Kiki is the model of the month on FMD
http://www.fashionmodeldirectory.com/models/modelofthemonth/
Meet Kristina Salinovic, our Model of the Month. This model hails from Croatia. At 5'11 and with her androgynous look, she is the perfect foil for many of the looks in the fashion world today.
This is one rising star who has walked for such big names as Louis Vuitton, Anna Sui, Oscar de la Renta and Giles. The captivating Capricorn was discovered in her hometown Croatia and signed on with Talia Model Agency after being recommended to go there by some friends.
Since then, she has appeared in the winter issue of I-D, opened for Thierry Mugler, featured on the cover of Italian Vogue, appeared in Missoni and Y-3 fall ad campaigns and appeared in French Vogue.
An impressive list of accomplishments for a young model who hasn't been on the fashion scene long. This Croatian sensation is fashion's "buzz girl" and one to watch in the coming years.
Did you always want to be a model, or did you stumble upon it, get discovered etc.? Who or what inspired you to become a model? How did you get started in the modeling business?
I never dreamed to be model. I always wanted to work behind the scenes. But all of my friends told me to try it, so 4 years ago I went on a casting for Croatian fashion week. My mother agent saw me there and told me: ''you are going to be a star.'' Everything else is history.
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)?
The most exciting aspect about being a model for me is traveling, seeing new places every day. But the only thing that I don't like while modeling is leaving my family and friends for long periods of time. Hence I hate being alone. For now I didn't had any awkward moments in my carrier, thank God.
What’s the funniest thing that happened to you on a photo shoot or fashion show?
Describe funny? I am very happy person so I laugh almost every second while I am awake. Every thing is funny to me :-)
How would you describe yourself as model in three words?
In only three words? That would be then energetic, optimistic and emotional.
Out of all the places your career has taken you, where was the most memorable?
There were a lot of memorable places I have been but if I must choose only one I believe that New York is the winner. It was a really great experience.
Who is your favorite photographer? Why?
David Sims. Because of his way of work, a lot of expressions, movements, and black and white pictures.
What was the hardest photo shoot for you, and why?
It was for French Vogue Female Fatale, because we were shooting during the night and it was so like it was so cold!!
Is there a difference in posing when you are doing a cover and an editorial?
I don't think so. Not in my case.
Is there an artistic or general difference in doing editorials/covers in Europe opposed to USA?
I don’t know… I seriously don’t see some difference.
Did anyone in the industry ask you to change your look, name, etc… If so, what did you do?
My London agency (Select) asked me to change my hair color, because on the beginning I was blond. I had a unique dress code those days so the agency asked me to dress more like others :-)
What tips and advice do you have for aspiring models just starting out, something you wish someone would have told you?
Be yourself! Don’t let anyone change your character and who you really are.
Have you had any negative experiences with model agencies, talent scouts? What are top 3 warning signs to look out for?
Thank God I didn’t. Otherwise I would quit modeling.
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 like to work behind the scenes, any kind of work but hopefully like a stylist. My motto is: Don’t worry about a thing, because every little thing is going to be all right! OPTIMISM!!!
What should a relationship between an agent and model look like?
Professional.
Who is your favorite all-time model?
Heidi Klum. Full time mum, great model and a business woman.
Do other models inspire you?
Yes, in all sorts of ways.
How do you feel fashion has empowered you?
I’m more patience person, more stylish and smarter. More aware of myself and others.
Who are your favorite fashion designers?
JPG, Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, John Galliano.
What things in your wardrobe would you never throw away?
My Zigman (great Croatian designer) jackets, my shorts and of course my high heels.
What era would you like to bring back?
Hmm, it must be 50’s and 60’s.
Who is your style icon?
Don’t have style icons, I get inspired by regular people on the street at all kind of places and cities.
Your favorite store?
Bershka and Primark.
What are your best beauty secrets?
Lot’s of good night sleep and a good skin care.
Do you have any beauty / skin care tips or tricks to look fresh and rested for early morning photo shoots?
It is not about what are you going to fix and do in the morning. The relevant part is in the sleep itself in a dark room. Your mind and body needs to rest. If you eat healthy, workout and drink a lot of tea and water there is no need for tricks.
Do you believe in homemade recipes? Do you have one to share with us?
Only for my hair. Put one egg, bit of mayonnaise and olive oil, mix it up and hold it on your hair, its great for hair repair…
How much attention do you pay to meditation & exercise, or is it all natural? How do you stay in shape?
I don’t do any of that. It’s all natural. From time to time I dance but that’s it.
What makes you feel sexy?
Shorts, white t-shirt and Convers. :-)
What is your favorite part about your body?
My loooong legs… They are bit skinny but I don’t mind. That’s who I am.
Favorite kind of food:
Pizza, Big Mac, Chips, Burek (it’s like bread with meat)
When models say they eat healthy, what do they mean by that?
Salads, organic food, and stuff like that. I think…
How would you describe yourself as a human being in three words?
Happy, kind and optimistic.
What’s controversial or unique about you?
My smile, not controversial but unique :-)
If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?
Make everybody smile.
What would you like to change about yourself if you can choose only one thing?
I get in lots of trouble because I say something before I think about it so I tend to hurt people.
What are your favorite things to do in your free time?
Watch tv-shows on my laptop, do my jewelry, or take long walks while listening to music.
Do you have a mentor? Whom? What is it about them that affects you? Why?
My mother agents are my mentors. Tihana Harapin and Anna Gojanovic.
Where do you see yourself in ten years? What could be your next career?
Stylist or owner or have my fashion label.
Do people act different around you since you’ve become a model?
It depends. Some do, but my family and my good friends do not.
Do you have any model friend that you would suggest for the next model of the month on FMD?
Katlyn Aas.
Favorite kind of music? Favorite television series or movie?
My favorite kind of music is old rock and old disco. And my favorite tv shows are Third rock from the sun and Malcolm in the middle.
What’s your favorite fashion magazine? Why?
Elle. Because you can find everything you want and where to find great wearable stuff.
I'd like to meet …
John Galliano. I am a huge fan of his work.
Happiness is …
Have somebody to love and be loved.
If you could change one thing in the past years, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change the color of my hair… I miss my natural hair color.
People have said I look like …
Young David Bowie.
Thank you Kristina for this great interview!
note: all answers are original and unaltered - Editor:Thelma