Candice Lake
We are pleased to spotlight our latest Marfa Muse, Candice Lake. An Australian former model who featured in international campaigns, became the face of Ralph Lauren and walked international catwalks for Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Chanel. Candice is now a London based photographer, Contributing Style Editor at Australian Vogue and also designing her own collection.
Candice wears size M–L in the Parachute Parka in stone, reverse natural white and pale sage, with the Aviator Collar in natural.
#marfamuse
Tell us about your background
I was always inspired to create things. I was forever in the garage with my father inventing things out of wood or making sculptures out of mud from the stream at our home. Art was always my favourite subject in school so when I got into Law school, I was actually a little disappointed, as it meant I probably wouldn’t be going to Art School. Years later, I went back to Art School and gained a Bachelor of Fine Arts and it was some of the most inspiring years of my life.
Can you briefly describe your path to where you are now?
I was a model scouted on the street when I was at Law school and rather quickly moved from Sydney to New York. I didn’t really know what a model did, although the prospect of a ticket to see the world was incredibly alluring. Within a month of arriving in NY, I was really lucky to become the face of Ralph Lauren which had a snowball effect. I went on to shoot a lot with Vogue and walk in many of the shows like Chanel & Louis Vuitton during the circuit. It was such an intense and exciting time. Although, it was actually whilst shooting the Versace campaign with Steven Meisel that made me realise I wanted to be a photographer. He took only 10 -15 frames and I thought for sure I had been dropped. But then I saw myself in the campaign on a billboard and it looked so different to how I had seen the shoot. I knew at that moment it was what I wanted to do. So I went back to art school and started assisting everyone in all capacities. I really wanted to learn all sides of the industry. I moved to London in 2009 & knocked on the door at British Vogue. They sent me to New York to shoot street style, right as the movement started 10 years ago… and that is really how it all began. Since then I have shot as a photographer for Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo & Cartier, worked with Vogue as an Editor and designed my own collection for 5 years and now a collection which will available soon.
What are you most proud of?
Creating a career out of my passion and having that career sustain my curiosity whilst being my livelihood. What a gift that is. I am also incredibly proud of my children and husband. Nothing great happens without love for yourself and the ones around you.
What advice do you have for others who are thinking about getting into similar roles?
When everyone else is turning left, go right. It’s not always necessary to do what people expect or what people want you to do – following your gut tends to be a better idea and lead to better choices. Stay curious, it’s the fountain of youth. I want to understand what people have to say, their stories and where all of these creative impulses come from. It’s so important to look around (not at your phone) and see what’s happening the world here and now. I never want to lose any of that beautiful, intense interaction with life.
3 must-haves to make it happen?• A great team around you is essential, so that you can be fully present in exactly what you’re doing.
• I really believe in having screen free time to deeply connect with whomever or whatever it is you are doing.
• Perseverance and a willingness to hear no and go for it anyway
How do you style your Marfa Stance piece?
I love wearing the jacket with big boots and simple trousers as the jacket is such a statement piece. I have loved these pieces for years. Also, my favourite thing is that you can swap out the collars.
Photographer Amelia Allen