Sensitive yet sensational, the ethereal GUINEVERE VAN SEENUS talks to NATALIE RIGG about why she took a step back from her stellar modeling career, her passion for magical stories and finding her own happy ending.
With her exquisite china-doll complexion, commanding bone structure and strong but feminine stature, American supermodel Guinevere Van Seenus has an enchanting and distinctive beauty. Now 36 years old, she has enjoyed almost two decades in the spotlight, notching up global advertising campaigns for fashion powerhouses, including Prada, Kenzo and Miu Miu, as well as countless magazine covers. She is a long-term muse and confidante to the pioneering Italian photographer Paolo Roversi. And, with even her name evoking long-ago legends of the Queen of Camelot, she is the perfect ethereal yet modern muse for our exclusive fairy-tale shoot.
What was life like growing-up?
"Alternative. My parents are Dutch, but moved to Massachusetts in the US before I was born. They owned a health-food business and were passionate about a homeopathic lifestyle, which in the '80s was an unknown concept there."
Did you always want to be a model?
"No, I had never considered myself to be model material. It was actually my mother who suggested that I give it a try and enrolled me in a runway school in Santa Barbara when I was 15. I didn't take it seriously at first and considered modeling to be a fun hobby, like basketball or volleyball."
When did you get your big break?
"I was sent to Los Angeles on a casting for David LaChapelle in 1995. It was extremely rare to get in front of a photographer of that magnitude. At the time, I was used to getting rejected, because my own look was so far removed from the typical blonde, Californian girl that was the trend. But he liked me and we ended up doing the most beautiful, fairy-tale-inspired story for The Face magazine."
Who has been the strongest influence on your career?
"My agent in Paris was the catalyst. She really understood my look and made sure I saw the right people. My early relationships with [photographers] Paolo Roversi and Steven Meisel were also key.”
When did you know you had truly “made it”?
“I have definitely had moments when I see myself on the side of a billboard but, for me, the most thrilling thing is when people tell me they have my photo on their wall, or in their scrapbook because it inspires them.”
What is your relationship with Paolo Roversi like?
“He is just amazing, a true artist. I consider myself to be very lucky to have worked with him. The moment you walk into his studio, you know you are going to create something beautiful.”
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given?
“There was a period in my career when I decided to take a break from modeling and Paolo showed me a level of support that went beyond the job. He pulled me aside to say, ‘You must remember that we all love you because of who you are, not because of what you do.’ That meant a lot to me.”
You took a two-year hiatus from modeling in 1996, why?
“I worked very heavily for a number of years and suddenly realized I couldn’t handle it anymore. That level of intensity was hard because I’m not a natural performer. So I retreated, recuperated and tried to find normality again by reconnecting to the things I love, such as craftwork and jewelry making. After reaching a point where I felt that I could handle the pace again, I tiptoed back into the industry, choosing projects that really interested me. ”
Which other models do you admire?
“Kristen McMenamy continues to blow me away. Every editorial she does is incredible; she gets better with age. She’s beautiful and brings a whole new energy to a shoot.”
What is your perception of your own beauty?
“I have reached a place where I feel at my most beautiful in front of a camera. I think I’m lucky in that my look is very versatile. People often say that I look completely different in all my photos, so it’s nice to be able to transform in that way.”
What are the most treasured pieces in your closet?
“I have a huge satin ballgown by Giles Deacon that makes me feel like the most glamorous creature on the planet. I also own an incredible knitted evening gown by Rodarte that is a work of art. But when I want to feel empowered and feminine, I love to wear Vivienne Westwood’s corseted dresses.”
And your off-duty style?
“I’m a natural tomboy with a penchant for sparkling accessories. I feel happiest in slouchy jeans, a vintage tee and my favorite Marni silver brogues. Being comfortable is a big priority, as I travel so much.”
Your fashion fairy-tale moment?
“Probably Paolo’s [2012] solo photography exhibition called My Guinevere, where he showed a collection of his favorite portraits of me. Words cannot describe how overwhelming that was. I felt a very strong connection to each of those images. It was very special.”
What’s your favorite pastime?
“My grandmother taught me how to knit when I was a child, and I still find it very relaxing. I’ve started to create jewelry by knitting semi-precious stones together so they look like sparkling chainmail.”
Do you have a favorite fairy-tale?
“I’m very into fantasy books, from The Lord Of The Rings to the Harry Potter books. If it has magic and takes me to another world, then I can’t get enough.”
Describe your perfect day?
“Breakfast with my family in Santa Barbara. Just being with my family and my dog is a real luxury to me.”
Your life motto?
“Progress, not perfection. I am pretty hard on myself, so I am trying to learn how to enjoy things and be lighter about life.”
My scans
ink: The outtakes are probably the most interesting since those haven't been seen yet, or at least to me. A gallery in London is selling it for £65 guh.
