Described by Karl Lagerfeld as "one of the best models in the world," Erin O'Connor is among the most instantly recognisable faces of the fashion industry.
Tall and willowy with her trademark bob and compelling features that have been used to maximum effect by a lengthy role call of brands, including Marks & Spencer, she is as much a compelling presence in real life as on the catwalk.
When Stylist met with the model recently to discuss the Save The Children's Bag to Save a Life initiative, she was instantly warm and chatty with a self-deprecating sense of humour.
She first complimented us on spelling her name right (a lot of people confuse her surname or call her Irene, apparently) before outlining the campaign, a designer bag auction she's supporting in addition to an impressive array of famous names including Samantha Cameron, Sienna Miller, Tilda Swinton and Gemma Arterton.
Featuring bags from Christian Louboutin, Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, Prada and many more delectable labels, the online sale is open now with all proceeds going to Save The Children.
See what Erin has to say about the auction, along with her thoughts on everything from style icons to digital re-touching, below.
Erin O’Connor is supporting Save the Children’s ‘Bag to Save a Life’ designer and celebrity fashion auction, which is online now until Sunday 4 December. Visit www.savethechildren.org.uk/bagtosave.
"It did hit me with a forceful impact that you’re so blind to so much"
Tell us a little bit about the auction and the thinking behind it:
Basically what I’ve done is I’ve blagged a lot of my mates and friends and women that I very much admire that have that public profile to donate a handbag of their choice which will go to auction from 25 November to 4 December. And the reason being behind that is that we think of handbags in their everyday use, but the money raised from designer handbags is an awful lot in comparison to what it takes to keep a child alive with kits for immunisation and medication.
One handbag goes a long way – it’s a bit frivolous, but we’re doing something worthwhile out of it. If you think of it on balance, if you invest in that handbag you can actually really be involved in Save The Children and know that you’ve helped to prevent an innocent child from dying unnecessarily.
It did hit me with a forceful impact that you’re so blind to so much and so naïve about it. According to your means, you can make a difference (in the online auction) and I think that’s why I’m here really – I’m like an assistant and I can help raise awareness.
It’s becoming quite kind of exciting and incestuous because we all want each others’ handbags – I definitely want a piece of Sienna Miller’s Miu Miu. We’ve got a whole list of people from Georgia Jagger, Samantha Cameron, of course...
We’re encouraging everyone to bid like maniacs. You’re getting something really great out of it and also a bargain bag. They’re going to go on initially for about a quarter of their retail value so there’s no excuses not to go for one and have a butcher’s.
"It’s becoming quite exciting and incestuous because we all want each others’ handbags!"
And what kind of handbags are up for grabs?
There’s such an exciting motley crew of bags. They’re so diverse and there’s been some incredibly generous donations, I have to say – the quality of the bags has been exceptional. I wouldn’t mind bidding on Tilda Swinton’s Chanel bag - treat myself, or get somebody else to treat me a for Christmas pressie. But I think, you know - handbags, women, we use them every day and its something to appeal to all of us.
Why did you choose Save The Children?
Save The Children has been going for 90 years and it’s very established charity but we always need exposure and we need help. As I’ve mentioned before, it did hit me with a forceful impact that innocent children are dying unnecessarily and that’s quite enough for me to get on-board and do whatever I can and use my public profile to raise awareness. The money is going straight to the charity, who will be delivering life-saving healthcare on all kind of fronts. You can’t not respond to something like that on the most human of levels. Whatever it costs us goes a long way to help Save The Children - ultimately it provides workers with the tools they need to save lives.
Moving on from the auction now, how would you define your style?
I never ever follow trends – we just don’t suit each other, ironically... My style is quite accidental, really. Because I have access to lots of beautiful clothes and, as a model I see the designs before everyone else, it’s a really nice little preview but I do mix and match, I have to say. I do genuinely love the high street as much as high fashion. I don’t like the feeling of being manufactured or put together – I do that on the runway, so I like to deconstruct when I’m off duty. It’s sort of contrived accidental fashion because of that. I like to break it down – like (gesturing to her clothes): Christopher Kane and Topshop, for example, today.
Who, if anyone, are your style icons?
As odd as it sounds I’ve always had a mild obsession with Charlie Chaplin – the dapper suits that he wore and beautiful old hats... there’s something quite eccentric about him that I’ve always related to. And Isadora Duncan, with those endless flowing gowns she used to wear to dances. I’m always drawn to sort of Anjelica Huston as well. She’s an incredible woman and she’s the epitome of style. I think fashion again was accidental for her– she fulfils that brief without really trying. It’s a sort of afterthought.
"I never ever follow trends – we just don’t suit each other, ironically"
You've spoken out about digital tampering in the fashion industry the past; what are your feelings on the issue?
My stance on digital re-touching is it really depends on the individual case and on the individual image. I think it’s very difficult to say that we need to ban it. It’s actually to do with creative images not just about body image tampering. But what I do feel is important is to educate people – particularly fashion and art students – and most importantly the consumer, as to what goes on and the procedure involved in digital re-touching. Information is key. It’s a tricky one because many people consider it an art form too. If (photographer) Man Ray were alive today he’d have pioneered all things digital, wouldn’t he? He was quite radical in that sense and re-touching has been happening for a long time. There are different degrees, I just think information needs to be clear and I think it needs to be shared.
Karl Lagerfeld describes you as "one of the best models in the world," can you describe your relationship with him?
He's one of the ones that calls me Irene! (But) he calls me Irene on purpose after some German actress in the 20s. Actually that’s not a slip of the tongue or some mispronunciation it’s very purposeful. He is funny to work with - he does add that much-needed injection of humour to any work scenario, I’ve always found that with him. We had a show where I was bride and Linda Evangelista was my bridesmaid… I mean it’s bonkers, really, but I think he’s got a very witty sense of humour and I’ve always enjoyed the conversations we've had. We’ve talked very little about actual fashion. He’s a really informed person so any of the times we’ve shot together and when I’ve seen him since, he’s so informative… he’s addicted to learning, that’s what I love.
You once said you saw yourself as a female John Cleese; in what sense?
He’s the only person I laugh out loud at, is John Cleese. And I love the idea of slapstick comedy because it’s almost accidental. Or the person delivering doesn’t necessarily know or need to be funny because it’s something that occurs and it’s spontaneous. I’m just always reminded of Fawlty Towers and the ridiculous humour that he has.
Picture credits, above left to right: Erin O'Connor launching Bag To Save A Life campaign, bag donated by Annie Lennox, bag donated by Amanda Mealing, group shot of bags donated to auction
