Ondine is a stylist, born in Los Angeles and living in Paris since 11 years. She had a steady job but went freelance 2 years ago and now she’s working on editorials, shows and look books. She recently was in Los Angeles to shoot 3 editorials back to back, one with a big time celebrity whose name she doesn’t reveal. Ondine regularly works with various magazines: Self Service, I-D, Pop, Vogue US, Vogue Russia,Elle US, Dazed and Confused Japan, Muse, Mixte . Her advertising clients include Chloé, Miu Miu, Borbonese, Petit Bateau, Rolex, L’Oreal, and Air France and she often teams up with photographers Andrea Spotorno, Max Farago, Camilla Akrans, Katja Rahlwes, Theo Wenner, Maciek Kobielski, Philip Gay, KT Auleta, Angelo Penetto, Javier Valhonrat, Sean & Seng, Carlotta Manaigo, Ami Sioux, Tung Walsh, Thomas Lagrange and Miguel Reverigo
Could you tell us something about your education and background?
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley. I went to a private French school. For my last 2 years I attended Beverly Hills High. We moved there when I was 15. I have to say that going there was one of the most traumatizing experiences of my life! I travelled a lot as a kid with my parents. Every summer we would take two month holidays all over Europe. Paris was always my favorite place. I knew that one day I would live there! I moved to Paris 11 years ago. I studied fashion at Studio Berçot.
How do you approach a commissioned shooting?
Lots and lots of image research. Hours and hours on style.com and flipping through look books to find the perfect pieces to fit the shoot. I then make mood board/ collages to better visualize.
Could you please let us know more about your occupation at Self Service magazine? What is your role? Do you have a daily routine?
I worked at Self Service magazine for 4 years. I started as an assistant to fashion director, Suzanne Koller and a year later became associate fashion editor. Constantly looking for things to be inspired by was a huge part of the job. I spent numerous hours looking through everything from blogs to vintage Vogues. This helped to come up with specific themes for each shoot. Searching for trends and our “obsessions” to feature in the magazine was my favorite part! I learnt so much working with Suzanne and Ezra at Self Service, it was an amazing experience!
Do you have a favorite kind of location? Why?
I love shooting on location because my favorite fashion images are when a girl is in an environment and it feels real. I love quirky places. This summer I shot in Brighton beach, the Russian part of Brooklyn. It was incredible mix of gaudy stores and crazy people.
