Ella Richards commands attention through a quiet, cool composure. It feels inherited. This 26-year-old British model carries herself with a natural authority that speaks louder than words.
Her lineage is a blend of rock and roll royalty and haute couture legends. Her grandfather is Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. Her grandmother was the iconic 1960s muse Anita Pallenberg.
This creative, rebellious spirit flows through her family tree. Her mother, Lucie de la Falaise, is a stylist from a line of fashion insiders. This pedigree gives her work a unique depth.
Despite this famous background, she maintains a notably low profile. She describes herself as someone who prefers staying in. Yet, she is a fixture at exclusive venues with a tight-knit circle.
Signed with the Storm agency, her career is guided by her godmother, Kate Moss. She has built a respected portfolio. It includes campaigns for major houses like Burberry and Louis Vuitton.
Her editorial work graces the pages of Vogue. She represents a new generation of industry insiders. They carry legacy forward with quiet confidence and undeniable skill.
Getting to Know Ella Richards
Her story begins not on a runway, but in a sun-drenched Soho loft. The first six years were spent in New York City, a time filled with walks through Central Park. The city’s energy left a mark.
After 9/11, the family sought a quieter life. They moved to West Wittering in England. Their new home was near her grandfather’s famous Redlands Cottage estate.
Background and Early Life
Life in the English countryside was different. It was a bit of a shock after the city’s constant noise. Days were spent by the sea, riding horses and walking through fields.
At Lavant House School, teachers knew her as a daydreamer. Her mind often wandered during lessons. She grew up in a family of creative, free-spirited individuals.
She has a younger brother, Orson, and a much younger sister, Ida. When Ida was born, the model took on a nurturing role. She was often seen walking her baby sister around town.
Modeling Beginnings and Influences
Her career started early. At age 15, she signed with the Storm modeling agency. Her first professional shoot was for French magazine Jalouse in Paris.
The editorial featured Madeline-inspired outfits along the Rive Gauche. It was a taste of the fashion world her family knew well. By 18, she committed to modeling full-time, moving to London to build her career.
| Period | Location | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood | New York City, Soho | Lived in a loft; explored city parks |
| After Age 6 | West Wittering, England | Moved to the countryside; attended Lavant House School |
| Age 15 | Paris, France | First professional shoot for Jalouse magazine |
| Age 18 | London, England | Began modeling full-time |
The Journey Behind the Interview
A surprise during the interview created a poignant link between past and present. For her first major in-depth feature, the model was handed a copy of Tatler from May 1993. The cover featured her mother, Lucie de la Falaise, dubbed the “coolest kid on the catwalk.”
Her stunned reaction was genuine. She immediately asked to photograph the vintage cover, connecting personally with her family’s history.
Fashion Legacy and Family Connections
Inside that issue, a photo showed her mother and uncle with great-aunt Loulou de la Falaise. They lounged in Loulou’s legendary Paris apartment. The model recalled visiting the space as a child.
It remained unchanged, filled with antique furniture, rich fabrics, and jewelry dangling everywhere. Loulou, baptized in Schiaparelli’s ‘Shocking’ perfume, was a muse to Yves Saint Laurent. This legacy is carried with quiet pride.
The family tree intertwines rock and roll with haute couture and European nobility. Her great-grandmother, Maxime, worked with Elsa Schiaparelli. The creative spirit runs deep.
Personal Anecdotes from the Past
This spirit manifested in a shared wardrobe. The family operated like a creative collective. Her grandfather Keith wore her grandmother Anita’s clothes, and she wore his.
They borrowed freely—a lot of gender-fluid, bohemian dressing long before it was trendy. This blurring of boundaries defined their personal style.
She inherited cascades of vintage clothing from Anita Pallenberg. The collection includes fragile Ossie Clark dresses and Yves Saint Laurent pieces from her mother’s time in Paris. While she treasures them, the 1980s aesthetic isn’t quite her own. Her style leans toward a more understated, rock-and-roll minimalism.
Ella Richards: Breaking Boundaries in Modeling
Behind the glamour of major fashion shows lies a story of meticulous preparation and mutual respect. This approach has defined a career that seamlessly blends heritage with a very modern work ethic.
Work with Iconic Brands and Designers
Her collaboration with Burberry stands as a highlight. She served as a muse for both Christopher Bailey and Riccardo Tisci. Walking in Tisci’s final show for the brand felt like a significant honor.
It represented a British model working with the most quintessential British brand. This professional relationship was built on a shared understanding of style.
Another formative experience was working with Tom Ford. He cast her in his London shows starting when she was just 17.
Ford’s attention to detail was legendary. When she almost turned an ankle in extremely high shoes during a fitting, his solution was immediate. He had ankle straps added to every pair for the show.
For one event with a slippery mirrored runway, the team built a practice version backstage. This allowed the models to gain confidence before the actual show. It was a clear example of putting safety first.
