Intermission: Where did you grow up?
Anais Pouliot: In a suburbian town named Terrebonne, in the north of Montreal, Canada.
IM: What do you appreciate most about your hometown?
AP: My hometown lies between a big city and nature. You drive 30 minutes south and you’re in Montreal, one hour north you’re surrounded by forests and mountains. It’s quiet without being too small.
IM: Where do you live at the moment?
AP: I’m moving into an apartment in SoHo, New York. I can’t wait, it’s really exciting.
IM: What’s the best thing about the city you’re in right now?
AP: Right now I’m in Stockholm – the second time I’ve been here for a shooting. I’ve had time to visit the city and I really feel I could live here. It’s beautiful, the architecture is charming, the people are nice and I love the weather.
IM: What are you wearing right now?
AP: My pyjamas. Getting ready for bed.
IM: Who do you admire within fashion?
AP: Katie Grand. She is a true ”woman’s woman.” She genuinely wants the models she works with to shine.
IM: What was your dream job growing up?
AP: A professional tennis player. Most people don’t even know I play tennis. I like to keep it for a surprise on the court.
IM: What do you dream of today?
AP: I can’t recall my last dream, but I have been fantasizing about my own walk-in closet.
IM: What is the best gift you ever received?
AP: I love receiving flowers. To know someone is thinking of you.
IM: What’s on your iPod?
AP: I listen to a little bit of everything, but lately I’ve been on a Beatles kick.
IM: What are some things you never travel without?
AP: I never travel without a converter, my many sim cards, my music, my beauty products, and maps.
IM: What place would you like to visit?
AP: Right now I am obsessed with Brazil. Every Brazilian I’ve met has been so kind and so gorgeous. I need to go.
IM: What are you reading?
AP: Right now I am reading Duma Key by Stephen King. It’s the first book of his I’ve read and it’s very good.
IM: Who were your heroes while growing up?
AP: My father. He’s a doctor and his compassion for his patients has always made me proud.
IM: Your favorite movie?
AP: The Pianist – Roman Polanski.
IM: Favorite magazine?
AP: French Vogue and Scientific American.
IM: What is your favorite food?
AP: I just bought a juicer. I love creating new recipes for myself.
IM: What is your very first fashion memory?
AP: Buying my first pair of designer heels at a fancy department store in New York, three years ago. After a Russell Marsh casting my shoes ”disappeared” so I had to rush out and buy new ones. I called my parents to ask them if it was okay to spend so much money on shoes.
IM: What is the best thing about modeling?
AP: Traveling the world independently and creating memories only for myself.
IM: Your favorite shoe designer?
AP: I have to say I really like Charlotte Olympia’s shoes.
IM: Who are your favorite architects?
AP: Marcel Breuer – his Wolfson Trailer House in upstate New York is available to rent, and I’m planning a weekend visit.
IM: Artists?
AP: Elle Muliarchyk is one to watch. We collaborated on her Lips of Babel film.
IM: What is your current obsession?
AP: Korean food.
IM: Your favorite scent?
AP: The smell of autumn in Canada.
IM: What do you wear the most?
AP: My Tom Ford reading glasses.
IM: What is your favorite holiday destination?
AP: Costa Rica. I would love to be tanned all year long, despite my agent’s advice.
IM: And your favorite city?
AP: There’s no place like home.
IM: What are you saving up for at the moment?
AP: A beautiful red wallet from YSL.
IM: How do you feel when looking back at your career so far?
AP: I feel very humble. I think my success is due to patience, hard work, and the unconditional support around me.
IM: Who are the most inspiring people you’ve met?
AP: I am always inspired when I work with other models who share my passion for this business, but enjoy making friends and supporting each other.
IM: What do you find attractive in a man?
AP: The opposite of what turns me off.
IM: What’s the first thing you notice on a man?
AP: His charisma.
IM: Are you into hockey?
AP: No! I’m not a real Canadian I guess… (Laughing).
IM: Your most memorable shoot?
AP: Shooting with Paolo Roversi for W Magazine was my first major theatrical shoot. There was snow everywhere and I got to hold a duck and a piglet. The atmosphere was incredible.
IM: When do you enjoy your work the most?
AP: I always enjoy this job. Even when I’m frustrated, I make a point of reminding myself how lucky I am. A good attitude will always reward me.