I’ d just turned 13 and was shopping with my mum when I was scouted .. I’ d never thought about being a model before
Model Sam Rollinson describes her jet-set life on world’s catwalks as leading agencies Colours and Select support #ScoutMeScotland, our search for next Scots supermodel
With her razor-sharp bone structure, piercing blue eyes and shock of short brown hair, Sam Rollinson is one of the most in-demand models of her generation. The 24-year-old has fronted scores of global campaigns, graced dozens of magazine covers and stormed the catwalks for the fashion industry’s biggest designers. Sam’s distinctive bob and gamine looks have rocketed her to supermodel status, making her a go-to for runway heavyweights Chanel, Hermès and Céline to name a few. The Doncaster-born beauty, who was scouted when she was just 13, is also the face of a host of international brands including Burberry, Balenciaga, DKNY and Zara. Sam, who is signed to Select Model Management, one of the agencies we have teamed up with to find the nation’s next top supermodel, is quick to sing the praises of the industry that has made her a star. Supporting our #Scout MeScotland search, the fashionista said: “Modelling is a fantastic industry to be in but one I would never have picked for myself. “I was shopping with my mum at the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham when Select scouted me. I had just turned 13. I’d never thought about being a model before so it came as quite a shock. “I was quite tall as a child and people had probably suggested to my parents that I should give modelling a go but until Select scouted me, I had never seriously considered it.
“I wasn’t into clothes or dressing up when I was a kid. I went through a phase where I refused to wear dresses and only wanted to be in shorts and trousers so I could run wild at parties, so it’s ironic I’ve ended up in the world of fashion.”
Sam, who is dating former Xtra Factor host and comedian Matt Richardson, landed her first global campaign just a few months after signing for Select.
She said: “The first modelling job that sticks out for me was when I did the Burberry campaign at age 15.
“I went on to realise my dream of working with Chanel, becoming the face of both their make-up and watches. I haven’t been the face of
a perfume yet so that is the next goal.
“I’ve travelled all over the world to places I would have never have got to if I wasn’t a model – Paris, New York, Milan, Rome, Dubai and Capetown to name a few.”
Sam, who cites fellow Select model Agyness Deyn as her role model, is also a Fashion Week regular.
She added: “London and Paris are my favourites.”
Off the runway and away from the camera, Sam is a homebunny who spends her spare time reading, baking and watching Game of Thrones.
The 5ft9in beauty is also a regular on London’s celebrity circuit and has 136,000 Instagram followers, who see her as a style icon.
Sam said: “I’m doing an Open University degree in philosophy. So when I’m not working or studying for that, I just do normal stuff like go for dinner, to the cinema or to the pub with my boyfriend and friends. Life is good. “Modelling has given me so many opportunities I wouldn’t have got otherwise. I get to travel the world and every day is different. Being invited to the Brit Awards was just unreal. “It’s a great industry to be in. I’m 24 and own my own flat in London. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this at such a young age if I wasn’t a model.” Hannah Sneath, who manages the New Faces board at Select said: “We scouted Sam when she was 13 on a trip in Birmingham. We knew instantly that we had a star on our hands. Sam’s chiselled cheekbones, piercing blue eyes and her bowl cut bob made her stand out.
“There could be someone like Sam waiting to be discovered in Scotland and hopefully our search will seek them out.”
Sam added: “If there are girls out there who are hesitating about entering the competition, my advice is to just go for it. Be confident, believe in yourself and good luck.”
Up for grabs in our contest is a contract with Colours, Scotland’s top model agency, and Select.
Five finalists will get the chance to take part in a photo shoot styled by celebrity hairdresser Jason Hall and shot by top photographer Alexandra Modrzejewska.
The winner will get a huge selection of Sara Hill make-up and a year’s hair care from Jason Hall.