Tumblr-loving ambassador for Taipei and runway model Kelly Mittendorf was first scouted dive-bombing at her local swimming pool. Now she’s on the cover of The Just Kids Issue, shot by face finder Terry Richardson and i-D Fashion Director Charlotte Stockdale.
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Considering herself just a normal teenager, homegirl Kelly never considered her appearance to be of much importance, until she began landing covers with i-D and working closely with Steven Meisel and Terry Richardson. Living the simple life with her family in Arizona, Kelly likes nothing more than curling up at home with some frozen yogurt and cites her daily essential items as her sketch book, a bottle of water and a banana. Currently single, this low maintenance lovely has a secret crush on a lad at her school, but she’s not telling us who! An incredible, Amazonian-like princess with a look unlike any other model about right now, Kelly stands alone, a vision of unadulterated perfection.
i-D online found out why heaven is missing an angel, taking five minutes to chat with Kelly the coverstar.
You were discovered at a swimming pool, how did you first react when you were told you could be a model? I was really excited although I did not understand exactly what it would include… and then I jumped into the pool and let my dad talk to the scout.
You work as an ambassador for Taipei, Taiwan. How did you come to get involved with the Phoenix Sister Cities Programme and what does your work as an ambassador involve? A friend suggested that I apply to the programme which involved a 15 page essay application process and a formal business interview. I spent roughly three weeks in Taiwan, immersing in the culture then had the opportunity to teach others about what I learned.
What’s yourearliest memory? Being on vacation with my older sister and parents in Coronado, California.
What TV shows did you like to watch as a kid? I was (am) a TV junkee, I watched a lot of cartoons like RocketPower, we even named our dog after the show.
What was yourfavorite childhood game? I was a make believe kid, I loved getting dressed up and pretending to be princesses or movie stars or on Broadway. I liked board-games a lot as well like Sorry! or Yahtzee.
Whose poster didyou hang on your bedroom wall when you were a kid? Orlando Bloom
When you werelittle what did you want to be when you grew up? I really didn’t know, I wanted to stay little forever.
What was it like toshoot with Terry and Charlotte for i-D? It was so much fun!
What do you like todo for fun? I like going out to eat, seeing my friends and occasionally doing something adventurous!
Are you in love? I’m not in love. The closest thing to a relationship is with my booker George, my family jokes about it! I spend more time talking to him or emailing him than anybody else.
What are your top five favourite places to hang out in NYC? Wandering around Soho, visiting the coffee shop and bugging my agents in Union Square, Mike Due Pizza’s around 24th Street or curled up at home with Pinkberry frozen yogurt.
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Text: Milly McMahon
Images courtesy Kelly and Marilyn New York. Images 7,8 and 9 photography Terry Richardson, fashion direction Charlotte Stockdale, for The Just Kids Issue
