STEVIE SIMS

Silk stripe blouse by Louis Vuitton

Confident and witty, Stevie Sims, the twenty year-old model and daughter of British Fashion Designer Luella Bartley and British Fashion Photographer David Sims is no stranger to some of the biggest names in the industry. Now, she is making a name for herself.  

Stevie turns up to our 5’ELEVEN” shoot looking laid back in slim fit jeans and black ballet flats, freshly landed in London from New York where she lived in the city’s artsy Chelsea borough – surrounded by art galleries – on and off for a year. Between shots, we sat down to chat about everything from growing up on set and stealing archival pieces from her mum’s wardrobe to her fashion after-party favourites plus what she has planned for the future. 

Interview by Ella Mansell.

Photography by Edwin S Freyer. Styled by Tasha Arguile. Makeup by Anna Inglis Hall at Stella Creative Artists using Haus Labs. Hair by Michela Olivieri at Caren Agency using Blu & Green. Socials by Boram Lee Freyer. Hair Stylist assisted by Kathy Jung. Shot at Motherlight Studios. Stevie appears courtesy of Kate Moss Agency.

Small ‘Chifferi’ nano plated brass earring by Lo Collections x Alex and Trahanas. Cream silk top by Camilla And Marc

How and when did you start modelling?

When I was 15 I was asked to be part of a Miu Miu campaign shot by Steve Mackey. I said yes. And then, everything followed from there; I signed with KMA as it felt like the right place to be. 

How did you find modelling at the start?

My Dad takes photographs professionally, but it’s also his love language. Since I was about five, I have been very used to following instructions to stay still and pose for the camera. So, modelling wasn't a total shock, but it's always going to feel and be slightly stiff when you're young and in front of the camera. 15 isn’t too young, but young enough to feel a bit anxious about being right in the spotlight. So, it felt natural in some ways. But at the same time I would catch myself thinking “oh, what am I doing?”

What is it that draws you to modelling and to the fashion industry?

I like how social the industry is. You can work long days, but everyone is there to focus on the same project with the same goal so you end up having a nice time on set. 

Do you have any favourite projects that you've worked on to date?

I met some really good friends on the Daisy Wild Marc Jacobs campaign by Nick Newbold; I am still super close with the girls that were in it too. I have really enjoyed every project I have worked on to be honest. I have never come home and thought “oh God, that was awful.” So, a favourite? I don’t have one! I do like working across both editorial and commercial projects. Editorials are always fun as they are more relaxed and collaborative which is enjoyable – everyone on set tends to work together more, rather than arriving at a shoot with a straight, direct vision in mind of what we need to achieve.

Silk stripe blouse and black sheer pleated trousers, both by Louis Vuitton

So has modelling been the gateway into learning more about the industry and how creative projects come together?

I think it's been the most natural gateway.  I've watched on sets since I was tiny, but I think if you want to do anything else on a set, it's quite nice to have been in the position of the model. As a model, you interact with everyone on a shoot, from hair and makeup to the stylist to the photographer. You get to see every side of a shoot, I would say, and I think that's good when you’re interested in working in other positions. 

How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?

I asked my Dad for his opinion and he said hectic. But I’d rather go with the word energetic. I’d say I am very social and I like to be around people. 

You’re an Aries, what would you say this says about you? Does it play into your energy?

Yes, probably. I'm not a huge astrology girl. I have CoStar which tells me how my day is going to go, in sync with my friends. It’s quite fun but I am not an avid horoscope reader or astrologer. I quite like the idea of it, but I have never really read too much into it. Though, I have always liked the fact that people point out that I have red hair and am an Aries. For some reason, that makes sense. I think being an Aries means you’re impatient. Would I say that’s true? Quite possibly. 

How would you describe your style? Is it energetic too?

I’d say it's quite simple. I care more about the fit of clothes and what they are made out of than anything else. So it tends to be quite basic.  But I think if you do the basics the right way it can look really put together, which is how I'd like to be looking and presenting myself.

Small ‘Chifferi’ nano plated brass earrings by Lo Collections x Alex and Trahanas. Black satin dress and black lace up heels, both by Ferragamo

You've spoken before about your love for vintage fashion. Is that a core part of your style?

