May 1st: Today’s Feature

May

Leomie Jasmin Francis Anderson, born on February 14, 1993, is a renowned British fashion model, television presenter, and activist. With her impressive career, she has graced the runway in four consecutive Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows from 2015 to 2018, earning the prestigious title of Victoria's Secret Angel in 2019. Recognised for her contributions to the art and culture scene, Anderson was featured in Forbes' '30 Under 30' list in 2020.

Born and raised in Wandsworth, London, Leomie Anderson is of Jamaican descent and embarked on her modelling career at the young age of 14 after being discovered. Initially aspiring to become a fashion journalist, her path took a different turn when she caught the attention of renowned designer Marc Jacobs at the age of 17, who promptly booked her for her first catwalk show, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration.

Career

Throughout her career, Anderson has graced the runways for esteemed fashion houses including Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Chloé, Fenty Puma, Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Moschino, Oscar de la Renta, Jeremy Scott, Temperley, Vivienne Westwood, and Yeezy. Her versatility and striking presence have made her a sought-after model in the industry.

In addition to her impressive runway appearances, Anderson has also made a name for herself as the face of Fenty Beauty, the makeup brand launched by her role model, Rihanna, in 2017. Her association with Fenty Beauty has further solidified her status as a prominent figure in the fashion and beauty world. Notably, she has also collaborated with renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath, as well as worked with brands such as Uniqlo, Topshop, and Jones New York, showcasing her ability to seamlessly transition between different styles and aesthetics.

Overall, Anderson's journey from a young girl scouted in London to becoming a highly sought-after model and brand ambassador is a testament to her talent, dedication, and ability to captivate audiences with her unique beauty and charisma.

Making History, Spokeswoman & Advocate

Anderson's career took off in 2015 when she was chosen to walk in the prestigious Victoria's Secret Fashion Show after her third casting attempt. Since then, she has graced the runway of the show for four consecutive years, solidifying her status as a sought-after model in the fashion industry.

In April 2019, Anderson made history by becoming the sixth Black model and the first British Black model to be named a Victoria's Secret Angel. This achievement not only highlighted her talent and beauty but also broke barriers in the fashion world, paving the way for more diversity and representation.

Beyond her successful modelling career, Anderson has also made significant contributions to women's empowerment and mental health awareness. In 2016, she founded the LAPP blog, which later evolved into LAPP Magazine, to shed light on important issues such as women's rights, mental health, and body positivity. Additionally, she launched her own clothing brand, LAPP The Brand, to further support her platform and promote female empowerment through fashion.

As a passionate advocate for women's rights, Anderson has given inspiring TEDx Talks and spoken at prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. She has used her platform to address racial discrimination in the modelling industry, bringing attention to important issues and advocating for positive change. Through her work and activism, Anderson continues to inspire and empower women around the world.

Leomie Anderson launched her podcast, Role Model, in April 2021 in collaboration with Somethin’ Else and Sony Music. The podcast aims to feature conversations with global icons who are pushing boundaries and influencing the cultural landscape.

Two years later, in 2023, Anderson took over the hosting duties from Maya Jama on the well-known BBC show Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star. This opportunity allowed her to showcase her expertise and passion for the beauty industry on a mainstream platform.

Awards

In 2017, Anderson was recognised for her advocacy work in the modelling industry when she received the Model Activist award at Yahoo’s Diversity in Beauty Awards. This accolade highlighted her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the beauty and fashion sectors.