Pringle unveil new kid on the block Freya Mavor, about to take the lead in series five of Skins, as the freckled-face of their spring/summer 11 campaign.
E4 have got a knack for casting the next big thing into their hormonal 9pm spots. From Nicholas Hoult and Dev Patel to Kaya Scodelario, the debaucherous Skins series is a breeding ground for UK talent. Their latest choice, Scottish born Freya Mavor, has got people talking before the series even starts, owed to her being the face of Pringle of Scotland’s spring/summer campaign, shot by i-D’s much-loved contributor Walter Pfeiffer. The natural choice to portray youth in revolt, Pfeiffer made his name photographing lovers and youths, and has been a source of inspiration to photographers such as Wolfgang Tillmans, Juergen Teller and Ryan McGinley (who filmed the Pringle of Scotland spring/summer 2010 campaign starring Tilda Swinton). The very bright, very young, very next new thing Freya was kind enough to introduce herself to i-D Online and show us a bit ‘o that skittish Scottishness she so expertly brings to her ring leader character, Mini McGuiness. It’s a genius stroke from Pringle, communicating to the next generation of cool Britannia.
Tell us something about your background… I was born in bonny Glasgow, but moved to Edinburgh shortly after. Around the age of seven I took over a year out of school to go abroad, where my parents (attempted) to homeschool me, resulting in a massive scrapbook, filled with childish scribbles and badly spelt essays, as well as many snaps of foreign kittens. I lived in La Rochelle for four years after that, and to this day I still consider it my ‘spiritual home’. Then the family decided to move back to Scotland, and we’ve been here for the past three years. It took me time, but I’ve grown fond of Edinburgh, and just this year I got my first acting job on Skins. It feels incredible to be able to pursue my passion.
How did the Pringle collaboration come about? I got a call from my agency saying they were looking for a Scottish actress for the spring/summer campaign. I was so shocked, I could barely speak when I got off the phone. I just started laughing, it seemed so unreal.
How did you find working with Walter? He was very chirpy throughout the shoot and kept everyone positive, which was great.
Describe your Skins character in five words… Dominant, ambitious, devoted, insecure, insane.
Now describe yourself in five words… I don’t think I can. [that's five, we counted]
What are your New Year’s Resolutions? I know it’s clichéd, but I just want to make the most of this year, enjoy every moment and keep in touch with those I love… And also persuade the rents to get a new kitten!
