Photographer Lluis Camps – Fashion Editor Lyan Kaplunh – Model Emese Nyiro at IMG Models – Makeup bySofia Foiera at Blend Management – Hair by Alexander Markart at Blend Management – Casting by Isadora Banaudi – Photography Assistant Quentin Buttin – Fashion Assistant Tochi Torello – Interview by Marco Martello // Vest and Hat Loro Piana – Top & Skirt Sandro – Shirt N21 // Blazer Dsquared2 – Skirt Federico Cina – Tie Canaku // Vest and Hat Loro Piana– Top & Skirt Sandro– Shirt N21
Blazer Dsquared2 – Skirt Federico Cina – Tie Canaku / Skirt and Top Diesel – Jacket Blauer – Tie Stylist’Own
First things first, what’s your earliest fashion-related memory?
It was during Christmas time when I was about three years old, I remember putting on a pair of red plastic boots – the ones I got from Santa Claus. I felt so proud wearing them around the house like they were the coolest thing ever.
Going off of this, who instilled in you a love for fashion? Did you have a role model growing up?
I didn’t really have a specific role model, but as I child I worked as an extra in period films, and the incredible costumes really sparked my interest in fashion.
Emese, you were born and grew up in Hungary. Is there a scent that takes you back to your homeland everytime you smell it?
I’d say the smell of Goulash. It’s such an international dish, you can find it all across Europe. Every time I smell it somewhere, it instantly brings back such a nostalgia.
Blazer Dsquared2 – Skirt Federico Cina – Tie Canaku / Blazer and Shirt Iceberg – Skirt Patrizia Pepe – Shoes Diesel – Tie Canaku
Going back to fashion, can you share with us the story of how your modelling career got started?
I was about 16 years old, just hanging out at the mall with my best friend, when I got spotted by my current mother agent who asked me if I’d ever considered modelling. Saying yes to that moment turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.
Fast forwarding to today, you’ve just walked in the Gucci show for the sixth time in a row. What do you think about when you’re walking down the catwalk?
With every runway show, I just want to do my best and really showcase the look the brand has trusted me with. The moment I step onto the catwalk, I go into this zone…I tune everything else out and focus completely. It’s like everything goes quiet, and I’m fully present.
Total Look Fendi / Jacket N21 – Tights Catwalk – Shoes Ricagno – Scarf Mantero 1902
Working as a model, you get the chance to be different versions of yourself, even if it’s just for a little while. What would you be doing if you weren’t modelling? Do you have a secret dream?
I love sculpting, it gives me a sense of endless creativity. If I weren’t modeling, I’d definitely focus on taking that hobby to the next level and seeing where it could take me.
Total Look Fendi
Emese, would you say your body image has changed since you’ve started working in the fashion industry?
I’ve always felt comfortable in my body. Now that I’m modelling I do pay more attention to eating healthy, but honestly, thanks to my parents’ genes, even eating a lot doesn’t really affect my body that much.
Total Look Fendi – Socks Pierre Mantoux / Vest and Hat Loro Piana – Top Sandro – Shirt N21
Total Look Bottega Veneta / Blazer and Shirt Iceberg – Skirt Patrizia Pepe – Tie Canaku
The job of a model isn’t all glitz and glam. It calls for a fair amount of travelling and not being able to spend as much time with your loved ones or, you know, being there when they’d need you to. Have you ever struggled to cope with that?
These days distance doesn’t affect me that much because we always find ways to stay connected through phone calls or even quick visits. For example, on my 20th birthday my loved ones actually surprised me by flying to Milan. Moments like that make it easier to handle the time apart.
Vest and Hat Loro Piana – Top Sandro – Shirt N21 / Total Look Bottega Veneta
Do you have a piece of advice for all those who’d like to follow in your footsteps and give modelling a try?
The best advice I can give them? Don’t take anything personally. You have to believe in yourself and push through the challenges that come your way. Even if nine out of ten brands reject you, there will always be one that’s been waiting for you all along.
To end on a different note, who’s the last person you think about before falling asleep?
The person who made me laugh the most that day.
Blazer Dsquared2 – Skirt Federico Cina – Shoes Iceberg – Tie Canaku