Sam Rollinson, once a prominent face in the fashion world for brands such as Burberry and Chanel, has reflected on her career and recent departure from modeling. At 32, the English model, who began her career at age 13 after being scouted at the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham, has transitioned away from the demanding pace of the industry and is exploring new ventures beyond the catwalk.

Rollinson, known early on for her distinctive look and relatively shorter stature for a model at 5ft 8½in, quickly established herself among top fashion houses including Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. As a teenager, she walked in as many as 63 shows in a single season and shared campaigns with peers like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Douglas Booth. Her breakout moments included a Burberry campaign shot by Mario Testino and her time as a face of Chanel, which she describes as a standout experience due to the organization of the shows and the lasting perks, such as receiving luxury gifts.

Throughout her career, Rollinson contended with the industry’s strict sizing and weight expectations. Despite her small stature—a size five—she often had to wear heels that were ill-fitting and closely manage her diet and fitness to maintain the measurements required for catwalk samples. She acknowledges the pressures that models face, noting that losing a few pounds could impact their opportunities and that even within the industry’s evolving narratives around size inclusivity, expectations for “normal” models remained rigid.

As she approached 30, Rollinson found the physical and mental toll increasing, compounded by the fashion world’s preference for younger faces. She described the experience as draining, citing instances where casting directors told her they wanted her to look like she did six years earlier, a standard she found unsustainable. This led her to change agencies before ultimately deciding to leave modeling entirely last year. She emphasized the importance of choosing to step away on her own terms rather than being forced out.

Since retiring from full-time modeling, Rollinson has embraced a different pace of life in Oxfordshire with her husband, comedian Matt Richardson, whom she married in January. Together, they operate the Laughing Ox Comedy Club near their home. Additionally, she has begun sharing candid insights about the modeling industry with her social media followers, a move encouraged by Richardson, that has attracted significant attention online.

Looking ahead, Rollinson is considering roles in modeling management or fashion public relations, drawing on her extensive industry experience. Reflecting on her years in fashion, she speaks with appreciation for the opportunities the career afforded her, including international travel and invaluable connections, but acknowledges that stepping away brought a renewed sense of freedom and well-being.