She has appeared at London Fashion Week and posed for Vogue but model Sophie Allen is happiest in her home city of Hull, writes Natalie Murphy.
Dozens of models will be bringing clothes to life on the catwalk at Hull Bid Fashion Week.
Aged from seven to 57, they will be appearing at shows throughout the week, including at the grand finale at Hull City Hall on Saturday.
Among them is former London Fashion Week model and Hull girl Sophie Allen, who has a famous name to thank for getting her into the industry.
"I got into modelling around the time Agyness Deyn was about and she pointed me in the right direction," said Sophie.
"I started modelling when I was 16, so I've been doing it on and off for seven years now – wow, how time flies.
"I first moved to the big smoke when I was 19 into a warehouse full of girls, some dancers others art students.
"We had lots of parties and there wasn't much time for beauty sleep.
"We once had local Hull band The Hubbards perform a gig in our living room."
Sophie, who has modelled for Vogue, said she was delighted to supporting an event in her home city, especially after it was named UK City of Culture 2017.
"I was ecstatic to hear about the City of Culture, as our city has had it tough for a lot of years," she said.
"With it being named the worst city to live in a few years back, it's just what's needed.
"I don't understand why people talk so badly of Hull because it has so much talent hidden away in every corner and there's so much history and importance.
"The music scene is forever expanding and improving. It's all about the people you surround yourself with and us Hull people are so down to earth and welcoming.
"I'm doing Hull Fashion Week because I am proud of our city and will support it forever. Hull is where the heart is."
Sophie helped launched fashion week at the weekend with flash mob-style catwalks alongside 16-year-old identical twins Sophia and Olivia Daly, of Swanland, who are hoping to break into the modelling world.
Sophia said: "We're so happy to be part of fashion week and can't wait for the finale event next weekend.
"We're from Hull and we're proud to be representing the city, especially with City of Culture coming up."
Olivia said: "There's a real diversity of fashion in Hull, which people don't always realise.
"We shop in Hull because there's such a great range of shops and I hope Fashion Week attracts more people into the city to find out what's on offer."
Sporting outfits from city centre retailers including Thieving Harry's and Topshop, the trio strutted their stuff outside City Hall, the venue of this weekend's ultimate catwalk finale.
Hull Fashion Week sees the city centre's high-street chains, independent boutiques, hairdressers, beauty parlours and more come together to showcase their products.
Events are being held throughout the week to celebrate all things fashion and encourage shoppers to visit the city centre to explore some of the fantastic shops on offer.
Having seen the best the city has to offer in clothes, Sophie has a couple of simple beauty tips to help Femail readers look their best.
"Plenty of sleep, which I don't get," she said. "And being in love with someone, it radiates off your face like the sunrise. Oh, and probably some real good skin wash!"
