Our latest Campus Celeb studies International Relations at Oxford Brookes; however, we consider her an honorary Bristol student due to her frequent visits and love of Lizard Lounge! She also happens to be the twin sister of our very own Editor. This year, Phoebe was chosen as the face of Oxford Fashion Week. We asked her more about this exciting experience, and what it was like to juggle seminars, catwalk lessons, shows and interviews!
You were the face of Oxford Fashion Week this year– tell us what that was like?!
Oxford Fashion Week was a lot of fun, and surprisingly a lot of work! My role in it meant that I was doing extra photo-shoots and giving interviews on top of rehearsals and fittings! Being in five shows in one week was very tiring – it made me appreciate that there is more to modelling than meets the eye! The best thing about it was meeting so many talented and creative individuals. I had contact with so many different people – directors, photographers, MUAs, models, designers, stylists, nail technicians, hairdressers, reporters…the list goes on! Everyone was very driven, and the shows were a great success.
What kind of challenges did you encounter?
Whether I was braving the bitter cold in just a floaty sundress for an outdoor shoot, or trying not to trip over a very long, intricately-woven dress on the catwalk, many of the challenges I faced were quite physical! It was hard juggling fashion week with other commitments, like my retail job and university deadlines. I was also nervous about representing OFW, and felt like the pressure was on not to trip or have any wardrobe malfunctions! My friends showed me lots of catwalk ‘fail’ videos in the week before the first show.
Are you currently involved in any activities or societies?
I am a member of the Oxford Union, and enjoy watching debates when I have the time to get down there. Speakers this term included Jerry Springer, Richard Dawkins and Alastair Campbell. Next term I am looking forward to hearing from Justin Bieber’s manager!
What would ultimately be your dream job?
I would love to do anything that allows me to travel – within reason! I study International Relations, so a job in the diplomatic service would be ideal. My dream job would be to be a food critic. I love good food!
What inspires you?
So many things. People inspire me. Places inspire me. Art, music, beautiful countryside, selflessness, ambition – all of these things inspire me to work hard and enjoy my life!
Do you have any female role models?
My mother is the person I admire most in the world. She is a very clever lady, with incredible time management! She has nine children and a husband who is often on the other side of the world, so she has to be very organised. I aspire to be as capable as her – she is the queen of DIY, and I would always consult her before Google Maps. I also love Rebel Wilson – she is hilarious, and I have a lot of respect for someone who isn’t afraid to make fun of themselves. I think she is inspirational for a lot of women.
Is there any advice you would give to any struggling students on how to deal with exam pressure?
I have suffered from exam stress this year – for the first time in my life! I understand how it feels, and my advice would be to just focus on what needs to be done, and if the pressure gets overwhelming: think about how you will feel when it is all over. Imagining the relief of having exams behind me has got me through so far!
What is your best memory from your time in Bristol?
I love Bristol, and I spent a lot of time staying with my twin sister at university last year. One of my favourite memories here was our twentieth birthday. We started the day at the White Lion with beautiful weather and several glasses of white wine, before heading back to Goldney Hall for an afternoon BBQ. In the evening we went for cocktails at Browns before going to Lizard Lounge, my favourite club in Bristol. It is small and sticky and plays amazingly cheesy music. I am looking forward to round two this year!
Photo Credits: Ben Robinson, Jeff Tuliniemi, The Varsity Club