Grace Elizabeth: The New Victoria’s Secret PINK Model You Should Know About

(Reuters)

Grace Elizabeth’s rise to fashion stardom must be heaven-sent.

The 19-year-old Florida native, who possesses Botticelli-esque features and resembles a young Monica Bellucci, has been stirring headlines being the model of the moment. The brunette beauty recently made her debut on the 2016 Victoria’s Secret Runway Show in Paris, strutting her stuff on the catwalk in a massive bow-adorned pair of wings. But before she was making hearts flutter from the runway, Elizabeth appeared in French Vogue, walked for Oscar de La Renta, and earned a spot as a GUESS Girl, just to name a few of her other achievements.

These days, however, Elizabeth has a new reason to celebrate. She was recently named the new face of Victoria’s Secret PINK, the lingerie giant’s sister brand, which was also where models like Alessandra Ambrosio, Behati Prinsloo and Elsa Hosk cut their teeth before earning their wings.

Not too shabby!

Fox News Magazine spoke exclusively Elizabeth about her latest achievement, her favorite model, and even her must-have classic rock playlist:

FNM: How were you discovered?

GE: I wasn't exactly discovered. My mom submitted my photos, and shortly after, I signed with Next Management. When I was a little girl, I had dreams of being a model or a movie star, but as I got older my dreams became a little more practical. I had no idea a regular person could become a model. We only have football stars come from my town [of Lake City, Florida]. If I wasn't modelling, I would be studying to become a marine biologist.

FNM: When did your relationship with Victoria’s Secret begin?

GE: My relationship with Victoria's Secret started when I was 14, hiding in my room doing Candice Swanepoel’s "Train Like an Angel" YouTube videos. I started working with PINK last April, and it has been so much fun! PINK is a spirited lifestyle brand for the cheeky, fun collegiate girl. Being 19, I relate well with the brand. I basically have fun on set and act like a 19-year-old girl would!

FNM: You made your Victoria’s Secret runway debut just last year in Paris. What was that like?

GE: Walking in the Victoria's Secret show has been my dream from the beginning. I prayed, cried, screamed, and danced right before I went out. All I know is that my wings were heavy until the moment my feet hit the runway. I then felt light as feather. I couldn't see anything and I can't tell you what I did walking down the runway because my adrenaline was pumping so much that the only people I saw were Bruno Mars and my parents, who were sitting in the front row, screaming my name.

FNM: What was your reaction when you found out you were going to be part of the Victoria’s Secret PINK family?

GE: I couldn’t believe it! I FaceTimed my mom and we screamed and jumped up and down. I then saw her a few days later and we did the same thing in person!

FNM: I understand Christie Brinkley and Candice Swanepoel are two of your inspirations. Could you tell us more about that?

GE: Christie Brinkley is still so beautiful, and has had such a long-lasting career. She was a cover girl for 25 years! And I've watched just about every Candice runway moment. I really admire how she works the crowd while maintaining her composure.

FNM: Which Angel made you the most starstruck, and why?

GE: Meeting Adriana Lima was one of the highlights of the show. Her energy is contagious. Adriana is so down-to-earth, yet her strength and confidence just radiate onto you.

FNM: You’re also a GUESS Girl, just like Gigi Hadid. What’s your relationship like with Gigi?

GE: Me and Gigi have never worked together; we've only spoken backstage. Every time we’ve spoken, however, she's been very kind and upbeat, even through the closed-curtained chaos of a show.

FNM: How do you stay in runway-ready?

GE: I've always lived a healthy lifestyle. I grew up playing sports pretty much year-round. I make sure to maintain a balanced diet and to indulge when I can. But I have a sweet tooth for cheesecake!

FNM: What are three fun facts our readers should know about you?

GE: I love to bowl! I can build a picnic table and wire-up power outlets. I also love fried Oreos. What can I say? I'm from the South!

FNM: I read you’re a big fan of classic rock. Have any recommendations for our playlist?

GE: "Mississippi Queen," "Sweet Home Alabama," "Rambling Man," and "American Woman."

FNM: British Vogue compared you to a young Cindy Crawford. How do you feel about the comparison?

GE: Remind me to say thank you! Besides her beauty, she's known for her presence on set along with her professionalism. To be grouped in the same sentence as Cindy Crawford is an honor!

FNM: You're nearly a supermodel: What advice can you give for looking good in photos?

GE: Supermodel, I like that! The best advice I can give you is to look and feel confident. Smile with the eyes!