Introduction
Lara Stone is a name synonymous with the glamorous world of fashion. Known for her striking looks, distinct gap-toothed smile, and formidable presence on the runway, she has captivated the fashion industry for over a decade. With her unique blend of beauty and confidence, Stone has graced countless covers, campaigns, and runway shows, becoming one of the most recognized models of the 21st century. This article takes you through the life and career of this Dutch supermodel, from her discovery at a young age to her rise to fame and her lasting impact on the modeling world.
The Early Years
Born Lara Catherina Stone on December 20, 1983, in Geldrop, Netherlands, Lara was the youngest of three children. Her early life was relatively quiet, but that all changed when she was discovered by a modeling scout at the age of 12 in the Paris Metro. This chance encounter marked the beginning of her modeling journey. At just 15, she entered the Elite Model Look competition, which opened doors to the fashion industry and set her on a path to stardom.
Lara Stone Breaking Into Fashion
After signing with IMG Models, Lara Stone’s career began to take off in the mid-2000s. Her breakthrough moment came in 2006 when she made her debut at Paris Fashion Week, walking for top designers like Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier. With her strong, angular features and tall, statuesque frame, Lara quickly became a sought-after face for campaigns and magazine covers.
By 2009, she had already become a mainstay in the fashion world. She was featured in American Vogue and Vogue Paris, two of the most prestigious publications in the industry. Her memorable gap-toothed smile became one of her signature features, challenging traditional beauty standards and redefining what it meant to be a model. This daring confidence was a breath of fresh air in a world often dominated by conventional beauty norms.
Notable Campaigns and Collaborations
Over the years, Lara has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Versace. She became the face of Calvin Klein’s fragrance campaigns, which significantly boosted her visibility and cemented her place as a fashion icon. Her collaborations with high-end brands and her runway appearances for prestigious designers further solidified her reputation as one of the top models in the world.
Lara’s distinct look, which includes her bold smile and piercing blue eyes, made her a favorite of many photographers and designers. She graced the Pirelli Calendar multiple times and walked the runway for Victoria’s Secret, proving her versatility across different aspects of the modeling world.
Lara Stone Personal Life: From Marriage to Motherhood
Beyond her modeling career, Lara Stone’s personal life has been equally publicized. She married British comedian David Walliams in 2010, and the couple welcomed their son, Alfred, in 2013. However, after five years of marriage, the couple separated in 2015, citing personal differences.
In 2018, Lara married property developer David Grievson, and the couple has since remained relatively private about their personal life. Despite the ups and downs in her relationships, Lara’s focus on her son and career has been unwavering, and she continues to be a positive role model for many young women aspiring to make it in the fashion industry.
Lara Stone Impact on the Fashion Industry
Lara Stone’s influence on fashion extends far beyond her modeling work. She has been a trailblazer in terms of body positivity and non-traditional beauty standards. In an era where most models conformed to a narrow definition of beauty, Lara challenged the industry’s expectations by embracing her natural flaws, particularly her gap-toothed smile.
Her success has opened doors for models with unique features, paving the way for others to embrace their individuality. Lara has also been vocal about the pressure she faced as a model, advocating for better representation and mental health support within the fashion world.
In addition to her modeling career, Lara has dabbled in acting. She appeared in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016) and made a few other cameos, showcasing her versatility and ability to break beyond the confines of modeling.
Fashion Icon and Enduring Legacy
To this day, Lara Stone remains a prominent figure in the fashion world. Though her presence on the runway has slowed in recent years, she continues to be a key figure in campaigns for major brands. Her ability to transcend the typical supermodel role and become a fashion icon speaks to her enduring influence in the industry.
Whether she’s gracing the cover of Vogue, walking for Versace, or advocating for better representation, Lara Stone is much more than a model. She is a symbol of strength, confidence, and individuality in an ever-evolving industry.
Conclusion
Lara Stone’s journey from a young girl discovered in the Paris Metro to becoming one of the most recognizable supermodels in the world is a testament to her talent, resilience, and commitment to breaking barriers. Her legacy in fashion is undeniable, and she continues to inspire generations of models to embrace their unique features and challenge societal norms. As she navigates her personal life and career, one thing is certain: Lara Stone’s impact on the fashion world will be remembered for years to come.