Heidi Mount: The New Muse of Marquis
by Manuel Santelices
Heidi Mount is the new "it girl" of the fashion world. Want proof? Here you go: dozens of covers, including Vogue, Marie Claire and Elle. Several gangways and campaigns for a roster of designers ranging from Marc Jacobs Alexander McQueen, Carlos Miele and Valentino. And as if further evidence were needed, Heidi also has the enviable status of "muse" of Karl Lagerfeld, who signed to replace Claudia Schiffer as the official face of Chanel.
Because of this, because when these models would be difficult to find a more prestigious, Heidi Mount Ripley decided that would be the perfect image to Marquis, as the model perfectly combines the refinement of high fashion with the pragmatism of everyday life. The Mount can be an example of female perfection on the catwalk or in a photo studio, but the rest of the time, above all, an ordinary woman, mother of a 4 year old son, who prefers to spend his free time camping in the middle of nature rather than any Parisian club or trendy restaurant in New York.
A small army of producers and designers traveled to Manhattan to shoot the new campaign for Marquis. There he met the famous photographer based in United States Argentina Paola Kudacki, and the session was a snowy winter morning in a Chelsea photography studio.
Moments before facing the camera installed, while getting her hair and niails done, the "it girl" chatted with "Things."
You are from Utah.
Yes.
Did you grow interested in fashion?
No, Utah is not a place where fashion has great importance. I was discovered by an agency scout in a rock concert, and as we got more involved and more in this world, my passion began to grow.
How old were you?
12.
12! What did your parents say?
My mom was happy, my father said that for any reason. And my mother won.
What was your first job?
A catalog for Abercrombie & Fitch. Photographed by Bruce Weber and was a fantastic experience.
Since then has worked with all the great photographers ...
I tried ...
What do you expect from a photographer while working with him?
The photographers are artists and each one has its own way of working, so it is difficult to create expectations. What I think is important is that they know what they want. Really professional photographers know exactly what they want, and no matter if to do so will take three hours or three days.
Do you have a favorite?
I should not say, but Peter Lindbergh is one of my favorites. I worked a lot with it, we know very well, and apart from talent, is a very nice man.
Tell me about your relationship with Karl Lagerfeld.
Oh, Karl! ... We work together but also are good friends. I had participated several times in the Chanel show in Paris so I had seen, but we actually met until one day the stylist Alex White, who was working with him, called me and asked me if I wanted Karl photographed. There was a specific project, but fun. Karl had been photographing all day Claudia Schiffer for Chanel campaign, and wanted to continue playing and experimenting with the camera after the session. I went into the studio and that was the first time I worked directly with him.
Why do you think that connected so well?
We have a very similar sense of humor, very dry and sarcastic.
What impact has it had on your career?
It has influenced everything! Before you know things went well, but after working with him my career was raised to another level. He introduced me to so many people gave me so much advice ... I owe so much.
What was the most important advice he gave you?
It was not specific advice, but rather a learning process. Watch him work and realize their creative process has been a great experience for me and also obviously has a huge network of contacts. Everyone knows and I submitted them to everyone. I have been advised how to deal with each designer, editor and photographer, and those are priceless advice for a model. He also showed me many photos and has taught me to use my body better.
What it takes to be a good model?
Security, confidence.
Have you always had them?
I've always been a little crazy, noisy and not very aware of my actions. It's something that has proved an advantage in this race. The other thing is that a model needs thick skin to withstand rejection. This is a profession where you are constantly being rejected, are too high, too low, you have the look you seek ... If you have a good dose of self-esteem can be devastating. You must be very aware that these are only opinions, and as there are some who are not interested in you, there are others who love you.
Do you have good friends in the fashion world?
Yes, because that's what I've done most of my life. All my friends tease me because they have friends around while almost all of mine are models or are related to the world of fashion. I have friends who do other things too, but not many.
How do you feel when you come to Utah?
It's a different world. My family and my friends think that what I do is fun. I realize that my life is extraordinary, I often feel I'm living inside a movie, and my visits to Utah to help me put everything in perspective. The career of a model can be very short and I want all the wonderful times that I'm living. Although it has traveled all night and worked all day, always leave some time to visit the city in which I am, going to a museum or something like that ... I never know if you ever return to those places.
Do you find it difficult to travel now that you mother?
Yes. My son and my husband are in New York, so I try my trips are short and fast as possible. Last week I was in Paris, where he had been three days earlier. I prefer coming and going to be away from my family. My son was traveling a lot with me, but now not so much because he is in school. I take him to Moscow, Paris and Los Angeles for a month.
What are your plans for the future?
I try not to think too much. The career of a model is limited, so I'm thinking of alternatives for my future. But I'd rather not talk about it, to avoid damage.
Let's talk about clothes then. How do you define your style?
I'm very eclectic, everything depends on my mood. One day I can be very classic Chanel suit and the next completely rock & roll with a top and pants from Alexander Wang I love Chanel. Half of my closet is Chanel.
What was the last thing you bought?
Hmm ... I do not remember. Ah, I bought a pair of Alaia boots yesterday! They were on sale!
Many people assume that models like you lead a very glamorous life. Is it so?
Partly yes, but is not real life. I take very few holidays, just one week in August, and last year, for example, we went camping in upstate New York. I think this year will do the same. I loved it because it is very different from what we do at other times.
Do you go out much at night?
Noooo, no way. I am the most boring woman in the world. The last time I left last night was in December.
Where did you go?
I was in Los Angeles and went to a party at someone's house. I liked it, but I'm not someone who enjoys the nightlife. A couple of nights ago I went to lunch with some friends and then all went to the Boom Boom Room. I told them that under no circumstances would the Boom Boom Room, would have been tied me. I do not understand why anyone would be in a place like that.
Awesome news! Huge thanks for posting, darling 
she's so woozy in this video. love Heidi 
i'm shocked
I do hope everything will work out fine.
