ALIVE’s newest fashion editorial combines several of our favorite things: cool summer hues, emerging designers and one breathtakingly beautiful (and much buzzed-about) bombshell: Meredith Mickelson. She may only be 17, but her stellar looks, outgoing personality and large fan-base have already earned her much industry chatter.
Mickelson, who is signed with New York Model Management and NEXT Miami, flew to St. Louis to shoot our editorial “Summertime Blues” in late May. In addition to the spread, which can be viewed in the latest issue of ALIVE, Let’s Come Together, photographer Attilio D’Agostino shot an exclusive round of digitals that serve as the perfect visual backdrop for our chat with America’s favorite up-and-coming “it” girl.
How did you build such a great following on Instagram and what is your favorite part about being able to connect with your fans via social media?
Honestly, my social media kept growing and growing the more active I was on it. It still blows my mind I have almost 700K followers and I ask myself the same thing: why?!
But I’m so blessed because it has opened up opportunities I thought were impossible and I get to engage with a bunch of my supporters, which is also insane. I never thought I’d have so many amazing people supporting me and telling me I inspire them, but the truth is they inspire me! A big reason I got into modeling was to inspire young girls to follow their dream, no matter how outside of the box it was. I hope to change the way girls see themselves and take away all the negativity and make sure they know they’re one-of-a-kind and beautiful the way they are.
What has been your biggest reward—and your biggest challenge—with being a young model?
There are so many big rewards with being a young model and so many challenges. The rewards would include the ability to accomplish impressive things for my age. I can only keep growing and growing and hopefully keep doing bigger things each day I grow.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is comfy but chic for sure. I really love throwing together an amazing outfit with thigh-high boots, and other days a huge sweatshirt. Depends on my mood! I think someone’s style says a lot about them as a person.
Do you have someone that you consider a mentor? What piece of advice did they give you that has really stick with you?
I have an amazing mentor. His name is Rhiyen Sharp and he is my agent. He has taught me everything about the industry. We are very similar, which is why we work so well together! We push and push until we can make something possible. He’s taught me to make things happen. I wouldn’t be where I am right now without him.
Photos by Attilio D’Agostino. Hair and makeup by Caleigh Hampton.
Want more? View Meredith Mickelson in ALIVE Magazine’s newest fashion editorial “Summertime Blues.”