Lila Moss on Fashion Shows, Sarong Season, and Designing Her Own Barbie

      Recently on Instagram, Lila Moss reposted an old photo that she often talks about in interviews. In the image, she has a scowl on her face and is donned in a small fur coat, while her mother, Kate Moss, is holding her hand. It's the type of snapshot one would want to share with friends, regardless of its status as an iconic paparazzi picture. It captures a sweet mother-daughter moment that is both amusing and adorable. Moss has mentioned in interviews how she has always felt protective of her mother and quickly learned to cope with the surprise of cameras flashing in her face. However, when she joins me on a Zoom call from the Kate Moss Agency office in London, she is not scowling; instead, she appears cheerful and soft-spoken. Although she grew up surrounded by paparazzi, she seems unaffected, radiating positivity and eager to discuss the path she is forging for herself. At just 23, Moss has already appeared on the cover of British Vogue, featured in a Marc Jacobs beauty campaign, and walked the runway for brands like Coperni, Versace, Miu Miu, and Victoria's Secret. She shares her experiences on Instagram with nearly 900,000 followers, using brief, witty captions that capture the cool and carefree spirit of her generation. In a recent Coachella photo dump, she exclaimed, "Time of my life!!!!"

      During our conversation, Moss comes across as genuinely enthusiastic rather than indifferent; her tone conveys a sense of excitement. Growing up in the fashion world, she always had an inkling that she might follow in her mother’s footsteps, although she was initially hesitant. Now, she feels fortunate to be part of the chaotic environment at shows and photo shoots and is using her platform to advocate for causes that matter to her. For instance, she often showcases her type 1 diabetes technology in her photo shoots. Moss talked to me about the designer who made her believe in the reality of modeling, the lessons she learned from her mother, and her involvement in creating the first diabetic Barbie.

      I would love to hear how you decided to pursue modeling. What was that decision like? My first opportunity in modeling came when Marc Jacobs approached me for his beauty campaign. I didn’t know what to expect, but I enjoyed being on set and witnessing how everything came together. I was immediately eager to do more. Ah, so Marc Jacobs served as a fairy godmother in this case! After that campaign, did you start thinking, "Okay, I could do this full-time"? Absolutely! That experience opened the door to more opportunities. It was the first time I felt comfortable on set and realized it was something I wanted to pursue.

      Did you always feel drawn to the fashion world, or were there other paths you considered? I’ve always been really passionate about fashion. I loved wearing my mom’s shoes and walking in mock runways. But my mom didn’t really encourage me in that direction. Then, when I worked with Marc Jacobs, I felt secure in my decision. That experience made it feel more like a possibility. At that time, I hadn’t thought about other career options. It kind of landed in my lap, and I went with it. However, I think I would have gravitated toward any creative role or something within the fashion industry.

      You mentioned your love for fashion and spending time in your mom's closet. As you began to pursue this path, did she give you any advice or guidance? I learned so much just by observing my mom. She has a strong work ethic and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the best result. That dedication became a part of me.

      Fashion has changed significantly from just a few years ago. Right now, nostalgia is such a prevalent theme, with everyone longing for the '90s, 2000s, and even the mid-2010s. As a Gen Z fashion model, what excites you about the current fashion landscape? I find it fun to see the resurgence of 2010s style. Military jackets are back on the runway! The 7 for All Mankind show for fall 2026 embraced that aesthetic, which resonates with me. When I was around 10 or 11, I loved Isabel Marant wedge shoes paired with skinny jeans. It’s exciting to see that style returning and being reinterpreted as a 23-year-old.

      You've just begun your career, but you've already accomplished a variety of things, from beauty campaigns to runway shows and magazine covers. What are some of your most unforgettable moments so far? The most memorable experience for me was shooting with Steven Meisel for my first British Vogue cover. Pat McGrath and Guido Palau handled the hair and makeup. I’ve known them my whole life, and it was a highly emotional moment for me. I was thrilled by the styling and references. The entire two-day shoot felt really special and surreal; I can still recall it