Ph:
Jonas
Gustavsson
Interview and Text: Wayne Sterling
From your debut opening at Alexander Wang in 09 to
your Spring 12 ad for Tom Ford, how have you changed as a model?
From the beginning, I looked at modeling as a side
hobby... Something I'd like to do for a year and go back to school. Once I got
a real taste of the business, I started to understand that being a model is
real job and something I could build as a career. When I started my first
season I had no idea what I was getting into. I went from being a normal high school
student in holland to working as a model with some of the top designers and
professionals in the industry. When I finally decided to move to NY, that's
when I began to take the job seriously.
What is the best thing you've learnt from the
modeling industry?
To adjust quickly to a new environment. Before
modeling, my weeks were pretty planned out, always knowing where I would be
from day to day. Life was different when I knew I had friends and family around
to help me out whenever I needed them.
With modeling you spend a lot of time with people
you don't know in places you've never been and there's a lot of time alone as
well. It's taught me how to be independent and overcome a lot of insecurities.
Tell us a little bit about the town you are from and
your family.
I grew up near a town called Breda. It's a really nice city in Holland - Kind of
like a small version of Amsterdam. I lived there with my parents, brother and
sister.
Our village was actually right next to Breda - about
20 min bike ride. I had a really nice childhood, never had to worry much. I
never modeled much during school so I'm happy I really got to have my childhood
and started working as a model after I finished high school and was old enough
to understand the responsibilities that came with the job.
Fashion wise are you more an outfit oriented or are
you more about accessories ( bags, shoes etc )
I guess more outfit-oriented. I love clothes and
accessories, but I find that I wear my shoes and bags for longer and with a lot
more frequency than any particular piece of clothing from my closet.
Of course, when I pick an outfit to wear that day I
do try to coordinate a bag or shoe with it, but many of my accessories are
neutrals so they go with everything.
How would you describe your off duty style?
Very casual. In the summer I always wear jeans or
shorts and a blouse or a t-shirt. I like to keep it simple.
With my boots (I have 2 pair of the same rag &
bone shoes that I really like- I'd
rather wear the same ones every day because they feel good and comfortable).
I just don't like the feeling of wearing a skirt or
dress unless I'm going somewhere special.
What's a great hidden fashion store that you've
discovered in your travels?
I love Tokio 7 in east village in NY.
Its a vintage shop that sells a lot of great
designers on consignment. I'm also a big
fan of Acne and Helmut Lang.
What do you for fun when you have some time off from
modeling?
In NY, I try to bike everywhere. Its a nice way to
get out and see the city from a different point of view (plus it's good
exercise). I ride along the river or across the bridge a lot.
What music have you been listening to lately?
It might not be the coolest, but I have to admit I
love cheesy pop music. Especially when I'm shooting - I just love mainstream,
everything from Wiz Khalifa to Nicki Minaj. As long as it sounds cool and makes
me feel energized.
How to you stay in shape ?
I try to eat healthy. I've been pretty lucky that I
have quite a fast metabolism, because I like more food than I can actually eat!
Of course, I try to work out when I have the time. I
probably go to the gym every other day when I'm not working. I mostly mix it up
with cardio, light weights and pilates.
Outside of your modeling dreams what is your biggest
ambition for your life?
That one day I can say I am proud and
content with what I've done in my life. I don't need to be famous or someone
people admire, but I'd like to live a content life and find something I truly
enjoy doing... some that I can succeed in and know I did well. I'd maybe have a
family on my own someday also.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