I find that vintage clothes are actually better quality and fit better. I think modern clothes are produced too fast and in such high volumes that the quality is not the same. So that’s why I am drawn to vintage fashion – I love the craftsmanship of it. 

If you could steal anything from your parents’ wardrobes, what would it be?

What I’d like to steal the most depends on the day. There is actually one pair of Celine by Phoebe Philo white jeans that I stole from my mum and took back to New York with me for six months. She wasn’t impressed about it but I think they are the best jeans I have ever put on my body. Unfortunately, she still likes to wear those too, but I would steal them again if I could. My mum’s style is very classic and simple, she is a jeans-and-a-shirt kind of lady. She has some great shirts in her wardrobe. She also has amazing bags, I wear an old Luella Bartley bag most days. They’re fabulous. I may be biased but I do love them. Accessories are big in my wardrobe, I have lots of colourful bags, I love to add colour to a simple outfit this way.

Equally, which brand’s archives would you raid, and what would you take?

Oh it would have to be Gucci by Tom Ford. It was such a sexy era and I think the clothes look good on everyone. Plus, I go out enough to have a good “going out” wardrobe. You know what I was also thinking about the other day? Levi's. They don't make 501s like they used to, the denim is stretchy and different now. So if I could steal all the old 501s, that would be amazing. 

Is vintage shopping better in London or New York? Any favourite shopping spots?

New York City is better. Shopping in New York is great, I do have to say. It’s more expensive than London, but they have incredible pieces. There was this little spot off East Third Street – I can’t remember what it’s called – where they would switch out their vintage pieces every five months or so, and every time would have the most incredible selection of pieces. I’m not a huge shopper in London, I prefer to steal from the wardrobes of my family and friends.

Small ‘Chifferi’ nano plated brass earring by Lo Collections x Alex and Trahanas. Cream silk top by Camilla And Marc

Who would be your top five guests (dead or alive) at a fashion after party?

First would be my roommate, Bea, because she is just really fun and she comes with me everywhere, I love her. My little brother too – he is always fun at a party. Third would be David Bowie because I’d love to meet him. I’d also invite Stevie Nicks who I am named after. I just think she is so cool and I love her clothes. I’d also invite my friend Lila (Moss) and Stella Jones who are the coolest. Quite similar to the parties I already go to! 

Do you have a hidden talent or hobby that you think people would be surprised to learn about you?

I used to paint. But I don't think that's surprising. I used to post about that quite a lot. I would paint realism-style paintings, usually focussing on people with lots of skin and tonal work. I was really into magic for a while. But I wasn’t very good so I’m not sure you could call it a talent. There was a cool magic shop in Clerkenwell that has been there forever. All of the guys that work there are at least in their 60s and are really good at magic. They’ll talk to you for hours if you feel like it. I have a couple of tricks under my belt now but I need my magic deck of cards…

I also loved this one where I had a large dice and when you shook it, it exploded into little dice. That one was easy but a real crowd pleaser. I also had one where you can pull flowers out of a box, it was done with a magnet. I’m giving away my tricks now!

They say you should never meet your idol. Do you agree and who is your idol?

I don't agree. As long as you don't act like an idiot, you'll be completely fine. I did happen to meet my idol, and this might sound silly, but it’s Hailey Bieber. We met on set for W Magazine while she was pregnant. She was quite possibly the nicest person I've ever met. Ever. And she was incredibly interesting and had the time of the day to have a real conversation with me, and everyone on set. 

Having said that, I have also been a big fan of Skepta all my life. I met him and I cried in front of him. And I don't think he thought that was the coolest thing ever. So I'd probably take that one back if I could. But equally we are all just human and we want to meet nice, cool people, you know?

Silk stripe blouse by Louis Vuitton

Do you have anything – career or otherwise – on your bucket list?

Learning. I just want to learn as much as I can. Even if I don't love what I'm learning, at least I'll end up with more knowledge after it. 

So, final question. What's next?

I've just moved back to London, so I’m getting used to London life again and just looking forward to a fun summer!

Small ‘Chifferi’ nano plated brass earrings by Lo Collections x Alex and Trahanas. Black satin dress and black lace up heels, both by Ferragamo