Meet the new face of TOPSHOP
Heard the name Lily Jean Harvey before? If not, don’t worry; you’re about to see this 17-year-old stunner a whole lot in 2017.
She’s an upcoming British It girl with immense modelling potential… if you count being the star of a new season TOPSHOP campaign as ‘potential’, that is. With this bold new role under her belt, it’s fair to say that this new face is about to make it big time.
Miss FQ was granted an exclusive interview with Lily Jean Harvey, a seemingly normal, and effortlessly humble millennial girl who is without a doubt our new favourite #girlcrush. I mean, sorry but… move over Cara D; Lily Jean is literal eyebrow goals.
Have a read for yourself…
Miss FQ: Where do you live?
Lily Jean Harvey: I live in Newark; it’s about 20 minutes from Nottingham. It’s a market town in the countryside [of England].
What do you like about it?
It’s really nice on a sunny day, and really pretty and because it’s in the countryside it’s easy to find somewhere peaceful. It can get really cold as well because it’s in the Midlands.
You’ve been to LA and London now for the TOPSHOP campaign shoot – how was it?
I’ve never been to America before so that was the most exciting part of the shoot. It was on this incredible empty beach in LA called Moogoo Point; it was tiny and even the locals hadn’t heard of it. We even saw dolphins! I was with my mum, so after we went to Venice beach and Hollywood Boulevard, all the places you have to go. We went to In-N-Out Burger and I had the best burger in my life.
How was the LA shoot compared to the London one?
There definitely was a different mood. The LA shoot was really laidback, but that was because we had lots more time. The whole shoot was set to the sound of the sea, so it was really calming. The London shoot was manic and fast-paced – we had a timetable to stick too. But both were really good in their own way; each shoot totally summed up each place.
When did you first find out you were going to be campaign girl?
I found out in September, right around the time of the TOPSHOP Unique show. My mum got the call; I couldn’t answer because I was at school. I couldn’t believe it; it was so surreal and I didn’t really believe it for a while. People ask me where the pictures are going to be, and it’s mad to think they’ll be everywhere.
What do your friends think?
All my friends think it’s really exciting, and they say, ‘when you get invited to cool stuff you have to bring us!’
What are your earliest memories of Topshop?
The first thing I owned from Topshop was a dress when I was about 11, I was really short so it had to be from the Petite range. It was red, white and blue striped, just a jersey dress. I loved it so much; I squeezed into it until I was 14.
What do you love about Topshop now?
They have something that fits every kind of girl, like in the Christmas campaign, there are nine completely different types of girls. Of all of them, I’d dress like Damaris Goddrie – wear comfy jeans but dress it up with a sparkly top.
What’s your go-to daytime outfit?
Jeans, a t-shirt, and I always wear trainers. I don’t think I own a pair of shoes!
Which women/girls inspire you dead or alive?
Michelle Obama – she’s such a great woman and has been a really good First Lady. Bringing out all the healthy eating initiatives, being a good mother… she’s had a very strong voice. And Lana Del Rey, I think she’s so cool.
Any style icons?
To be honest I do really love Kylie Jenner. I love that she has a very done-up style and embraces it no matter what other people think. My favourite person to stalk on Instagram is Snitchery – she’s a make-up college student and does really cool beauty how-tos.
Do you know what you want to do after school?
I was certain that I wanted to do English Literature at university, but then I wanted to study philosophy, so now I’m not sure. I think I’ll apply for English Literature but defer for a year so if I change my mind I have time!
Where you going to spend your year out?
I’m not sure if I want to model for a year or if I want to travel – if I travel, I’d probably see America.
What do you love about summer?
I love strawberries. Strawberries and cream. I love going for a walk in the countryside, seeing all of the wildflowers and bees and butterflies. I just love that summer is so laid back and calm, you don’t need to really put any effort into anything.
What do you do in summer holidays?
I usually go with my family, but I’m not this year – I’m going with friends. We haven’t decided where we’re going yet, but might go on a holiday or a festival somewhere, probably Croatia.
What music do you like?
I really like Drake and The Weeknd. The Weeknd’s new album is so good; I was listening to it on the bus and just thought, ‘wow this is so good’. I really like West Coast hip-hop and rap; I think rappers are so cool.
What takes up most of your time on your phone?
Probably Snapchat. I mostly use it to talk to my friends and use the ‘Explore Stories’ bit. I love horoscopes so I read those; Vice does really good daily horoscopes.
What stuff do you send to your friends?
We just send silly videos (like with our cats and dogs and things), but if I’m out and see something really cool, I’ll take a picture of it.
How would your best friend describe you?
Stupid, in a nice way! Quite loud, but only around my friends.
What are you like with people you don’t know?
I’m a bit reserved and detached to begin with; once I get to know someone I’m absolutely fine, but before that I’m a bit restrained. I think people that are instantly confident around people are kind of scary.
