Profile Meets Liv…

Every so often you meet someone who is a complete inspiration. Liv, a blond bundle of energy, only began her journey as a model after she turned 50 and is flying the flag for, not only ladies in the prime of their lives, but also for anyone who wants to start over, follow a dream or change career later in life. I caught up with Liv between a photoshoot and gym session, to find out how it all started for her, and what gets her out of bed in the morning. I think you’ll find the ‘Pocket Rocket’ seriously awe-inspiring.

The always joyful Liv in our Paint it Red silk twill scarf dancing to Kylie Minogue. Who else?!

1.       Liv, you are a new starter to the world of modelling. Tell us how you came to be on this new path? 

I came to modelling completely by accident!

A few years ago, I was working in an administrative role at Cambridge University Sport and, if I’m honest, I was feeling a little restless. I’d spent much of my career behind a desk, but I’ve never really been a sit-still kind of person.

One day, whilst scrolling through LinkedIn, I came across a post from a young entrepreneur who was launching a brand specialising in extra-petite jeans for women under 5ft tall. As someone who is 4ft'10, that immediately caught my attention. I followed her journey and, when she later put out a casting call for models, I decided to be brave and apply.

To my amazement, I was selected for the photoshoot. That day completely changed my perspective. Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, I believed modelling was only for very tall, very slim women. It had genuinely never occurred to me that someone my height could be a model.

What surprised me most was meeting a group of incredible women, all under 5ft tall, who were already modelling professionally. Several had agents and encouraged me to apply myself. I followed their advice, joined an agency, and suddenly found myself on a path I never imagined possible.

The biggest surprise is that I’m still surprised! Even now, every booking feels exciting. Starting modelling in my 50s has been incredibly liberating because there is no pressure to be anything other than myself. I have nothing to prove and everything to enjoy.

What I love most is the creativity and teamwork behind every shoot. Models, photographers, stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists and brands all come together to create something beautiful. It’s a world I discovered completely unexpectedly, and one that has brought so much fun, confidence and opportunity into my life. 

Liv enjoys meeting fellow models and creatives behind the scenes. Here she is keeping warm while waiting for a shoot for Molina Fuchsia silk scarf.

2.       You only started modelling last year, which I think is amazing. What has been your most enjoyable experience so far? 

That’s a really difficult question because I genuinely love every shoot I do. Even now, I still get excited every time I'm successful, because modelling is something I never expected to be doing in my 50s.

If I had to choose, it would probably be the shoots that combine modelling with wellbeing, fitness and the outdoors. I loved shooting at Waresley Estate, with its beautiful grounds and wellness feel, because it reflects so many of the things I enjoy in my own life. As someone who loves being active and even enjoys cold-water swimming, those types of projects feel very natural to me.

I also had great fun on a shoot in a gym in Notting Hill, and another memorable experience was modelling on a boat in Paddington Basin in London. The variety is one of the things I love most about this industry. One week you can be in a gym, the next on the water, and the next working on a beauty or skincare campaign.

More than any individual job, though, my favourite part has been the people. I’ve met so many talented, creative and supportive individuals along the way. Every shoot feels like a team coming together to create something special, and I come away from each one having learned something new.

So while I can’t pick a single favourite moment, I can honestly say that every shoot has been an adventure, and that’s what I enjoy most.

3.       And what advice would you give to anyone wanting to get into modelling? 

I’m not sure I’m experienced enough to be giving advice, as I only started modelling last year and I’m still learning every day myself!

What I have learned, though, is that resilience is everything. You have to keep putting yourself forward and not be discouraged by rejection. In modelling, most people don’t get most of the jobs they apply for, and that’s simply the nature of the industry. Often it’s not about talent at all; a client may just be looking for a very specific look, height, age or style.

My approach is to apply for opportunities with enthusiasm but assume nothing. If you don’t get selected, move on and apply for the next one. If you do get selected, it’s a wonderful bonus.

I’d also encourage people not to rule themselves out. I spent years assuming I couldn’t be a model because I was under 5ft tall and didn’t fit the traditional image of what I thought a model should be. Thankfully, I was wrong. There are so many more opportunities today for people of different ages, heights and backgrounds.

