Erin has worked with countless models form Naomi Campbell to Twiggy. But reveals that the one model that really hit her with real forceful impact in a positive way was Christy Turlington: “I think she kind of taught me that you can think outside the box and you’re not just there to pose but you can form an opinion and if it’s something worthwhile you know you can use your voice. She does a lot of things outside modelling I think she’s been a big inspiration.”
The 6 ft model explains the fashion world as a bit of a bubble, running into the same people quite a lot of the time and how working on set with other models can be intimate. Outside work however she describes herself as low-key: “I’ve got a photographic studio so I don’t tend to knock around with them out those four professional walls.
"But I have got models that I’ve been mates with since the beginning and I’ve been modelling for 15 years now so I’ve got quite a nice little collection of friends.”
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Erins tells us: “I think in a way for me it’s a bygone era I remember growing up and being a teen and looking at all of these women collectively and in a sense it is a bygone era but I still relish all these memories I have of them being this forceful kind of, they were a powerful force actually they were businesswomen first and foremost that’s what they were and I think that’s the appeal for me sort of diversity to their appeal and what they do and it’s about being self-sufficient and claiming independence as a woman.
"I think that was quite an important message to me when I was growing up also there’s nothing wrong with a bit of glamour.”
Of course to be in the fashion world you must look after yourself which Erin does very well, when revealing her current workout routine she describes it as quite sporadic: “I’m boxing at the moment don’t laugh. I tell you what, it’s good for the soul and its good for toning the amount of carbs that you probably burn off is unimaginable but I quite like it as a stress release.
"I was a bit worried at first when I did my first lesson I couldn’t believe it. And we do it outside as well due to my 183cm tail. Very long arms you see.”
Erin’s shares her fashion must have this season which is a good old coat. “It’s all about a good coat for style and practicality reasons there is no reason why the two can’t co-exist. This season I’m rocking a nice little Kinder jacket its quite military.
"And he’s ‘a good guy as well I’ve known him for a long time. In fact I met because I modelled in a Versace men’s collection once I quite like how tailored his stuff is it really suits my kind of frame.”
On describing her own fashion style she said: “I would say it’s a mish-mash I do like my designer labels for sure but I’m also never happier then when I’m tucking in to Topshops deliveries on a Tuesday morning. I just brought a really lovely cardigan with a faux fur trimming on the shoulders it was a bit of a luxury buy for me at the moment.”
She shares her thoughts on Britain’s Next Top Model: “I’m more of a person that is within the fashion industry and what I understand and appreciate is that it makes a really good entertainment show but for me I’m not sure that it has much relevance in terms of how the industry runs day to day.
"I know that it’s an exciting show but I think the reality is quite different. I have my own thing that I do with the Model Sanctuary which I founded four years ago so that’s what kind of floats my boat.”
She has been described as one the best models in the world but like us all Erin has a few guilty pleasures: “Watching Eastenders in bed on my laptop for sure. Come Dine with me is my other guilty pleasure.
"I love the fact that the cooking is secondary to the premise of the show; it’s just about a bunch of people random getting together and going through other people’s knickers drawers. It is fun all the same. “
She also loves a bit of an omnibus on a Sunday no matter what the programme is. “I just relish staying indoors I love being at home. It’s an exotic scene sometimes just being able to do nothing at all and I really appreciate it when those days come along,” she says.
Erin O’Connor is launching new Fairy Clean & Care with a touch of Olay softness, giving your hands an everyday beauty treat.
Haleema Shabir