Lily Cole: Role Model Supermodel

At barely 21 years old, British supermodel Lily Cole has already achieved international success in the modeling industry with her unusual looks – the flaming red hair, round and childlike/doll-like face, and porcelain skin have combined extraordinarily with her 5'10" height.

Add this to her "peculiarity": unlike most models who give up on education to follow the glitz of modeling, Lily Cole opted not to stop schooling despite all the fame and hectic schedules.

"It can be difficult, but I manage fine," says the supermodel of her academic/modeling/acting career. Aside from studying at Cambridge, she has a Rimmel contract to model plus a number of films as a budding actress – avantgarde film Rage, Doctor Parnassus, and Marilyn Manson's forthcoming film Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll.

"I think, in the circumstances, my exams went better than they might have done. I am enjoying my degree. Sometimes it's hard with everything else that is going on, but the intrinsic learning – well, the natural geek in me loves that." "I'm really proud of my first. I put a lot of work into it so I felt I deserved it," adds Lily Cole as she is one of only three students on her course to gain a first.

Asked if she had insecurities during her teens, she says "Yes, for sure when I was younger. I can't remember what it was specifically – my height, my hair or just features I didn't like. I was like most teenagers. I wanted to look more conventional – you know, to just be the pretty girl in school."


Sure she had body issues, like everyone of us. But because Lily Cole has already made a successful living out of her unusual looks, there is nothing in her appearance that she would change. "In all honesty, I don't think I would. I have made a living off the way I look, and I have really learn to accept myself for being unusual... Yes, actually if you had asked me a few years ago what I would change about my appearance I would have wished for boobs – but I got those."

Aside from the value that the young model gives on education, Lily Cole has also campaigned for a number of ecological issues though she admits she has been too busy with school in the recent days.

Because of her determination to finish her education, participation in social issues, and acceptance and nurturing of her individuality, fans of the supermodel believe that she is a refreshing role model for young girls in this "vulgar" society.

Humbling herself, Lily Cole retorts "I don't think of myself as a role model for others, but I like to live my life by my own integrity. So in that sense I might be a positive influence. I do believe you should get over your insecurities and just try to be the best you can."