Capturing the Essence of British Style
Her input extends beyond the runway. A design project with DL1961 Denim resulted in the “Ella” jean. This allowed for creative collaboration beyond modeling.
Guidance from her godmother, Kate Moss, has been invaluable. The supermodel’s best advice was simple yet powerful. She emphasized the importance of standing your ground.
Ella carries this philosophy into every professional decision. It ensures her career path is one of authentic choice, not just obligation.
Beauty, Skincare, and Hair: Inside Ella’s Daily Rituals
Her approach to beauty is as disciplined and intentional as her work on the runway. The routines are grounded in expert guidance, designed for clarity and health over fleeting trends.
Skincare and Makeup Secrets
Since age 19, her skin has been under the care of London dermatologist Dr. Sam Bunting. The bathroom shelf now holds mostly fragrance-free formulas from this line.
Mornings start with an ice roller for puffiness. A 60-second cleanse with a gentle face massage wakes up the skin. Vitamin C serum, a targeted moisturizer, and daily sunscreen create a perfect base.
Evenings are sacred. Makeup removal is followed by another cleanse. Prescription retinol, used for years, is the most crucial step for keeping skin clear.
Her makeup philosophy is “less is more.” A trusted concealer handles redness. A beloved Benetint adds a rosy flush. A creamy brown shadow defines eyes with a subtle flick.
Haircare and Style Essentials
Her fine, straight hair gets a lot of attention. Years of bleaching and heat styling for work demand consistent care.
She washes her hair daily, a bit against conventional wisdom, because clean hair makes her feel good. She cycles through shampoos, currently favoring Klorane.
When dryness strikes, Olaplex No. 4 and No. 5 come to the rescue. A K18 mask used twice a week prevents split ends. Oils from Ouai and Oribe keep ends healthy and smelling incredible.
She tries to air-dry whenever possible. Volume comes from a texturizing spray. All color and cuts happen at the Josh Wood salon.
| Category | Product | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Skincare | Dr. Sam’s Flawless Moisturizer | Hydrates without greasiness |
| Skincare | Prescription Retinol | Maintains clear, smooth skin |
| Makeup | Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer | Covers under-eye circles and redness |
| Haircare | K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask | Prevents split ends, restores hydration |
| Haircare | Oribe Texturizing Spray | Adds volume and body |
Wellness means balance. Pilates builds strength and mental clarity. She enjoys good food and takes social media breaks to stay present.
Fragrance is a recent passion. She loves fresh scents like Byredo’s Blanche but also adores rich musks that connect to family memories. Some days, essential oils like lavender remind her of an English garden.
The final beauty secret? A daily lymphatic drainage facial massage to de-puff and lift. It’s a mindful moment that proves real beauty work happens consistently, at home.
Behind the Lens: Memorable Fashion Moments
Beyond the curated portfolios lie the unscripted snapshots that define a model’s true place in fashion. These moments reveal more than any campaign ever could.
Iconic Runways and Red Carpet Events
The Richard Quinn AW22 show showcased bold prints and dramatic silhouettes. This British designer’s presentation demanded both confidence and control from every model walking the runway.
At the 2023 British Fashion Awards, she arrived in Miu Miu and Casadei. The look was fresh-faced and composed, a testament to her understanding of the brand’s aesthetic.
One memorable wedding required resilience over glamour. After fracturing her foot the night before, she attended Tish Weinstock’s Halloween celebration at Belvoir Castle in vintage John Galliano. Black Miu Miu flats replaced the intended heels.
Her relationship with the Tom Ford brand spans nearly a decade. Haider Ackermann’s first show for the label brought everything full circle. He specifically envisioned her in a vibrant purple suit with red accents.
The styling remained deliberately understated. Soft makeup and casually tied hair let the bold color command attention. This approach reflects a lot of thought about what truly makes an impact.
From Glastonbury festivals to exclusive London venues, these experiences form a rich tapestry. They show how deeply embedded she is within fashion’s inner circles.
Final Reflections on Ella Richards’ Inspirational Journey
Her definition of beauty reveals a wisdom beyond her years—it’s about how you feel inside, not how you look. Confidence and comfort in your own skin create a glow that no product can replicate. When you feel good, it naturally shines through.
This philosophy extends to her cozy South Kensington sanctuary. She prefers quiet evenings cooking meals learned from her parents. Her natural blonde hair gets air-dried whenever possible, a simple routine that maintains its health.
She fills her days with movement that brings joy—Pilates for strength, walks in the park, fun activities with friends. True crime documentaries and Harry Potter marathons provide entertainment that balances adrenaline with comfort.
Ella Richards has built a career on her own terms, guided by Kate Moss’s advice to stand her ground. At 26, she represents a modern approach to modeling—one that honors heritage while embracing personal authenticity.
