Karen Elson

Karen Elson is an English model and musician whose fashion career includes work with Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Valentino and Gucci. Her photographic and runway work made her a recurring presence in international fashion publishing; she later reflected on that career in The Red Flame, published by Rizzoli in 2020.

Music has developed alongside modelling. Her debut album The Ghost Who Walks appeared in 2010, followed by Double Roses and Green. Elson's recordings draw on folk, country and songwriting traditions, and her musical collaborators have included Jack White, Cat Power and Lyle Lovett.