Model of the Month February 2015
please stand up for the grandiose and the unique
Charlotte Nolting
With her wide set eyes and elegant, aristocratic features Charlotte Nolting has built up an impressive portfolio for herself. Having made her catwalk debut for Prada in Milan 2011 she has gone on to become a catalogue model for brands such as Zara and H&M.
The 20 year old was discovered after she emailed pictures out of curiosity to her German agency "Modelwerk" and was called in.
Having appeared in editorials for D Magazine, Vogue Germany, Teen Vogue & Elle France this German born beauty has staying power and major campaigns are sure to follow. It’s unlikely we’ll be forgetting this face any time soon.
In an exclusive interview with The FMD, Charlotte speaks about her ambitions, the fashion scene and what it takes to be a model.
You've already walked many fashion shows, but you've also had some opportunities to work as a catalogue model for brands such as Zara and H&M. What is more exhausting? To walk one show after another or to be more than 8h on the set and pose all the time?
I prefer beeing on set rather than running from one show to another. Its by far not as stressfull.
Did you walk any fashion shows that really pays off in the end in terms of a great job?
During my very first season I walked for Prada in Milan. I got quite a lot of great job options after that, it definitely gave my career a large push.
Have you got any interests for fashion? It’s a well-known fact that the fashion models have developed their own ‘IT’ look.
Oh I love fashion, always have. I started collecting Vogue magazine when I was maybe about 10. However I dont think that I've developed my own specific style yet, I like to try things and I wear whatever I like.
It’s a known fact that social media such as Instagram are as important as building up one's professional portfolio these days. Forbes magazine has put a couple of youngster models including Karlie Kloss and Cara Delevingne on the highest paid models list this year. They are well-known for sharing their private life on social services to gain more fans and contracts. How do you feel about social media?
Social Media has become so important in this industry during the last few years. To a certain extent it almost scares me how influencial it has gotten. I love posting things so that my friends can see what I'm up to when I'm traveling but I'm also very aware that anybody can have a look at my pictures.
I couldn’t find any of your fan pages on social media platforms. Is there any personal reason why you don’t follow this trend?
I do have a public Instagram account but I prefer to keep my Facebook private.
How would you describe Modelwerk in one phrase? Your quote about Modelwerk?
Hardworking, loving and utterly ambitious. Modelwerk is an agency that always steps up for their girls.
What is your favorite or most exciting aspect about being a model? What do you like least? Have you encountered any surprises along the way? What has been your most awkward moment (of your modeling career)?
I love being able to travel so much and I'm very fortunate to be able to work with so many different interesting people together. However, as much as I like to travel it can also be very hard as you're away from your friends and family for a long time.
How would you describe yourself as model in three words?
Punctual, diciplined and my goofy self.
Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable?
Aberdeen.
Who is your favorite photographer? Why?
Tim Walker. I love his dreamy, fairytale like pictures.
What was the hardest photo shoot for you, and why?
I once had a photoshoot where we shot outside in a pool all night. Even though it was summer it was really really awefully cold.
Is there a difference in posing when you are doing a cover and an editorial?
When shooting a cover you are not as free in your movements sometimes.
Is there an artistic or general difference in doing editorials/covers in Europe opposed to USA?
I don't necessarly think so.
Did anyone in the industry ask you to change your look, name, etc… If so, what did you do?
I was once asked to dye my hair dark brown for a hair job, but I don't think that I would do it again. Almost one year later my hair is still suffering.
What tips and advice do you have for aspiring models just starting out, something you wish someone would have told you?
It's not nearly as easy as it looks, and I wish someone would have kept me from starting at such a young age. Managing school and work at the same time can be very very hard.
Have you had any negative experiences with model agencies, talent scouts? What are top 3 warning signs to look out for?
All of my agents have looked out for me extreamly well so far, especially when I was underaged. In general though I would be alarmed if you are beeing pressured/ pushed into something that you absolutely do not want to do.
Would you share some of your future goals, your life motto, any words of wisdom that get you by in life and professional career?
I would love to go to college sometime soon and I want to start learning french again. I had it in school for a few years but I have to start practicing again.
What should a relationship between an agent and model look like?
You should be able to speak to your booker about absolutly everything, he should be supportive but at the same time also very honest.
Who is your favorite all-time model?
Gemma Ward
Do other models inspire you?
Yes, just like Gemma Ward for example.
Is the fashion world what you expected it to be?
No, it's a little harsher than I thought it would be.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I love to meet up with my girlfriends to catch up and I spend a lot of time with my boyfriend.
Who are your favorite fashion designers?
Acne Studios, Lala Berlin
Best Jean?
Acne Studios
What things in your wardrobe would you never throw away?
My Celine bag, a white silk 3.1 Philipp Lim dress and my black old Zara cashmere sweater.
What era would you like to bring back?
The 50's
Who is your style icon?
Elin Kling
Your favorite store?
MyTheresa and Aesop
What are your best beauty secrets?
Sleep and always drink lots and lots of water. Use a lash curler to open your eyes.
Do you have any beauty / skin care tips or tricks to look fresh and rested for early morning photo shoots?
Take your make-up off at night and use a good moisturizer, I use Embryolisse.
How much attention do you pay to meditation & exercise, or is it all natural? How do you stay in shape?
I try to go to the gym as often as possible. Before the shows start I go for at least 2 hours every day and I get a personal trainer.
What makes you feel sexy?
My boyfriend.
What is your favorite part about your body?
My eyes.
Favorite kind of food:
Thai Food and icecream
When models say they eat healthy, what do they mean by that?
No carbs, lots of vegtables, lean meat and plenty of water.
How would you describe yourself as a human being in three words?
Open- minded, outgoing, forgetful.
If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?
I would love to be able to beam myself away at any time.
What would you like to change about yourself if you can choose only one thing?
I wish I would be less forgetful.
What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
Spend time with friends and family and meet my girlfriends at our favorite café to chat for hours.
Do you have a mentor? Who? What is it about them that affects you? Why?
Not really, but im very very close with my agent in NY Jessica. She has helped me with alot during these past years.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? What could be your next career?
I hope I will have graduated from college, working in a PR department or as a journalist somewhere.
Do people act different around you since you’ve become a model?
Not really, well my friends make more fun of me now.
Do you have any model friend that you would suggest for the next model of the month on FMD?
You should check out Carolina Sjöstrand or Alexandra Martynova, two amazing friends and incredible girls!
Favorite kind of music? Favorite television series or movie?
Everything from MGMT, to Oasis and the Neighbourhood.
My favorite TV series is " the Gilmore Girls" and I love the movies "the virgin suicides".
What’s your favorite fashion magazine? Why?
Achtung Magazine - because apart from great editorials they also publish very interesting articles.
I'd like to meet …
The Gallagher Brothers
Happiness is …
... spending sundays in bed with my boyfriend
If you could change one thing in the past years, what would it be?
Nothing, things have gone fairly well so far. Oh well maybe my final biology exam, it was a complete disaster but other than that nothing.
People have said I look like …
Emma Watson
What would you ask yourself that we haven’t asked you in this interview?
Thats a very good question
Thank you Charlotte for this great interview!
note: all answers are original and unaltered - Editor: Iva Mirbach; Intro: Clinton Consalvez
