Which was the first picture that someone took of you?
My mother agent, Yannis Nikolaou, took the first photo of me. While he took a couple of shots I got so excited that I knew I’m gonna do this for some time! It was interesting, exciting and I learned a lot,even if it was the first time.
Your impression about the first picture, first photo shoot.
The first real photoshoot ever was in Berlin, I was 15 and didn’t know if I have to bring my own clothes or what I’m supposed to do. My mom dropped me, I was really shy and nervous. But it turned out to be great, and now when I’m passing the places in Berlin where we were shooting I still remember that day.
What have you learned from working as a model?
I learned a lot about myself, by example that I’m always stronger than I think. Also to integrate quickly with a new team. Another great experience is I got to know how small and connected the world is.
What is the thing you like the most and the least about modeling?
The traveling is the greatest thing in the world, also after 7 years I’m still hungry for traveling. Also you meet so many great people and it allows you to feel home almost everywhere in the world. The worst thing might be also the traveling, it’s funny, but sometimes it’s just so hard to travel, being in the jetlag and your job is to look pretty.
Where have you traveled with modeling? What has been your favorite city to visit?
I travelled around the world, from Europe to down of South America and Australia. The greatest city is probably New York.
The weirdest or funniest thing that happened on a set?
A funny story is when I got to dance with total strangers in a night club for a shoot. We were shooting at night in a club which was actually opened. So around 4 am I got so tired that the team ordered me a cocktail and made me dance with the people who were there.
Modeling is also about waiting – waiting for you make up, hair done…. how do you spend your “waiting time” ?
Yes it’s true, a lot of waiting time. I spend the time reading a book or the news, talking with the people I’m surrounded, it’s also a good time to text with my friends or to answer questions for an interview.
What is your relationship with fashion? Do you have your own style, do you like to play with clothes and colors?
Through my work as a model I learned a lot about fashion and also my perspective changed. I’m mixing more colors and prints, I love to change my look through clothes. I learned to dress like me:-).
Your relationship with social media, photos, “Instagram”..? You cannot live without it or sometimes you prefer to be “offline”?
Nowadays it’s getting more and more important to be present in social media and I totally accept that, but I see it as a part of my job. So I choose a certain time for it, but after I put it away.
What are you excited about doing next? What is your next dream job?
I’m excited about every other day, but I become really excited about traveling to crazy places. I would love to go another time to Australia or India!
D la Repubblica ‘DStyle’ Autumn/Winter 2024 : Raquel Zimmermann by Mark Kean (6 Viewers)