Lauren Manica Munro
An interview with the inspiring beautiful model, Lauren Manica Munro and a selection of her fantastic work, enjoy!
Know more about Lolo at instagram.com/laurenmanica
How would you describe yourself in a few words?
Bold, open-minded, excitable, weird, & happy.
How long have you been a model?
Since I was about thirteen. I used to mannequin model in the middle of the mall for department stores every weekend. I would wear anything from frilly prom dresses to athletic wear & stand without moving for hours. It was exhausting but it definitely taught me discipline & it helped me learn from the beginning that modeling is not an easy job.
How did you get into modeling?
I’ve wanted to be a model for as long as I can remember, but I first really started to get into modeling in front of a camera when my friends & I would take photos of each other. I really enjoyed coming up with concepts & creating art with my friends.
When was your first shooting?
My first professional photoshoot was at the Art Institute of Raleigh/Durham, the photographer was a professor at the institute & I was the subject of a fashion photography class. I learned a lot from being apart of that class because I was able to see her teaching the students & explaining all that goes into a fashion shoot. I was styled in all denim & had extremely dramatic hair & makeup. The overall shoot was very editorial & creative; I learned a lot from the professor & it really sparked my interest in really pursuing this as a career.
What does modeling mean to you?
Modeling is my absolute passion, I have always had a creative mind & I love to collaborate with other artists. The idea of being a blank canvas for an artist is why I love being a model, to not only create my own art & my own vision, but being able to help other artists do the same.
A model you particularly admire?
Natalie Westling. She has one of my favorite looks in the industry, & I love how effortless she is as a model. She’s very down to earth & she’s very true to herself, which is something I feel can be hard remain as a model & I admire a lot.
If you could choose, where would you like to shoot?
I would love to shoot on the streets of Paris with Irving Penn.
What’s your dressing style in everyday life?
Anything vintage. I love 90’s grunge & I have an extensive collection of platform shoes. I wear a lot of black, & I normally stick to neutrals/earth tones. My style tends to turn heads in the conservative area I live in, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m totally fine with people thinking I’m a weirdo, it’s better than being bland.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Lately I’ve wanted to move to Portland, Oregon. I really like the Northwest, it’s urban but not too overwhelming & Portland is flooded with creatives so I’ll definitely be able to connect with a lot of the people around me. Where I live now, everything is very slow & most of the people act the same & all dress the same & it’s puts a strain on my enthusiasm. I just want to move somewhere where I see something new everyday & talk to interesting people with new stories & ideas.
What is happiness?
A lot of random things make me happy, so I’ll just list a few:
Coffee, & lots of it.
Veganism.
The sound of a polaroid photo being printed.
Concerts with mosh pits & head banging.
Watching my dog swim.
Thrift stores.
Exploring abandoned houses with my friends.
Noodles of any kind.
Lame catchphrases.
Black lipstick.
Being called weird.
Where can we find you on a Friday night?
Working a shift at my part-time job as a barista, or with my friends eating vegan treats & watching old horror movies, lame I know.
What is your next goal?
My next big goal is to sign with an agency somewhere far away & work as a model full-time.
Credits
Header, 1 to 8: by Brandon Rafaleowski instagram.com/knowctrl
9 to11: by Demondrie Rodgers instagram.com/portraitpapi
12: by Ryan Pham instagram.com/pham.media
13: by Tawny Masteller instagram.com/tawnsformers