Photography courtesy of West Model & Talent Management
“Every time I say I’m from here, people ask me, ‘What is it about St. Louis?’” says 19-year-old model Devon Windsor. In recent years, the likes of Karlie Kloss and others have made a major splash on the fashion scene. The latest St. Louisan to lift off the runway is Windsor, a tall, green-eyed blonde who’s gone from local photo shoots to Milan and New York Fashion Week, as well as modeling for Victoria’s Secret, Prada, Jason Wu, Calvin Klein, Chanel, and more.
How did your modeling career start?
When I was at a friend’s bat mitzvah, someone in the business gave me a card and told me I should think about modeling. I signed with Gail Lasater at West Model & Talent Management when I was 14 and did photo shoots and commercial work from there. It wasn’t until after high school that I started really traveling, and I’m glad I waited and was able to have a normal life in high school.
What moments stand out?
My first international trip to Milan, right after I graduated high school, was a big learning experience. I had to go to a foreign country on my own, and it was the first time I did high fashion, which was really surprising to me. I always thought I’d be a commercial model.
What was fashion week like for you?
I had some friends who had done it before so I kind of knew what to expect. It was a tough week, and I got very little sleep. I never dreamt that I would be in as many shows as I was.
After appearing in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and New York Fashion Week, what’s the next step in your career?
A lot of girls have a really great first season and end up being kind of one-hit wonders. I worked nonstop after Fashion Week and did my best to network with stylists and photographers. I’m trying to work and travel as much as possible right now.
What’s been the most challenging part of being a high-fashion model?
The traveling. I like to travel on vacation, but traveling for work is much different. You never really feel like you have a home, and you’re constantly required to be on the move if you want your career to advance.
What are the most common misconceptions about models?
The first is that all models are anorexic or bulimic or on drugs, which is completely untrue; most models I know are like me and are just blessed to have crazy metabolisms, and we work out and stay active. The second is that we live these glamorous lifestyles and make millions on one job, which is very rare. Modeling is definitely fun, but it’s more hard work than most people think.
What does it take to be a successful model?
It’s really all chance. There are millions of beautiful women out there. You just have to be at the right place at the right time with the right people who want you. It takes some models 10 years to get noticed, and that’s very normal. I advise aspiring models that if you don’t make it right away, it’s ok. Just keep trying and don’t give up. There are always going to be people out there who don’t like you.
There’s been a lot of talk about how models and the media make young girls feel insecure.
The limelight always seems to be on models or actors, and I just try to do my best to show people that modeling is just my job. I try my best to show on social media that I’m just a normal girl: I like to eat ice cream, go on family vacations. If anything, we’re the weird and unnatural ones; I was very self-conscious about my height and appearance growing up.
What’s your personal style?
It changes based on how I’m feeling. I usually try to break that stereotypical, beautiful commercial model look. I would describe my personality as edgy and feminine. I have five pairs of black jeans that I love to wear with something as simple as a tank top.
Why do you think so many models right now, such as yourself and Karlie Kloss, are coming from St. Louis?
It’s not New York or Los Angeles in terms of the fashion industry, but I think one of the main things I’ve noticed is that a lot of models from St. Louis seem to have great support systems and are brought up by good, supportive families. That kind of support is very important.
What are some of your goals?
One of my major goals was to be in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show, and I was really excited be able to do that recently. At this point, I’d like to become a common face that people know. I want to really establish myself and continue to do high fashion, but also maintain a balance between that and my commercial side.
What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
I’d probably be in college, possibly getting a culinary degree. I’ve always been very interested in cooking—I might even take some cooking classes soon.
What are the biggest fashion trends you're seeing for spring?
Last year, there were a lot of neutrals like camel and tan, but this year, color is back in a big way. Bright patterns and textures, often mixed together in unexpected ways, are another trend to look out for this spring.
