DV interview - Part II
DV: What is the best thing about being a model?
It's fun to build a character, to be someone else by the help of make-up and clothes. Obviously, it feels fantastic when Karl Lagerfeld comes up to you and, for instance, comments that I'm from Sweden or when I get a hand-written greeting card from John Galliano. Or when I'm told I'm the only one who can do a certain Dior dress justice at a show. That is flattering an a fantastic affirmatin. I get to travel a lot and meet wonderful people. It is like constantly being exposed to an insanely marvellous inspirational bomb. Modeling life is lovely but also difficult.
DV: What are the drawbacks?
You don't have much of a foundation and no routines with new people, environments and travel all the time. You are often alone and exposed and have to be on top of it all and able to perform. The competition is fierce and you have to be mentally strong to make it as a model. It's not always lots of fun.
DV: What is the secret behind your success?
I have never dreamed about being a model, it just happened that way. Then I decided to make the best of it and see what would happen. Right in the middle of all this I still have a pretty relaxed attitude. And perhaps that is the secret. I have distance at the same time as I'm passionate about what I do. The fashion world is fleeting and success does not last forever.
DV: What do you do in order to relax?
These days I see to it to take and extra day for each place I go to. Then, I just walk around and look at people and visit museums. Also, I rarely go to fashion events and I prefer to spend time with people outside the business to get a little distance. I like to watch a movie, go to the theatre or to a coffee shop with a friend when I'm off from work.
DV: You just bought an apartment in Stockholm. Why did you choose to not live in a larger city?
I feel at home here and I like it in Stockholm. It's nice that there's not a lot going on and it's comparatively comfortable and safe.
DV: Along with your meteoric rise you have also continued high school and you are graduating this summer. How have you been able to do both?
The theoretical subjects I have studied off campus, and the practical on campus. When I come home to Sweden I go to school and lead a normal life. I wanted to get high school done right away. I think studying is important and finished Junior High with the highest grade in all subjects. Now, I'm studying the last semester at the crafts program at the gymnasium (loosely translated, Senior high school), specializing on textile and design. I like to sew, paint and sculpt.
DV: What are you doing in ten years?
I'm interested in styling and building different types of styles. Things happen in my life all the time now. Who knows, maybe I will tire of the fashion industry and do something completely different instead.
THE END