interview

Name:
Dana Smith

Agency:
Storm Management (London), Ford Models Paris

Age:
18

Height:
5’10”

Place of Origin:
I was born in Bristol, England but moved to India when I was 4 and grew up there for 12 years.

Ethnic Origin:
English through and through

Birthsign:
Sagittarius

Instagram:
@danakatesmith

How discovered:
I was seen by a colleague of mum’s in India. He used to work in the fashion industry and asked if he could send some pictures to agencies and I signed with Storm.

Best modeling experience so far?
The whole of my first season was such a surreal experience but I think I can narrow my highlights down to opening as a debut for the Loewe SS22 show and walking in the Givenchy SS22 show. Both of the runways were incredible and I spent most of the time backstage at Givenchy trying to shazam the music. I also loved the concept of walking through the streets of Paris in the Valentino show and having my hair and makeup done by legends in the industry like Pat McGrath and Guido.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
There’s a card game that we play almost every night in boarding school called ‘Kent’. We hold our own tournaments and everyone always takes it so seriously. I get very competitive so I think I’m becoming a bit obsessed with that at the moment. Football had also taken a backseat for a while during my first modelling season but I’ve been training again and it always reminds me of how much I love it.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do/try?
The first thing that comes to mind is teleporting. My family and friends are scattered around the world so it would be incredible to be able to click my fingers and be with them. In terms of something that’s actually possible – anything that involves the wind in my hair. I love the feeling of being completely free with my music blasting and nothing to worry about. I think surfing or skiing would be a good place to start.

How do you want to make an impact in the world?
My only goal is to be remembered as a decent person. It’s way too easy to forget to be nice when you’re tired and busy so I try to remember that it’s the little things that make a difference.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
One of my best friends always says MAXIMISE and he seems to say it when I most need it. It always makes me realise how important it is to make the most out of everything and focus on enjoying the good things instead of complaining about the bad. My mum has also always said ‘Never have a bloke’s name as a tattoo’.