An Interview with Emma Landen

Photo: Emma Landen Emma Landen is beautiful in black in her test shot for IMG.

Fashion's favorite Colorado native is taking the world by storm, running her wildly popular Instagram page and modeling for some of the industry's biggest names. Think: Dior and H&M-- No big deal, I do that all the time. With a Material Girl magazine cover and a spread in Jalouse under her belt, she is a force to be reckoned with. After seeing this super-model-in-the-making grace the pages of the September issue of Elle Japan, I knew I wanted to talk to her about style, travel and what its like being fashion's freshest new face. Meet model and muse Emma Landen. (By the end of this interview, you'll wish you were best pals with this ultra-cool-funny-girl. She made me laugh almost as much as she made me want that light wash denim jacket pictured below. Well, watcha waiting for? Read on!) 

TAYLOR: Since I can't seem to conduct an interview without asking this question, here it goes: if you were stuck on a deserted island, what are three things you'd take with you? 

EMMA: Hmmm, on a deserted island I'd definitely need a knife, tons and tons of huge blankets and a very hot muscular boy. Yeah, I think thats all I'll need. 

[Laughs] Okay, now for the real stuff, you've had so much success as a model already, can I ask how old you are? 

Awe, thank you! I'm fifteen years old. 

When did you start modeling? 

I did some little kid modeling and local stuff when I was about eight or nine. I just did a lot of commercial stuff up until the age of like, eleven. I then signed with Elite in Miami for a few years, and when I was thirteen, I signed with IMG! 

How did you get into modeling? 

I was at some festival downtown with my family where I live, and a woman from a local agency came up to my parents and asked if I'd be willing to do a small test shoot and sign with them! 

Did you always want to be a model? 

I had never really though about it. When I first started out, I thought it was a bit weird. I just didn't know a lot about the industry. But as I grew older, it transformed into something I truly loved. 

Photo: Emma Landen is beautiful in black in her test shot for IMG. 

You get to travel a lot for jobs, right? What is the most exotic place you've ever been to? 

I do travel! Not as much as a full time model since I'm so young, but I'm in love with the places I've been. Tokyo was by far the most exotic, such a different culture. Thats where the Elle Japan story was shot. 

Since you travel a bit, what do you think are five travel essentials everyone should pack in their suitcase? 

I've kind of memorized what I need for a trip at this point. I always keep stuff with me in my purse especially if it's a longer flight, like, lotions, face wash, my journal and healthy snacks. But, in my suitcase I always have a leather jacket, sandals, a good pair of heels, really, really, really comfy PJ's and a bikini-- just in case.  

Do you like a big city or the countryside? 

I'm from Colorado so I appreciate a good mountain view. But I also love being in the city. Its really inspiring. 

Photo: Emma Landen is beautiful in black in her test shot for IMG.

Now, I feel as though I'd be doing the world a huge disservice if I didn't ask you about your style. Off duty model style has become a whole culture on its own. How would you describe your style? 

Modeling has really changed my style. I love really basic things, and I find I like matching cheaper clothing with more expensive stuff. I just love experimenting, and I think if I wasn't modeling, I'd for sure want to become some kind of stylist or producer. 

What does your wardrobe mostly consist of? Mine is mostly striped shirts. You can never have too many striped shirts, right?! 

My wardrobe is overly comfy. I have so many things that I've bought not only because its stylish, but because I need to be comfortable at all times. 

Since your style is pretty great, I assume you have an equally enviable taste in music and movies! What are your favorite movies? 

I've been super into documentaries lately. I love anything that'll make me think. I've also recently watched romantic things like About Time and Up. But, I can also appreciate a good action movie. 

Favorite bands? 

So many. With music, I'm pretty much across the board. I'll listen to any genre. My favorites are Ed Sheeran, Alt-J, Cherub, The Killers, Beyoncé--

--Oh my God, so much yes for Queen B.

[Laughs] I also like the Arctic Monkeys, Two Door Cinema Club, The Paper Kites, The XX, and I love some Jay-Z. Random, I know! 

Photo:  Emma Landen is beautiful in black in her test shot for IMG.

“It's all been fabulous and I couldn't ask for anything better.”

Back to fashion. You've worked with Dior and H&M, and you've also been in editorials for Elle Japan, What's the most memorable experience in your fashion career, so far? 

Just the people I've gotten the chance to work with. I've never really had a negative experience with a crew [member] or photographer. It's all been fabulous, and I couldn't ask for anything better. I really can't wait for what's to come. 

Whats the best part about being a model? 

I honestly think I've learned more valuable life skills whilst traveling and experiencing the world than I ever could in high school. To have a job like I do so young, you have a new outlook, and you start planning for the future much earlier. It's taught me to be humble and professional. 

What do you like to do with your free time when you're not modeling? 

I love running, hiking and yoga. Typical Colorado stuff. But, I'm young and I really just enjoy chilling out and listening to music with friends. I'm not a huge partier or anything. Concerts are my favorite. Shopping is always a must. 

Photo: Emma Landen is beautiful in black in her test shot for IMG.

“Be confident and never do anything you don't want to do.”

You have a lot of people who admire you and your work, who do you admire? 

Really? A lot? It's hard to imagine myself that way! Oh, I admire so many people. I love a lot of the girls running the industry right now, Karlie [Kloss], Joan [Smalls] , Candice [Swanepoel], all the big girls. I'm with such a large agency, there's so many people to look up to and aspire to be like. But, I also love the original supermodels, Kate [Moss], Gisele [Bündchen]... I especially admire all the crews and other models I've worked with. The position of being a model is really the easiest job when it comes to a shoot. Everyone else has been working and planning their asses off! 

Whats the best advice you've ever been given? 

Thats a tough one! My agents have always kept me grounded and my parents always know what to say. My mother has always let me know that things aren't guaranteed and to make it in any profession you need to work hard. I'm so blessed to have the family I have! 

What advice would you like to give to young aspiring models? 

Be confident and never do anything you don't want to do. If you have true potential, things will fall into place, you just need to be patient. Modeling is an incredible career, but it takes time and talent to really make it. 

Okay, so I'm really into puns. I have about seventeen written down. Do you know one? 

What do you call a seagull by the bay? 

What? 

A bagel! 

[Laughs] I love that. Thanks for letting me interview you! 

Thanks for the interview! This was fun!