Most importantly, don’t give up. Sometimes all it takes is that one opportunity, that one person who believes in you, or that one application that changes everything.

4.       You are also flying the flag for petite ladies, which I love as a small person myself! Do you think fashion brands should cater for petite sizes more? 

I do think petite fashion is improving, and that’s really encouraging to see. There are certainly more options available now than there were a few years ago, especially if you know where to look.

On the high street, petite ranges can still be quite limited, but online shopping and social media have opened up a whole new world. Since becoming involved in the modelling industry, I’ve discovered so many brands and businesses that specifically cater for petite women, and it’s been wonderful to see that growing awareness.

That said, I think there is still room for improvement, particularly in designer fashion. While many luxury brands are becoming more inclusive in some areas, petite women can still feel overlooked. The fashion industry often assumes that clothes will be worn by taller frames, yet there are millions of women who are 5ft 3in and under.

I’d love to see more designers embrace petite sizing from the outset, rather than treating it as an afterthought. Being petite doesn’t mean wanting different fashion; it simply means wanting the same beautiful clothes that fit properly.

As someone who is 4ft '10, I know first-hand how transformative it can be when a garment is designed with petite proportions in mind. Not only does it fit better, but it also gives you confidence. Every woman deserves to feel that, regardless of her height.

Liv, seen here draped in our Paint it Red silk twill scarf, is flying the flag for petite models

5.       You are in incredible shape. How do you incorporate self-care and fitness into your busy modelling schedule? 

Thank you so much, that’s a very kind compliment.

I’ve always enjoyed being active, so fitness doesn’t really feel like something I have to squeeze into my schedule; it’s simply part of who I am and how I feel my best.

One thing people may not realise is that modelling isn’t busy all the time. There can be weeks when you’re rushing from one project to another, and then there can be quieter periods in between. During the busy weeks, I do my best to fit my workouts around everything else. I might occasionally miss a session, but I don’t stop altogether. Staying active is important to me, so I always find a way to keep moving.

Part of that comes from necessity as much as enjoyment. I have a pituitary condition and have spent much of my life being mindful of my health, including maintaining strong bones and muscles. From a young age, I learned that exercise wasn’t just something good to do; it was one of the best things I could do for my long-term wellbeing. Over the years, staying active has become second nature.

For me, self-care starts with movement. I love walking, strength training, yoga and spending time outdoors whenever I can. Exercise gives me energy, helps me manage stress and keeps both my body and mind feeling strong. I also have a little toy poodle called Fred, who makes sure I get outside every day, and I try to clock up at least 10,000 steps whenever possible.

I also try to look after myself in the more traditional sense by prioritising good nutrition and getting enough rest where possible. Modelling can involve early starts, long days on your feet and plenty of travelling, so I’ve learned that looking after the basics is really important.

As I’ve got older, I’ve become much more focused on wellbeing rather than chasing perfection. I exercise because it makes me feel healthy, capable and confident, not because I’m trying to achieve a particular look.

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than perfection. Even when life gets busy, doing something is always better than doing nothing.

6.       What exercise or activity is your go-to to get you feeling energised?

My go-to activity for feeling energised is getting outside first thing in the morning. There’s something about fresh air, natural light and a walk with my little dog, that sets me up for the day. Even a short walk helps clear my mind and boosts my energy levels.  

Beyond that, I love strength training. I don’t go to the gym every day, but most weeks you’ll find me there lifting weights and working on different muscle groups. I also make sure I include stretching, yoga poses, and I’ve recently been spending more time on the StairMaster. I won’t pretend it’s my favourite piece of equipment, but I’m gradually learning to appreciate it.  

What surprises some people is that the workouts that seem the hardest are often the ones that leave me feeling the most energised afterwards. Once I’ve finished exercising and had a shower, I feel stronger, more focused and ready to take on whatever the day has in store. For me, movement first thing, creates energy. Sitting at a desk tends to make me feel fidgety, tired and sluggish!

7.       You are known as the Pocket Rocket, and I can certainly vouch for your unlimited energy, despite lots of walking, waiting around and very late lunches on photoshoots!  What is the secret to your stamina?!

Ha! Yes, I’ve been called a Pocket Rocket for as long as I can remember.

