25 year old Sharlotte Ritchie is making her mark in London and doing it in style. Of Jamaican and Sri Lankan heritage, her bronze skin and unique features make sure she’s noticed in any room, but the road to glory has not been lined with roses alone.
A model and fashion enthusiast, Sharlotte has appeared in countless runway shows, worked with numerous designers, stylists, photographers, hair stylists and make-up artists. From marketing campaigns for educational institutes throughout England to appearing on everything from prospectuses to buses, she has even graced the runway of London Fashion Weekend for the Autumn/Winter collection 2010.
Sharlotte is a twin; she’s strong minded, feisty and self-motivated and describes herself as ‘determined’.
Her educational experience was spanned out in Dubai and Thailand and she moved to Buckinghamshire to read for her BA (Hons) in Music Management, Branding and Promotion.
Pursuing music and modelling, both of which were passions passed down to them from their parents, was a life goal for both Sharlotte and her twin sister. At the age of eighteen, they signed their first contract with MOT Models.
Sharlotte talks about her early introduction to modelling, family, current projects and more...
How would you describe yourself as a person?
Determined is probably the word I would use. I've been doing this for a long time now and I'm nowhere close to where I want to be, but giving up has never been an option.
You’re a twin? Are you and your sister close?
I am a twin! Her name is Sharnez.... I love being one; it's special! We're not as close as we used to be, the older we get the more different we become, but that's normal I suppose! That aside, she still feels like the other half of me ... That won't change.
How did you get into the fashion scene in London?
Well my Mum (Sri Lankan) and Dad (Jamaican) - Jennifer and Milton Ritchie - both used to model in Sri Lanka and London, and it’s something that they got me and my sisters into from a very young age (I was only a few months old, when I did my first shoot). Fashion is something that I've always held up high on my 'love list'. I remember having little tiffs with my mum about what I wanted to wear to nursery!
What was your first experience like?
Well I can't remember it as I was so young, but my Mum said that I didn't stop crying! My picture didn't end up getting used at all! *laughs* but Sharnez's picture was used by the company for over 10 years!
What do you like most about being in this field of work?
Fashion promotes self-expression and individuality, modelling is an art, and requires a lot of self-confidence.
Your fondest memory? Worst one?
My fondest would have to be when I did London Fashion Weekend. I absolutely love doing runway! I don't often get the chance because of my height, so I usually jump at the chance!
Worst memory would have to be when Sharnez and I were called up to cast for a music video, and were told to bring bikinis. We were completely fine with that, but when we got there it wasn't what we had in mind, so we called up our agency and said that we were leaving.
Has being half-Asian helped or hindered you in your modelling career?
It's made me stand out and that's always a good thing! Sometimes it's just not what they're looking for.
Did you always think you’d be a model, even as a child?
Well I prayed I would *laughs*. I used to pray that I would be tall enough! I drank countless glasses of milk every day, thinking it would make me grow tall. But when I realised that would never be, I don't believe I thought I’d still be doing it at this age; but being this height has made other possibilities arise such as acting and presenting, I'm hoping to widen my playing field!
How was your schooling experience?
My sisters and I, all, went to Sydenham High School. It's a really good school which helped Sharnez and I get back to British standard after our travels. Living in both places (Dubai and Thailand) was definitely unforgettable, for different reasons. Dubai was like living life like a holiday! Sharnez and I absolutely loved it there!
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I understand your height was a challenge. Your notion on ‘tall is a must to be a model’?
I've never completely understood the height issue involved in modelling, as the average woman is not 5'10", so how are they expected to envisage themselves wearing the clothes...?
What are your current projects?
My sisters, my boyfriend and I are currently helping my Mum's organisation, bringing British sports stars to Sri Lanka to put on workshops for children in areas affected by the war.
I've also been a part of numerous charity fashion shows; from anti-gun and knife crime shows to those helping children in Sri Lanka and Africa.
Have you been to Sri Lanka?
Yes I've been to Sri Lanka many times! My most recent trip was in November, I love the country, it's part of who I am! And it's always good to go back and experience the culture first hand; I feel the same about Jamaica. Living in London I' m only able to experience it through my parents, and since they left at such young ages, it's a very diluted experience we have at home *laughs*.
Do you follow a diet?
No I don't, but I recently had a session with a personal trainer, who advised me to cut back on my carbs (I love potatoes, bread and pasta!) so that's what I'm doing, and trying to not eat late at night, which I have a very bad habit of as well!
Exercise?
Exercise is important to me, especially now I'm being guided. I go three times a week, and focus on core, arm exercise with light weights, squats and a little cardio, for an all-round focus on toning and strengthening.
What would you say to those who want to model but don’t have the required height?
There are lots of different types of modelling that don't have minimum height requirements. Commercial modelling doesn't always have a height requirement either. Focusing on what you don't have rather than what you do, can do nothing but cause damage to anyone's self-confidence. You know what you have to offer, that's all you need to get what you want! Self-belief.
(Interviewed by Jennifer Rodrigo)
Photographer: Marta Lamovsek
Stylist/Creative Director: Natalie Jade Best
Make Up Artist/Hair: Violet Zeng
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