Model Mary Jacob, 17, Aims To Be Recognised For Talent, Not Just As A Diversity Hire

At 17 and having completed her GCE O Levels only last year (she signed with local modelling agency Basic Models Management in late 2022), the Singapore-raised, Indian-Arab model Mary Rose Jacob is just getting her career started. Already, though, she has become one of our favourite subjects who has appeared on the cover of FEMALE four times (twice solo, twice as part of a group), winning us over with her combination of natural grace and playfulness; A perceptiveness that’s beyond her years; and a drive to succeed not just as a model, but also a role model. In her first in-depth interview with a magazine, she reveals her observations about an industry that’s constantly navigating the topics of race, diversity and beauty, and her aspirations as a youth.

Hi, Mary! What have been some things about the modelling industry that has surprised you since becoming a part of it?

“I didn’t know there’d be so much prep work – for example, having to take care of one’s skin and body, and learning to be comfortable in front of the camera and what poses would look good – even before the shooting starts. I also thought that the industry would be very traditional in the sense that one has to work for small brands before being able to clinch jobs with larger brands, but I’ve met many people who’ve had very different paths, yet we all ended up on the same set.”

You shared in your first interview with us nine months ago that the main reason you wanted to be a model was so that there would be more representation of people who look like you. It’s a topic you often speak about while on set too. Tell us about your fondest memory of seeing models of colour in fashion.

“I love that you guys remember what I’ve said on set – I feel really appreciated! My first memory of identifying with a POC model was seeing Nora Attal in Loewe’s Spring Summer 2019 campaign. She’s British-Moroccan and so far, I’ve had seven casting directors tell me I look a lot like her. What do you think? Another memorable instance of feeling represented is actually an interview FEMALE did with Singapore-based model/mixed-media artist Manasi Nair (in November 2021), in which she shared about how Onam (Kerala’s annual Hindu harvest festival) is an important event to her. Onam is an event that’s only celebrated in the state of Kerala (where Jacob’s family is from), so I always thought I was one of the few who knew about it. Hearing Nair talk about it in a magazine was a surprise in the best way possible and I’ll remember that exchange forever.”

Has your goal to represent others like you changed in any way?

“As a young model of Indian ethnicity, I’ve always wanted to represent my community and our culture, which as a whole is constantly overlooked, and so that others who look like me have someone to relate to and recognise. At the same time now, I’d like to be recognised for my talent as a model and not just be a diversity hire.”

Well, in the past year or so, you’ve been on the cover of Female four times (her first was a group cover for the April 2023 edition). Did you ever think you were a diversity hire for any of those jobs?

“I’m incredibly grateful to have worked with FEMALE so many times. With every shoot, I’ve learnt more about the industry and myself as a model thanks to a team that I find beautiful inside and out. That said, I’d be lying if I said I never wondered why the team chose me, a brown girl, to be on the cover or in a spread – for example, is it a business decision or a creative one? Since that’s something I don’t have much control over, though, I try not to rack my brains too much over it. Perhaps I should ponder about this a little more.”

Trust us, we booked you each time for your natural – or should we say, preternatural – modelling prowess. But we can understand why you might have had doubts. Based on your modelling journey, do you think the industry as a whole in Singapore walks the talk about ensuring diversity and representation?

“Personally, it has been a bittersweet experience. It’s bitter to hear remarks about my skin colour or look not being ambiguous enough for certain jobs, but it’s also sweet and heart-warming to have had others tell me they’ve been recommending me for jobs. All in all, I think we need a collective approach to becoming a more diverse industry because it feels like a lot is being said, but there has not been that much of an actual change.”

If you could have your way, what would you change about the industry?

“I’d ask for more feedback. I think it’s a universal experience for models to get radio silence whenever we don’t get booked for a job. It’d be nice if the people who cast us share why we didn’t make the cut and what we need to work on, so we can improve and grow.”

Another topic you brought up in our previous interview as well as during our recent shoots is how it’s important for a model today to have a big social media following – and your own struggles with this. Tell us more.

“I’ve been getting called out incessantly for my ‘mysterious’ Instagram and TikTok accounts (handle for both: @maryrjacob4). Everyone and their mothers – including my own – have been telling me to post more on them. Since my profession as a model is so intertwined with having an online presence, I do feel obligated to share more of my day-to-day life and curate it as much as I can. But after giving this much thought, I’ve decided I’d like to keep my life private. It feels unnatural for me to be curating content, so I shan’t. I love my tiny Instagram following (580 as of press time).”

Your mum sounds really supportive of your modelling career. Tell us a bit more about your family

“My parents work in entirely different fields. My dad has his own public relations firm and we moved here because of his job when I was seven. My mother works in compliance and anti-money laundering at a bank – cool, right? Both sides of my family grew up all around the Middle East, and I’d say my mum’s side is especially affectionate and wise.”

I heard you’re also interested in becoming a psychologist.

“Human behaviour has always been an interest of mine. I was bullied quite badly as a kid, so I hope that when I’m older, I can provide the support that I lacked to other young children so they don’t have to struggle as much as I did. I’m also so fascinated by how psychology affects our physiology and vice versa – did you know that our gut health affects our mental health? That’s mad.”

What do you like to do in your free time?

“Recently, I picked up cycling, so I’ve been doing that a lot with my friends at parks. I also like to try new food spots and – being my age – hang out with my friends. I typically hang out at Orchard because it’s so central and with the right people, I can talk for hours. Another new interest is thrifting – I’ve stopped shopping at fast fashion stores recently and only thrift when I need new clothes.”

What’s something you’re looking forward to this year?

“I’m looking forward to learning more about my diploma course (Human Resource Management with Psychology at Singapore Polytechnic, which she enrolled in last month). I’m determined to do well, though it’s the first time in my life where rote learning isn’t the default mode of study. And as for modelling, I’m excited to meet new people and help bring more creative ideas to life!”

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

STYLING ASSISTANT DANESSA TONG HAIR TAN ENG CHONG/KIZUKI+LIM MAKEUP KEITH BRYANT LEE, USING MAC COSMETICS MODEL MARY ROSE JACOB/BASIC MODELS MANAGEMENT

This article first appeared in the May 2024 Beauty Edition of FEMALE