Thea is the new face of fashion and a fresh face for humanitarianism. You wouldn't believe this model, destined for the world of high fashion, volunteered her time looking after orphans in Sri Lanka after their devastating tsunami in 2004. Most everything about this beauty is a fresh surprise. At five-foot-eight, with a lion's main of brown hair, a Scottish accent that would send any man swooning and lips that Hollywood starlets pay fortunes for, Thea is refreshingly down to earth. An artist at heart, she's on exchange from Edinburgh to study Art History at UBC.

Ask Thea who her favorite designers are and she's indifferent, as she prefers vintage apparel and one-offs from London's famous Portobello and Spitalfields markets. But look at her shoes. Even though this one can do without the Gucci purse, she lusts after a great pair of shoes. She has so many shoes that she has them in storage in Scotland as her dorm room at UBC would surely be overtaken. Thea casually tosses her head back and laughs at herself when she admits that on more than one occasion she has said, "Now I have to find a dress to go with my new shoes". But it's not all fashion forward heels. Thea loves "trainers" or kicks as we'd call them in Van City. She estimates that she has over forty pairs.

Her beauty regime? Who needs a beauty regime when you're a natural beauty like Thea? She relies on a great moisturizer for her glowing skin, a tube of black mascara to bring out those cat-like green eyes and a basic powder from Clinique. Ask any model what items they can't live without and no doubt they talk about their beauty products. Thea, on the other hand, talks about music. She can't live without her laptop and ipod and her music selection is as eclectic as her style. She listens to a wide of variety; hip hop from Detroit music producer Black Milk to Jazz legend Nina Simone. "As long as I have my ipod I can walk or travel anywhere".

Thea has her sights set on Japan and New York for summer modeling, a far cry from her past travels where she found herself volunteering in Sri Lankan refugee camps and orphanages. There she taught English to kids and looked after those unfortunate children who were abandoned by their families due to mental illness or severe learning disabilities. Though the conditions were difficult to deal with, and the Sri Lankans were severely suffering, Thea was drawn to the positivity and willingness of the countrymen to share what little they had. During her time in Sri Lanka Thea fell ill. She was nursed back to health by an elderly woman from a small village where the resources were few. The woman's big heart and generosity made Thea feel fortunate for all that was given her.

The lessons learned on her extensive travels keep Thea grounded as she ventures through this world of fashion. Yes, she's a pretty face. Yes, her style is so cool and eclectic that her wardrobe could fill the pages of any magazine (with her modeling them of course). But this model's behavior is model indeed. We should all take note of her humanitarianism and know that Thea is a beautiful spirit as well as a stunner on the glossy pages.

For booking or to view Thea's portfolio please go to www.richardsmodels.com.