When asking Lila Moss to name one fashion model she particularly admires - with the proviso that her mother doesn’t not count as an answer
Shot by David Sims, Lila makes her first-ever solo Vogue cover this issue. Lila’s very first Vogue cover of any kind was also for Vogue Italia: back in June 2016 she was photographed alongside her mother by Mario Sorrenti. Astonishingly, that was her mother’s 112th cover appearance - 112th! - for all international editions of Vogue.
While her mother might be amongst the most celebrated models in fashion, of course that’s not how Lila sees Kate. So when did she become aware of her mother’s day job? “One of my earliest memories of being, like - wow! - was when I was around 8, and my mum was creating “Kate: The Kate Moss Book” (Ed note: Rizzoli New York). I remember my dad was at the house, and they were editing these thousands of photos. I was sitting there with them, looking, and it made me realise how many incredible projects she’s worked on.”
To be the daughter of Kate Moss and Jefferson Hack obviously confers some privileges. Since her first commercial modelling gig in 2017 (“I still had braces”!), Lila has been represented by the Kate Moss Agency. And such are both her connections and cachet that jobs come looking for her: “When Marc (Jacobs) first asked me to do the beauty campaign - about two years ago now - I was immediately really excited. I was like, ‘I have to do it’! And ever since I’ve really enjoyed the modelling - I’ve really enjoyed the whole process of it, on everything I’ve worked on.”
One process new to her is walking the runway, but Lila’s debut for Miu Miu in Milan this October went smoothly. “Honestly, I was quite relieved it was a virtual audience. Because that obviously makes it less nerve-wracking. Also the other girls, for most of them it was their first show as well - we were kind of all in it together. I do think, though, that having a virtual audience did take away from the whole walking in a show experience. But I think it was a good start - a nice ease into it.” More dramatic was her ride the next day down the famous Carsten Höller slide that leads from Miuccia Prada’s office to the carpark below. “Katie Grand said ‘you have to go on the slide’! And Miuccia Prada was quite concerned - the slide is very fast - so she came with me to demonstrate how to do it, she sat in this little sack on the floor - and then she pushed me down it! It was quite an experience, very funny!”
Modelling might come naturally to Lila, but in the past she’s said she’s also interested in design. Plus she’s also done some journalistic work for her father, interviewing Gigi Hadid for the 25th anniversary issue of Dazed. “That was so exciting!... I’m really interested in what he does. And I’d definitely like to explore that side of the industry”. However nothing is settled: for as she perfectly reasonably says, “I'm still studying full time at school, and kind of figuring out what I want to do after that... it's quite funny that you mentioned the designer thing, because I think I'm going to do a foundation in textiles next year, but we'll see.” She adds: “My parents have always encouraged me to do what I love, creatively, and I’m very grateful for that.” Still, the runway has a strong allure - how could it not? Although Lila’s mother retired from the runway circuit in 2004, she’s returned for a few cameos since that have allowed Lila to see Kate in action. “The first show I ever saw her walk in was the Hotel Vuitton show [Autumn/Winter, 2013]. I was sitting between my dad, and my stepdad at the time. And when she came out, and everyone started clapping, I looked around and thought ‘Ooh, I’m going to join in!’. It was really nice to have that moment.” Soon enough, one imagines, it will be Kate clapping Lila down the catwalk.
Lila Moss fotografata da David Sims. Cappotto doppiopetto di lana e seta con collo, tasche e bottoni di velluto, GUCCI.
