Laura Morgan is a model, artist and costume designer; with all of this comes a lifetime of experiences and a real conviction in all that she does. Laura’s compassion is equalled with a real understanding of people; whilst also questioning everything and working to shift the narrative - something we could all learn from right? So, as our friend, when Laura approached us with the idea to interpret TWC in her own way for a photoshoot; styled and modelled by her and photographed by her brother Will, we were of course intrigued. This opportunity doesn’t come along too often so we were super excited to give Laura complete free rein to unleash her spirit and vision with our humble TWC clothes. The results are phenomenal, we are so touched by the images, we had to share them to an audience that we know would share our adoration for such a visionary in her field. Enough of us waxing lyrical - take a look for your self and enjoy this visual story, no words necessary. HOW DID THE EARLY STAGES OF YOUR CAREER LEAD YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW? I think it’s more the experiences in my life that lead me to where I am now. I didn’t, like many others, have an easy entry into this world. As children, we have little power in deciding where we live, who we are surrounded by and having the support in being able to safely explore who we are. I knew from a very early age I needed to create my own life in order to own my own happiness. I needed to step out into the empty world and take it on. I wanted to be responsible for the joys and pain I felt. I wouldn’t let society tell me how I should be. So I said yes to a lot. Many times to things I should have said no to. I made and continue to make mistakes and all of them lead me to where I am now. Every encounter I have opens up a new universe. This transcends into our work, the way we meet people and the way we meet ourselves. Modelling and working with Lee (McQueen) was my first experience in a workplace where I was surrounded by and paid for my creativity. So much of that work was born from an emotional level. There was stability in that instability. When we see and experience others going for their dreams, through their nightmares, we gain experience in knowing we can do the same. Every time we lean into something that terrifies us we survive. We always survive. Life on a cellular and scientific level is continually expanding so I believe it is natural to keep expanding. This belief drives my work, my relationship with the earth, myself and others. IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR CREATIVE OUTLETS ARE ENDLESS: MODELLING PHOTOGRAPHY, STYLING, ART AND WORD. DO THESE ALL FEED INTO YOUR HUNGER AS A CREATIVE PERSON? All of them are a vessel for me to attempt to understand and to connect to others. Sometimes taking a photo can explore this, sometimes writing, sometimes drawing, dancing. I feel very blessed to be able to have the strength to do what I do, see what I see, feel what I feel. I believe it is my responsibility to keep pushing the boundaries in the hopes that it will inspire others to do the same. I don’t want people to feel alone in their brave endeavours. THE EXPERIENCES OF MODELS AND CREATIVES WORKING IN THE 1990S AND THE EARLY 2000’S - LESS MONEY DRIVEN AND MORE INDIVIDUAL - IS CONSIDERABLY DIFFERENT TO WHAT IT IS TODAY. IN THIS EDITORIAL, YOU’VE BOUGHT BACK THAT INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AND CREATIVE FREEDOM! CAN YOU GIVE US A BIT OF INSIGHT INTO YOUR CREATIVE APPROACH AS A STYLIST & MODEL? We are who we are, and that’s cool. I can only come to a place that is authentic to myself. I guess I try to depict real life as I know and feel it. HOW DID YOU AND ADAM BEGIN WORKING TOGETHER? Hahaha. Oh, what fond memories I have!. Adam and I met on Kingsman 1. He came into the job never having done it before and was open and honest. He always was himself, which is a hard thing to maintain in the entertainment industry. He worked as hard as I do in wanting to create and produce what we are hired to do. He has an honesty that I have so much respect for. He never gave up. He celebrated me when no one else did. We had sleepless nights over fabric, design and how to present things. We laughed a lot, smoked vogues on my balcony and produced so much that I am proud of. WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE WORKERS CLUB THAT ENTICED YOU TO WANT TO STYLE THEIR PRODUCTS THIS WAY? First off TWC is made with thought and love. You can see that in the details, the stitches used, the quality of the fabric, the fit, the versatility and they are made to last. All of which I fully support. Secondly the vibe they produce. They are just cool as fuck. It's hard for me to explain. HOW WAS IT TO COLLABORATE ON THIS SHOOT WITH YOUR BROTHER WILL? It was such a blessing to be able to work with him on this project. We have very similar sensibilities in how we view and approach the world and the level of authenticity we both try to bring to our work. This shoot was a lovely union that really required no verbal exchange. WHAT’S COMING UP FOR YOU THIS YEAR? TELL US ABOUT ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS THAT YOU’RE WORKING ON? I am working on a screenplay that will be made into a web series or film. My aim is to bring awareness to the causes of our socio-economic problems and what we can do as people to help change this. We are often unconsciously following a narrative that is untrue. For example, the way people meet drug addicts is untrue and unfair. People don’t choose to repeatedly shoot heroin because they enjoy it. There is a reason behind that punishing behaviour and our punishing response does nothing but perpetuates that behaviour. The fact that 13-year-old kids are knifing people to death and we meet them by putting them in prison with no thought on how a 13-year-old can even come to the point of killing someone. And what we can do to help understand these obviously traumatized children. Our negative reaction to this only increases the pain that is felt by that person yes PERSON/ HUMAN like us. I want my work to create a systemic change in how we meet ourselves and others. And for us all to know that we do have the power to change things. I am part of a performance art piece that will be performed at the Chicago Museum of contemporary art.I am involved in a group that is bringing mindfulness practices to schools, rehabs and prisons.I am collaborating with artists in all mediums to explore the human psyche and spirit. I work within the fashion industry as a model and collaborator with designers, stylists, HMU, photographers and directors all over the world. Contrary to popular belief there are some amazing people within this industry that are inciting change, including TWC. They are using sustainable fabrics, using older models such as myself and bringing in new aesthetics. I do also work within more corporate companies which is important as if you’re not in the thick of it understanding its workings then how can one infiltrate change?’ I am working on bringing positivity to this world.
1 comment
What beautiful thought provoking images! and what an interesting lady.
Thanks guys great read 😊