Bebe was photographed exclusively for MODELS.com by Oliver Oglesby, with styling by Kamran Rajput, hair by Yui Ozaki, makeup by Chiharu Wakabayashi & art direction by Lewis Waters. Thanks to Jose.

interview

Name:
Bebe Parnell (@bebe.parnell)

Pronouns:
she/her

Agency:
Next London

Age:
19

Height:
5’11”

Place of Origin:
Birmingham, UK

Ethnic Origin:
1/2 Black Caribbean (Jamaican/Bermudian), 1/2 White British

Birthsign:
Gemini

Did you always want to be a model? Tell us about how you were discovered.
The thought of being a model never crossed my mind; at the time I was much more into my sports. I was scouted at 14 in Bicester Village, and at that period of time of my life, I was playing basketball at a high level and of course at school. As I prioritized completing my GCSEs and A-Levels, I didn’t really start properly modeling until after turning 18.

Most memorable modeling experience so far?
I’ve been lucky enough to have many great experiences, but apart from the joy of just meeting great designers and other models, I would have to say having the honor to walk for McQueen for the second time. It was just a surreal experience, the location, the collection, the people; I was just so grateful and thrilled in the moment.

One song you have on repeat, and why?
Literally, the whole discography of Cocteau Twins.

What other passions do you have aside from modeling?
Outside of modeling, I’m mostly studying at the University of Oxford, so I don’t really have a lot of time off. But when I am free, I am currently writing a comic book as a passion project alongside my older sister and my friend, who are the illustrators.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do/try?
I really want to own a wine bar; I just think that would be so cool.

What’s one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
I’m a big Marvel fan, even more so when I was younger, and I was a super geek about it. Or that I enjoy rock music. My dad is a hardcore fan of classic rock, so I grew up surrounded by a great musical taste.

What change would you like to see in the world?
I value education, and I think it’s really important that we work our hardest so that people from non-traditional and disadvantaged backgrounds can access the same opportunities that many are so privileged to have.