Laura Morgan might be the world’s most interesting model. Not only has she called 65 different places ‘home’, but she’s somehow found time to cram about five different careers into the space of one life. And not just any careers. After leaving school at 15, she started modelling in 1998, working closely with Lee McQueen, an experience she describes as ‘educational’ and ‘liberating’, for six seasons. She then pressed pause on the modelling world, turning her hand, instead, to designing clothes, collaborating with musicians and working with Arianne Phillips, Madonna’s costume designer, among other things.
Photographer: ALEX BRAMALL
How did you come to work with Lee, and how did you collaborate?
"My agency sent me on a casting to their Rivington Street studio. It was one of my first in London and honestly, I had no idea who Alexander McQueen was. I had to put on the most awkward heels and walk across a wobbly wooden floor. The woman doing the casting, Sidone, said something like, “You’re amazing. We just need to work on your walk.” I don’t know how I ended up becoming [the] in-house model. I worked with them on every collection from the initial concept through to the full realization, sometimes even through to sales. Every piece of the collection was fitted on my body. I would tell them what did and didn’t fit and how I felt it needed to be adjusted. I would share my opinion on what I thought worked and suggest other possible options. We were all very much a team and hugely collaborative. It was fantastic to start the season looking at the inspiration board, which held fabric swatches, paintings, poems, photos. One time, it had a dead bird pinned to it. I knew that we were producing amazing work. Lee was one of the most creative people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. His passion, talent, and imagination blew my mind. He was fearless in his creations."
Collaboration is a constant theme that runs throughout your career. Talk to us about how you’ve approached, managed, and maintained these types of relationships.
"Different projects require different types of collaborative approach. However, what runs through all of my collaborative work is the need to treat everyone as I would like to be treated myself, to be patient, open, and never forget that it takes the hands and talents of the many for a project to be completed. No matter the job title all involved are equally important and should be treated that way."
Photographer: NAGI SAKAI
Laura Morgan is a force of nature. Shooting herself in the remote wilds of her current Martha’s Vineyard hideaway, the model, photographer, costume stylist and writer wears the season’s finest Activewear to explore the natural rhythms of her rugged coastal surroundings.
As a devoted yogi and multi-faceted creative, Irish-born Laura describes the importance of mind-body connection: “Part of what I love about physical activity is the creative aspect of it. Exploring the different things that my body can do. So much emotion is expressed through movement and the body.”
You’ve been a fashion model for a long time. Also know that now you’re very select about who you work with and we are so fortunate that you choose to work with 6397. Your career has spanned from modeling to costume design ( you worked with Madonna on some of her world tours ) to photography and now you’ve enrolled in Goldsmiths Arts College to pursue fine art. Where do you find that inspiration, drive and energy?
"Wanting to stay alive and feel life inspires and drives me. There is a part of me that does not believe I am worthy of life so I have to do what I can to counteract that voice. I hope my actions and adventures can inspire others to know they can do the same."