Eastwood nine-year-old walks on Paris Fashion Week catwalk

Isla Smith, from Eastwood, burst into tears when mum Vicki broke the news she would be featuring in the highly prestigious event.

During Paris Fashion Week she walked wearing a handmade gown from children’s designer Iris Rose London.

The youngster, who is with South Coast Kidz Ltd modelling and talent agency, has been in the industry ever since she was a baby, modelling for magazines and websites online.

After her first catwalk, Isla was spotted and picked to take part in Paris Fashion Week, with Isla and her mum eagerly hopping on board the Eurostar for rehearsals ahead of the big day.

Model - the youngster. Pic: Thistle and Blue

Vicki, 41, said: “She did a fashion catwalk for Iris Rose at Hampton Court Palace back in July, and after that I got a message asking if she’d like to go to Paris to do another one. We were so excited.

“We didn’t want to tell her until closer to the time as we didn’t know if we’d even be able to go because of Covid.

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“She cried when we told her and she cried when she saw the dress too. Even at her age she knew it was a big thing, but she probably doesn’t even fully realise how big it is.

“Isla is quite shy in person, but when you see her on the catwalk you wouldn’t think it.”

Shooting to stardom - Isla during a previous shoot. Photo: Thistle and Blue Photography

Having worked with brands including No Added Sugar and King Cole, Isla dreams to one day model for clothing giants like Zara.

The trip, which saw her hit the runway on September 30, also marked her first visit to Paris.

Vicki added: “She was so ecstatic and couldn’t wait to get her make up done and get her dress on. The whole experience is the first thing she talks about in the morning.

“We also managed to have a quick preview of the Eiffel Tower while we were there, and said we’d go back one day with my husband and son too. We all couldn’t be more proud of her.”