Neelam Gill On Getting a Start With Burberry

She made waves with her spectacular Burberry campaign, and continues to stun the glamour world with grace. And, today, 20-year-old Neelam Gill is one of the most recognised faces in the international arena. Having grown up in Coventry in England, she deems “sexy thigh-high boots” as a wardrobe must-have and is a strong believer of ‘whatever is meant to be will be’. This star is certainly worth watching out for as she is only just getting started!

“My first job was an international exclusive for Burberry and that definitely put me on the world map. I clearly remember, when Christopher (Bailey) first asked to see me, I’d declined because I didn’t have enough money to take the train down to London. It was only the week after, when he called once again, that I spent all my money and went to see him. We got along really well and he changed my life by putting me in all the shows, campaigns, lookbooks and more….”

“I was bullied a lot in school and that’s probably why I’m still shy as a person. When I’m in front of a camera, I’m confident because I’m playing a role, but as a person, I’m not someone who wants to be the centre of attention.”

“I like to mix high-end luxury and high-street brands, I’m not the type of person who dresses from head to toe in designer wear…plus I’m into streetwear. Right now, I’m loving Adidas, All Saints, Vetements, Raf Simons, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Supreme, Acne and Palace.”

“The golden era of fashion, I would say, was the ’90s. I love everything about it. Naomi Campbell is my idol and I feel like she owned that time. I also loved how sexy the ’90s were…even the girls on the ramp had real hourglass figures, whereas now runway measurements are unrealistic for many girls.”

“Jourdan Dunn is like a big sister to me. I can always turn to her for advice about the industry or life in general.”

“A modelling myth would be that it’s not hard work! Of course, it is rewarding too, but people don’t see the blood, sweat and tears that got me where I am today.”

“In the future, I wouldn’t want to limit myself to just being a model. I want to branch out and create successful careers for myself in a number of fields and industries!”