Interview with Top Pin Up Model Romanie Smith

Photo by Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir - MUAH: Sarah Elliott 

I want to share features with you all from real models. Romanie Smith is a full time professional model. Internationally featured & published cover girl, Romanie is a blonde bombshell specialising in a wide spectrum of modelling including in pin up, fetish/alt, beauty, lingerie, fashion, commercial and anything in between. 

Romanie has modelled for many companies around the World including, Westward Bound Latex, What Katie Did, Patrice Catanzaro, Pandora Deluxe Latex, Fred & Ginger Lingerie, Secrets in Lace Europe, Brigitte More and more. Romanie has also modelled with the beautiful Masuimi Max for her cosmetic range I Am Sin.

I interviewed Romanie who chats modelling, beauty, fashion and more with me!

Photo by Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir - MUAH: Sarah Elliott

How did you come into modeling?

I left school aged 16 and got a job training to be a hairdresser, but unfortunately I became very ill and I spent a year in and out of hospital with Kidney problems.  I'd had to quit my job as a trainee hairdresser as I was too ill to continue working and I had major Kidney surgery in June 2012 age 17 which had a 8 week recovery period. I was approached by a local photographer who asked me to test with him and I didn't have anything else to do so thought why not... that was my first shoot in February 2013.

What is the best thing about being Romanie Smith?

Photo by Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir
MUAH: Sarah Elliott

That's a tough question, with a few possible answers.... 1. I have an amazingly loving and supportive family around me. 2. I have a job which I love and that I have a lot of fun with, it's sometimes very long hours and not very glamorous, but it usually involves a lot of laughter, make up and pampering. 3.  I get a lot of clothes / lingerie / make up sent to me for free which obviously is a massive bonus!

What is your favourite type of photoshoot to do?

I like them all really; I've tried not to be too niche so I'm not stereotyped into one category.  I love the pin up style, it's so feminine, but I love fetish and beauty work too. 

What photographers would you recommend for those looking to build their portfolio or looking for photos just for fun?

I would recommend looking for local photographers who are also looking to build their portfolio.  Look at their current work to make sure it's the kind of images you'd like for yourself and if so ask them if they'd like to collaborate with you.  

What preparation do you do before a shoot?

Communication is vital prior to shooting, to discuss what is required from each party involved in the shoot, I like to know what's expected of me before hand so I can be well prepared.  I always have a case of shoes and lingerie packed, nail polishes, make up, accessories etc.  I have my hair coloured every two weeks to avoid roots and always turn up to shoot make up free, with clean hair.  

Photo by Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir
MUAH: Sarah Elliott

Where do you turn for style advice?

I don't really... I love fashion, but I'm not really a 'follower' of fashion. I like to have my own style and look a little different from everyone else.

Do you have any tattoos and if so what are they of?

I have 2 tattoos, one on my thigh which is barbed wire and roses and one on the sole of my foot. When I first had they one on my foot done, it said 'Made by Matel' official Barbie style, but it wore away within about 2 weeks and now just says 'e by Ma' ... 

Do you have future tattoo plans? Who does your work?

I'd love to cover myself in tattoos, but so far my plans are all on hold.  

Do your tattoos benefit you in the modeling industry or make it harder to find work?

I know a lot of models who are covered in tattoos who are thriving in this industry, but for beauty and fashion work, it's still a big no no.  I've been asked to cover my tattoo up at times and have also had to have it edited out for certain publications.  There are certain companies who won't let you model for them if you have a tattoo so me personally, I think it would be very limiting if I had anymore right now. 

Do you have a set beauty routine?

I am really fortunate to have very good skin, I don't really follow a strict regime but I do drink a lot of water and have a very balanced diet. I love Chanel's Le Jour, La, Nuit and Le Weekend - it's a 3 part complementary skincare range which really leaves my skin looking glowing and feeling soft.

Photo by Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir
MUAH: Sarah Elliott

Who is your beauty idol?

My ultimate beauty idol is Marilyn Monroe, she is timelessly beautiful.  I think Angelina Jolie will be the modern equivalent, she too is just incredibly beautiful. 

On that note how to you keep yourself in shape?

I don't have much time to go the the gym etc. I eat well, drink plenty of fluids and walk as much as I can, where and when I can, mainly because I can't drive! haha 

What is your diet like?

I live at home with my family, my Mum loves to cook and is very into 'natural' cooking so we always have a home cooked mean, no jars, packets, added sugars or salts. In that respect we eat a very varied and balanced diet. However when I'm out and about travelling to shoots, it's either ridiculously early or stupidly late and fast foods are an extremely convenient sustenance.  

What are your must have pieces of make up?

I am the queen of eye brows!! I literally wouldn't leave the house without them! My favourite brow kit is Chanel - le Sourcil De Chanel Perfect Brows.

What is your favourite perfume?

I have so many favourite perfumes, I love Kenzo Flower and Tom Ford either Black Orchid or Violet Blonde they are my favourites <3

Photo by Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir
MUAH: Sarah Elliott

What is your approach to fashion?

Make it up as you go along, wear what suits your body shape and makes you feel confident. I'm a walking talking contradiction -  Ironically, I'm very much an introvert, I don't like to bring attention to myself when I'm out, but I do like to look different so obviously that mean's I do stand out. I guess if they're going to look, live them something to look at! 

What advice would you give to any woman who wants to look glamorous?

I think it's all about attention to detail.  Clean glossy hair, perfect make up, perfect nails, beautiful shoes, a killer dress and a massive dose of confidence!

Where are you favourite places to shop?

I love shopping in London; there is nothing better than scouring the shops in the West End and venturing out to find little boutiques.

Who are your biggest inspirations and why?

In the industry or in life? In life, I would say it's my parents. They've been married for more than 20 years and are still very happy together and incredibly supportive not just to me, but to my two sisters. In the industry? There are so many inspirational models, Mosh, Dita Von Teese and of course the beautiful Masuimi Max.

What advice would you give to a girl reading this interested in getting into the modeling industry?

I would say, always work to your own levels, never feel pressured into doing anything you’re not comfortable with and just to enjoy it! 

Photo by Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir - MUAH: Sarah Elliott 

I of course would like to thank Romanie for her time with this interview. Visit her website for more info! You can also check out more of Romanie's work on her Facebook page. All the photos you see here are taken by the super talented top retro photographer Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir - check out her website here! Stay tuned for more in the near future.

xoxo