Lara Stone
Lara Stone (born December 20, 1983) is a Dutch supermodel known for her gap-toothed smile, runway presence, and high fashion career. This article traces her upbringing, discovery, rise in modeling, signature moments, and influence in fashion.
Introduction
Lara Catherina Stone (born December 20, 1983) is a Dutch model whose distinctive features and confident presence have made her one of the fashion world’s most recognized faces.
Over her career, she has graced covers of Vogue, W, and many other leading publications, and has worked with major luxury brands like Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Fendi, and more.
Stone’s image—particularly her gap-toothed smile—became a signature that set her apart in an industry where uniqueness often matters most.
Early Life and Family
Lara Stone was born in Geldrop, Netherlands, on December 20, 1983. She grew up in Mierlo, a town in the southern region of the Netherlands.
Her mother, Kathryna, is Dutch, and her father, Michael Stone, is English.
While on a family trip to Paris when she was 12, she was discovered in the Paris Metro by a talent scout.
Discovery and Early Modeling Steps
At age 15, Stone entered the Elite Model Look competition in 1999. Though she did not win, she caught the attention of the agency, which signed her.
Despite being signed by Elite, her career advances were gradual. She spent years working castings and building her portfolio before achieving a significant breakthrough.
Her major career turning point came in 2006, when she signed with IMG Models and debuted on the catwalk for Givenchy during Paris Fashion Week.
Modeling Career & Milestones
Runway & Clients
Stone has walked for numerous top-tier fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Fendi, Max Mara, Stella McCartney, Balmain, and many more.
She opened shows for designers such as Giles Deacon, Isabel Marant, Christopher Kane, Fendi, and Max Mara, and also closed runway shows for Balmain, Stella McCartney, and Chanel.
Stone also held a “semi-exclusive” arrangement with Prada for a period.
Campaigns & orials
She has been featured in advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein (including makeup, jeans, and fragrance lines), H&M, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hugo Boss, Jil Sander, Givenchy, La Perla, and many others.
Stone has appeared on more than 50 magazine covers (particularly Vogue and W) and been a consistently visible presence in fashion editorials worldwide.
She was ranked No. 1 on “Top 50 Models” list from Spring 2010 to Summer 2012 before transitioning into their “Industry Icons” tier.
Distinctive Features & Identity
A defining aspect of her look is her gap between her front teeth—often called a “tooth gap.” Despite pressure from the industry to conform, Stone embraced her dental feature, regarding it as part of her unique appeal.
Her style has often been described as “anti-model” in that she resists overly polished norms and leans into her individuality. The New York Times once referred to her as the “anti-model.”
In 2016, she ventured into fashion design, collaborating with denim label Frame on a capsule collection that featured jeans, jackets, hoodies, and slogans tied to her persona.
Personal Life
Stone’s personal life has also been in the spotlight. In 2010, she married English comedian David Walliams.
In May 2013, she gave birth to a son, Alfred, with Walliams.
After reports of marital difficulties, Walliams filed for divorce in September 2015, citing “unreasonable behavior.” The decree nisi was granted the day after filing.
Later, in July 2021, Stone married property developer David Grievson.
At one point, Stone publicly acknowledged having undergone treatment for alcoholism earlier in a year (reported in 2009).
Stone has made occasional appearances in film and short works, including a cameo in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016) and a role in the short film En Moi by Laetitia Casta.
Style, Influence & Legacy
Lara Stone’s legacy in modeling is tied to her refusal to erase what made her distinctive. Her tooth gap, strong facial bone structure, confident expressions, and versatility have made her a muse and captured attention in an industry that often favors homogeneity.
She has helped reshape beauty norms by showing that atypical features can become strengths. Many younger models who deviate from classical “perfection” cite her as an inspiration.
Her involvement in fashion design (e.g. the Frame capsule) further shows how she extends her identity beyond modeling into creative direction and branding.
Notable Quotes & Public Statements
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On her tooth gap and uniqueness:
“I always quite liked it, and my mom taught me that it was something unique and special and it made me stand out more.”
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On her career path and identity:
(While not a long, famous quote library is widely documented, her public profile often highlights self-confidence, individuality, and humor in interviews.)
Lessons & Takeaways
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Embrace what sets you apart.
Rather than hiding a distinguishing feature (her tooth gap), Stone turned it into a signature distinguishing factor. -
Persistence matters.
Her breakthrough came years after entry into modeling—her career built gradually through castings, perseverance, and portfolio development. -
Versatility and adaptability.
She navigated runway, editorial, campaigns, and eventually design collaborations, showing flexibility in fashion roles. -
Balance personal and public life.
Despite high visibility, Stone has navigated personal struggles (e.g. rehabilitation, public relationships) with transparency when needed.