Glass catches up with 19-year-old model Helena McKelvie from Bothwell, near Glasgow. Helena is represented by TESS Management, London.
How did you become a model?
I was asked by the agency my sister was with in Glasgow to start when I was about 14. It took almost two years of convincing to get me to sign with them but I’m glad I did.
Who is your favourite designer?
Alexander Wang or Acne Studios
What do you wear on your days off?
Jeans and a tee and usually a big oversized jumper. I like to be comfy and casual.
What book, movie or song means the most to you?
Bob Dylan, Forever Young. Whenever it comes on my mum always says that it is her song for me.
Who are your heroes in life?
Is it cliched to say my parents?
What is your present state of mind?
In a state of indecisiveness.
What is your idea of happiness?
Being content with life.
How would you like to be perceived by others?
I’d like to be perceived as a happy and intelligent young woman capable of doing whatever I want with my life.
If you were not a model, what would you be?
I would probably be in the first year of uni studying something I hated because I didn’t take the time to think about what I really wanted to study.
What advice do you have for other models?
Take the opportunities that are presented to you, they don’t come around all the time. Be strong and try your best not to take anything personally.
by Justin van Vliet
All photographs by Justin van Vliet