Born-and-bred New Yorker Julia Cumming lives and breathes the rock ‘n’ roll girl aesthetic. From her Seventies-inspired band to her über cool charm, she’s more than a model muse…
By Susan Devaney
Image courtesy of Getty.
With an overslept, peroxide messy bob and a pin-thin 5-foot-11 silhouette Julia is every inch rock ‘n’ roll’s girl. A pair of black lace-up boots, striped T-shirt and tight leather miniskirt is all part of her daily ensemble.
Becoming a model was never on her radar.
The 19-year-old’s heart truly lies with her band Sunflower Bean – as bass player and singer. Sharing an apartment in Brooklyn together the teenage trio formed in 2013. Since then they’ve played many a venue, pleased many crowd. With a sound that resembles the likes of Black Sabbath and a fusion of psychedelic rock, she’s every inch the ‘cool girl’. After releasing an EP, Show Me Your Seven Secrets, in January with her other band mates, Nick Kivlen and Jacob Faber, they’ve had a packed tour schedule on the road. Skipping her own high school graduation to play on stage sums up her unwavering love for music. But it would appear that not having her diploma to hand hasn’t given her any career woes.
After studying classical singing at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York, she had planned to enrol in a music conservatory for college. But her band led her in a different direction. After being spotted on YouTube by Saint Laurent’s casting director she was invited to walk for their autumn/winter 14 show. Having since walked for three of their shows she is now a fixed favourite. And it’s easy to see why. Hedi Slimane, the creative director, is known for his love of rock ‘n’ roll, smeared eyeliner, ripped tights and channelling the rocker chick vibe. Julia has all that, and more.
Citing The Who, Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd as major influences, Sunflower Bean hope to release their debut album this summer, a sure sound trip to the Seventies. It’s very fitting for a teenager, whose old soul lies with the spirit of a freedom-fuelled decade, much like the Saint Laurent campaign she’s fronting. With previous British models such as Edie Campbell and Cara Delevingne coveting campaigns, Cumming’s brings Stateside youth appeal. And, we’ll see her walking for the next Saint Laurent show, embodying the brand by just being her.
