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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Heather Greenaway

Scots model is the toast of the modelling world as she's snapped up by Vogue and Harrods

From war-torn Sierra Leone via Springburn to the catwalk, Lili Johnson is the face of many of the High Street's big brands.

The 23-year-old, who has already conquered the Fashion Week runways, is the darling of the e-comm fashion world - starring in online campaigns for Primark, Next, M&S and Ted Baker.

Lili has also shot for Harrods, Liberty London, Selfridges and White Stuff, and appeared on the cover of Elle and featured in Vogue and Grazia.

The student, who was born in Sierra Leone and grew up in Glasgow, said she never dreamed a "wee black girl from Springburn" would one day be the face of so many big stores.

The Edinburgh University student, who is signed to Colours in Glasgow and Select in London, added: "It's been five years since I started modelling and I still can't believe how much I have done in that short time. I really do feel blessed and lucky to have achieved so much.

"I've worked with Burberry, Net-APorter, Harrods, Farfetch, Selfridges, White Stuff, Ghost Liberty London and so many others. I've also been optioned for Jimmy Choo and Gucci.

"I walked at London Fashion Week for Feng Chen Wang, Alexa Chung and House of Holland and now I'm superbusy shooting e-comm campaigns for the High Street stores.

"Primark, Freemans, Ted Baker, Next and New Look are all regular clients and a few weeks ago I made my mum's day when I was asked to do M&S."

"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine an ordinary girl from Springburn would end up on the catwalks of London, in magazines like Vogue and Elle and all over the internet in online campaigns." As our search continues for Scotland's next top model, Lili said she knew her career was taking offwhen singer Christina Aguilera put her on her Instragram page.

The final-year degree student said: "I walked for designer Bobby Abley and was wearing one of his fun, crazy outfits and the next day she posted my photo - I was so shocked. It's been a whirlwind and I'm loving every minute.

"After I graduate, I will be able to do even more modelling because at the minute I'm having to juggle shoots with my studies. I would love to go to New York and give the US scene a go. My dream is to land a campaign for Rihanna's Fenty beauty brand or Gucci."

Lili, signed by Colours when she was 18, admitted that growing up black in Scotland wasn't easy and as a teenager she was embarrassed about her colour and felt ugly.

She said: "It wasn't easy growing up in Springburn. My family didn't have much and I always felt different. I hated the colour of my skin. I thought I was ugly and yearned to be pretty. High school was not a good experience and it left a lasting imprint but, thanks to modelling, I now know beauty comes in all colours. Modelling has given me confidence and allowed me to put my insecurities aside.

"I've come to realise my uniqueness makes me beautiful and, after years of looking down on myself and feeling ugly, I am at ease with myself and my skin colour."

Lili said she owes much to her mum Helen, who brought her and sister Fai, 23, an engineer, to Scotland in search of a better life.

She said: "We came to Glasgow in 2002 when I was two and my sister was three. My mum travelled halfway across the world to give us a better life and she has.

"I would not have got such a good education or even attempted a model l ing career if it wasn't for her. She sacrificed so much for us and I just want to make her proud.

"I bought her a winter jacket FROM M&S the other day and, when I showed her it online, she was so happy when she saw it was me modelling it.

"Thanks to her, the world is now my oyster. After graduating, I will give fulltime modelling a go and then I would like to use my degree to work with children. Life is busy but good."

Lili , who is study ing psychology and volunteers with Childline, said the model ling industry has changed so much that there is now no standard model.

She added: "The model ling world has become much more diverse. As well as more black models, there are lots of curvy girls and others with disabilities who feature regularly in campaigns.

"There is no set standard for beauty and the industry is evolving and embracing this. That's why I would encourage women of all ages, colours and shapes to enter Scoutmescotland. Now is the time to give it a go."

Alison Bruce, of Colours, said: "We hope Lili's incredible success will help inspire more black and Asian girls to follow in her footsteps.

"She's a l ready a firm favourite with fashion houses and casting directors."

The Sunday Mail has teamed up with Colours and Select to find a Caledonian beauty who could grace the catwalks with supermodels Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.

This year there is no upper age limit and the agencies are looking to take on women of all shapes and sizes.

Up for grabs is the opportunity for exclusive representation with both agencies, along with free haircare for a year with Jason Hall Hairdressing and a portfolio shoot with top international photographer Mark K Seager.

Five finalists will get the chance to take part in a photoshoot styled by Colours and Select, with celebrity makeup artists from Colours, award winning hairdresser Jason Hall, and shot by leading photographer Ifro Thomas. All finalists will also receive a goody bag from L'Oréal.

HOW TO ENTER

Select Models London, Colours Agency Scotland and the Sunday Mail have teamed up to find our next Scottish supermodel.

Do you, or does someone you know, have what it takes? Girls should be 16 years old +. We're looking for all shapes and sizes.

You can enter by tagging a selfie with #SCOUTMESCOTLAND on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok and Colours and Select could scout you. Alternatively, you can enter via the Colours website www.coloursagency.com or attend one of the Open Calls at Colours.

Colours' Open Call sessions are at their Glasgow HQ, 129-131 Bridgegate, Glasgow, G1 5HZ between 3pm and 5pm every Thursday until November 3. Girls should come in a T-shirt, jeans and trainers with no make-up. Under-18s should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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