interview from 10/11/2007
Malin Ones is a girl from Langhus in Ski. She has grown up and gone to school. But there is something fascinating about her - she is in fact model!
I have had many theories about how the modeling business is: is it really as glamorous and exciting as people will have it? I got an interview with model Malin and asked her a bit about this.
Where are you model now?
Now I'm in Paris and here I have been in about 6 weeks. I'll stay here until mid-December. The apartment I live in is very nice, where I rent a room, but can use all that I want.
How is it to be a model?
Working as a model is not as glamorous as people might think. Of course there are parties and celebrities in the picture, but it's hard work and arduous journeys. Everyone says something about you at all times, how you should look, behave and what is best for you. I think it's important not to be influenced too much by others. Being confident in themselves are very important, and when people in the industry thinks a lot about you, it's important to remember that it is you as a product and not as a person they are criticizing. But I feel lucky to have this chance, I must thank for the good genes - to be 180 high can certainly be used for anything, hehe. You experience a lot, meet interesting people, incredible places, and some luxuries.
What about traveling in the industry? If you travel a lot around the world?
As a model, one can travel very much. Sunday I went to Dubai for a Dior show, coming home on Thursday and possibly going to Morocco the same day for another job. Otherwise, I have been in Los Angeles, New York, Sweden, Sør/Nord- France. During this year I'm going to travel to Milan, London, Tokyo and Germany. There are at least those destinations that I know of already. But in this business is that you only get the message, "tomorrow you to London and work", for example. I like to travel and go to new places, but it can certainly be a lot if you do not get enough sleep.
Who is your model?
I have walked the catwalk for designers like Vivienne Westwood, Martin Margela, Charles de Jaen Castebajac, Robert Nordaman, Michel Klein, Hugo Boss, Jasmine di Milo and many more. So, I have worked with magazines such as Norwegian and Italian Elle, Woman, Cosmopolitan and more leaves that are not as well known in Norway.
How is the travel versus family, friends and boyfriend?
One is the much away from family and friends, which can be difficult at times. There have been some tearful calls home to mom to say it like that. At least when the pressure is huge and there are a lot of stress - it's good to talk with friends and family. I have no girlfriend so it's not a problem for me, but I must admit that I am making one up quite often. For when people wind of that is the model, such as a club, age is no barrier. On Friday I was at a trendy restaurant with people from the modeling agency. We sat at a large table with people I had not met before, including a man of 40-50 years. Afterwards we were really out of the VIP club and meet four Norwegian models. He was very interested in joining me there, but I went home instead to let the nasty man. He was divorced by the way and had a daughter.
Is it so much undue pressure in the model industry that we have the impression?
To work as a model must fit into some goals that your clothes are made of, so yes, I'd say you're told when to lose a few pounds. After much stress and little dissatisfaction I have been told to go up a few pounds, so it goes both ways.
What about wages?
Wages are very different. Blades pay poorly, clothing and kosmetikkampanjer give good money, and catalog is not so bad. It's hard to say.
Do you have a backup plan if you get tired of being a model?
I have certainly made this year to work as a model. Though I certainly do not want to do this a year I can go home and work until I start to study. There are many opportunities within the industry, so there is no danger at first.
So I'm very excited: celebrities have you met? I have not gone so much out here, but if you make it absolutely can meet some celebrities. Orlando Bloom and Justin Timberlake are two I have in mind. So I meet some supermodels that you have only seen on large posters and stuff. There are some fun!