E! Information: In October 2011, you shared one in every of your first posts on Instagram—a throwback photograph of Donatella Versace with Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. How does it really feel now a decade later to not solely have walked the Versace runway, but in addition to be a face of the spring-summer 2021 marketing campaign?
Valuable Lee: Oh my god! Y’all noticed that?! That was actually in week one in every of having Instagram! UH-mazing! Effectively, I’ve at all times adored these girls! What’s humorous is I used to be the primary curve mannequin Queen Beyoncé used for her Ivy Park x Adidas collection in November. I additionally wrote a track for Mariah Carey after I was in highschool I wished her to sing—sure and I nonetheless have it—and I’ve at all times liked how fab Donatella is and the Home of Versace glamour. So, actually simply ready on Mariah to name me any second now. I really feel so extremely blessed and filled with gratitude. To shoot with Mert and Marcus for the Versace marketing campaign after doing the present was a full-blown dream. I’ve to return and stare on the shot and runway typically and actually scream like as soon as per week. I really dreamt it. Manifestation on a trillion!
E!: What’s one thing concerning the vogue business you want somebody had instructed you while you first began?
PL: Keep in mind that you’re your enterprise and technically no person may run it higher than you.
E!: What are a few of your favourite manufacturers to buy?
PL: I put on all kinds of manufacturers. I am additionally a giant advocate for purchase what you want merely since you prefer it. I could make a magnificence provide retailer scarf cool—it is about the way you put on it.
E!: In any case these years modeling garments and being on set, what are your go-to ideas and tips for placing collectively an outfit and ensuring garments work finest to your physique?
PL: Discover what you want essentially the most about your physique in garments and begin shopping for extra issues which have that very same silhouette, however strive totally different colours, textures, and so on. You do not have to observe each pattern and, actually, when you aren’t comfy, tweak the look! However do your finest to step out of your consolation zone. Chances are you’ll like one thing new higher than the tried and true.
E!: With vogue month upon us as soon as once more, what are important elements of your routine that it’s good to make it by means of in a single piece?
PL: Water, sleep, prayer, meditation, laughter, train.
E!: What’s subsequent in your profession bucket record?
PL: Doing extra firsts in vogue and films and tv.
E!: Trying again at your profession to this point, what’s the second or achievement that you just’re most pleased with at this time? Which milestone do you suppose 18-year-old Valuable can be most excited to listen to about?
PL: Versace and a mega-moment I am going to have the ability to focus on coming quickly.
E!: Title a model you suppose folks ought to pay extra consideration to. Why?
PL: Black-owned—as a result of.
E!: What’s one merchandise you suppose folks ought to have of their closet for 2021?
PL: A masks! And colour! 2020 was intense. Extra pleasure. Extra love.
(This interview has been edited and condensed for readability.)