KATIE CRAVEN
- 5' ELEVEN''
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
If you ask her, model Katie Craven would tell you she’s not a “fashion person.” Growing up in the Isle of Wight in a violent home with a parent struggling with addiction, modelling was never on the cards. Then a TikTok scouting message she almost dismissed set her career in motion. Since then, Craven has worked with heavyweights like Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten and JW Anderson. Still, the beach is where she feels the most grounded, and where she supports Tall Ships Youth Trust, the sailing programme that boosted her confidence as a teen and helped pave the path for her career in fashion.
Interview by Maya Avram.
Photographed by Conor Clarke. Styled by Charly Suggett. Makeup by Quelle Bester using Shiseido. Hair by Charles Stanley using CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Hair Perfume. Katie appears courtesy of Titanium Management and Menace Models.
First things first, how did you get into modelling?
I got scouted by an agency on TikTok when I was 17. They messaged me a few times, and in the beginning I was kind of like, ‘Nah, not really a bit of me.’ I didn’t think it was real.
Is that because it was through TikTok or because you didn’t want to be a model?
I’m from the Isle of Wight, where modelling is not very common – it’s more something you see online. Anyway, I ended up meeting the agency and went on to do many Fashion Weeks and campaigns.
You’ve worked with inspiring designers like JW Anderson and Dries Van Noten. Did moving into the heart of fashion feel natural to you, or did it take some adapting?
I had to adapt to the fashion world. I’m very much a hoodie and jeans type of girl, so when I’m working, it’s like playing a character.
What are the differences between you and your fashion persona?
I’m probably a lot calmer than my fashion persona. Back in the Isle of Wight I’ll be at the beach, bike riding, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing.
That sounds very active.
Yeah, but it’s a lot calmer than being in the city – it’s where I go for inner peace. I now live in London, which is a little bit mad. I do love it here, though.
What are some of the highlights, challenges and pinch-me moments from your career so far?
A pinch-me moment was the runway shows in Paris. Seeing the paparazzi in front of me and thinking, ‘this is real’. Highlights are the people and the places I get to meet and visit, which wouldn’t happen if I weren’t blessed with the opportunity to model.
I’ve made some amazing friends in the industry. Not just models but also agents, casting directors, creative directors, photographers and makeup artists. When we see each other it makes the whole experience 10 times better.
Who are your dream designers to work with?
Willy Chavarria, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.
You’ve spoken before about your challenging upbringing. How has that experience shaped your view of life?
The way I grew up was very difficult. It was definitely a challenge, but working with the Tall Ships Youth Trust and serving as a young leader there helped me progress in life and in my career. If it weren't for the people who helped me when I was younger, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What are some of the lessons you learned from the programme?
When one door closes, another one opens. Challenges are part of life, but they also come with rewards.
Any examples?
I came from absolutely nothing, haven’t left the Isle of White before I was 18, and today I get to travel all over the world. My first bit of social interaction happened as part of my experience with the charity that extended me the opportunity to join. So a big shout-out to them.
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I’m a bit of a chatterbox. I got this way when I started public speaking for charities. Sharing my story of growing up homeless, coming from a really bad background, really helped. People go through these situations every day, so I tell my story loud and proud.
Glasses by Ferragamo. Shirt and trousers by Noon by Noor. Leather bag by MM6 Maison Margiela. ‘Gema’ ring by Swarovski
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