Photographer Giuseppe Cicala – Fashion Editor Matteo Greco – Model Elizaveta Slobozheninova at Monster Management – Makeup by Andrea Severino Sailis at Blend Management – Hair by Angelica Davanzo at Blend Management – Casting by Isadora Banaudi – Fashion Assistants Eleonora Marinelli and Jacopo Doris – Interview by Melania Musci // Shirt AMI – Skirt FABIANA FILIPPI – Bra and Trousers ALANUI – Shoes BRIONI – Hat LORO PIANA // Total Look LORO PIANA – Shoes BRIONI // Shirt AMI – BraALANUI – Hat LORO PIANA
Suit BOSS – Skirt ALANUI / Total Look LORO PIANA
Effy, being a model is a dream for many people. Was it a dream for you or did it just happen?
Before I started, it felt unreal. I was in eighth grade, and at the school nearby, there was a girl who was already travelling as a model. I remember we used to stalk her Facebook, and it felt like another universe to us (Laughs, E.D.) A couple of years later, I signed with my mother agent, and he told me, ‘We’re looking for agencies to work with you abroad.’ I was in a bit of shock (in a good way). So, in a way, it just happened, but I think I started to dream more about this work later.
Having worked with so many people in the fashion industry, if you weren’t modelling, what other role would you love to try?
I’d love to try professional photography work. I do it as a hobby occasionally, but it would be nice to start doing it professionally. I’ve done a couple of shoots for the Finnish brand ‘Vain,’ and I really enjoyed them.
How do you prepare for a casting?
Very simplprioritise skincare routine, have a cup of coffee and eat something good. That keeps my mood good and reduces stress. I know some girls try to avoid eating before auditions, but I think it’s a big mistake. We should prioritise our health.
Trench Coat ARKET / Suit BOSS – Skirt ALANUI – Shoes LORO PIANA
Castings often involve a lot of waiting around. How do you usually pass the time?
I practice Swedish on Duolingo.
Is there a designer whose work you’re particularly drawn to? Would you be excited to collaborate with them?
I couldn’t pick one because I love three of them, who are completely different from each other: Raf Simons, Hedi Slimane, and Yohji Yamamoto. They all give me the same rock music vibe. I think I would cry if I got to work with them.
Do you have a funny story from your time on set that you could tell us?
We were on set for a Holiday Magazine shoot in St. Petersburg, on a tourist boat. The city has many small rivers and low bridges close to the water. During the shoot, we had some sparkling wine, which was a lot of fun. At one point, one of the male models started touching a bridge, and the boat captain kindly asked him to stop, which he did. Later, after we finished, we took the same ride back. At some point, I turned around and saw the same guy hanging from a bridge again. Somehow, he couldn’t jump back onto the boat. So, the boat kept moving while he was still hanging on, and eventually, he fell into the river. By the time I noticed, he was already falling. The entire team laughed for about an hour, except for the stylist, who only had one question: “Was he wearing the coat I have to return?” Thankfully, it was the photographer’s coat. No one was hurt, and of course, he eventually got back on the boat.
Shirt and Trousers FABIANA FILIPPI – Skirt KITON – Shoes BRIONI / Suit BOSS – Skirt ALANUI – Shoes LORO PIANA
Walking for Balenciaga must have been incredible. What was your reaction when you found out you were going to be in the show?
I tried not to think about it too much, because it’s very possible to be cancelled anytime before the show. But of course, I was so happy. I received a DM from the casting director’s assistant on Instagram, and I thought it was a scam. So, I replied, ‘Please contact my mother agent,’ and he did! Yes, that made me so happy.
What kind of music do you like to listen to while working on set?
I love the music in Tarantino’s movies. It gives me such a relaxed mood and is perfect for a work playlist.
Looking back on all the places you’ve been to, which one would you choose to live in?
Definitely Helsinki! It’s my home, and I love it so much, especially during Christmas and summer.
What are your hopes for the future of your modelling career?
Okay, I’ll be honest, I’ve been dreaming of a big campaign. So, I could print a small picture of it and put it in my photo album as a great memory.
Jacket and Trousers BRIONI – Skirt FABIANA FILIPPI – Shirt SKILLS MILANO – Balaclava ALANUI – Shoes BRIONI / Dress SANDRO – Trench Coat ARKET