As cultural ambassador at the British Fashion Council and contributing editor at British Vogue, Laura Bailey knows a thing or two about style. She has featured in campaigns for brands such as Marks and Spencer, Jaeger, L’Oreal and Guess jeans during her years as a model and proved herself far more than ‘just a pretty face’ when she gained a first-class honours degree in English at the University of Southampton.

Part of her role with the BFC is to promote British design talent – which involves her attending events such as London Fashion Week and sharing her authority on various brands with key players in the global market. With all this in mind, when modelling agency Models Direct saw an interview with Bailey in the Observer we were understandably curious to find out what the 40-year-old model and writer had to say.

In response to a question about how models can best achieve professional-looking images in a photo shoot Bailey said: “It’s about the chemistry between photographer and model. On set, you have to let it happen… to surrender to the creative but not in a passive way. It’s a combination of the ability to relax and to get lost in the story. As I’ve got older I’ve got braver as a model because you lose your inhibitions.”

She also had some great tips on getting casual snaps of yourself and friends: “Good posture is key. Change everything to black and white – I even shoot on my BlackBerry in black and white! And don’t try too hard. Look as though you’re caught unaware. Assume nonchalance, real or otherwise.”

But by far our favourite comment was that made about the fashion choices of the British – when asked if she felt that our nation had a unique sense of style Bailey replied: “Definitely. It’s original, experimental, inspired. It’s more influenced by music and the street than catwalk trends. The British girl always stands out from the crowd.”

Thank you Laura Bailey, you made our day!