London
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*RESORT COLLECTION: A collection that is shown in between or preseason to the regular spring-summer and autumn-winter ready-to-wear collections.
*TEAR SHEETS: These are photos that are literally torn from magazines, and that a model can use in her book. Tear sheets from magazines like Vogue and Elle are what every model hopes to have in her book.
*ZED CARD: This is basically a business card for models. A5 in size, zed cards normally show at least two photos, as well as basic info such as a model’s hair color, eye color, height, and agency contact details.
And if anyone’s still suspicious that you don’t belong, just throw in one of these handy phrases:
“OMG, I love the seventies vibe you’ve got going!”
“Five years does so not qualify as vintage!”
“Keep working that ear cuff!”
“I’m so into a tiny handbag right now, aren’t you?”
“I know—it’s so perfect. And it’s my judo belt!”
“This season it’s all about a low ponytail!”
“Stripes aren’t just for sailors, you know!”
“Right now it’s all about nude—makeup, duh!”
“Check out the heels on my clogs!”
“Look at how these colors clash! Perfect, right?”
“Going out tonight? Just wear your pajama bottoms and a vintage T!”
Now don’t forget the air kisses, darling! Mwah, mwah!
THE LONDON LIST
Carina’s favorite places to visit in Britain’s very own fashion capital
“Visiting London is one of my favorite things to do! This sprawling city oozes history and fabulous street style. And what atmosphere! Cozy corners for tea and scones, secret gardens, and world-class culture—not to mention the strong Sherlock Holmes vibe you can’t help but feel on a foggy night down along the River Thames. I’m often asked for my favorite things to see and do in London—so here they are.”
HYDE PARK: One word: marvelous. This park is a romantic dream in the heart of London. Bridges, swans, centuries-old oak trees, Italian gardens, vast lawns, and a picturesque lake you can row a boat on—it’s all here. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!
V & A: For me, a trip to London isn’t complete without a visit to the Victoria & Albert Museum in Knightsbridge. This enormous treasure trove has something for everyone—including the largest fashion collection in the world. Meander past the Roman sculptures, glittering gemstones, and exquisite children’s book illustrations before stopping at their cafe. I can spend all day in this place.
SKETCH: It is said that this tea salon on Conduit Street in Mayfair is the most Instagrammed restaurant in London—and one look at its stunning pink interior will show you why! So if you feel like treating your inner fashionista to an Instagram-worthy English tea, then this is your place. Just be sure to bring your bejeweled powder compact with you to check your lips, dahling! Scones or no scones—you’d better look fab!
WATERSTONES PICCADILLY: I’m a huge fan of the Waterstones bookstores, and this one is fabulous! It’s the biggest bookstore in Europe, covering eight floors, and has a cozy cafe with large windows overlooking buzzing London. You can have your tea with a view! What’s not to love? Bookworm heaven!
OFFICE ON KING’S ROAD: Like my detective, Axelle, I love a pair of sneakers, and this small shop on King’s Road, just a stone’s throw away from lovely Sloane Square, is where I go to treat my tootsies. The last pair of Converse I bought here are covered in pink sequins. Fab!
ROYAL OPERA HOUSE: I love the ballet, and the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is where I like to get my fix. I go as often as I can, sit smack in the middle of the auditorium, kick back, and enjoy! And don’t forget to check out the dazzling view of lovely London from the rooftop terrace. If the ballet doesn’t make you swoon, this will!
BURBERRY: I confess that I don’t have one of Burberry’s iconic trench coats—but I wish I did! They make the most beautiful ones, all lined in their famous house check. And their classic designs are just as detective- and fashionista-worthy today as they were when Burberry first introduced them at the turn of the last century. One day…but in the meantime, I’ll admire from afar—and buy a cute version from the High Street!
WAHACA: Whenever I’m in London I indulge my craving for Mexican food at this colorful and lively restaurant near Covent Garden. It’s only a five-minute walk from the National Gallery, so it’s perfect for lunching after an exhibition. I always order the taquitos and fresh guacamole!
MUNGO & MAUD: Dogs need fashionable accessories too! So if you’re a dog lover like Axelle (and me!), you’ll definitely want to check out this tiny emporium devoted to upscale doggy necessities. Whether it’s a chic and colorful collar and leash set, or a packet of doggie biscuits, you’ll be sure to find something special for your four-legged best friend here!
SOUTH BANK: Want to see the quintessential London view and people-watch at the same time? Then this is the place for you! Lined up for your viewing pleasure you’ll find the striking Palace of Westminster, iconic Big Ben, the London Eye, and the glorious Thames. Don’t forget to buy an ice cream!
HAVE FUN
Acknowledgments
THANK YOU:
To my wonderful publishers on both sides of the Atlantic…
Usborne Publishing and Anne Finnis, Sarah Stewart, Anna Howorth, Amy Dobson, and Hannah Reardon for your time and talent. I am ever grateful for the chance I’ve been given to work with you all. And Martin Stone, thank you for always being so friendly!
Sourcebooks for your time and talent! Special gold star thanks go to Dominique Raccah, Steve Geck, Katherine Prosswimmer, Elizabeth Boyer, and Kathryn Lynch.
Jenny Savill and Andrew Nurnberg at Andrew Nurnberg Associates—because you’re fab!
Sarah Doukas, Simon Chambers, and the exemplary team at Storm Model Management for your enthusiasm, helpfulness, and professionalism! Special super-sparkly thanks to Lucy Baxter, Lou Grima, and Daniel Kershaw for your expertise and time. You took my research to a whole new level!
Christophe Robin, for being you.
Kelly, Marina, and Victoria, for so much.
To my brother and sister: Axelle has no siblings—but this is no reflection on us!
Gustav, for everything.
CARINA’S FASHION CREDENTIALS
Get the inside story on the creator of Model Undercover
Carina Axelsson is a former fashion model whose jet-setting career saw her starring in advertising campaigns and fashion magazines across the globe, including shoots for Vogue and Elle.
After growing up in California, Carina moved to New York and then later to Paris, where she studied art and rounded off her days in fashion with a short stint working as a PA to international fashion designer John Galliano. Her experiences—along with a love of Scooby-Doo and Agatha Christie—inspired her to write the Model Undercover series.
And as for her character’s unusual name…
“Sometime before I wrote the first notes about this girl detective there had been posters up all over Paris with a cut, spunky-looking, long-haired singer named Axelle. I think they were advertising her concerts or her new album. It was the first time I’d seen the name Axel—which I only knew as a man’s name—feminized and in French. I loved it right away. And obviously the name became lodged in the corner in my brain because as soon as this girl detective came into my mind, the name attached itself to her. She never had another. And just so you know, it’s pronounced with the accent on the second syllable, like the verb ‘excel’—not like the car part!”
Carina now lives in Western Germany with her partner and four dogs. She writes and illustrates full-time. You can find out more about Carina at carinaaxelsson.com.