If the best quality that a model can take on is that of a chameleon, then Brit Hot Lister Georgia Palmer embodies the essence of change. After a hair chop at the top of last year she’s dialed up her expressive, androgynous edge and great personal style while working with names like Solve Sundsbo, Mario Sorrenti, Charlotte Wales, Harley Weir, Campbell Addy, and David Sims, the latter a constant collaborator of hers. Since Craig McDean shot her British Vogue debut in 2017, she has appealed to both the luxury client set, racking up a cover for Vogue Italia and inside tears for British Vogue, as well as on the alternative indie names of note with covers for More or Less, 032c, and Document Journal. As she flies across the pond to New York, we caught up with Palmer to discuss working with photographers that saw her potential, overcoming outdated restrictions on height, and living out of her comfort zone.
You just recently were runner-up of Models.com Industry’s Choice for Breakout Star, how would you describe your last year and how did it push you as a model?
My last year has been a whirlwind of emotions. I’m counting my blessings and always giving thanks for the incredible coincidences and experiences along the way. I’m so lucky to have met such inspiring people through this career; it’s pushed me as a model to keep on going and to expand my creative horizons. I intend to set up a platform in the near future to also inspire younger girls that look like me to keep strong and be as true to themselves as I have been. Be expressive and work hard to achieve your goals!
You had your first Vogue Italia cover shot by David Sims and have shot with him a few times since that moment, how was the initial experience, and what’s one thing you’ve learned from working with him?
David has been such a core part of my journey. I love that he challenged me and also recognised my potential. If he believes in you he makes sure to keep a good working relationship and supports you for any upcoming projects. He has been my hero throughout this and I can’t thank him enough!
You recently were featured on the cover of ChaosSixtyNine for their latest Balmain x Barbie issue and I see you made it to her dream house, how was the shoot and playing up the fantasy?
I mean anyone that transforms me into a Barbie doll or any type of fantasy character I am living for! I had such a fabulous time shooting ChaosSixtyNine and I would wear that huge pink wig every day if I could, haha!
What have been some of your most memorable moments on set?
I think my most memorable moments are when I’m taken to a place far from my reality. There was a time in Morocco when we were shooting in the desert and a huge herd of gazelles walked past my feet…it was so natural and quite breathtaking to be part of such a fabulous image!
What has been one of the biggest challenges of your career?
The biggest challenge is being a shorter, biracial model in this industry. After 7 years of modeling, I am so thankful to witness the changes and transitions into a more diverse and alternative environment, but I do believe my journey has been much harder and longer due to these factors. Seven years ago, the industry wasn’t as open to the model’s personality and expression being presented but now it’s not so restrictive.
When did you first open Sibling Studios and what moved you to open up your own space?
I first opened Sibling Studio in March 2021. I wanted to see what it was like to build a business and also have a space for my community to create. I managed it along with the help of my partner and brother for the first couple of months and now it’s in good hands with Sandra Ebert being the studio manager whilst I’m away with modeling. Sibling has lots of fabulous projects, events, and performances coming in and out and it’s so inspiring and fun watching how people use the space differently for their own vision.
Which designers/creatives would be a dream to work with this year?
My goals for this year are to work more closely with Edward Enninful for a British Vogue cover, Dior with Kim Jones, Matthew Williams for Givenchy. Even though I worked for Off-White previously, it would have been an honor to work more closely with Virgil Abloh, but his legacy continues and has helped shaped the face of fashion into a more positive direction.
What changes, if any, would you like to see in the fashion industry?
I would like to see more POC and queer female designers, photographers, and creative directors being elevated and appreciated in the industry. I think there is still room for more diversity; I want to see more black trans models, plus size and petite models on the catwalks and on billboards. It would be great to see brands and designers take more risks and be more inclusive.
What impact would you like to have on the modeling industry?
I would like to use my platform to inspire people to live out of their comfort zone and use their own creativity to express themselves in different ways. Humans have the ability to do many things and we aren’t supposed to be pushed into one box. Our minds are expansive and when you unlock the secret to that, life just keeps on giving you fire!! I have so many more things I want to learn and express and I can’t wait to show my capabilities and inspire younger people like me.
