One of the coolest women in the industry talks drunken dancing and life learnings.

Drake Burnette’s success is anything but random, still that’s how she describes it. A few years ago, she was ’randomly’ discovered in Marfa, Texas, by a modelling agent. Her acting debut was something of a happenstance too: not knowing what to do after uni, she emailed a friend who worked with director Larry Clark, asking to work as a production assistant at Clark’s next film Marfa Girl. They turned her down – but offered her the lead role instead.

This Texan beauty might have been discovered relatively late (we’re talking modelling years here), but her modelling career has been a success from the get-go. Since her 2013 debut, she has worked with all the prestige brands and magazines in the industry. And when Drake Burnette visited the H&M photo studios, we asked her to reveal some of her top model secrets.

MY FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHER IS…
”Man Ray.”

IN MY CAREER, I AM MOST PROUD OVER…
”When I was 27 years old and I walked almost 50 shows during the SS14 season. Not only was it an insane experience, but I also like to think that because I was a decade older than the average model, it broadened the definition of who and what and when a model can be.”

MY MOST MEMORABLE GIG WAS…
”My first shoot for British Vogue with Josh Olins and Lucinda Chambers. I was brand new to modelling and it was the first time that I felt inspired during the process of a photo shoot. It opened my eyes up to the potential of fashion photography. My most memorable show was during FW13 at the Louis Vuitton show, with Marc Jacobs and Katie Grand, I was in the lineup next to Kate Moss and both she and the show were magic.”

THE MUSIC THAT ALWAYS GETS ME GOING AT A SHOOT IS…
”Rihanna or Kanye.”

MY CREATIVE OUTLET IS…
”Writing.”

MY MODEL ICON IS…
”Lee Miller.”

MY BEAUTY SECRET IS…
”Sleep. I never feel guilty when I go to bed early or wake up late.”

I KEEP IN SHAPE BY…
”Avoiding the standard American garbage foods and just always moving around. I grew up outside so I’m always happier when I’m doing something active whether its riding a bike, running, swimming, yoga, drunken dancing, whatever! Oh and I always take the stairs.”

FOR A QUICK HAIR FIX, I…
”Wash it.”

MY DE-STRESS TRICK IS…
”Transcendental Meditation.”

Are we ever “off-duty” now that social media tracks everything? I think this term is a thing of the past.
DRAKE BURNETTE

MY SECRET TALENT IS…
”I have excellent hand-eye coordination and can quickly pick up any sport that involves a ball.”

I SMELL LIKE…
”A person and every now and then jasmine.”

MY FAVOURITE OFF DUTY LOOK IS…
”Are we ever “off duty” now that social media tracks everything? I think this term is a thing of the past. Right now I’m wearing a lot of pieces from the brands of my friends, which includes leggings from HBA, boots from Alyx, and tops from Maryam Nassir Zadeh.”

RIGHT NOW, I AM OBSESSED WITH…
”Mythologies and Rihanna.”

THE BEST BEAUTY TIP I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS…
”Drink a lot of water, wash your face, moisturise EVERY DAY!”

MY FAVOURITE HOTEL IS…
”Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas.”

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS…
”Casa de Luz in Austin, Texas.”

FOR BREAKFAST, I ALWAYS HAVE…
”Coffee.”

FOR A LONG FLIGHT, I ALWAYS PACK…
”Cosy socks, water, and The New Yorker.”

WHEN I HAVE SOME FREE TIME, I…
”Read books and call my friends.”

THE BEST ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS…
”Don’t take things personally, it’s not all about you.”

MY FAVOURITE THING TO SHOP FOR WHEN I AM AWAY IS…
”Flowers and food.”

BEING A MODEL, I’VE LEARNT…
”So many things and a few of my angles.”

POST-MODELLING, I WOULD LIKE TO…
”Be in charge of my travel schedule.”

MY FAVOURITE TV SHOW IS…
”Twin Peaks.”

RIGHT NOW, I AM READING…
”Mostly plays. I have a lot of catching up to do in that department.”

MY GOAL IN LIFE IS…
”To never stop learning about this world.”

 

DRAKE BURNETTE

LOCATION: New York City

AGE: 30

DISCOVERED: She was spotted by an agent in Marfa, Texas

AGENCY: DNA Models

INSTAGRAM: @drakeburnette