Girl Of The Week – Romanie Smith – Interview

Whoa, Romanie Smith, blonde bombshell extraordinaire has agreed to do an interview with me. I am honoured.

Hey, thank you so much for asking!!

I’m not really sure how or when you popped up in my Facebook feed, but I’m glad that you did as it always brightens my day when I see you post something new. I am astounded at the rate of growth your popularity seems to have taken, it appears that from September you’ve gone from 100k followers to over 400k. That’s incredible, congratulations! What’s the secret to your success, apart from obviously looking incredible? 🙂

I think it’s to do with the teams I work with.  I have been blessed to work with some incredible creatives, it’s not just about taking pictures, it’s making art and I feel honoured to be a part of that.

Romanie Smith – Photographed By Dollhouse Photography – MUAH By Zanett – Outfit Designed by Pandora Deluxe Latex – Head Dress By Hysteria Machine

Come to think of it, I think you probably popped up on the Westward Bound Latex feed, that’s where I saw you and liked your page… Roughly how long have you been modelling?

I’ve been modelling professionally for just over 2 years.  My very first test shoot was in February 2013, I was able to build up a good portfolio fairly quickly and within about 6 months I had enough bookings to enable me to work as a full time model.

One of my first latex – Photographed By Julian M. Kilsby – Latex By Westward Bound

Wow, it’s impressive how fast the industry notices talent! As it’s a particular interest of mine, when did you start modelling latex and was it something that you had in your own wardrobe before modelling it?

I didn’t own any latex myself, I hadn’t really heard much about it, or alternative modelling – but the photographer I first worked with, Dan Tidswell, suggested it to me.  After looking at various images, I fell in love with the look of latex.  I approached a few companies and was lucky enough to be taken under the wing of Westward Bound.

You’ve had various cover shoots over your career, which one was your favourite? 

To date, I think my number one cover has to be the Bizarre Magazine one, it was so coveted by other models and I was incredibly lucky that within 3 weeks of shooting it, I was there!! I had no idea at the time it would be their penultimate cover.

Romanie Smith Bizarre Cover – Photographed By Rowan Murray – Model & MUAH Romanie Smith – Latex By Westward Bound

If you could only choose only one outfit to create the “shoot to end all shoots” what would it be and why?

I have no idea, it would probably be some crazy vintage couture dress, there is nothing quite like the glamour and thrill of wearing an exquisite dress.

Your make-up always looks pristine in photos, do you tend to do a lot of it yourself, or with make-up artists? 

I do my own make up on a lot of shoots, but also get to work with some amazing make up artists – I love doing my own make up, but it’s nice to see how different I can look when other MUAs work their magic.

Romanie Smith – “I did my own make up in this image” – Photographed By My Boudoir

I notice that you just got back from doing some shoots with Sister Sinister and Carrie Lachance for Marquis Fetish magazine, how was that? I have to admit, the #IceQueens photo gave me goose pimples!

Oh wow.. take me back there now!!! It was amazing, Jade Vixen was also there and all 3 women are just wonderful, so genuine, kind and just a pleasure to spend time with as were the guys hosting the weekend, Peter Czernich and C. Michael Martell – We are working again together very soon, so watch this space.

Consider this space being watched!! If you could collaborate with anyone in or out of the industry for a photoshoot, or a video, who would it be and why?

Right now, Die Antwoord, I love their style and music, they are so fresh and unique, I could definitely be persuaded to do a little of their craziness.

I’ve not heard of those guys I’ll have to take a listen… So what would you say is the one all-time favourite photo of yourself?

haha, this is a toughie!! I always find it so hard to chose images of myself, it’s seems so vain – not only am I my own worst generic drug ativan critique but there are so many images to chose from and it changes all the time! I think at the moment, this one is possible my all time favourite by Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir because it’s so natural, this (to me) IS me, the real me, stripped bare (literally haha).

Romanie Smith – Stripped Bare – Photographed by Nicola Grimshaw at My Boudoir

Wow, Stunning. Raw, Powerful, Inspiring. It would be easy for me to sit here and draw parallels to other influential blonde bombshells, but who inspires you to do what you do and be who you are as a person?

Of course everyone compares me to the blonde bombshells of the silver screen and of course, they are all beautiful Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren etc., I think when I first lightened my hair, I took inspiration from the likes of Gwen Stefani but now I would say it’s just part of who I am, although it doesn’t define me.  I don’t think there is a specific person who inspires me, I try to do my own thing and stay as true to  myself as possible in the way I look – but as a person I guess my family are my inspiration, their love, support and hard work inspire me to be the best person I can be.

Romanie Smith – Photographed By Magic Owen – MUA By Romanie Smith – Hair By Jason Paget

So when you’re not in front of the camera, how do you like to unwind, what do you do for fun?

I love nothing more than to spend time with my family, especially my sisters and 2 year old niece, nothing makes me laugh more than when I’m with them.

Photographed By Magic Owen – MUA By Romanie Smith – Hair By Jason Paget – Wig From Wig Fashion – Ears By Liv Free – Outfit Designed By Zana Baine

Inspiring, I love that family plays such a big part in your life. If you get chance, what kind of music do you listen to and, if any, what’s the number 1 TV show you can’t get enough of on Netflix?

I love all types of music, my play list is ridiculously varied from Die Antwoord to Frank Sinatra, Classical to Rock.

I have watched so many good TV shows at the moment, but LOVED all of the the American Horror series’.

Ah man, there’s another thing I need to check out, I’ve completely missed the American Horror Series, that’s at least a couple of months during 2016 where I’ll be hibernating trying to catch up! haha. Speaking of months in 2016… I see you just bought out a very special looking calendar! Oh yes it is on my Christmas wish list…! What are your plans for the next 12 months?

Thank you! I hope you’ve been good enough to receive one in your Christmas stocking!!  It’s always fun shooting Calendars, literally 4 seasons in one day. I have lots planned for next year, shoots booked in Germany, USA, France & Portugal so it’s looking busy already. I never divulge major plans because until it actually happens, it’s not real – so you’ll have to just watch and see what’s in store.   

Romanie Smith Calendar 2016

I hope I’ve been good enough to get one too! 😀 I’m definitely excited to see what the future brings for you! We can acquire your calendar at your Etsy shop… Anywhere else?

At present I only sell on Etsy – it’s so quick and convenient.

Awesome! Do you have any other links that people might find useful? 

Website: http://www.romaniesmith.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/romaniesmithmodel/

Instagram: @romaniesmith

Twitter: @romanie_smith

Romanie Smith Photographed By Magic Owen – MUA By Romanie Smith – Hair By Jason Paget – Swimwear By Pretty Little Thing – Shoes By Versace

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. You are an utter sweetheart and I wish you the best of luck with all that you do in the future.

Ste Gough