This Saturday Elite were honoured to host it's 29th Elite Model Look World Final in Shanghai, where 60 girls representing countries from all over the world took part in the most prestigious modelling contest in hope to be crowned as the 2012 International Winner! Here in London we hooked up with the remarkably striking Simona Andrejic - winner of the 2009 EML Serbia, who finished in the top 15 of the World Final in Sanya, China, and had become one of the rising stars of the modelling world. Thanks to her extraordinary beauty, grace and devotion, Simona made a dazzling career debut during NY fashion week S/S 2011, and had since caused a stir on catwalks in all major fashion capitals. In a very short time, Simona has taken the fashion world by storm and it wasn't long before she went straight into her first publicity campaign with Dolce & Gabbana.
Elite: Welcome back to London Simona! Seeing that Elite Model Look is on everyone's lips at the moment, and one person who most definitely knows the in and outs of the EML contest is yourself - can you tell us about how exactly your modelling career began and how you found the entire EML experience?
Simona: My career began in 2009, after being scouted by the Serbian Elite director Mirjana, who encouraged me to take part in the Elite Model Look in Serbia - and I won it. I then ended up going to the World Final held in Sanya, China and the entire experience was just so incredible – I met girls from all over the world, made many contacts, and that's in fact that's how I first met Michelangelo from Elite London. I think that the Elite Model Look is great in the way that it prepared us for what to expect from modelling, so yeah, I met a lot of amazing people, improved on my walk, learnt how to have a better attitude and how to pose in photographs.
E: Is modelling something you wanted to do from a young age?
S: Oh my god, no... I always thought I would end up doing something politics-related! Back then I never even considered modelling; I didn't read fashion magazines or watch Fashion TV, and I always felt that my friends were more into all that - but once I started, I really got involved! And I just fell in love with modelling! When I was growing up I always quite active and sporty; I used to do ballet, volleyball, fencing, target shooting, and now modelling has become a new passion of mine! I am also very interested in public relations, politics & media-based side of modelling, so maybe in the future I could do something that I can combine with it.
E: What was your first job after finishing the Elite Model Look?
S: My first modelling job was shooting an editorial for Numéro with Sebastian Kim in New Jersey, which now also happens to be my favourite shoot to date - we were shooting in this very cold building wearing summery clothes, and it was freezing... But it all came together and the end result was priceless!
E: How do you feel that the EML has helped you as a model?...
S: The Elite Model Look competition definitely gave me a head-start in modelling, because when I went to New York for my first ever fashion week I ended up having a very good season and I felt that the EML definitely helped me establish myself as a model and get a good name for myself in the industry! It is always better to have a good start at modelling, because that's what will make you strive to achieve more.
E: What was it like stepping onto your first catwalk?
S: My father is a professor and since I was little he always used to tell me that I shouldn't be afraid to do anything. And for example, when I was practicing a lot of sports, performing in a team or individually, like fencing, it's what gave me a lot of confidence. When I started modelling at 15, I wasn't scared – it was challenging and I enjoyed learning new things.
E: Out of all places you've visited whilst modelling, which one has been the most memorable?
S: The most memorable definitely has to be New York – my first season. And right now I am really enjoying London - I haven't been here for a while so it's good to be back! And of course Sanya, at the EML World Final – something that will stay in my memory forever!
E: What do you feel you have learned from the Elite Model Look and the modelling industry in general?
S: I was lucky to have been put in touch with very good people from the beginning – my mother agent Mirjana in Serbia, Michelangelo in London, and Chris in New York - they all gave me really good advice and guided me in all the right directions. The EML itself gave me a taste of what the real fashion industry is all about. I gave me a lot of confidence as well as teaching me new things, so I am very grateful for that. And I think, if I hadn't started modelling through the Elite Model Look, I would most probably be in the same position that I am now, but with far less quality. I always think of it as a little school for models that prepares you for the big world!
E: Do you have any beauty tricks you use to feel and look fresh in the early mornings?
S: I always tried coming up with the best solution or tricks to make myself look fresh and rested in the mornings, but to be completely truthful – there really is no such thing! The best thing to do is to drink a lot of water throughout the day, get plenty of sleep each night, avoid caffeine and use as little beauty products on the skin as possible! I learnt that the hard way - I'd always experiment with various face creams, and of course, different skin types react differently to such products and I'd end up getting pimples! So unless you get professional advice from a dermatologist, I would avoid putting anything on the face!
E: How would you describe your off-duty style?
S: When it's cold and I'm in my apartment where no one can see me, I like to wear warm, over-sized hoodies, sweaters and jeans, but in general, I tend to wear a lot of denim combined with some leather pieces, and I love vintage handbags... My mum is good at dress making and my sister studies fashion design, so what would happen is that my sister would design clothes and my mum would sew them up and I would then end up wearing them!
E: What would you say is quite unique about you?
S: I speak a lot of languages, I was learning Russian since I was nine years old, I can speak Serbian – my mother language, English, Macedonian and I am currently learning Spanish. I have a passion for learning new languages and discovering new cultures. And another unique thing about me is that I am very persistent; when I am doing something, I always give it my 100%, no matter what!
E: What would you say the highlight of your career was?
S: The highlight would be walking for Calvin Klein in New York, because it is always first show at the season and it attracts a lot of interest from various industry people and there is a good opportunity to be seen and noticed! And then of course, doing a shoot for Vogue, Numéro, Elle, shooting D&G campaign...
E: Is there anyone in particular that you would love to meet whilst working?
S: I kind of always wanted to meet Anna Wintour and Robin Sharma - he a mentor and gives very good advice about success, and is an author of the books “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” and “The Leader Who Had No Title” - which are two of his really good books!
E: What are the best freebies you've received?
S: During fashion week I've received several Hervé Léger by Max Azria dresses after their shows, and have now built up a little collection of beautiful dresses in my wardrobe!
E: What are your favourite things to do in free time?
S: I love doing a lot of sports and reading books – I've mainly been reading school books recently because I am still studying and am in my final year!
E: What do you do as a special treat?
S: Usually when I have had a tough week at work, I love going for a full body massage and a good facial which makes me feel so fresh and relaxed afterwords!
E: What music have you been listening to lately?
S: The XX – it's the London influence! I am also into techno and deep house music.
E: And if you had an autobiography, what would you call it?
S: It's funny you ask, because when I started modelling I always had on my mind what my autobiography would be called, in Serbian - “pogled malog deteta kroz naocare odraslih” which in translation means, “A child's view from an adult perspective”. I came up with that when I first started modelling at the age of 15, and by now I should hopefully be able to see the full picture!
E: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
S: I am trying to get myself involved in some type of business that is related to modelling and this industry in particular, so maybe someday in the future I will have my own modelling agency... Or I would also like to get into acting! Anyway, I have 10 years to make a good plan!...
Thank you so much for the interview Simona - you truly are an inspiration to all the Elite Model Look finalists! We wish you all the best with your future endeavors & we hope to see you back with us in London soon!
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