5 minutes with Charlotte Robinson

“A part of modelling is turning on the confidence switch in your brain and faking it sometimes because the shyness shows in the pictures,” tells us model Charlotte Robinson. In this wonderful shooting with photographer Rosie Alice there is no sign of shyness at all – and we just adore her natural beauty and cute looks. And of course her gorgeous smile too!

“I met Charlotte Robinson of Milk Model Management at Paddington station,” recalls Rosie the day, “and we walked down to Hyde park getting to know each other. We fed some swans and had an ice cream. It was a beautiful first day back into shooting. We were both inspired by the free and informal work of Corinne Day with a young Kate moss, this was the vibe throughout the day.”

Charlotte, how would you describe your own personality?

I would describe myself as optimistic and friendly. I’m definitely a mixture of introverted and extroverted; I can be bold and have so much enthusiasm, but also find myself thinking and looking inwards a lot.

What motivates you to model?

So many things excite me with modelling, I get such a rush from so many aspects. I love the feeling of my booker ringing me saying I have a confirmed job, and each team and job being different. Being infront of the camera is also such a rush because even though I’ve been modelling for 2 years now it sometimes still feels out of my comfort zone and I like that feeling. But the most important thing for me, being a curve model, is knowing that I can turn up to a job and fully be myself and not have to worry about my body which is such a lovely way to be and I don’t take that for granted.

Do you ever get shy in front of the camera?

At the start ALL THE TIME! I was so rigid with my poses and facial expressions but quite quickly learnt. I remember a particular shoot where the photographer was asking a model to jump up and down and scream at the same time, and I thought there is no way I could do that and not feel self conscious and stupid, but now I totally could do that which is amazing for me to see that progression in confidence. But sometimes if I’m asked to do a pose out of the ordinary or I’m wearing makeup I normally wouldn’t wear I can catch myself feeling a bit shy, but a part of modelling is turning on the confidence switch in your brain and faking it sometimes because the shyness shows in the pictures.

“Being infront of the camera still feels out of my comfort zone and I like that feeling. “

What do you expect from life?

I find this an interesting question because when I was younger I would plan and plan and plan my future, because I think it would settle anxiety. But I never would have guessed that I would dropped out of uni for disliking my course, and wouldn’t have believed it if someone told me I’d be modelling successfully! So I definitely feel like I’ve learnt to go with what happens and drop some expectations because things and people pop up in your life that you’d never plan. Although I do hope to be helping people in my life and following my intuition with situations that I’m in.

What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

I think when it comes to making a change I feel most passionately about helping children. Before I was modelling I worked at a nursery and school so it’s a natural thing for me to do. I want to help children and young people that are vulnerable and help build their self esteem. I feel like that is a calling for me, and I guess you wouldn’t be changing the whole world but the positive ripple effect would be so great.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so what picture have you come across that have left you speechless?

As I’m answering this we’re a week into the Black Lives Matter protests and so many pictures have come up on my Instagram feed that have left me speechless. The most recent one was a piece of graffiti about the death of George Floyd saying ‘All mothers were summoned when he called out for his mumma.’ This stopped me in my tracks and gave me goosebumps.

“I want to help children and young people that are vulnerable and help build their self esteem.”

Best thing to do on a rainy day?

Order a pizza, be under a duvet snuggling whilst watching an amazing Netflix series.

Favorite place to be?

My favourite place to be is at home. I absolutely LOVE the traveling aspect of modelling and it’s broadened my horizons so much. But then being able to come home after just gives me a warm lovely fuzzy feeling.

Favorite book?

The Collector by John Fowels! I love psychological thrillers and got through this book so quickly. It’s about a psychotic man who kidnaps an art student and keeps her in his cellar, the perspective keeps switching from him to her. It sounds really dark but it’s really gripping and fascinating to read.

Favourite movie?

I think my favourite film is Amélie. It’s so beautiful to watch with the stunning colours and scenes. I think in the past I have really related to Amélies sensitive shy nature too.

Your most important person in life?

My mum Lucy, who is the funniest, strongest and most optimistic person. She’s the most wonderful ray of sunshine ever.