I think a lot of my energy comes from genuinely enjoying being around people. I love meeting new people, hearing their stories and being part of a creative team. I tend to feed off that positive energy, and when I’m doing something I enjoy, I rarely notice how much time has passed.

Of course, there are moments on shoots that can be physically demanding. I still remember all the walking we did on the Molina shoot, and in heels too! That certainly tested my stamina. But even then, I was having such a good time that I didn’t really focus on the effort involved.

I’m also not someone who worries too much about the practicalities. If lunch is late, I’ll usually find a little snack to keep me going, and then carry on. I’ve always been quite adaptable.

If there’s a secret to my stamina, I think it’s probably a positive mental attitude. I try to make the best of wherever I am, enjoy the experience in front of me and focus on the opportunities rather than the inconveniences. When you’re having fun, working with lovely people and doing something you genuinely enjoy, it’s amazing how much energy you can find.

Perhaps that’s the real Pocket Rocket secret!

8.       It’s no secret that you love a spot of Kylie Minogue while modelling! What else is on your playlist today? 

It really depends on the clothing and the mood we’re trying to create on set.

If it’s something a little more fun or alluring, I’d go for artists like Britney Spears or Kylie Minogue ... something upbeat, confident and playful. I also love The Killers for that slightly rock-and-roll energy that lifts you instantly.

For gym or activewear shoots, it’s definitely more high-energy dance music. Becky Hill is a go-to for me when I need that extra push and real upbeat motivation.

Then there are other moods where I might lean more into something a bit more atmospheric or expressive. I really like RAYE, and I also enjoy listening to artists like The Cure and Pink Floyd, as well as older classics. Those tend to feel more theatrical or cinematic, which can really help shape a different kind of energy on set.

I think music is such an important part of modelling for me; it helps me step into the right mindset quickly. I’ll often tailor what I’m listening to depending on what we’re trying to create visually, so it becomes part of the storytelling rather than just background noise.

9.       There has been a real shift recently in industry influencers calling for brands to address the 40+ age bracket, and brands are starting to take this on board. Is this something you feel strongly about?  

Hmmm I think it’s an interesting conversation, and it’s great that more attention is being given to representation across different age groups.

Personally, I don’t feel that women over 40 necessarily need any different clothing than what is currently available in shops or online.  I'm also not sure they require separate rules when it comes to style. There is already so much choice available on the high street and online, and I think style is much more about how you wear something than a set of age guidelines.

For me, I’ve always believed that you should wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable, regardless of age. Fashion shouldn’t become restrictive as you get older; it should still feel expressive and fun.

Liv looking gorgeous pairing white jeans and t with our Fuchsia skinny scarf

That said, I do understand why some people feel there has been a gap in representation, and it’s positive that brands are becoming more aware of different body types and age groups in their marketing.

Ultimately, I think if someone is unsure about what suits them, there’s nothing wrong with getting advice from a stylist or doing a bit of inspiration research. But I don’t personally feel that turning 40, or any age, means you suddenly need to dress differently. Style should always be individual.

10.  You absolutely rocked our Alicia Collection Paint it Red kaftan. What is your ideal outfit for lazing around the pool on holiday? 

I do usually go for something very light and easy, like a white linen kaftan or a long, loose shirt thrown over a bikini. I tend to choose white because I’ve got quite pale skin, and I’m very conscious of protecting it from the sun and not overdoing it. At 55, I’m also mindful of looking after my skin as much as possible, so comfort and coverage are really important to me.

Big sunglasses are a must, and I’m not the best with hats as I find my head gets quite hot, so I often prefer scarves instead. I love using a lightweight scarf to cover my hair and keep things cool and protected.

That said, I absolutely loved the Alicia Collection Paint It Red kaftan. The print and colour really stood out to me, and it’s actually a great example of something I might not have chosen for myself initially, but once I tried it on, I completely changed my mind. It’s a reminder that stepping slightly outside your usual comfort zone can be really fun.

Liv absolutely rocking our Paint it Red silk georgette kaftan

So while my natural instinct is usually white, simple and minimal, I’m definitely open to a bit of colour and personality when something catches my eye like that.

To catch Liv on her daily adventures, if you can keep up(!), you can follow her on Instagram @liv_pocketrocket.