I remember coming to Paris and watching my mother at a Kenzo fashion show; the stage was a circus with animals and clowns and every character imaginable. It was a « show » and I could feel my mother’s excitement rising and yet she was peaceful amidst the creative chaos. I carry that with me in my heart.

My first big break was when I was twelve and Karl Lagerfeld flewme, and my mother to walk down the runway of the Chanel show in Paris; it was an unforgettable moment and I was the youngest girl ever to walk down the runway. Also, when I was twelve, another big break came when French Vogue did a twelve-page layout with me and again I was the youngest girl to do so.

Finally, diversity is being embraced more and more. In my opinion we are slowly becoming a more integrated industry. Gender roles are becoming less and less defined. We are finding more ways to express ourselves as individuals.

Modelling has changed since the 70’s because with social media, the industry is more accessible to a much broader spectrum of people; it’s no longer just for the « elite ». Today fashion is a spectacle for the entire world to see.

I come from a background on the stage. My grandmother used to make feathered costumes for Josephine Baker. My great aunt was one of Josephine Baker’s teachers and she recognized Baker’s talent and told her to move to Paris, which she did! Her performances were controversial in her time. Today, I am performing on the same stage at the Folies Bergère that Josephine performed on.

I was born to be a showgirl and that is why I took a leap of faith to explore uncharted territories. I have always loved the thrill of acting. Jean Paul took a leapt of faith too into doing something new as well.

I always dreamed of finding a home where I could be suffused with art and creativity and Jean Paul took me under his wing when I first moved to Paris. I started doing fittings with him and I’ve been with him throughout the creative process. We would play and find new characters. I became the in house model for Jean Paul and there I discovered true friendship, loyalty, and being part of an artistic family. He allowed me to show all the different facets of my life and to grow.

Currently my favourite place to be is Lago Maggiore in Italy at a small healing meditation center called Albagnano where they teach the art of tantric self-healing.