Jade Parfitt, the Original Cool Brit Supermodel
As one of the original “Cool Britannia” supermodels who emerged at the end of the 90s, alongside Erin O’ Connor, Liberty Ross, Jasmine Guiness, Stella Tennant and Karen Elson, Jade Parfitt (35) remains one of the most recognisable faces -and bodies- of British fashion. Sought after by designers for her classical blonde beauty and very long legs (she’s 6 feet 1), she’s walked shows for Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Hermès and Alexander McQueen -amongst others- and appeared as the bride in Jean Paul Gaultier’s shows three times. Jade’s career also includes campaigns for Moschino, Givenchy and Clinique (as the face of perfume Happy) and posing for top photographers Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Irving Penn and Richard Avedon, including on the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Nowadays, she divides her time between modelling, TV presenting, charity work and looking after her six-year old son Jackson, who lives with her in West London. Here, the ultimate leggy blonde and yummy mummy talks to Chic-Londres about her personal style.
When did you discover fashion and how important is it to you? I used to be a real tomboy growing up so wasn’t that interested in fashion until I started modelling aged 15- before then I wanted a pony, not clothes! But as I did my first shows, I started enjoying the process of getting dressed up: when you’re wearing really beautiful clothes, you start noticing how different they make you feel and how they can positively alter your attitude.
How would you describe your style and how much has it evolved over the years? I would say my style is both relaxed and changeable, as I am equally happy to wear tracksuit pants at home and designers clothes when out. Also I’m braver with my choices now that I’m in my 30s- I was quite conservative and shy when I was younger, but I find myself having much more fun with clothes today. read more
