Photographs by Emma Tempest
Supermodel Carolyn Murphy is having her second act. At 40 years old, Murphy has added the title of women’s design director of Shinola to her resume after shooting a campaign for the brand with Bruce Weber, which introduced her to the Detroit watch, bicycle, and leather goods brand with a cult following. She can add that to her other titles: Supermod, mom, and upcoming face of Estée Lauder. In an interview with Net-A-Porter’s The Edit, Murphy discusses her new role, life at 40, and a few other gems about social media, her early modeling days, and her favorite designer. Plus! Check out her denim-themed photo shoot. Aren’t you just dying to get your hands on that See by Chloe jumpsuit?
On modeling in the 90s: “Back then, it was late nights drinking and partying with Kate [Moss], Amber [Valletta] and Shalom [Harlow], but having to show up the next day and hopefully [still] have a career,” she laughs. “It was super-fun but we were really naughty… The girls today are so professional!”
On real life vs. fashion life: “Dylan’s aware that a photo of me in a magazine and me as ‘mom’ are two very different entities,” she says. “I’ll say to her, look at me now: I’ve got bags under my eyes and a zit, and you know [what] my body [looks like]. Now look at this photo of me: they’re not the same.”
On social media: “It’s not even voyeurism anymore,” she says emphatically. “It’s beyond that. The girls are told that they have to have a certain amount of followers, [so they] exploit themselves as a result. I had to stop following some of them; I just can’t see their rear end any more or airbrushed selfies with the pout. I just can’t.”
On her favorite designer of the moment: “I was just in Costa Rica, and if you look at my Instagram feed, it’s like I’m an Isabel Marant advertisement! Everything she does is so cool and easy.”
On city life: “I like solitude. I can be in the city, but after two weeks, I’m ready to escape again.”
