Kendall Jenner credits Cara Delevingne for kick-starting modeling career
Kendall Jenner credits fellow model Cara Delevingne for helping her embark on her decade-long journey in the modeling world. In a recent interview with Vogue, the 28-year-old supermodel reflected on her career, acknowledging how the industry landscape has changed since she first stepped into it, and expressed gratitude to Delevingne for playing a pivotal role in her early success.
Jenner’s modeling career truly took off in 2014 when she made her debut at Marc Jacobs’ fall runway show, a significant milestone she remembers fondly despite her daring fashion choices. “I just remember being really nervous, but also incredibly excited. It was the start of something new and different for me,” she said, recalling her bold transformation with bleached eyebrows and a short bob haircut for the show.
“When I came into it, you didn’t really see quote-unquote famous girls,” the Kardashians star noted. She then revealed, “Cara Delevingne was probably the biggest one who was known outside of modeling. She opened that door for me, and from there it blew up into a whole new thing.”
Reflecting on the evolving nature of the industry, she expressed, “Now there’s another vibe coming through. You’re seeing a lot of social media creators at the shows. It’s great. It’s always just shifting and changing, and you take it day by day. I suss out the vibe. Does it align with me? If it still does, great. You don’t know what’s around the corner.”
Jenner attributed much of her initial success to Delevingne, who was already an established model at the time and played a mentoring role during Jenner’s early career. Delevingne’s encouragement and support helped her navigate the industry and gain confidence as she walked the runway. “Cara was so supportive and welcoming. She made me feel like I belonged,” Jenner said.
The friendship between the two models has continued to thrive over the years, and their shared experiences in the industry have further strengthened their bond. Delevingne’s influence and mentorship were instrumental in helping Jenner transition from reality TV fame to high fashion modeling. Jenner soon found herself walking for some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Chanel, Fendi, and Balmain.
In the interview, Jenner also reflected on the evolution of the modeling industry, noting that it has become more inclusive and diverse compared to when she first started. “It’s incredible to see the shift that’s happening now,” she said. “There’s so much more representation, and it’s inspiring to see how many different kinds of beauty are being celebrated.”
Over the past decade, Jenner has firmly established herself as one of the industry’s leading models, gracing the covers of major fashion magazines and becoming a prominent figure on the runway. She has also ventured into other aspects of the fashion world, launching her own tequila brand, 818 Tequila, and collaborating with brands like Calvin Klein and Stuart Weitzman.
Despite her success, Jenner remains grounded and focused on her craft. She continues to push herself creatively and explore new opportunities within the fashion industry. “I love what I do, and I’m always looking for ways to grow and challenge myself,” she said. “There’s always room for improvement, and that’s what keeps me motivated.”
Reflecting on her journey, Jenner emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and not being afraid to take risks. “It’s so important to find your own voice and not let anyone else dictate your path,” she advised. “It’s about being confident in who you are and embracing what makes you unique.”
With a decade of experience behind her and a promising future ahead, Kendall Jenner continues to inspire aspiring models worldwide with her resilience, work ethic, and ability to evolve in an ever-changing industry. Her gratitude to Cara Delevingne for the initial boost serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and support in the often challenging world of fashion.