Lili Johnson and Melissa McConnachie are fashion models represented by Colours Model Agency in Glasgow who began their careers in Scotland before moving into international fashion markets. Both were scouted at a young age and gradually built their experience working across editorial, e-commerce and fashion weeks, gaining experience with a wide range of designers and brands.
In this episode, they talk about the early stages of their careers and the realities of starting out in fashion, including the first nerves on shoots and the pressure of being part of castings and shows. They reflect on how their work has developed over time, working with brands such as Zara, Simone Rocha, JW Anderson, Ted Baker, Selfridges and Burberry.
Lili and Melissa discuss the role their mother agency Colours has played in supporting their careers, explaining how guidance from agents and having a strong relationship with them is so essential. They share an honest insight about rejection, confidence and the importance of patience whilst modelling.
Alongside this, they reflect on the friendships that form between models and the importance of having a supportive network in an industry that can often feel fast-paced and unpredictable. Their conversation highlights how modelling careers are rarely linear, and how resilience, perspective and trust in the process are essential for building a sustainable career in fashion.