Lauren Smith’s journey from young motherhood and athletic champion to successful model and corporate professional.
Love, lessons, and loss have shaped Lauren Smith into a resilient woman whose journey spans young motherhood, modelling, sport, and business success.
Lauren Smith, a dynamic presence in the UK fashion scene, is a model whose career reflects both versatility and enduring passion. With five years of professional experience and a recent return to the industry, she has become known for her work across runway, editorial, and commercial platforms. Her portfolio includes standout appearances in commercial campaigns, high-profile catwalks, and glamour shoots, demonstrating her ability to navigate diverse areas of the modelling world.
As a published model, she is especially celebrated for her work with luxury bridal designers, gracing high-end fashion events with an effortless poise. Her commitment to elegant, timeless imagery is matched by a reputation for professionalism and adaptability on set. Colleagues and clients alike admire her quiet confidence and the grounded energy she brings to every project.
Dedication
Whether captivating audiences on the runway or collaborating with creative teams in the studio, she approaches her craft with gratitude and a determined dedication to realising a brand’s vision. Her journey defines both her skill and her genuine love for fashion—qualities that make her a true asset to the industry.
Love, lessons, and loss have shaped Lauren Smith into the woman she is today. Her journey has taken her through early marriage, becoming a mother at just 18, and later, navigating the challenges of divorce. Through it all, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience, raising her child while building a career and growing as an individual.
Lauren – Chapter
This chapter of her life marks a new beginning. Beyond her success in modelling, she has also established herself in a successful corporate role, proving there’s much more to her than what’s captured on camera. Her achievements span multiple arenas: a national judo champion in her teens, a boxing competition winner by second-round TKO, five published modelling credits, walking for Toni & Guy, and presenting at Salon International.
Lauren – Career
You’ve navigated various paths in life, but let’s start at the beginning: What initially inspired you to pursue a career in modelling, and how has your perspective on the industry evolved over time?
Honestly, I wasn’t interested in modelling at first. When I was a teenager walking through Camden, a talent scout stopped me. Just a week later, my dad and I were on a train to London, and I found myself on set with Toni & Guy.
Over time, my perspective has changed. I’ve learned it’s important to stay true to yourself and take on only projects that match your values. When I didn’t, it affected my wellbeing. Now, I believe that staying true to who you are is the most important thing.
Defining Moment
Every career has its pivotal moments—sometimes challenging, sometimes transformative. Can you share a defining moment from your modelling career that really impacted you and helped shape who you are today?
Rejection is part of the journey—you won’t get every casting, and it’s important not to take it personally. It takes a lot of self-reflection and self-love to keep going, and I’m still working on finding that balance myself. But as someone dear to me once said, “No one is better, just different.”
Lauren – Balance
Your journey is unique, balancing motherhood and athletic achievements alongside your modelling career. How have your experiences as a mother and athlete influenced your work and your presence in the fashion world?
Sport has made me incredibly resilient. It teaches you how to enter a focused zone where all the noise from the outside world fades away. I bring that same mindset to the set—it allows me to be fully present and concentrate on what we’re trying to achieve together.
Motherhood, on the other hand, has brought a gentle softness to my nature. That nurturing energy influences everything I do, both in my personal life and in my professional work.
Time
Lauren, after some time away, you’ve recently made a notable return to the industry. What motivated your comeback, and what feels different for you this time around?
It was actually my partner who encouraged me to take this leap, even though I still feel nervous about it!
In the past, I sometimes accepted projects that didn’t truly align with who I am, simply because I needed the paycheck. This time around, I’m committed to staying true to myself and my values with every opportunity I pursue.
Style
Style is such a personal form of expression, and yours always stands out. Who or what inspires you most when it comes to style and self-expression?
I’m inspired by women who confidently embrace a sharp, masculine-chic aesthetic. I love how strong tailoring can exude sexiness while still maintaining elegance and authority. To me, true style is about using structured silhouettes to project both strength and sophistication.
Advice
Lauren, young women look up to you for your ability to balance your career, family, and ambitions. What advice would you share with those juggling multiple roles and responsibilities?
One of the biggest challenges is finding time for yourself—you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s also important to say no more often and stand firm on your boundaries to protect your peace. If something disrupts your sense of calm, it’s simply not worth your time, and time is your most valuable asset.
Platform
The fashion world is always evolving, as are the voices within it. How do you hope to use your platform to impact the industry or inspire others?
I hope to use my platform to bring a refined and dynamic allure to the industry—one that blends strength, elegance, and grace. My goal is to inspire others to confidently embrace every facet of themselves. To me, allure isn’t just about glamour; it’s about moving effortlessly between playful, moody, and edgy moods, all while maintaining a sense of powerful, authentic elegance.
Credits
Editorial Photography by: Steve Fox / @TheCreativeFoxPhotos
The print version will be out soon!