The scandals have silenced Caroline
A 21 year old veteran. Model of the year Caroline Winberg has grown up fast. She has been doing runway shows for fours years, but that equals 16 in model years (Strange way to put it, I guess they mean 16 seasons, but yaa..). Now she is on her way to yet another season.
- I didn't really want to go this year, but my agency thought I should. It's not as much fun anymore, people are leaving and I don't know as many as I used to. It's hard work, no sleep, and everyone's pulling and tearing...
She sounds blasé when she speaks of her job, but not in an arrogant way. Perhaps just a bit more grown up, compared to when she was 17 and told the TV audience about Mick Jagger stalking her. She is more careful now. No questions on anorexia, no questions about what kind of money she makes. She turns quiet when any scandals are mentioned.
- It hasn't been up to me. To be in the spotlight, considered scandalous, that's the last thing I want, haha. It's a creation of the tabloids. But I've learned my leasson as well. I was young and naive and answered a question (referring to the Mick Jagger incident). I wouldn't have done that today.
In what way is it different now?
- You learn so much. When you're new and the people you work with are more than twice your age.. it takes a while before you learn to set your boundaries. You grow up really fast in this business. I'm only 21, but I feel much older.
Does your focus as a model shift once you get older?
- It does. It feels like I've done it all, now it's more about wanting to work with people you like. When I started out, I wanted to do everything, now I want my free time as well. Do some good editorials and work that pays the rent.
A job that would definitely pay the rent is a big beauty contract. Caroline has already worked with lingerie giant Victoria's Secret, done all the big jobs, and now that is the only thing missing.
- A select few score a major beauty contract, and it often happens towards the end of your career. I'm not new anymore. All the cool jobs go to the new girls. I don't work for the hottest magazines, the ones that make you pay your own flight tickets. But that feels pretty good.
How big can a model get today?
- It'll never be like in the old days. But you can make it big in other ways, and do other things. And I'm glad I can go out with my friends in NYC without anyone recognizing me.
She does go out in Stockholm, but reluctantly so, especially since the "drug scandal", when she was forced to leave a urine sample at a nightclub.
- There are photographer wherever you go here. I mostly stay at home with my boyfriend. It's no fun going clubbing, it's like people go out just to show themselves off, to have their picture taken.
Have you ever regretted giving up your career as a soccer player?
My best friend played as well, and she got a scholarship to a US college. When we meet I always go "Ah, I would've liked to do that". Then she laughs at me and tells me I'm probably better off where I am. I think I realized I'm not built for soccer. I fell like a tree whenever I got tackled.
Marcella Mravec