Now Casting: Poppy Okotcha

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Yesterday, we met one of Select Model Management’s newest faces: Poppy Okotcha. Nineteen years old and from Malborough in England, this week marks Poppy’s first ever time in New York and the beginning of what we’re sure is going to be a very bright career as a model. She hasn’t walked in any big shows or starred in any campaigns yet, but sometimes you just know, and with Poppy—we know.

First memory of fashion?
“When I was five, I was given a princes fairy costume for Christmas that I really, really wanted. It never snows in England, but it snowed that year and I remember my Grandma telling me I wasn’t allowed outside in my outfit. I decided it was much more important to be a princess all day, so I just stayed inside.”

How were you discovered?
“I had been told that I had ‘model potential,’ so I thought that I would give it shot. I paid a visit to Select one day and here I am now!”

What was the first runway show you walked in and what do you remember about it?
“The first show I did was for a graduate collection. None of the models could fit into the boots, so they had to cut them all up. The designer was devastated because she had planned to take them back to the shop as soon as the show was over.”

What is your favorite modeling career moment (so far) and why?
“My favorite moment is right now, being in New York for the first time. As soon as I arrived I went to the top of the Empire State Building. While I was looking at the view, I just thought ‘wow.’ I probably wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t modeling.”

Favorite designers?
“Alexander McQueen is my favorite because there isn’t a single collection he designed that I don’t like. Honourable mentions go to Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs.”

Who are your role models?
“My mum is my role model because she’s the strongest woman I know and she doesn’t even realise it.”

What’s the best modeling advice you ever received and who gave it to you?
“During my first fashion week I was stressing out so much and my best friend just told me to ‘chill out.’ It was so simple, but so effective!”

Favorite beauty trick?
“I don’t ever wear foundation or concealer on my skin unless I’m on a job. I really think most makeup does more harm than good.”

What would people be most surprised to know about you?
“I have an extra bone in my foot that nearly no one else has in the world. I truly am one of a kind!”

What projects do you have on the horizon?
“I have some exciting shoots coming out in the next couple of months, but I can’t talk about any of them yet. Stay tuned.”

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
“My dream is to run my own eco fashion label. I’ve also been thinking about how there’s a massive gap in the market for effective Afro hair products, so maybe I’ll do something for that too. Most importantly, I’d like to use modelling as a platform to help people less fortunate in some way.”

Which actress would play you in a movie?
“Grace Jones. Not because we’re anything alike, just because I love the powerful woman she represents and I hope I to be a similar symbol one day.”

Who is your celebrity crush?
“I just saw a poster of Brandy in Times Square and it reignited my childhood crush on her.”

What do you do to stay in shape?
“Run!”

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