Tori McLelland is not your average model. With her recent walking for Christian Dior’s and JW Anderson shows, she brings a unique blend of sweetness and toughness, embodied in her adorned skin. Behind the striking exterior lies a woman of depth and sincerity, eager to share her story and aspirations with the world.
We spent an afternoon with Tori in East London and shared insights into her multifaceted life, from her eclectic musical tastes to her meaningful tattoos and memorable experiences on the runway.
What is it that you love the most doing/working in the fashion industry?
I love the chaos. Not knowing what my week or even my day could look like excites me! I hate being bored. I also try and absorb and learn as much as I can from everyone in the industry that I meet because my real passion is writing. I’d love to do fashion journalism as well as political think pieces.
Tell us something interesting about you.
I tend to say exactly what I’m thinking a lot of the time. If I’m not saying it, my face normally does for me. But generally I’d say I care a lot ( maybe too much). Im pretty intuitive & good at gauging how people are feeling a lot of the time.
How would you define yourself?
From 16-19, I used to be a carer usually for older people but also people with mental and physical disabilities. I was that weird kid that hung out with my grandparents all the time instead of kids my own age so it makes sense. I got so attached to the people I looked after and it was super hard when they’d pass away. It took a toll on me emotionally.
bra Dolce & Gabbana, trousers Raey, neckerchief Celine, gloves Paula Rowan, pearl belt stylist’s own, shoes Le Monde Beryl
Which songs are you listening to on repeat at the moment?
Alone again (naturally) – Gilbert O’Sullivan
Shoop Shoop- Cher
In 2 deep- Damian Marley
3 things on your bucket list?
My dream is to teach back in Hackney where I’m from but I definitely want to have a TEFL qualification so I can teach all over the world too.
Refugee Community Kitchen is a charity based in Calais that does some amazing work and I’d love to get involved before the end of 2024.
I love music so much but I have zero rhythm or coordination. Me and my girlfriend are gonna start dance lessons. I feel like my quality of life would increase so much if I could dance and it’s so sexy haha
jacket and loafers Miu Miu, socks Falke
Who are your biggest inspirations in the fashion industry?
I am absolutely enamored by Lee McQueen. I really resonate and admire this story of a working class guy from the east end making it happen for himself. His dedication to story telling through the macabre like A/W1995 pushes boundaries in a way that doesn’t happen so much anymore. He had a twisted crazy mind.
What makes you feel happy?
Being with my family and girlfriend makes me the happiest. They are home for me. I’m really lucky to be best friends with my parents and sister. My mum and I call each other probably 20 times a day. My girlfriend Megan and my mum sat outside my runway debut watching on live and it was the sweetest day. They all keep me so grounded and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
Tell us about your tattoos
I got a lot of my tattoos when I was 17-18 in a short space of time too. Some of them are silly and I just thought they were cool but most of them are sentimental. My nan passed away in 2021 and it broke my heart. She truly was my best friend so, a lot of my tattoos are tributes to her. I have her words on my shoulder as well as an outline of an old photo of us and a cherub as she loved them. I also have a matching tattoo with my best friend and my girlfriend’s handwriting on me so a lot of my tattoos are linked to the people in my life I love.
jumpsuit Saint Laurent, coat Khaite, shoes Jimmy Choo
Who are your biggest inspirations in the fashion industry?
I am absolutely enamored by Lee McQueen. I really resonate and admire this story of a working class guy from the east end making it happen for himself. His dedication to story telling through the macabre like A/W1995 pushes boundaries in a way that doesn’t happen so much anymore. He had a twisted crazy mind.
What makes you feel happy?
Being with my family and girlfriend makes me the happiest. They are home for me. I’m really lucky to be best friends with my parents and sister. My mum and I call each other probably 20 times a day. My girlfriend Megan and my mum sat outside my runway debut watching on live and it was the sweetest day. They all keep me so grounded and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
Tell us about your tattoos
I got a lot of my tattoos when I was 17-18 in a short space of time too. Some of them are silly and I just thought they were cool but most of them are sentimental. My nan passed away in 2021 and it broke my heart. She truly was my best friend so, a lot of my tattoos are tributes to her. I have her words on my shoulder as well as an outline of an old photo of us and a cherub as she loved them. I also have a matching tattoo with my best friend and my girlfriend’s handwriting on me so a lot of my tattoos are linked to the people in my life I love.
