Thomas left the international catwalk scene full-time in late 1998, citing the degrading treatment of girl models and the prevalence of drug use and eating disorders in her field of work.
[7][8] She was educated at the independent Norwich Cathedral School, studying design technology, mathematics and physics,[3][6] and achieving GCSE grades of six As and three Bs.
[8] She subsequently modelled for Ralph Lauren in New York City during a half-term holiday,[14][15] and was featured in an issue of Vanity Fair magazine in December 1996,[12] as a means of earning capital outside of her schooling.
[4] Thomas earned the attention of the international CoverGirl cosmetics company,[6] who offered her the position of being its new cover girl in place of Helena Christensen.
[16] She initially declined the offer,[16] telling them that she would not travel to the United States for an audition at the behest of talent scouts from CoverGirl because she believed she would not receive the job.
[2] Thomas and the actress Lucy Gordon were instrumental in bringing into the fashion industry the "English rose" appearance, described as "styled and naturally coloured hair paired with pale, often freckled skin, bold rose colour on cheeks and lips but minimal makeup elsewhere on the face.