Optical Connections: Models and masters

Prepare for some shameless name-dropping as we take a whirlwind tour through the stratosphere of society, fashion and royal connections. And in charting our way through this A-list galaxy we will discover an important link to the equally august world of optics. Step forward, sisters Cara, Poppy and Chloe, who hardly need the addition of their surname, Delevingne, to be familiar instantly to most. Even if not recognisable immediately by name, then there will be hardly a soul who has not seen Cara’s face, at least, staring out from billboards and magazines.

Unlike those suburban south London models, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, the Delevingne girls grew up in the smartest Chelsea set, being schooled initially at the exclusive Frances Holland School for Girls off Sloane Square and then Stowe (Chloe) and Bedales (Poppy and Cara). Chloe, the eldest (born 1984), progressed to a degree in biomedical sciences at University College, London. Middle sister Poppy (born 1986) was spotted and taken on by Storm modelling agency when still at school, while Cara (born 1992) left school before taking her A-levels to pursue a musical career only to abandon it when she, too, became a successful model with Storm.