supportive of all of my activism and my brand ‘LAPP- The Brand’ which I really appreciate.
Tying into the brand’s relaunch, when do you feel like your most ‘incredible’ self?
I feel my most incredible when my hair is freshly ‘laid’ and I have a cute look on! Also, when you find a bra that fits you perfectly, it makes your day start-off so much better; you feel more confident and comfortable. I’m currently loving the new Victoria’s Secret ‘Incredible 2.0’ bra; it almost feels like you’re wearing nothing! Oh, and some lip gloss– I don’t feel cute without it!
Where do you see yourself in the future, and what would make things more incredible than what they are right now?
I hope that I continue to represent Victoria’s Secret as an Angel and get to bring my voice even more into the brand, in a more unique way. I think the only thing that could make things more incredible would be me receiving a package filled with vintage, Chanel bags!
For more information on Anderson and the Victoria’s Secret brand, visit victoriassecret.com.