Georgia Palmer is the "it" girl of a new generation

Georgia Palmer has been on that modelling grind since she was a teenager, so it’s safe to say she’s already a pro. Still, it’s her current, opportunity-bound rise within the industry that has us in total awe. Emphatically flung into the bustling world of fashion by her already-model brother [Joel Palmer], Georgia always knew this is what she wanted to do. A creative at heart with a natural inclination for all things unorthodox, Georgia is the IT girl for a new generation; a (role) model that embodies alt-beauty, rave-babe aesthetics and enviable work ethic. Below, we chat with Georgia about her most “pinch me” career moment, the concept of tradition and what must shift in fashion. In the words of the soon-to-be supermodel herself, it’s time to get it and “go out feeling cute, sis”!

Your rise within the fashion industry has been quite the fast ride! Does it feel that way for you too?

The fashion industry is always full of surprises and spurts of energy. It’s always been a fast-paced environment, which I love. Overall, I’ve been modelling since I was 13, so it’s nothing new to me. However, I would definitely say the past 2 years have been the highlight of my career so far. I’ve done rewarding jobs and I’ve met such amazing people, which I’m eternally grateful for. Having said that, she still isn’t done though!

And even though you’ve been grinding for long, there must be one “pinch-me” moment of your career.

Looking back, every moment is a “pinch me” moment. I always get so excited about new work that I don’t think it’s a feeling I’ll ever get used to. I would probably say that the craziest “pinch me” moments were British Vogue, Off-White and when I saw a big memorial painted of my face for Mac Cosmetics a couple of years back. I nearly died when I saw it; it was such a crazy feeling!

Could you take us back to the first time you realized this was a professional path for you?

From quite a young age, I would watch how dynamic and creative my brother’s life was, and that was because of his modelling career. I always knew that was the life I wanted to live when I grow up. Eventually, I started getting scouts come to me when I was around 14, and it kind of set the tone of what my path was going to be from then.

And would you say the road so far has been “traditional”?

To be honest, I feel it was quite traditional when I was around 16. By that I mean wearing what models are stereotypically supposed to wear, looking how we are supposed to look and presenting ourselves as an image. Recently however, I feel a shift in the industry. People are so much more open to individuality and personality. I mean, yes, of course, our main role is the way we look in (and for) the brand, but it’s beautiful when a client actually cares about the human they are (re)presenting. There’s more love and emotion put into the work this way, an acknowledgement of the whole package. Yet, these changes aren’t everywhere and I still need to see more.

But it also seems you yourself are putting your twist on what is considered “commercial beauty”. Be it through make-up, personal style or the outspoken projects you choose to be part of, there’s never a sense of complacency. Is this a conscious choice?

I think being out of the norm is so much more interesting and beautiful than society’s commercial beauty standard. When people have an alternative touch to them, I really respect that they’ve gone out of the house regardless of the fact that the world may not understand them or like them. I, and many like me, see you and appreciate you, and that’s all that matters! I think it’s important for people to find themselves through creative projects and show that inner fire that’s personal to them and came from within. In the end, you’ll find happiness in that authenticity, so go out feeling cute, sis!  

What’s at stake when you don’t conform to the industry’s ideals and norms? Have you had your boundaries crossed?

It’s true: the industry promotes thick skin, confidence and independence when it comes to decisions and choices, whether that is personal appearance or working on set. I’ve never fully been taken out of my comfort zone, but I also know that I will never do anything that I don’t want to do. I’ve been lucky enough to have a support system around me that understands that and makes sure my best interest is at heart. Every model should feel comfortable and happy in their environment.

What’s your vision for change within the industry? What are the most needed shifts and what are some steps you think we must collectively take for the shifts to occur?

There’s not much that needs to change that isn’t already changing. I think it’s important for people with a platform to use that for good, whether that be talks about the environment, global issues, more usage of LGBTQ+, POC and plus size models. The shift is happening, but we always need more. 

What are three words that describe your ideal of a “supermodel” in 2020?

Personality, uniqueness, and humbleness. 

Outside of fashion and modelling, what else keeps you busy?

I like to practice DJing; mainly electronic music. I also enjoy playing around with clothes and garments, and I do vintage shopping and re-selling on Depop. I’m also an actress, sister, girlfriend, friend, and low-key gamer!

You seem to always have something on your plate. But how does Georgia find solace in the midst of a busy schedule?

I do yoga as much as possible. I also mediate and, most importantly, I breathe.