Lara. Lovely Lara. Sometimes we think she’s a dream.
Click images to enlarge.
She’s staring at you as you queue to pay in Topshop. The Northamptonshire beauty whose delicate bone structure and hair that makes mid-length desirable again, has got everybody looking up at the same time. With a head for numbers and a face for fashion, the 17-year-old Maths A-level student is signed to Premier and has ticked off a campaign with Topshop, an i-D cover for The Whatever The Weather Issue with Fashion Director Charlotte Stockdale (here for more), and AW12 shows in every fashion capital so far. Her favourite food is an aphrodisiac, but you can hardly imagine her eating with intent. Miss Mullen is the paradigm of innocence, and we love her all the more for it. Her NY mag profile claims she’s known for ‘eyebrows and eyes’. But may we humbly draw your attention to: the scar in her left brow, the perfect pink lips and that spectacularly shaped jaw. She’s brand new, staying in school and squeaky clean.
i-D online troubled Lara for a few personal snaps, and had a chat about Mrs Prada, her cover shoot co-star Matt and her crazzzzzzy mates!
What was growing up in Northamptonshire like? It was idyllic growing up in the countryside. Most of my family live close and I was lucky enough to always be surrounded by cousins, aunts and uncles. Northamptonshire is a great place to live as you have the solitude and greenness of the countryside but also the bustle of the towns…it’s a good mix.
When were you scouted? In the Summer of last year by Premier, my initial thought on being asked if I was a model was – what me ???? A model????hahahaha.
How did you feel walking at Prada only a month after being scouted? Scared, excited but at the same time proud. I remember feeling nervous as I first stepped out onto the runway but felt reassured after seeing Mrs Prada smile.
What A levels are you doing? I’m currently studying Business and Maths and next year I’m going to finish my music A level.
What was it like sharing the shoot with Matt Ardell? It was so much fun working with Matt and it was my first time shooting with another model. I am still in touch with him and we email each other every now and then.
How would you describe your personal style? My personal style is most definitely comfortable, casual but at the same time quite smart. I like to wear an outfit that can take me anywhere.
What’s your dream job? (if not modelling) I would eventually like to work in radio or television as a producer. I think it would be interesting to do all the research and organising. I like the idea of being on the other side of a production… that would be cool!
What’s your first thought when you look in the mirror? ‘You should probably brush your hair’.
What are your mates like? They are all crazy, caring but most importantly loyal.
Are you in love? Ummm no…
What’s your favourite film? Kinky Boots. It’s a film set in a local village close to where I live. It’s based on a true story of a shoe factory that is about to go bust, but decides to diversify their product and starts making show shoes for drag queens.
What’s your favourite food? Asparagus in all its forms….whether it be boiled, steamed or grilled.
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Text: Sarah Raphael
Images (top) courtesy Lara Mullen and Premier
Images (bottom): Jeff Bark and Fashion Director Charlotte Stockdale
