British model Sam Rollinson on her life in the spotlight, what she really thinks of Kanye and rising to the top
Kanye West's fashion brand has won over some of the industry’s harshest critics - including Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who sat on the front row for one of his shows.
But British model-of-the-moment Sam Rollinson is far from convinced, slating the rapper’s foray into design as “dreadful”.
In an interview with ES Magazine, Rollinson, 21, who has starred in campaigns for Zara, Chanel Watches, Tod’s and DKNY, said: “I don’t know why Kanye West is coming to fashion shows. Beats me. Or why he is doing his own line. It’s absolutely dreadful. I could do it better. Genuinely.”
Doncaster-born Rollinson is not the first person to criticise West’s Yeezy label. Last year, Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week, said she was “kind of over” it. He retorted on Twitter: “All we have are our dreams, and you can step on our dreams and ideas all you want, but we won’t stop fighting.”
Last week West, who is married to Kim Kardashian, defended his “street chic” look on Twitter, writing: “I like T-shirts and women in yoga pants. I live in LA that’s what people wear … All these journalists can give their opinions well these are mine … yes I believe in my ripped homeless sweaters!!!”
Rollinson was kinder about another member of the Kardashian clan, however, describing her fellow model Kendall Jenner - Kim’s half-sister - as “really sweet”.
She also spoke about the perils of fame, saying: “Obviously it’s nice, but you don’t want to be recognised with your shopping in Sainsbury’s. All that just blows my mind.”
Rollinson, who is dating former Xtra Factor host Matt Richardson, was discovered at 13 and signed to Select Model Management. Within three years, she was being photographed by Mario Testino for Burberry.
She moved to London at 18 and now lives with fellow models Charlotte Wiggins and Eve Delf in King’s Cross. She said the three tend to talk about politics at home rather than fashion. Describing herself as “liberal” she said she backed Jeremy Corbyn, adding: “I’m not very Right-wing. I’m definitely centre Left.”
She also revealed how she recovers after a night of dancing, usually at The Box in Soho. “I don’t really get hangovers,” she said. “Lucozade Orange is my thing and a nap in the day - fresh as a daisy.”
Read the full interview in ES Magazine - Free on thursday and friday
ArticleBritish model Sam Rollinson on her life in the spotlightSam RollinsonKanye WestKendall JennerES MagazineNew York Fashion WeekAnna WintourKim KardashianFern MallisJeremy CorbynDKNYZaraMario TestinoMatt RichardsonThe model also spoke about politics, hangovers and the perils of fame