Inge Ladd

Height : 5’61” | Bust : 37.4″ | Waist : 27.5″ | Hip : 41″ | Shoes : 7.5 | Eyes : Greyish Blue | Hair : Grey

Based in Spain, Inge Ladd is an actress and model. She has been published in many national and international publications, and was featured in Vogue at the age of 62. She has also worked for an array of campaigns, from avant-garde fashion, lifestyle photography to editorial photography. As an actress, Inge has appeared in many films and TV shows, such as “Oh, quina joia!” (2016), “Cuanto más grande, mejor” (2017), “Still Star-Crossed” (2017), “BREXIT” (2018), and “Paradise Hills” (2019). Inge was published in HUF Magazine print issue #91, and we had the chance to get to know her better.

Where do you live and work? What’s it like living and working there?

I live in a beautiful small cultural seaside village called Sitges; just about 35 minutes away from Barcelona, Spain. I’m lucky to have this beautiful getaway to live in, yet very fortunate to be so close to the city. I have a special kind of adoration for Barcelona; I have lived here now for well over 35 years, originally born and bred in Singapore. My father is British, and my mother is Geman.

Can you tell us how you got into modeling?

I modeled for the first time when I was about 23, my very first job was for Vidal Sassoon London. I hated it. It was a very different industry then. I was then spotted some years later on the street, actually thirteen years later by the head booker Josse Manzana from one of the biggest agencies in Barcelona – Salvador Models & Actors. Thanks to her and her knowhow, modeling and acting became my profession. Sadly, she passed away last year. You have been published in many publications, including Vogue. It’s most model’s dream to get published in Vogue.

How did you get published in Vogue, and is it as ecstatic as what everyone thinks it would be getting published in Vogue?

I’ve been published in Vogue twice, and the last shooting I did just before the lockdown of COVID-19, is also for Vogue. It was a brilliant shoot, but it’s being put on hold at the moment.

My first publication for Vogue was by mistake. I was asked to be a support model in a photoshoot for a new and upcoming male model, but before I knew what had happened, my images were featured instead, and the new and upcoming talent was never seen again. When the photographer rang me to give me the news, I was over the moon! For two reasons, firstly because it’s my favourite photo and secondly, yes, not every day you get published in Vogue. I was 62.

Which photoshoot so far is the most memorable? As far as the best shoot, the most memorable?

Wow!! This is not an easy question and I can’t answer it. Honestly can’t. In many photoshoots, I look like the walking dead, serious, angry, and very tough. I don’t relate to the character at all, but the photographer is over the moon. In every single shoot I have worked on there is something amazing, it’s about what’s happening whilst I’m being photographed. It’s about interactions, and this reflects in the end results. I’m extremely lucky, whereby I can adapt to what is being asked of me. I think my best shot is still to be published, and I won’t say any more.

From your experience, do you feel that there are enough model agencies for mature models? And do you feel that generally mature models don’t have to compete for jobs as hard as the younger models do?

In the last five years, many many new model agencies have opened, representing only models over 40. Unfortunately, they are not well prepared, and this shows by the people they represent. The mature models are competing every day more and more and more. In the castings, I go to and auditions, there are more mature faces than young ones. Modeling is also a second opportunity for many people who didn’t do it then and are being scouted now. They are also in a lot better shape now than generations before them, senior models are being recruited all the time. It’s not easy, so the competition is on!

If a mature person wanted to start modeling, how would you advise them to go about it?

Hopefully, when we use the word mature, it means that our mindset is more prepared, and we have learned not to take ourselves too seriously. So be very open-minded, never compare yourself with anyone else. Diversity is in this industry. You are unique and you have chosen to be here. Don’t be deterred by all the castings you have to attend; it forms part of the job. The most important thing is to try not to take rejection personally. It has nothing to do with you as a person and, more importantly, leave your ego at home and do the best you can. You will enjoy it far more. I know I do.

You are also an actress. Did modeling or acting come first? Were you trained as an actress? And how did you get into films and TV?

Acting came at a very young age, singing and dancing, but it never took off because I had stage fright; my nerves always got the best of me, I suffered from acute shyness. Crazy but true, it wasn’t until many years later that I went back to senior drama school, and things just started happening – first a few films and then small parts in TV series. But as a very well known personality once told me, every role is crucial to the show.

Do you feel that acting helps with your modeling and vice versa?

Acting has undoubtedly made a significant difference in my modeling. Modeling is all about the mood. Acting helped me with temperament, postures, and the character I’m portraying. Modeling is not just about the garment, it’s about the story it tells and the person who is wearing it.

What’s it like working with other actors and seeing yourself on the TV screen?

Working with others is just the strawberries and cream of this profession. I thrive on people, and this is what I adore, it has nothing to do with me, it’s all about us. It’s really strange but even when I see myself today in something I’ve been in, on TV or the big screen. The shyness is still there. I usually smile and think to myself, not bad, not bad at all, and I smile again.

What’s on your horizon for 2020 and beyond?

What is 2020 going to bring? Well, it already has, COVID-19! Having said that, it’s made me feel as if I still have so much to see, and I want to learn more about all the things I still don’t know, and I’d love to continue working in what I absolutely love.