Photographer Luigi Cianfarano – Fashion Editor Janou Monteagud – Model Antonia El Ghali at IMG Models – Makeup Augusto Picerni at W-MManagement – Hair Francesco Avolio at W-MManagement – Fashion Assistants Helena Pardo – Interview by Melania Musci
Dress and Shoes Tom Ford – Tights Wolford / Top Louis Vuitton – Trousers and Boots Isabel Marant
Take us back to the beginning of your journey in fashion. How did it all begin?
I was scouted when I was 16 but decided to finish high school first. After graduating, I went to Paris and then to Milan. Unfortunately, that coincided with the beginning of Covid, so my career launch was inevitably influenced by that, but I’ve been travelling ever since.
You often share glimpses of your life as a model on Instagram. How important is it for you to show the behind-the-scenes side of your work to your followers?
What I post, is often not everything that happens on a job. Most of the time, I forget to post, or the reality of a full day of shooting isn’t interesting enough to show, as we probably all know! You also want to stay focused on your work, and, of course, you have to be respectful and responsible towards the client by not sharing anything that hasn’t been approved yet.
Total Look Valentino / Total Look Ferragamo
Throughout your career, you’ve walked the runway and appeared in many campaigns. Which experience has left the biggest mark on you?
That’s a difficult question. I don’t know if I’d want to point out a specific job, but one of the biggest advantages of this career is definitely the travelling and all the amazing experiences that come with it. I love when I get to work in a cool location, like the Moncler show in the mountains that felt more like a class trip with friends and lots of nice people around. There are so many places I probably wouldn’t have visited if it wasn’t for modelling, and I’m really thankful for that opportunity.
Is there a brand you still dream of collaborating with?
If we’re talking about big dreams, one of my dream brands since the beginning has always been Chanel (Smiles, E.D.). Of course, there are many other brands I’ve found inspiring throughout my career, learning more about fashion and getting to know different brands.
Total Look Prada / Total Look McQueen
Modelling means lots of last-minute trips. What’s one thing you never leave out of your carry-on baggage?
Nude underwear (Laughs, E.D.).
You’ve probably seen your photos on magazine pages or in social media ads. Do you think this job has changed the way you see yourself?
I’d say that, over time, I’ve become a lot less concerned with vanity and I’ve started to appreciate other sides of myself, compared to when I was younger and had a more limited idea of what ‘beautiful’ meant. I don’t think anyone ever likes every single picture of themselves, but I’ve
become very okay with that. Seeing myself through the eyes of different creatives and noticing what they find interesting or beautiful about me also gives me a fresh perspective on myself.
Being a model means changing your look all the time, sometimes in ways you’d never expect. Is there a beauty look you were surprised to actually love on yourself?
I’ve always been okay with changing my look. I love creative projects and getting into characters or looks that are interesting and not necessarily the classical standard of beauty. Being surrounded by so many creative people and living a life in this industry really changed my idea of beauty. I’ve learnt to appreciate the unique and interesting features in others, and in myself, much more than the conventional standards that society often promotes.
Coat and Scarf Marni – Shoes N21 / Total Look Giuseppe di Morabito
Beyond looks, are there sides of your personality you’ve learnt to appreciate through this job?
You meet so many people from different countries with unique stories, and you often work with new teams every time you’re on set. So, I think being open, flexible, and trying to make the best out of every situation for everyone involved is a big part of it. Over time, it’s also really nice when you start meeting the same people again and again. My friends now are such a diverse circle, and I think I’m good at bringing people together and being adaptable with each person.
What’s your go-to song when you’re getting ready for a shoot?
To be really honest, especially in the mornings, since I’ve started including meditation in my routine, I often listen to podcasts or affirmations. But I love music as well, and I know everyone hates hearing this on set when they ask what kind of music you like, but I’m truly one of those
people who say ‘I like everything’ (Laughs, E.D.). My taste in music is really broad and changes a lot from day to day.
After a long day at work, who’s the first person you call?
I like to be alone sometimes to wind down, but otherwise, I’d say my mum, my boyfriend, or my best friend.
Total Look Valentino / Total Look Ferragamo