Becoming successful in the cut-throat world of fashion is no easy feat – and when it comes to the modeling industry, the competition is markedly more fierce.
Populated with towering, svelte bodies that have the proportions of a mannequin, the modeling industry’s beautiful participants are plagued by the idea that they are easily replaceable on a job with another one of the countless 5’10” stunners eagerly waiting in the wings for their chance in front of the camera.
Because of this, modern models have been tasked with separating themselves from the pack, standing out in the crowd and making themselves indispensable to their clients.
From passion-filled philanthropy to scintillating side hustles, the pressure is on for models to make a name for themselves outside the realms of the runway in order to boost their careers.
For multidimensional model Laura Jacques, the Miami native’s diverse facets of interest have positioned her as one of the most exciting models to watch at the moment – both on and off the catwalk.
Jacques is currently studying psychology and expanding her expertise on how the human mind works - an intriguing area of interest for someone involved in such a people-driven industry.
Modeling wasn’t on Jacques radar at first, however; the Haitian rooted beauty was always the tall and lanky kid in school, insecure in her unique features and pushed toward utilizing her lofty height for athletics over aesthetics.
But after some encouragement from her sister to put her physique and alienesque-look to use, Jacques began posting photos across social media and attending open calls before getting scouted and signed by a major agency her very first year.
“I never found myself to be beautiful, but everyone else did so I just played my part in front of the lens and started to find myself as an art,” reveals Jacques. “It just felt great to think something positive about myself and to see and be able to participate in someone’s vision to turn it into life.”
Now signed to Select Models Miami, Jacques carefully balances her psychological studies with her passion for modeling and the incredible global travels her profession brings with it. Though Jacques aims to one day earn her doctorate, the Miami model is presently focused on expanding her mind and perspective by living solely to experience, and just appreciating life as the art that it is.
In fact, Jacques wishes she could have been born in the 70s because that was when all of the iconic supermodels were on the rise. She considers the likes of Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Linda Evangelista her inspirations.
According to Jacques, the late 80s-90s was the most prominent era in fashion because this is when those supermodels truly hit their stride. Jacques also notes that pre-internet, models did not need to deal with the biting pressures of social media
Still, Jacques credits the modern modeling era with ushering in a sense of beautiful inclusivity unlike anything the sector has experienced in the past, and names Anok Yai and Sora Choi as her own personal favourites as the most exciting faces in the industry today.
While the old saying goes that beauty is only skin deep, multifaceted models like Laura Jacques are proving that modern allure goes far beyond the surface level.
For more on Jacques, follow her on Instagram for the latest updates.
